The Archers Blog

February, grey and dismal. Nice time to turn on the radio and be transformed to other worlds. People often ask whether or not The Archers shoud be turned into a television series. I suppose the nearest was Tony Hancock's famous 'Bowmans' sketch in the nineteen sixties. Says Wikipedia, 'Hancock plays Joshua Merriweather, a parody of the iconic Walter Gabriel. He annoys the other actors and producers so much they kill off his character, only to find the audience hold the character in greater affection than they had thought'. So the BBC has to resurrect his character and they do this cleverly by bringing in Joshua's long-lost twin brother, played by Hancock of course, and I seem to remember that most of the village disappear down a disused mine shaft! Oooh noooo!

Now of course we have Emmerdale, and no doubt as with all soaps the actors go in fear of toppling off roofs, falling down mine shafts, or sailing into the sunset never to return. In Ambridge the dread words are 'New Zealand' or 'Australia' where we appear to have a penal colony of disused Archers characters! However, there are very few acting jobs that employ you for several decades as The Archers does - or indeed enable you to make lifelong friends, sharing all those normal milestones such as falling in love, getting married, buying houses, changing partners, having babies, divorces, not necessarily in that order of course . This is the fun part of belonging to The Archers, however long it lasts! 

Went to see Yes, Prime Minister last night. It was a real romp! The night started well as we approached our seats only to find two ladies sitting in them. We all checked our tickets and confirmed we were seats five and six, so confusion reigned until my husband pointed out that the ladies were in the wrong theatre! They were supposed to be watching Nora, Ingmar Bergman’s dark and disconsolate interpretation of Ibsen’s The Doll’s House – rather a contrast to what was in store for us!

A dishevelled Graham Seed swept onto the stage as Jim Hacker and was a whirling dervish throughout. Indecision gave way to blind panic as a moral dilemma span out of control, but the PM’s trusty aides were close at hand to guide him through: Bernard and Humphrey, who we know so well, and the sparky Claire Sutton, Hacker’s special policy advisor. Gone was the calm and jocular Nigel with whom we are so familiar, and in his place was a panicky PM, crippled by uncertainty and going to pieces as the plot span into farce.

It’s a dynamic production written by original Yes, Minister writers, Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn. The format and tone is familiar to fans of the TV show, but the content has been given a spring clean, brought up to date with contemporary references to the coalition, European debt and global warming – plus a very cheeky impersonation of Jeremy Paxman! The audience loved it and, while the pace was a little erratic, you’d have to be made out of stone not to laugh out loud.

Over & out. KW

P.S. Look out for the Radio 4 reference – bit of a wink to those in the know. 

I first met Simon at the very first County Living Fair at Islington, more years ago than I care to remember. I was making for our stand with a pile of 'The Bull' sweaters, (quite snazzy in navy blue and white), when I heard someone exclaim 'Not The Archers!' I looked up and saw a beautifully bearded aparition with great earrings and eccentric appearance. Loved him at first sight - especially the earrings as they're a weakness of mine. We had a chat and I told him all about Archers Addicts, about a year old at that point, and off he went. Two minutes later he reappeared with a sketch for the brilliant first mug he designed for us 'Fallen Archers'. Since then we've had 'Underneath The Archers', 'I think therefore I Ambridge', Nelson's Swine Bar', and our 'Spot The Archers Character' mug and card' - to be recommended when you have an idle moment. The mug is one of our best sellers and you can get the card signed by 'Jolene' herself for Valentine's Day.

Why am I thinking Simon Drew? Well, we're going to see him at the Spring Fair and he sent me this great quote "If Sherlock can survive a fall from a building, why not Nigel?' Why not indeed!

Love it - and him!

KP

Just a minute!

Listen out for Charles Collingwood (Brian) on the new series, 6.30 Mondays, Radio 4.

Wow! The first Emma Grundy!

Felicity Jones, once Emma Grundy from Ambridge, now the new face of Dolce & Gabanna make up. We're made up for her! For more pics click Felicity

Vivat Vanessa!

Congratulations to Editor, Vanessa Whitburn, who received an honorary doctorate from Hull University this week. Click Honour for more info or, to watch the live videostream at 4pm on Thursday 26th January, click video.

An interview with Tim Bentinck

Just spotted this on Twitter - click Interview

Freud: The case histories

Hear Susie Riddell, (Tracy), in the Saturday play, BBC Radio 4 Saturday 11th February

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Hello all,

Well we've had a productive morning. Our lovely techie came in to entertain us (!) and improve some bits and bobs on the website. It's only when you pull it apart do you realise what a complex thing this website is with Shop, Comments, Forum, On-line Ambridge Voice, News - it's like an Archers octopus! I think we could have done with some of Jim's pragmatism, Lynda taking minutes, and Jill's eye for good customer service (and some of her tea and cakes of course). The last person we'd want at a meeting would be Vicky who would no doubt paint the site pink and take over completely!

Meanwhile, AA's Jennie (who lives in a little village like Ambridge) has lost all broadband so is having to cope with no email or internet, and yesterday the broadband even went at the main reception here at AA-HQ. What an earth is happening - is Ambridge real after all?

Over and out. KW

Hello lovely listeners,

I hope you are all well and enjoying The Archers at the mo. Brian gets a bit hot under the collar next week, so if you like hearing him squirm (rather than making other people squirm) be sure to tune in!

All's tickety-boo here at AA-HQ. We've been in touch with the lovely Sunny Ormonde (Lilian) and Trevor Harrison (Eddie) to sign some specially produced cards for our Valentine Special - to be anounced next week! Watch this space...

Although it's grey and raining outside, it's as sunny as ever in our cosy little office and we are looking ahead to spring. With the Spring Fair at the beginning of February, we're racking our brains for fabