
The fallout continues at Home Farm, and disaster strikes for David.
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Brian Aldridge
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Narrator
You're listening to the archers omnibus from BBC Radio 4.
Brian Aldridge
Ah, Oliver. I was going to call up to Grange Farm to speak to you later, but you've saved me a trip.
Oliver Sterling
Sorry, Brian, I'm not that busy. We're short staffed and we've had a number of VIP guests booking last minute.
Brian Aldridge
Don't worry, what I have to say won't take long.
Kate
Oh, hello dad.
Oliver
I'm Oliver.
Kate
I'm taking these down to the spa. They're running low.
Oliver Sterling
Thank you, but do housekeeping have enough towels for the rooms?
Kate
No, but Lily's on it. See you later, dad.
Jolene
Now hold on.
Brian Aldridge
Kate, what on earth are you doing?
Kate
Working.
Brian Aldridge
Are you joking?
Oliver
No, dad, I'm not.
Kate
I work here.
Brian Aldridge
Then why would you take a job at Grey Gables?
Oliver Sterling
Why not? We like to think we look after our staff well and there are some great perks to being part of our team.
Brian Aldridge
I'm not interested in your staff well being policies, Oliver. I'm curious to why my daughter is working here when she has a perfectly Good business of her own.
Kate
Oh, Oliver, I meant to say they're also short of shampoo for the showers.
Oliver Sterling
Ok, well, when you've delivered the towels, find Brad and get him to show you where the refills of shower gel and shampoo are kept.
Kate
No problem.
Brian Aldridge
You couldn't let him order you around like that.
Kate
Yes, I was. Because as my boss, he's perfectly within his rights to ask me to complete a simple task.
Brian Aldridge
What's going on, Kate?
Kate
Dad, I can't talk to you here, but I could come and join you in the lounge when I get my break. If that's okay, Oliver.
Oliver
Of course, dad.
Amber
Yeah.
Brian Aldridge
Yes, it's all right.
Kate
In about half an hour.
Brian Aldridge
What is she up to? There was some kind of rebellion designed to unsettle me.
Oliver Sterling
You know, she's a great worker. Half a shift and I've already seen what an asset she'll be.
Brian Aldridge
Marvelous. Just wish she'd warned me she had a burning desire to be a chambermaid.
Oliver Sterling
We tend to say housekeeping these days, Brown. Enjoy your coffee, Oliver.
Brian Aldridge
Hold on. How's Miranda? Have you seen much of a lady?
Oliver Sterling
Sorry, can't stop. I. I'm late for a meeting.
Oliver
Oh, phew.
Alice
I thought Chris was going to be caught out.
Kirsty
Yeah.
Lara
Are you up next?
Alice
Oh, I think so. I don't know why I'm so nervous. It's only supposed to be a bit fun.
Lara
Well, you're an Aldrin. You're genetically programmed to want to win.
Alice
You make yourself like sociopaths.
Lara
I'm saying nothing.
Kirsty
Oh.
Amber
Oh.
Alice
I hope the black pike aren't as good at batting as they are at fielding.
Lara
Well, I've heard they're pretty good.
Alice
You know, the main reason I signed up to play was to be a good role model for Martha. And she's not even here to see me. She stuck it out for five minutes before disappearing off to the playground with Susan and Neil.
Lara
Well, I mean, the pirate spider is a head turner.
Alice
Yeah, much more appealing than support supporting a poor old mum and dad.
Lara
Oh, gosh, I must get something posted after my dad tomorrow. It's. It's only a week until Father's Day.
Alice
Oh, I know. I've been avoiding working out what's best for everyone. I mean, am I expected to spend the day with Chris and Martha? Because we have in the past. Was it okay to just drop her off with him?
Lara
I would have thought so.
Brian Aldridge
Yeah.
Alice
But then, am I just landing all the hard work on him? And when he's supposed to have an indulgent, relaxing day?
Lara
I see. What, you mean Martha isn't gonna make him breakfast in bed by herself?
Alice
And then there's my dad. We put on a big, jolly act just for the day. Pretend he hasn't practically disowned Adam and Debbie.
Lara
Oh, I don't know, Alice. Sounds complicated.
Alice
Oh, there's complicated and then there's my dad. Oh, honestly, I think you've got the right idea, Kirsty. Find a great bloke like Eric who demands very little, except that you fly off and meet him in gorgeous European cities every couple of months.
Lara
Yeah, my own complicated life with Eric.
Brad
Oh.
Alice
Oh, is that Rick's out?
Kirsty
Yep.
Lara
You're in, Alice.
Kate
All right, dad. I've got 15 minutes.
Brian Aldridge
Barely time for a coffee. Is this the life you want, Kate? Really? Tied to the machine, clocking in, clocking out.
Kate
What I want is a steady income.
Brian Aldridge
Oh, come on. You must be earning peanuts here. What's this really about? You're my untamed entrepreneur.
Kate
Creative, original and fiscally precarious.
Brian Aldridge
You're trying to make some sort of point by turning to Oliver for financial support.
Kate
No, it's not financial support, dad. It's called wages.
Brian Aldridge
It's called humiliating to turn up for a quiet afternoon reading the paper, find my daughter scuttling around with an armful of hotel laundry. Are you trying to punish me?
Kate
This isn't about you.
Brian Aldridge
Then what is it about?
Kate
It's about me having a secure income that doesn't rely on you. Withdrawing the land has an impact on us all, not just Adam.
Brian Aldridge
So I was right. Is about me.
Kate
Well, indirectly. But I'm not staging some petty revenge or trying to humiliate you by changing beds and cleaning room rooms. I was talking to Jakob and I realized that to keep Spiritual Home going, I need to supplement my income. Hence the job.
Brian Aldridge
You never told me Spiritual Home was in trouble.
Pip
It's not.
Kate
It's actually doing okay. But I still can't rely on taking a regular, decent wage from it. The farm partnership income has always been my safety net.
Brian Aldridge
I mean, it's not really you having a part time job that I object to. No shame in getting your hands dirty every now and again. Just rather you hadn't taken a job from Oliver. Have you noticed how smug he's looking at the moment?
Kate
You could have answered. I should really be getting back to work anyway.
Brian Aldridge
Sending Martin Gibson keeps leaving messages, making a fuss about nothing. So you're happy here then?
Kate
Well, it's only my first proper shift, but yeah, it's been fine so far. Nice to be part of a big Team makes you realise how stressful and lonely it can be running your own business.
Brian Aldridge
Especially when everyone's turned against you.
Kate
Oh, dad, we didn't turn against you. We were worried about you.
Brian Aldridge
Now you've no need to be.
Kate
No, now I'm more worried than ever. Now, there's not just the sudden breakup with Miranda and the fact that you're working too hard. There's the withdrawing the land and falling out with Debbie and Adam.
Brian Aldridge
Have you spoken to Adam over the weekend? Has he told you?
Kate
No, I haven't heard from him. Tell me what?
Brian Aldridge
Well, that's the most telling thing of all. If this really was about my health, about my state of mind, he would have been straight on the phone to you and Alice.
Kate
What are you talking about?
Brian Aldridge
I think you should ask Adam.
Kate
Dad, this still feels like game playing. Whatever it is, why don't you just tell me?
Brian Aldridge
Because I wasn't the one plotting a coup.
Alice
A couple.
Kate
Dad, I'm tired of this. I'm sorry you feel so betrayed. That was never my intention.
Oliver Sterling
Kate, can I borrow for a minute?
Kate
Yes, of course. Dad, I have to go.
Brian Aldridge
All right. But don't forget to ask Adam about the letter I presented to him.
Lara
Hey, I was just chatting to Alistair. He's saying Black pike are almost a dead cert to win.
Alice
I didn't exactly boost the score with my two runs.
Lara
It was better than nothing. Better than Tom.
Alice
True, but I really need to practice.
Lara
You should get Rex to coach you.
Alice
No, thanks. We've got better things to do with the rare evenings we actually manage to see each other.
Lara
Oh, I really don't want to know.
Alice
Hey, I meant, like meals out, country walks, going for a hat.
Kirsty
Right, of course.
Lara
Did you get a chance to talk to Chris about Father's Day?
Oliver
Oh, actually, yeah.
Alice
And it's going to be be fine. He's already made a plan. He's going with Neil and Martha on the heritage railway with a stop off for ice cream.
Brad
Oh.
Alice
I'm gonna make Chris a Father's Day kit for Martha to give him nice breakfast things and a Lego set for them to make together while they're on the train.
Lara
Oh, sounds gorgeous.
Alice
I think, given half a chance, my dad would prefer to join them rather than endure the hell of enforced fun with his own children.
Amber
I'm sure that's not true.
Lara
Hey, looks like Black pike are going up to bat.
Alice
Oh, Chris wants me fielding way out on the boundary. I think it might be his polite way of ensuring damage limitations.
Lara
Oh, I'm sure you'll be great.
Alice
Oh, I Can absolutely guarantee I won't.
Brian Aldridge
Come in. Oliver.
Oliver Sterling
Oh, Brian. What can I do for you?
Brian Aldridge
Well, we got interrupted earlier.
Kirsty
Did we?
Brian Aldridge
Yeah, when I asked after Miranda.
Oliver Sterling
I don't think it's appropriate for me to pass on information about her to you.
Brian Aldridge
Heaven's sake. I'm only asking how she is.
Oliver Sterling
She's fine. Meaning she's settling into her new house. Lots to keep her busy.
Brian Aldridge
And I suppose you're helping her with that?
Oliver Sterling
I'm snowed under here, Brian. I really do need to get on.
Brian Aldridge
I thought Ian was the manager now.
Oliver Sterling
Acting manager.
Brian Aldridge
He is, but you can't let go, eh? Worried you'll be put out to pasture?
Oliver Sterling
Is there anything else?
Brian Aldridge
Yes, if Miranda asks after me. But please tell her that I'm very well and open to meeting for a chat.
Oliver Sterling
All right, Brown. But I very much doubt she'll ask.
Lara
Then Alice puts up her hands and the ball falls into them.
Jolene
Really?
Lara
Honestly. The sun was streaming through the clouds. It was almost biblical. We were all cheering like we'd won the Ashes.
Kate
But we lost.
Lara
Well, yeah, but winning isn't everything.
Kate
I'll tell that to my father.
Lara
Do you want a glass of wine?
Kate
No, I'll have whatever you're having.
Lara
Sparkling water.
Kate
Fine with me. So, tell me all about the scan. Jakob wouldn't share any details. He said that was up to you.
Lara
Oh, Kate, it was so. Well, do you know those few precious moments when you get a tiny window into their world?
Kate
Oh, I know.
Lara
You see, that was really all I knew of Wren. Through those brief moments when everything was still alright. And I just assumed I'd get to be his mum.
Kate
You are his mum. I know.
Lara
But I wanted to be the mum who helped him on with his wellies. I made him jam on toast, watched some film with him for the millionth time when I really should have been washing up.
Kate
Yeah.
Lara
I wish we all could have known him. And because I don't know what will happen, it makes me more determined to love this baby for every moment I have. I don't want to shut anything out. Even if it means daring to hope and dreading the worst.
Kate
Oh, Kirsty, come here. Oh, I'll get it.
Lara
Oh, if it's Rex, he'll be after the rucksack by the front door. All the surveys are in there in the twine.
Kate
Alice.
Amber
Come in.
Kate
We were just talking about you and your freak cat. Oh, were you?
Alice
Oh, hi, Kirsty.
Brad
Hey.
Lara
Have you come back down to earth yet?
Brad
No.
Alice
Chris and Rex were so enthusiastic that Martha keeps saying Mummy won the Cricket.
Kate
Oh, so sweet.
Alice
Oh, are you coming to the quiz at the school tomorrow?
Lara
Yeah, I'm planning to, yeah. I've got a ticket.
Alice
How about you, Kate? We can make a team.
Oliver
No, I can't.
Kate
I'm babysitting for Xander and Martha.
Podcast Advertiser (BILT)
Oh.
Kate
Adam said you agreed to a school night sleepover.
Alice
Well, I thought dad was babysitting. I asked him weeks ago.
Kate
I imagine the last thing Adam wants is dad doing him a favour right now.
Alice
Yeah, true. Keen to avoid any drama on Ian's big fundraising night.
Kate
Alice, has Adam said anything to you about dad recently? Like over this weekend?
Alice
Only that he's had enough. He's not going to lift a finger at Home Farm anymore. They will see how long that lasts.
Kate
His dad was hinting to me that Adam knew something he wasn't telling us.
Kirsty
Really?
Alice
Well, I'll have to get it out of him tomorrow night.
Lara
Two against one. If I was Adam, I wouldn't fancy my chances.
Adam
All right, George?
Narrator
Yeah, why?
Adam
Lovely evening for flying your drone.
Narrator
I'm just testing something out. I don't usually fly in the village green.
Adam
Oh, I'm not complaining.
Narrator
Really?
Adam
No, not at all. I'm glad to see Brian's investment is
Amber
being put to good use.
Narrator
Yeah, well, we couldn't have done the work for the Borchester show without it.
Adam
So kind of him.
Narrator
I suppose I should be packing up and getting home.
Adam
Amazing he backed you, really, considering your history.
Narrator
What's your point? Because if you're here to give me a lecture on knowing my place and how I should walk around forever feeling ashamed or grateful or something, I'm not interested. I've heard it all before, Adam.
Brian Aldridge
Oh, I'm.
Adam
It just struck me that you're the only person in history who Brian has helped without wanting anything in return.
Narrator
Yeah, maybe.
Adam
It's good to see you looking so well after the. The attack.
Narrator
Yeah. Anyway, if you see Brian, you can tell him I'm working hard, building my empire.
Adam
Oh, I'm not sure I'll see him.
Narrator
Oh, Ed said he was around today. They were checking the home farm trailers in the combine.
Adam
How's Ed getting on, though?
Narrator
Alright, I think. Is Brian okay? I keep hearing that he's lost it.
Adam
And do you think he has?
Narrator
No. And if he starts trying to say he was out of his mind on New Year's Eve in
Adam
what? That it was a moment of madness, you know? I do.
Narrator
Okay. So if you're here to warn me off, there's no need. I'm keeping my word. I've got my drone. The Debt's paid, right? Why are you next in line? To cover for Brian, Know that Rory's failed? Come on, then. What have you got to confess?
Adam
Wait, what? What did Rory confess to?
Brian Aldridge
Attacking me.
Narrator
It would have been funny if it wasn't so tragic. I mean, I respect him trying to protect his old man, but if you're about to do the same, you can spare me the crocodile tears.
Adam
Oh, don't worry. I'm not about to stage a false confession. I'm just pleased that you have your drone. You deserve it.
Amber
Hey, babe, dinner's ready.
Adam
I better get going, too. We've got the school quiz tonight.
Amber
See you, Adam. Good luck.
Adam
Thank you.
Amber
Poppy has made tacos.
Narrator
Oh, great. I'll just land the drone.
Amber
And Will's putting the finishing touches to the storage unit in our bedroom. He's so pleased with it.
Will
Great.
Narrator
And my surprise for the baby should be ready tonight.
Kirsty
Oh.
Amber
Will that explain the mysterious way you keep disappearing to the shed?
Alice
It will.
Kate
Oh, exciting.
Narrator
Have you thought anymore about asking your dad about the trade stand spot?
Amber
Actually, I have been meaning to talk to you about that. Yeah, I keep putting it off. It's just going round and round in my head, worrying he'll think I'm only getting in touch because I want his money.
Narrator
Does it matter?
Amber
Yes, because it's not the only reason. I'd love things to be okay between
Narrator
us, but you wouldn't be messaging him if it wasn't for the show. And if he says yes, it'll pretty much make us heroes in David's eyes.
Amber
Just feels too soon. I'm still so angry with them, with Mum.
Narrator
Then just leave it.
Adam
Don't ask them.
Amber
But if I don't ask, the show's a flop. I'm going to regret not going for it.
Narrator
Then go for it.
Adam
There's popcorn in the cupboard and mandarins in the fruit bowl if they want a snack before bed.
Kate
Oh, so I'm not allowed to give them the sweets?
Alice
I've brought absolutely no to sweets before bed. They're already as high as kites. I've been said to get water, and I hope it's for drinking and not throwing at each other. Oh, did Ian go straight to the school from work?
Brad
Yep.
Adam
We hardly see him anymore between his new role at Grey Gables and now this school fundraiser. He even spent his day off on quiz admin.
Alice
Right, well, I'll try and encourage these two rascals into their pajamas.
Amber
Thanks,
Kate
Adam. You okay?
Jolene
Yeah.
Adam
I mean, no, not really. Ian thinks I should accept there's nothing more I can do to stop Brian destroying Home Farm. Yeah, he's desperate for us to move on.
Kate
I'm not surprised. It's been hard on us all this time.
Adam
Last month, I had a vision for what my future would look like. Ideas, energy. Now I've lost everything.
Kate
Not necessarily. Dad's angry right now, but we all know he can't run the farm by himself in the long term. Martin Gibson's already stressing him out.
Adam
Don't expect any sympathy from me. Sorry, but I'm done.
Kate
Just saying it's possible that in a few weeks he might well come to you begging for help. It happened with Stella, Kate.
Adam
I don't want to be the stepson digging him out of a hole when no one else can. I want to manage the farm I grew up on.
Kate
Yeah, I know.
Adam
I'm a farmer without a farm. Facing what future, Adam?
Kate
You have a loving husband and a gorgeous son. It feels bleak right now, but there's so much, so much to look forward to.
Adam
Well, I'm pushing 60. I can't stay home cooking Ian dinner. I'm not even the best chef in the house.
Kate
Well, that's a great epitaph. I wasn't even the best chef in the house. You know, I'm going to put that on your gravestone.
Adam
At least that's sorted.
Kate
There's no denying it's an unholy mess. We're all going to be worse off and the family is literally falling apart.
Oliver
Well, let me guess.
Alice
We're talking about dad and home, of course. Oh, yeah. What's this thing dad was telling Kate about?
Kate
He seems to think you're keeping something from us. Some big piece of news.
Adam
No, I'm not keeping anything from you. I just thought it was his news to tell, not mine.
Alice
Oh, so there is something. What is it, then?
Adam
Well, he did a mental capacity test
Alice
and he passed it, so that means he doesn't have dementia. Oh, but that's amazing. Oh, that's such a relief.
Kate
Oh, Adam, I was so worried he told you something really dreadful.
Adam
Yeah, he didn't exactly present it to me like it was good news. He told me like he'd played the final winning card and was enjoying crushing me.
Alice
Wow.
Amber
That is so gorgeous.
Narrator
It's the Grundy family cot upcycled.
Amber
Really?
David Archer
Yep.
Narrator
Generations of Grundy babies have slept in it. Grandpa, dad, me.
Amber
I love it. George, that is such a sweet idea.
Narrator
Poppy wants to stencil something at the end, but I thought you should be involved in deciding what in case she goes and covers it. In unicorns or something?
Amber
Poppy grew out of her unicorn vase a while ago, Right?
Narrator
Could be something even worse then. Is that from your dad?
Amber
No, it's from work. But I can see Dad's read the message I sent him. Do you think he's ignoring me just to make a point?
Kate
Adam, Dad's here.
Adam
I don't want to talk to him. I've got nothing to say.
Brian Aldridge
Don't worry. I have nothing to say to you either.
Kate
He's here to babysit.
Oliver
Oh.
Alice
Hi, dad.
Brian Aldridge
Had no idea you'd ask Kate instead. I've had it in my diary for weeks.
Adam
You really thought we'd still want you in our house, looking after our child? After all that you've said and done?
Brian Aldridge
I know you have a very low opinion on me, Adam, but I have no intention of letting your behavior affect my relationship with Xander.
Adam
Just go home, Brian.
Brian Aldridge
This is ridiculous.
Jolene
Kate.
Brian Aldridge
Alice, look. Can you make him see sex?
Oliver
Look, maybe.
Alice
Maybe it'd be better if you leave it for tonight. Dad, we don't want Martha and Sand. The end at hear us arguing.
Brian Aldridge
Has Adam convinced you I don't have the mental capacity to look after my own grandchild?
Alice
Adam told us you passed.
Brian Aldridge
Did he? I bet you had to force it out of him.
Kate
Why didn't you tell me yesterday, dad?
Alice
We've all been so worried. Such a relief to hear you're okay.
Brian Aldridge
He's not relieved. Tell her, madam. You'd have liked nothing better than have me gaggone out of the picture.
Adam
Of course I'm relieved you don't have dementia. But that doesn't change the fact I don't to want you in my house
Amber
or seeing my son.
Brian Aldridge
I don't think you can stop me.
Adam
You know, what I find hard to understand is why you'd be interested in Xander when he's not even your blood relative.
Brian Aldridge
That's a very low blow. I'm disappointed in you.
Adam
Yeah, well, that's nothing new.
Brian Aldridge
Right, well, I've no desire to upset Xander or Martha tonight, so I'll leave it for now.
Oliver
Dad.
Brian Aldridge
Don't think you're gonna get your own way on this.
Alice
Dad. Dad. This is exhausting. It's just awful. How did things get this bad?
Kate
Are you really gonna stop dad from seeing his grandson? They adore each other.
Adam
Yeah, and what about when Xander gets a bit older? First disagrees with him, starts to push back? What then? Will Brian make him feel small and useless?
Alice
I don't think dad would do that.
Adam
But that's exactly what he's done to me. Alex. The more he disapproved, the more I tried to please him. Trying to please Brian is no easy task. Trying to be accepted by him and loved as if I were his son is worse than just knowing my place from the start, Adam.
Alice
But you are his son.
Brian Aldridge
I'm not.
Adam
And Xander isn't his grandson either. And the sooner we accept the stark truth of that, the easier it'll be.
Kate
I hate that you and dad are both determined to burn bridges. You stand to lose so much in all this mess.
Adam
The one thing I've gained is clarity. The chance to protect Xander from Brian's toxic behavior before it's too late. That's all we need.
Alice
What is it?
Adam
The quiz is cancelled. Double booking.
Alice
Oh, I bet Ian's gutted.
Podcast Advertiser (BILT)
Yeah.
Adam
He'll be so fed up. He's put so much work into this.
Alice
Why didn't you arrange to meet him in the ball for a drink? Let off some steam? We can stay here and put the kids to bed as planned. But Martha will hate me forever if we cancel the sleepover.
Kate
Yeah, go on. At least you'd get an hour or two with Ian.
Adam
Actually, that sounds good. Thank you.
Amber
He's still not replied. Why couldn't he just say thanks, Amber. I'll get back to you when I've got a minute. Something normal.
Narrator
I don't know.
Amber
Wonder if he showed my message to Mum.
Oliver Sterling
Maybe.
Amber
The trouble with my parents is they hold things in. They are so passive aggressive. Oh, it's my dad.
Narrator
Finally. What does he say?
Amber
He's read my proposal.
Narrator
Does he say if he's interested?
Lara
Nope.
Amber
Just that he wants to meet. To talk to me.
Oliver
Dad, don't look so alarmed.
Brian Aldridge
I'm not here to stay.
Kate
Adam's at the ball with Ian.
Jolene
Oh.
Brian Aldridge
Well, in that case, I will. Come in. I've got some chocolate for Xander and Martha. I'd forgotten I'd promised them I was going to come home to babysitting treats.
Kate
I can leave it for Adam to give them in the morning. They've already cleaned their teeth.
Brian Aldridge
Oh, fair enough. Just let me pop my head around the door, say good night.
Kate
I'm so sorry. I can't, dad. Adam said no.
Brian Aldridge
Is he serious about stopping me seeing Xander?
Kate
He does seem to be. I hope he changes his mind. But really, what did you think would happen?
Brian Aldridge
I thought he might have more sense than take it out on his son. It's absolutely ridiculous.
Kate
I agree. But sadly, this is what a family feud looks like. Pride, power and an obsession with winning. And since you're the winner, maybe you need to think if it's really worth it.
Pip
There's coffee for you, Alistair. And here you go, Brian.
Brian Aldridge
Oh, wonderful.
Kate
Pint of shire.
Jolene
Thank you.
Pip
Have you heard from your dad yet?
Oliver
Where is he now?
Jolene
Your guess is as good as mine. Though I think I'm pretty safe saying Europe. I'll let you know when the first postcard lands on my doormat.
Pip
Not one for sending texts then, eh?
Jolene
Oh, no, he hasn't even read the messages I sent him three days ago.
Brian Aldridge
It's very exciting he's taking a gap year at his age. Not only something for the youngsters.
Pip
Well, he's such an adventurer. I mean, most people his age would book themselves onto a cruise. Fully catered, every convenience.
Brian Aldridge
Not Dad.
Pip
I bet you're missing him more than
Brian Aldridge
I ever thought I would.
Jolene
I miss his quiet, wry comments, even though they sometimes used to irritate me.
Pip
Yeah, well, you let us know when you get your first postcard, won't you? Hey, we should run a guess where Jim goes next competition.
Brian Aldridge
I could do with a holiday. I'm not sure how I feel about going on my own. What I loved about the trips I took with Miranda were the evenings. Yeah, glass of wine, seafood, sunset, the lapping of the ocean against golden sands. All those cliches.
Pip
Yeah, I was a tiny bit jealous of you two, flitting off every few months. It's a shame it didn't work out.
Brian Aldridge
Yeah, we both need our heads knocking together. Really, if we had any sense, we'd just book a gorgeous holiday before the schools break up and put the past behind us. I could certainly do with the opportunity to have a break from my children. To say the last few months have been difficult would be an understatement.
Jolene
I heard Adam step down from managing
Brian Aldridge
Home Farm to get me started. Even Kate seems to got it into her head that I'm at fault. And actually, I'm the victim in all this.
David Archer
Okay, we'll check on the ewes and then if you're not in a hurry to get back, I'd like to pop in and ask Brian a couple of things about the Borchester show. My never ending to do list.
Pip
That sounds good. I'm always up for a fancy coffee from the Home Farm office. Stella said that she heard a rumor that Adam has completely quit.
David Archer
Well, I heard the same, but not from the horse's mouth either. Horse? Brian or Adam. What's up with them?
Pip
They sound a bit distressed. Hang on.
Oliver Sterling
Oh.
Jolene
What?
Brian Aldridge
What the.
Pip
Dad. Oh, no. Oh, I can't believe.
Lara
Oh.
Podcast Advertiser (BILT)
Oh.
David Archer
Some idiot. Some Maniac.
Brian Aldridge
A dog.
Pip
Dad, stop.
David Archer
When I catch you.
Kate
No, no, no, I can't.
Pip
Dad, please. It's too far off. Stop.
Brian Aldridge
It's carnage.
Pip
I'm calling the police. Dad. You call Alistair. We need to get help.
David Archer
Four, five, six.
Oliver
Oh, no.
David Archer
12, 13, 14.
Brian Aldridge
There's at least 15.
David Archer
Pip, look. That lamb's ripped her apart. Oh, if I find the dog that did this, I'll blow its brains out. I can hear it.
Pip
Look, dad, we've got to focus. Help the injured. You save the ones that we can.
Kirsty
Dad. Dad. Dad.
Brian Aldridge
Dad.
Pip
Dad. Come on.
Lara
Come on.
David Archer
We just set off earlier. We chased the dog away. We'd been scared it off.
Pip
I know. Okay, okay, deep breaths.
Kate
Deep breath.
PC Nicola Truman
All right?
Pip
Good. Okay, out. Ring 999 now.
David Archer
Tell them. Tell the police we think the dog that did this is still nearby.
PC Nicola Truman
I will.
David Archer
And tell them to hurry. Make them understand. 15 dead. I reckon they need to catch it. It's out of control.
Kate
Yeah, I'm doing it now.
Pip
You just concentrate on getting Alistair up here because we are going to have more die if we don't get help quickly.
Brian Aldridge
It just seems so petty.
Pip
Well, I reckon families often need a bit of time to cool down before getting back around the table.
Brian Aldridge
Back in the ring. More.
Jolene
Sorry, I'll have to get this. Hi, David.
David Archer
Alistair. I'm with the sheep at Home Farm. There's been a dog attack.
Kate
Vicious.
David Archer
Limbs ripped off. The whole field is a mess.
Jolene
Oh, David, I'm so sorry. I'm on my way. How many injured sheep?
David Archer
I don't know. Lots. Three or four critical, I'd say. Others are just built surface rooms.
Jolene
Have you called the police? And the dog?
David Archer
I thought I heard it, but I can't be sure.
Jolene
Okay. If it comes back, don't approach it. I'm leaving now. I'll be there as soon as I can.
David Archer
Thanks. Alistair.
Kate
What's happened?
Jolene
It's David's sheep. A dog attack at Home Farm. Yeah, sounds horrific. He's in a terrible state. You should come too, Brian, if you can. I'll see you up there.
Pip
Oh, that's awful.
Brian Aldridge
Yes, Alastair's right. I should go. Police might want to speak to me.
Oliver
Afternoon.
Amber
Are you Pip?
Pip
I am. And this is my dad.
David Archer
Oh, hi. But we've met before. David Archer.
PC Nicola Truman
I'm PC Nicola Truman from the Rural Crime Team. I'm so sorry this has happened.
Pip
Thanks for coming so quickly.
PC Nicola Truman
I wasn't far from you when I got the call. I understand this is distressing for you, but it would be useful to get a Quick estimate of scale so I can let Crime Scene Investigation know. How many dead, how many injured?
Pip
What we think 15 dead and at least four injured, maybe more.
David Archer
This little fella here, he's one of the lucky ones. There are two lambs over there with huge bite marks. Flesh ripped, ears torn off. Never seen anything like it.
PC Nicola Truman
Do you have a vet on the way?
Pip
Yes, We've called Alistair Lloyd from Level James.
Kate
I think that's him now.
David Archer
I'll just let him know where we are. Alistair.
PC Nicola Truman
Okay, good. And am I right that the sheep are yours, but the land belongs to Home Farm?
David Archer
That's right.
PC Nicola Truman
The investigation team are on their way. They'll need to take forensic photos and samples from the dead sheep, but your vet can start treating the injured livestock straight away. There's no need to wait for them.
Pip
Okay, I'll let them know.
PC Nicola Truman
I'll be recording everything on my body cam and I've called in a police drone team to film the scale of the attack.
Pip
Alistair.
Brad
Over here.
PC Nicola Truman
So you said you heard barking as you entered the field?
David Archer
We did. You? Yeah, from that direction to the north.
PC Nicola Truman
I've called in a police dog handler, but I'm guessing it might have traveled some distance by now. We might have missed our chance of restraining it.
Jolene
David. Pip. I'm so sorry.
PC Nicola Truman
Afternoon. I'm PC Truman, Rural Crime Officer.
Lara
Hi.
Jolene
Alice Deloitte. I'll get straight to work, if that's okay with you.
Kirsty
Of course.
David Archer
Can you start with this lamb? His left ear has been completely ripped off, but it's the bite wound on his side. I'm worried about his brain bleeding heavily. I've been trying to stem it.
Jolene
Okay, and then I'll triage the rest of the flock. Another vets on the way from our practice in Portchester.
Alice
Right.
PC Nicola Truman
If you're okay, I'll take a look around the field, get some footage. Can you come with me, Pip?
Pip
Yep.
PC Nicola Truman
It would be useful to have someone with me who's familiar with the farm.
Pip
Yeah, of course. Phone me if you need me.
Kirsty
Dad.
David Archer
Yeah, we'll do.
Jolene
Right. We'll need to work fast.
David Archer
What can I do?
Jolene
Well, I'm going to start by sewing up this tear, then dress the wound and give him antibiotics.
Brian Aldridge
I wonder if his mother survived.
David Archer
I keep thinking of how we brought every one of these lambs carefully into the world at all hours of the day and night. And how senselessly they've been slaughtered.
PC Nicola Truman
We're seeing this kind of incident far too often. This is an unusually brutal attack.
Pip
I don't know what we can do. There's signs all over the countryside telling owners to keep dogs on leaves.
PC Nicola Truman
It only takes one who thinks they know best, thinks their dog is so well behaved that they won't be driven by their natural instincts.
Pip
I'd love to make great big billboards with photos of those poor dead lambs. And it only takes one dog plastered across him.
PC Nicola Truman
At least we've got much stricter laws on livestock worrying now. Means we have more power to collect evidence and we can serve owners without unlimited finds.
Pip
Oh, here's another U. Look at her thing.
PC Nicola Truman
I'll get a couple of photos. The investigations team will swab for the dog's DNA. It's tricky on oily sheep's wool, but they're good. And they'll take impressions of bite marks, too. I'm hopeful we'll get something we can use.
Pip
I'd love whoever's responsible to get properly punished.
PC Nicola Truman
Well, the publicity around a conviction is important for prevention, too.
Pip
So this is the northern boundary of the sheep field. Over there is arable.
PC Nicola Truman
Okay. I could really do with speaking to the owner of the farm.
Pip
He's on his way.
Amber
And his name?
Pip
Brian Aldridge.
Oliver
Oh, yes.
Pip
You know him?
Kirsty
Mm.
PC Nicola Truman
I had the pleasure of speaking to him a couple of weeks ago.
Jolene
All right, girl.
Brian Aldridge
All right.
Jolene
This should help prevent any nasty infections.
David Archer
That's it.
Brian Aldridge
Good girl.
David Archer
What next?
Jolene
I'll flush the bite mark out with saline and get an antiseptic solution on it.
David Archer
All right. Well, now Pip's getting on.
Jolene
Hopefully they've met up with a police dog handler.
David Archer
I don't hold up much of of them catching the one that did it. I bet the local dog owners will start rumors about big cat sightings. Anything other than admitting some responsibility for their own reckless behavior.
Pip
Pip, I've just had a call from the fallen stock guy. He's on his way.
David Archer
Oh, okay. I'll look out for him. Thanks.
Pip
How's Alistair getting on?
David Archer
Working miracles.
PC Nicola Truman
Great.
Pip
We're headed back now.
David Archer
Okay. See you soon. Right. The fallen stock chaps on his way.
Jolene
Well, he's not having this one. She's a fighter.
David Archer
Well, I'll need to get the injured sheep into our trailer and back down to a barn at Brookfield to recover. Oh, Ruth doesn't even know yet. She'll be heartbroken.
Jolene
Do you want to ring her now? I'm almost done here. When I finish stitching this wound, I'll get onto the National Sheep association to report it as a dog worrying incident.
David Archer
Tell them dog worrying doesn't quite cut it. Try savage murderous attacks.
PC Nicola Truman
Ah, here's Mr. Aldridge?
Pip
Yeah.
Brian Aldridge
I bumped into your dog handler on the way up here. Fifteen dead sheep.
PC Nicola Truman
I'm afraid it's an extremely serious dog incident.
Pip
Come with this. Alistair's here. He's helping the ones he can. They must have been terrified. You might want to prepare yourself, Brian. It's. It's sickening.
PC Nicola Truman
We're hopeful we'll be able to trace the dog using DNA samples. Thankfully, the new amendments to the law give us more robust powers to investigate.
Oliver Sterling
Yeah.
Brian Aldridge
About time there was some serious protection for farmers.
David Archer
Ah, here he is. The big man. I trusted you with my flock, Mr. Archer.
PC Nicola Truman
Leave this to me. I'll have some questions for Mr. Aldridge and I'll be taking. Taking a statement that will feed into the investigation.
David Archer
Oh, you don't need an investigation to see he's not managing his land properly.
Brian Aldridge
Oh, come on, David, that's not fair. I lease you the field. But you know as well as I do I can't control who uses the public footpaths.
David Archer
So where are the signs, Brian? Keep dogs on leads near sheep.
Brian Aldridge
We're an arable farm officer. I assumed it was the responsibility of the livestock owner to keep specific signage up to date.
David Archer
That livestock owner you're talking to, my sheep have just been ripped apart in your field.
Pip
Dad, it's okay. Come on. Just calm down. You're shaking.
David Archer
Shaking? I'm furious. We'll see how calm you are, Brian, when I hand you the bill to compensate me for the loss.
Brian Aldridge
Well, if that's a threat, it's a pretty empty one because we'll be able to claim this on your insurance and you know it.
David Archer
This isn't just about the money.
Oliver
It is.
David Archer
Not for me. Not for it. This is about our life's work. Responsibility for the welfare of our stock.
Brian Aldridge
All right, we can all see how distressing this is for you, David. But there's no need for you to raise your voice.
David Archer
Patronize me. Take a look at yourself. You're a mess, Brian. You're not fit to be in charge of a farm.
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Oliver Sterling
Morning.
Narrator
I brought you tea.
Kate
Oh, thank you.
Amber
How was milking?
Narrator
Fine. Esme let me off early. She wanted to take over. Keen to keep her hand in.
Amber
Do you have to go back this afternoon?
Narrator
Not today. I thought I'd help Dad finish the storage unit, get it sanded down and painted.
Oliver
Cool.
Amber
I got another message from my dad. I'm meeting him at the showroom.
Narrator
Was that all right with you?
Amber
Yeah, it's Better than meeting at the house. Feels more neutral. And he says that Mum won't be in the office today.
Narrator
Do you want me to come with you?
Amber
I'd love you to if my dad was normal. But it might be easier to talk to him if I'm on my own.
Narrator
All right, yeah, that's fine. I'll get it.
Amber
I really wish I didn't have to do this. My stomach's in knots just. Just at the idea of talking to him.
Adam
Phil.
Lara
I thought you'd gone awol.
Amber
Oh, sorry, Anne Marie, love. I woke up early so I thought I'd do something useful.
Oliver
Can't someone at the showroom wash your car for you?
Amber
I like doing it myself.
Oliver
Have you heard from Amber?
Amber
Yeah, just this minute. She's coming to the showroom about 12.
Oliver
Ah, you told her I'm not working today? Do you think she's avoiding me on purpose?
Amber
Maybe the pro choice lecture was a step too far.
Oliver
That's not what it was. You agreed it was important for her to know we would support her whatever choice she made.
Amber
Whatever choice she made. But it was blatantly obvious she wanted to have the baby. At that point, my. Maybe we could have shifted gear and just been happy for her. For both of them.
Oliver
I would have got there. I will get there. But I still don't regret what I said.
Amber
Or even how you said it.
Oliver
Oh, I know, I know. I could have been more subtle. Waited for a better moment.
Amber
Yeah, we wouldn't be back at square one.
Oliver
But also, I was on high alert. She arranges to see us on her own and then he turns up, sticks to her like glue. If you are a controlling boyfriend and you didn't want your girlfriend to consider a termination, wouldn't you isolate her from her parents? For all we knew, he tagged along to stop us asking difficult questions.
Amber
You think George is controlling?
Oliver
Actually, no, I don't. But I do think they're both very young and very foolish.
Amber
And what do you think of this business proposal? I keep hoping she's using it as an excuse reason to get back in touch with us.
Oliver
It's a little elaborate for that.
Amber
Well, whatever she wants, or we think she wants. Let's do our best not to scare her away this time. Hey,
Pip
There you are. Mum said you were checking on the sheep in the barn.
David Archer
Yeah, I was, but then I got hungry. I couldn't face eating anything last night.
Pip
Me neither.
David Archer
There's toast and jam if you fancy joining me.
Pip
Oh, thanks. Are you okay?
David Archer
Not really. How about you?
Pip
No. Still feel really shaken on Edge? I don't think I've probably taken it all in yet.
Kate
No.
David Archer
That moment where we were walking and chatting and everything was normal and then in a second it's like everything shifts
Pip
and somehow it being sunny and warm made it feel worse.
Podcast Advertiser (BILT)
Yeah.
David Archer
You don't expect bad things to happen in daylight. Your mum was up and down all night checking on the injured sheep. And Alistair came first thing this morning.
Oliver
I saw him.
Pip
We had a quick chat in the yard. He said he's already sent out an email to all his clients reminding them not to let dogs off their lead.
Kirsty
Good.
David Archer
Brian rang me too.
Oliver Sterling
Oh.
Pip
How did that go? I thought you were going to punch him when he turned up yesterday.
David Archer
Yeah, well, I was angry, wouldn't I? And he could have done more as the landowner.
Pip
Yes, but so could we.
Kirsty
Dad.
Pip
I'll get some more signs printed today, okay?
David Archer
Trouble is, people don't realize that their docile, sofa loving mutt can turn into a deadly hunter. Even the nicest little pet dog can kill a sheep. Hello?
PC Nicola Truman
Hi, it's PC Truman.
David Archer
Oh, hi. Thanks for getting back to me. I just wanted to know if you've got any news.
PC Nicola Truman
We've got no new leads on tracing the dog, I'm afraid. Nothing useful from social media, but the forensics team are working on the evidence they collected yesterday and I'll let you know as soon as we hear anything.
David Archer
Oh, thank you.
PC Nicola Truman
I'd like to come and take a formal statement from you and your daughter today, if that's possible. Is there a time that's good for you?
Amber
So you'd have a prime trade stand in the main arena.
It's not cheap.
You pay for what you get. Think of the potential reach, dad. You'll have the whole of Borsetshire in your pocket. From young farmers looking for a small but stylish first car to farmers with a load of kids coming to you for their 7 seater family 4x4.
You are definitely my daughter. No doubt about that.
What do you mean?
You could sell pollen to a bee.
I don't want to sell you something you don't want. You can just say no, dad, but I genuinely think this would be a good opportunity for you.
Not bad for the show and therefore for you either.
So should I just leave you to think about it?
Say I did take the spot. What incentives can you offer me in the form of marketing and promotion?
Yeah, well, I checked with my bosses and since you're my dad, we will offer offer you an upgrade on marketing. I'll send you the deal package. With the bonus stuff now.
PC Nicola Truman
There.
Amber
All sent.
Oh, look who's here.
Oliver
Mom. Hello, darling.
Amber
How did you know I was here? Dad. Did you tell her I was coming?
Well, I didn't keep it a secret.
Oliver
I was just popping my head in to say hi. I don't want to intrude your business meeting.
Amber
Look, we're almost done. Why don't you two sit down and have a chat while I have a quick look over this marketing package. Then I'll make my decision.
Oliver
Don't be angry with your dad. He was so happy to get a message from you. And we're both aware that last time we saw you, things went well. It went badly, didn't it?
Amber
Things didn't just go badly. You caused them to go badly.
Adam
Mum.
Amber
I still can't believe the things you said.
And your mother is sorry about that.
Are you?
Oliver
I'm sorry about how I handled it. I wanted to give you our unconditional support and, if I'm honest, a bit of a reality check before it was too late.
Amber
Yeah, and that might have been fair enough if I'd been confused or upset, But George and I arrived hopeful and happy.
Oliver
I know. And I'm sorry.
Amber
Really?
Oliver
Yes.
Pip
Okay.
Amber
Thank you.
Oliver
When your dad told me you wanted to meet about a trade stand, I had to take the chance to see you. I imagine you'll be just the same when you have a daughter or son. However complicated your relationship gets, you'll still want to be part of their lives.
Amber
But it doesn't need to be complicated. I'm not the one who turns every meeting into an opportunity to criticize or control.
Oliver
I accept I'm far from perfect. But you have to believe that all we want is the best for you. And all we ever do is with that in mind.
Amber
And the best for me is having this baby with George.
Oliver
I see even that.
Brian Aldridge
What?
Kate
What does that mean?
Amber
I see it did sound a little cold. Love.
Oliver
I'm not going to pretend that we're thrilled with the partner you've chosen or the path you're taking.
Amber
Here we go.
Amber knows how we feel. Love.
Kirsty
Do we have to state it again
Oliver Sterling
or could we move forward?
Oliver
Oh, yes, I'm getting to that. Neither your choice of partner or your life choices will change how we feel about you.
Amber
Really?
Oliver
We love you unconditionally.
Amber
It's true, Angel.
Brad
Yeah.
Amber
I wish it felt like that. Because every time I believe you, something happens that makes me think it's just a bunch of words you say to smooth things over.
Oliver
I'm sorry, Amber. I see that I've managed to make you angry.
Amber
I wasn't angry when I set off this morning.
PC Nicola Truman
I was nervous.
Narrator
And now?
Pip
I don't know.
Oliver
Then let's start again. You're looking very well. Blooming
Amber
you. You don't have to say that.
Oliver
It's true.
Amber
Is everything all right with the baby?
Yeah. I sent you a message after the scan.
I know, but it didn't say a lot.
Oliver
Have you got plans for the birth?
Amber
I've had thoughts. Done a lot of reading. But we haven't made any decisions just yet.
Oliver
If you want to talk anything over with me, I'll always find time.
Lara
Thanks.
Amber
Right, who fancies a pub lunch?
Adam
Amber?
Amber
It's on your mother and me.
I don't know, I.
Come on, please. Then I can let you know my decision before you go back to the Grundys.
PC Nicola Truman
Thanks for these statements. We'll get them typed up and sent to you. If there's anything else you remember, just get in touch.
David Archer
Will do.
PC Nicola Truman
Oh, it's good to see the ewes and lambs looking settled.
Pip
Yeah, these are the lucky ones.
PC Nicola Truman
Honestly, the statistics around this kind of thing are shocking.
David Archer
It's enough to make you weep.
PC Nicola Truman
We're working with the various farming bodies to tackle this. I know it doesn't change what you came across yesterday, the financial and emotional toll that's taken. But I do want you to know how seriously we view these incidents.
Pip
Thank you.
PC Nicola Truman
Okay, we'll be in touch.
David Archer
Yeah, of course. And thanks again for getting there so quickly yesterday to the whole team. We really appreciate what you're doing.
PC Nicola Truman
Not at all, Mr. Archer.
Amber
Goodbye.
David Archer
Bye.
Pip
Bye.
David Archer
Oh, all I want to do is sleep.
Pip
Then can you?
David Archer
No. I'm up to my eyeballs in the wretched show, but I honestly don't know if I've got the energy for it anymore.
Pip
Oh, come on, dad. You can't let this defeat you.
David Archer
Can't I?
Pip
No.
David Archer
Oh, listen to me. Moaning and groaning and expecting you to cheer me up. I'm sorry, Pip, you must be tired too.
Pip
Oh, who's this now?
David Archer
Hello.
Lara
Hi, David.
Amber
Do you have a minute?
David Archer
Hi, Amber. Only if it's good news.
Amber
Then you're gonna want to hear this.
David Archer
Okay, go on.
Amber
My dad has agreed to take a trade stand spot by the main arena.
David Archer
Oh, fantastic. Do you hear that, Pip?
Pip
I did.
Alice
That's great.
Pip
You said, dad, all is not lost.
Narrator
Was he pleased?
Amber
I'm surprised you couldn't hear them from in here. He and Pip were thrilled.
Narrator
You did it, Amber. You pulled it off.
Amber
We might actually be good at this. The Gordon Grundy Bureau of Sales and Marketing.
Narrator
Now, tell me how it went with your dad and mum. Really? Oh, unexpected twist.
Amber
They took me out for a pub lunch.
Narrator
They're obviously pretty keen to get you back on side.
Amber
I don't think I was ever exactly on side.
Narrator
I just don't want you to trust them and then get hurt again.
Amber
Don't worry.
Narrator
But will you go and see them again?
Amber
It all depends how they behave next time you're with me. That's if you can ever bear being in the same room as my mum again.
Narrator
She's gonna be our baby's grandma. I'm not gonna stand in the way of that.
Amber
Just don't want them to think they've bought their way back into our lives.
Narrator
Don't worry. We won't need their money. The way things are going by, next year will be millionaires.
Kate
Ok, I've got the sheet. King size flat.
Brad
Now, it's easiest if you stand at the bottom of the bed in the centre.
Kate
Brad, can you hear that?
Amber
War.
Kate
Stand still.
Oliver
Wait.
Kate
There's something in the wardrobe.
Pip
What do we do?
Kate
Open the door.
Pip
See what it is.
David Archer
Mmm.
Narrator
Good idea.
Brad
Do you think it's a mouse?
Kate
It sounds bigger than that.
Brad
A rat maybe. Or a cat. We sometimes have the odd stray that finds its way into the hotel.
Kate
Well, I'll open the door and you get ready to catch it.
Brian Aldridge
Really?
Pip
Yep. One, two, three. Oh, bird. Catch it.
Oliver Sterling
What's going on?
Kate
Oliver, come in quickly. Come in and close the door.
Oliver Sterling
I can hear you all the way down the corridor.
Brad
There's a bird.
Lara
What?
Jolene
Where?
Kate
Oh, there it is on the curtain rail. Oh, it's a budgie.
Oliver Sterling
Goodness.
Oliver
I think it's Fletch.
Brad
It escaped from the Mallocks weeks ago.
Lara
Oh.
Kate
Do you think he's okay?
Oliver Sterling
Well, he looks remarkably unscathed. Rather like he owns the place and can't work out what we're doing in his room.
Kate
Well, we have to catch him and get him back to the mallard.
Oliver Sterling
Brad, can you do it?
Brad
Oh, I don't know. I don't love the idea of holding a bird.
Oliver Sterling
Well, I think if I try balancing on that mattress to get to him, I'll be asking for trouble. You don't want to be dealing with an escapee, budgie and an injured octogenarian.
Kate
No, don't worry. I'll do it. Brad, help me for a second.
Jolene
Here.
Brad
I've got you.
Kate
I just need to get steady.
Oliver Sterling
Careful, then.
Amber
Slowly.
Kate
Slowly. Fletch. Come on. That's it. Oh, I almost had him.
Brad
Oliver.
Will
Oliver.
Pip
He's there.
Brian Aldridge
Where?
Brad
Just by your shoulder.
Brian Aldridge
I have him.
Brad
Oh, well done, you two.
Brian Aldridge
Oh, poor thing.
Oliver Sterling
His heart's beating so fast.
Brad
Mine, too.
Kate
Now what?
Oliver Sterling
I'll call the Maliks, get them to bring his cage to reception, but in the meantime, maybe Zainab can settle him. You know, a familiar face. Now, Brad, pass me one of those pillow slips, and we'll wrap him gently so he feels safe, okay?
Kate
Gosh, it's only my second shift, and I feel like I've fallen into some hotel farce. Carry on, Grey Gables.
Lara
Just a sparkling water for me, Jolene. Thanks.
Pip
Would you like ice and a slice of lime?
Amber
Yes, please.
Brian Aldridge
I'll have a pint when you've got a minute, Jolene. Yeah, and put Kirsty's drink on my tub.
Lara
Oh, thanks, but I'm with Rex in the beer garden. I was gonna get him a pint, too.
Brian Aldridge
What, shires? Yeah, two pints of Shires, Jolene. The sparkling water all right.
Pip
Coming up.
Lara
That's very kind of you, Brian.
Brian Aldridge
Is Miranda still in the garden?
Lara
I think so.
Kate
Yeah.
Lara
She was definitely sitting over by the honeysuckle when I got here.
Pip
Yeah, Brian's plucking up the courage to go and talk to her.
Brian Aldridge
I don't need courage. I just rather speak to her when Oliver isn't glued to her side.
Pip
Has anyone seen David today? Kenton said he was very upset last night.
Alice
Oh, yeah.
Lara
Those poor sheep.
Brian Aldridge
I thought Martin would win the prize for leaving me the most messages this week, but David's certainly in the running, Poor guy. Well, thankfully, he's no longer blaming me for the attack.
Lara
Well, David told me he's planning to use the Borchester show to spread clear, positive messages to dog owners.
Pip
Yeah, I'm seeing adverts for the show everywhere at the minute. Little promo videos popping up.
Lara
Yeah, me, too. Amber and George are doing a really great job hijacking the algorithm. Oh, hey, Brian. Don't turn around, but Miranda's just come into the bar.
Brian Aldridge
She alone or with her shadow?
Lara
She's on her own.
Brian Aldridge
Oh. Miranda.
Kirsty
Evening, bro. Hi, Kirsty.
Amber
Hello.
Brian Aldridge
I've been waiting for the chance to have a word.
Kirsty
About what?
Brian Aldridge
Well, I'd rather talk in private if that's okay.
Kirsty
It's not okay. I've got nothing to say to you.
Kate
Zainab seemed relieved to hand the budgie over to her dad. Yeah, I didn't think many people kept birds in cages these days. Seems a bit old fashioned.
Brad
Khalil came across him somehow, and he was really upset by how he was Being kept.
Kate
Oh, I see. So the Maliks rescued him. I once saw a short film when I was living in South Africa about a budgie and unrequited love.
Brad
How did it end?
Podcast Advertiser (BILT)
Badly.
Brad
Me, I prefer a love story with a happy ending.
Kate
But you have to admit there's something beautiful about a soul yearning.
Brad
Oh, in the movies, maybe.
Amber
Not in real life.
Kate
No, you're right. In real life, it's just rubbish. If you love someone who doesn't love
Brad
you back or who does love you back. But shouldn't what she did For a bit, maybe, but you don't even know how she feels now.
Kate
But do you still feel the same about her?
Jolene
Who?
Kate
I don't know. Whoever it is you're talking about.
Brad
I was speaking hypothetically.
Kate
And hypothetically, did you ever declare your love for each other?
Brad
Well, hypothetically, we did kiss on New Year's Eve. And it was. Oh, it doesn't even matter. We can't be together.
Kate
Why has she said that?
Brad
I just know we can't. She's with someone else.
Alice
Oh.
Brad
Even if she really does like me more than him, it's too late. She's committed.
Kate
I see.
Amber
Yeah.
Kate
So this is my advice to you, Brad. Do everything you can to move on. There's actually nothing romantic about indulging yourself in the misery of a broken heart. Even Romeo looks like a prize prune going on about Rosaline until he meets Juliet. Yearning is fine for short budgie films, but in real life, it would be so much more beautiful to make the decision to move on. If you can.
Brad
I don't think I can.
Kate
Well, not with that attitude. If it really is as hopeless as you say it is, then you, Brad Horribin, deserve better. And do you know who is the only person who can get you out of this fog of doomed love?
Brad
Me.
Kate
Correct. Now pass me the toilet cleaner and stop wasting precious time. You're young and talented. And the sea is more plentiful than this little fish pond.
Pip
You got anything nice planned for the rest of the evening?
Brian Aldridge
I thought I might pop up to Home Farm.
Pip
Farmers do work hard.
Brian Aldridge
I'm not going to the old farm, this. I'm going to the farmhouse to speak to Miranda.
Pip
Do you think that's a good idea, my darling? She didn't seem too keen on talking to you earlier.
Brian Aldridge
That's all part of the game.
Pip
Didn't look to me like she was playing a game. You know, Brian, if you want the advice of a woman, I'd leave it for tonight. I don't think pursuing Miranda right now is going to get you anywhere.
Brian Aldridge
I'm very grateful for your words of wisdom, Jolene, but don't worry about me.
Pip
You did what?
Oliver Sterling
I caught a budgie that had been hiding in a wardrobe.
Alice
How?
Oliver Sterling
I heard a terrible scream and walked into mayhem. Kate leapt onto the bed, balancing precariously on the mattress, clinging to the curtain pole where Fletch was sitting.
Kirsty
And who's Fletch? A guest.
Oliver Sterling
No, the budgie. In what world would a guest be sitting on the curtain pole?
Kirsty
In what world does a budgie hide in a hotel wardrobe?
Oliver Sterling
Anyway, I caught him and returned him safely to the mallet.
Kirsty
And was Kate ok?
Oliver Sterling
Actually, Kate was brilliant. I know it's early days, but she's a fabulous worker.
Kirsty
Oh, that's lovely to hear. It's a shame I can't text Brian to let him know. I know he's an idiot. And yet he's still the first person I want to message when anything important happens.
Oliver Sterling
Well, he might be in luck.
Kirsty
What do you mean?
Oliver Sterling
He's walking towards us right now.
Brian Aldridge
Brandy on the terrace. How marvelous.
Oliver Sterling
Brian, what are you doing here?
Brian Aldridge
I could say the same about you.
Kirsty
I invited Oliver here for a nightcap. What do you want, Brian?
Brian Aldridge
To tell you that I'll soon have sole control of the farm again.
Kirsty
I honestly couldn't care less. Although I hear you treated Adam quite dreadfully. That poor man, willing to give you his all just to be rejected and let down again and again.
Brian Aldridge
No, no, it's not like that. Look, I'm. I'm willing to tell you everything, Moran, if you'll consider having me back. Oliver thing. That'd be better if you make yourself scared.
Kirsty
No, he's not going anywhere. We are having a very pleasant evening on the terrace of my gorgeous new home. And I won't be hassled by the local farmer. The land may be yours, but I am not.
Kate
So tell me the news.
Lara
Okay. I got the results from the blood test.
Kirsty
And?
Lara
It's good. The baby has a low score for all the genetic conditions.
Kate
What a relief. I'm so pleased for you.
Lara
It's not a guarantee everything will be
Kate
fine, but you are allowed to be happy.
Lara
I know. I found myself dreaming a little bit this morning about actually holding this baby in my arms. Is that dangerous? Tempting fate.
Kate
No. No one ever lost a baby because they wanted it too much.
Lara
Oh, is that your dad?
Brian Aldridge
Sorry to turn up so late.
Kate
Is everything all right? Come in. I was just having a cup of tea with Kirsty.
Brian Aldridge
Oh, hello again, Kirsty.
Lara
Oh, come in, Brian. Sit down what's happened?
Oliver
Dad?
Brian Aldridge
What a night. What a week. First I'm banned from seeing my grandson and then Miranda refuses to even listen to what I have to say. Prefers to have drinks with her. Playboy.
Kate
Oh, Oliver and Miranda are just friends. And after the way you've treated her, she needs good friends.
Lara
I'll put the kettle on, let you two talk.
Kate
Thanks, Kirsty.
Brian Aldridge
I mean, tell me, Kate, do I deserve this? Because I've tried. I've really tried to do what's right. And everywhere I look, my family and friends are turning against me.
Kate
Well, I think you have to accept Miranda has moved on. But Adam and Debbie, that's up to you.
Brian Aldridge
Yeah, but if Miranda could just understand. I love her. I'm sure she thinks I've betrayed her in some awful way or that I blow hot and cold, but the truth is far from that.
Kirsty
Oh, dad.
Kate
It doesn't matter if you're a teenager or an old man.
Brian Aldridge
An old man? You can say it.
Kate
It doesn't matter what age you are. A broken heart is rubbish. And I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
Amber
Can you believe there's actually going to be a baby sleeping in this cart?
Narrator
Hopefully not just any old baby. Okay, what have you got?
Amber
One hundred and twenty centimeters.
Narrator
So that's 120 by 60.
Amber
Which should fit perfectly beside the window once we moved our bed.
Narrator
Is that okay, though? What about drafts?
Amber
If it fits along the opposite wall, that might be better.
Narrator
Let's go and check. Bring the measuring tape.
Will
Ah, there you are.
Amber
Oh, hi, Will.
Will
Any chance you could do me a favor?
Narrator
What is it?
Will
Or popping these white masking tape for doing the stenciling. And she says Susan has some. Do you mind nipping over there and picking it up?
Narrator
Does she need it? Right now we're about to go and measure up the bedroom, see where the cot will fit.
Will
Well, you know what she's like once she's got going on something.
Amber
I saw her design. Hedgerow Fruits. It's perfect.
Narrator
Can't Poppy go herself?
Will
Oh, you'll be lucky if you can drag her away from the telly.
Brian Aldridge
All right then.
Narrator
Do you want to come with me, Amber?
Amber
Yeah. I've been sitting behind the tills all day. I could deal with the wall.
I really think we should have called ahead, warned her we were coming.
Oliver
Four bond is forearmed.
Brian Aldridge
And Marie, I'm joking.
Amber
I could message you now, tell her we're almost there.
Oliver
It's perfectly reasonable that I want to see for myself where our grandchild will be living.
Amber
Well, it's a Small house, but very nice. By the village green.
Oliver
The size of the house doesn't matter, but I do want to see what the setup is. Who's living there, who's coming in and out.
Amber
You worried it might not be safe?
Oliver
I'm sure the Grundys are very nice people, but it's one thing shacking up with your boyfriend and his dad has when you're young and carefree, quite another bringing a baby into that environment.
Oliver Sterling
Yeah.
Amber
Don't think you should mention any alternatives today, though.
Oliver
Of course not. Think of this as more of a scouting mission. The more we know, the better we can present her with other options once the baby's born.
Amber
What was your granddad saying about Brian?
Narrator
He's been singing my praises in the ball. Well, our praises, apparently. He thinks we've done a decent job promoting the show.
Amber
Wow.
Narrator
To be honest, it feels a bit weird to be in Brian Aldridge's good books. Oh, no. Guess what? We've only gone and forgotten the masking tape.
Amber
No, we haven't. I've got it here in my pocket.
Narrator
Oh, you.
Will
So this is George and Amber's room. Used to be mine, but we've swapped so they get a bit more space.
Oliver
That's very kind of you, Will.
Will
I'd have got them to tidy up a bit if I'd have known you
Oliver
were coming to worry.
Amber
I was a spur of the moment theme. We were just passing.
Will
Yep. Hold on. Let me just shift my toolbox.
Lara
Yeah.
Will
I've been building this storage unit in the alcove. Somewhere to keep all the baby clothes.
Oliver
Are they hoping to fit a crib in here too?
Will
I suppose they'll have a Moses basket at first, but I think the cot will go here at the end of the bed.
Brian Aldridge
Huh.
Amber
It'll be a tight squeeze.
Will
It'll be all right once George clears out his gaming stuff.
Oliver
Am I right that you've got a daughter too? Polly?
Will
Poppy, yeah. If she's in the room next to mine, she's hoping the baby will share with her when it's a bit older.
Oliver
How old is she?
Will
12. I mean, she loves babies and children.
Oliver
She might feel differently when she hits the teenage years.
Will
Maybe.
Oliver
And of course, Amber and George might have a place of their own by then.
Will
They might. But I'm happy to have them here as long as they need.
Amber
That's good of you, Will. We're extremely grateful.
Will
Don't be daft. It's a pleasure having Amber here. Hey, come downstairs and I'll show you what George has been up to a Renovation project. You're going to love it.
Narrator
Did you manage to book the day off before the show so we can really lock in?
Amber
Yep. What the. I can't believe it.
Narrator
What is it?
Amber
Look outside our house.
Narrator
Nice car.
Amber
It's my mum's.
Will
He's been working so hard on it. I'm really proud of him. When he gets going on a project, there's no stopping him.
Oliver
Is it an antique?
Will
I don't think so. Although it is very old.
Jolene
Yeah.
Will
But what really touched me is how George and Amber are happy to continue the tradition where so many youngsters when everything's shiny and new.
Amber
There's nothing wrong with shiny and new. I like a vintage car as much as the next man, but I'd never say no to a brand new Ferrari.
Oliver
It's charming, it really is, but I'm just a little worried about whether it meets modern safety standards.
Amber
Yeah, true, a vintage car might be beautiful, but without crumple zones. I wouldn't want my daughter driving it.
Will
Right, well, I'm pretty sure the cot won't be needing a crumple zone.
Oliver
Don't get me wrong, George has done a lovely job, but is the paint he's used safe for babies?
Will
I don't know. You've got a point, actually. Thought about that.
Oliver Sterling
Ah, here they are.
Amber
What are you doing here? Mum, why didn't you tell me you were coming?
We were just passing and we thought
Oliver
it might be a nice surprise.
Amber
I don't like being surprised.
Will
They only wanted to see where their grandchild will be living. I gave them a little tour, so
Amber
they've been in our room.
Oliver
We popped our heads in the door.
Amber
We would have tidied up if we'd had some warning.
We're not here to judge you.
Oliver
Hmm. It was so lovely having lunch with the you the other day that we got a bit carried away. We just want to be part of your life. And we're so happy you turned to your dad for help with the business venture.
Will
That was very generous of you, Bill.
Narrator
Yeah, and it's nice to see that you're showing an interest in the baby. What do you think of the cut?
Amber
Very nice.
Brian Aldridge
Lovely work.
Will
Oh, Anne Marie was asking whether the paint is baby safe.
Amber
Of course it is. You think George wouldn't have checked that?
Narrator
It's toy safe, water based. I did my research before I got started.
Oliver
That's good to hear. You can't be too careful when it comes to keeping a baby safe and healthy.
Will
Well, you should have seen me and Nick when Poppy was born. Those first few days, checking on her every two minutes. A nervous wreck when anyone else was holding her, scared they drop her.
Oliver
Who's Nick?
PC Nicola Truman
Poppy's mum.
Oliver
And does she live here too?
Will
No. No, she died.
Oliver
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Will
Yeah, when Poppy was still very small.
Amber
My condolences. I know how hard it is to grow up without a mother. My own mum died when I was 8.
Will
Well, I'm sorry to hear that. When Nick died, it was so sudden and shocking.
Narrator
Dad, they don't need your whole life story.
Will
Well, she got sepsis. A scratch from a rusty nail.
Oliver
How awful. Oh, imagine. We must have been devastated.
Will
We were. Still are. When something like that happens, it's hard not to worry about everything. Wait till your little one's born. Then you too will understand.
Oliver
They say it takes a village to bring up a child. And we're all here for the two of you.
Brian Aldridge
Really?
Amber
Absolutely.
Oliver
And just because they're living in your house, Will, it doesn't mean you should take on the whole financial burden of supporting them.
Amber
Mum, we are both earning. I hope we're not too much of a burden.
Will
No, you're not at all. They pay rent and towards food. And to be honest, I love having them here. Especially after last year when George was well, away.
Narrator
They know I was imprisoned and that
Amber
he's now a farm worker.
A very honest job.
Oliver
Well, it's been lovely to see you all, but we'll leave you to your evening now.
Podcast Advertiser (BILT)
Yep.
Amber
I'll walk you to your car. Come on.
Will
Are you sure you won't stay for a couple?
Oliver
Maybe another time.
Amber
Thank you. Will George see you again?
Will
Bye for now.
Adam
See you.
Will
Well, they seem nice enough. Bit stuck up. Maybe a bit.
Narrator
She's more stuck up than a glue sandwich.
Will
Bill looked horrified at the state of the harbor.
Pip
Oh, did he?
Oliver Sterling
Yeah.
Narrator
You know, if Amber's mum and dad are going to start coming, right, without warning, we need to be better at cleaning. It's embarrassing if they're judging us for living in a filthy house.
Will
Our house is not filthy. It's lived in.
Oliver
That was very nice.
Amber
Lovely for your mum to see where you're living.
You know, it wasn't okay that you just dropped in.
Oliver
You're saying we should make an appointment to see you?
Amber
You should give me some warning.
Oliver
Okay, fine.
PC Nicola Truman
Fine.
Amber
Thank you.
Oliver
Anything else we got wrong?
Amber
Don't be like that. I'm allowed to ask you to text ahead.
Of course. We promise we will next time.
And please try not to be so desperate for George to get something wrong.
Oliver
I hardly said a word To George. I was extremely careful not to put my foot in it.
Amber
Except assuming he was going to poison our baby with lead paint or something.
To be fair, we were only checking.
Oliver
But I take your point.
Amber
Okay.
Oliver
And my point? About helping to support you. It takes a village with the financial side of things. I'm sorry if you took it the wrong way. I just know that when the baby comes along, you'll want the very best for it. And that doesn't always come cheap.
Amber
We are in a position to contribute and it would make us very happy if you'd accept the odd gift.
Whole Foods Advertiser
All right.
Amber
Thanks.
Will
You.
Amber
It's been lovely to see you twice in a week. We've really missed you.
Oliver
And Will seems very nice.
Amber
He is.
So, should we make a plan to visit again?
I don't know.
No pressure, sweetheart, really.
Oliver
We know you're busy.
Amber
Then let's meet up at the show. And after that, maybe we can do something. Something with George, too.
Narrator
So how are you feeling?
Amber
Jittery. Tired. Confused. Same way I always feel after spending time with my parents.
Narrator
Yeah, they're pretty direct, aren't they?
Amber
Though I suppose I did go to my dad this week asking for a favor. And it would be hard to explain to anyone exactly why I feel so weird now. I mean, they didn't actually do anything wrong. They were really nice to your dad.
Narrator
They were definitely judging us. They're so. What did you call it? Passive aggressive?
Amber
Maybe you like actually trying hard to be better this time.
Narrator
What, you didn't think they were looking down their noses at how small the house is? How untidy?
Amber
I think they were just finding it hard to imagine how it would work long term. They're used to having tons of space.
Narrator
And is that what you want?
Amber
You know, I love how cozy it is here. I like the madness. But at some point, we might want somewhere of our own.
Narrator
So that's why you walked into the car? So you could start planning your escape?
Oliver
No.
Amber
Why would you say that?
Narrator
I thought you were happy living here. You're always talking about how cold and lonely and miserable it was growing up in that big, posh house. And now 10 minutes with your mum and dad and we're not good enough for you.
Amber
When did I say that? I am so tired, George. I'm tired of working out how not to upset both them and you.
Narrator
I'm not upset. When did I say I was upset?
Amber
Just because I might not want our baby sharing a room with their teenage auntie doesn't mean I don't think you and your family are good enough.
Narrator
Amber, where you going?
Amber
For a walk.
Brian Aldridge
Sam.
Jolene
Hello, I'm Jeremy Howe and I'm the
Brian Aldridge
editor of the Archers. Ambridge is celebrating 75 years of storytelling this year. And as part of this, the Archers daily and omnibus episodes will be available on BBC Sounds for not one, not two, but for five years after broadcast. So you'll be able to relive moments like this again.
Jolene
Your mum has told us the truth.
Oliver Sterling
We know.
Adam
George.
Brian Aldridge
The police are on their way.
David Archer
Don't answer it. We've got to. Don't let them take me.
Will
Dog ear. Jolie.
Pip
I don't know you.
Will
Oh, I'm sure you do.
Brian Aldridge
My name's Marky.
Will
But I reckon you know that, don't you?
Brian Aldridge
We hope you continue to enjoy the Archers listen on BBC Sounds.
Podcast Advertiser
Xandhi.
Xandhi
Happy anniversary. What are you talking about? Have I missed something? Yes, Xander, you have. We are over a year into making what's Up Docs. You didn't even get me a card. Is it really over a year? It is. Think of all the episodes we've done. How to look after our feet, our shoulders, our hips, our teeth. We've explored snoring, cholesterol, the immune system, endometriosis. All with the help of expert guests. I think it's fair to say we have plundered the world of health and well being, equipping ourselves and our listeners with the best information out there on how to look after our minds, our bodies, our souls even. And we're not stopping, are we, Chris? We're most certainly not Sand. We have a lot of new topics coming up. From tinnitus to acne, crying, male fertility. We are holding steadfast in our mission to sort facts from fiction, debunking wellness myths along the way. And you can find all of our previous episodes of what's up docs in the feed on BBC Sounds. And don't forget to subscribe on BBC Sounds and turn on the notifications so you don't miss any of these upcoming episodes.
Podcast Advertiser
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Kate
She was the sister who went unnoticed.
Oliver
A daffodil might look plain next to a lily, but on its own, there is much to be admired.
Kate
Now her greatest chapter is yet to come. The most important thing is to be yourself. From the world of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice comes a new Britbox original drama, Mary, you will Flourish, based on the best selling novel the Other Bennett Sister, now streaming only on Britbox. Watch for the free trial@britbox.com.
Podcast: The Archers Omnibus
Host: BBC Radio 4
Air Date: June 20, 2026
Theme: The week's events in Ambridge, including family rifts, generational divides, and a devastating attack on the Archer family's sheep.
This week's Omnibus captures turbulent times in Ambridge, centering around ongoing Aldridge and Archer family tensions, uncertainty for several characters’ futures, and a shocking crisis when a dog attack devastates the flock at Home Farm. The episode explores themes of pride, broken relationships, and resilience, alongside quieter moments of hope, reconciliation, and daily life continuing amidst upheaval.
| Time | Content | |----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:01 | Kate working at Grey Gables bothers Brian | | 05:49 | Brian lectures Kate on her career choices | | 19:20 | Brian’s mental capacity test outcome is revealed | | 28:00 | Start of the sheep attack crisis | | 36:29 | David and Brian clash over responsibility in the sheep attack | | 46:35 | Amber and her parents attempt reconciliation | | 52:45 | The budgie rescue comedy at Grey Gables | | 60:01 | Reflections and next steps after the crisis | | 63:27 | Kate consoles Brian over Miranda and the family feud |
This episode is marked by emotional highs and lows: fierce arguments, heartbreak, and anger are balanced by community spirit, practical problem-solving, and moments of shared laughter and intimacy. The language remains heartfelt, sometimes acerbic, and true to The Archers’ long-running tradition of reflecting real rural and family life.
Listeners are left with scenes of hope—family members reaching tentative understandings, a baby cot being prepared, and reconciliations attempted—while the pain of loss, pride, and recent tragedy fuel the ongoing drama in Ambridge.
For full context and subtle character beats, this Omnibus is highly recommended listening for all fans and followers of Ambridge life.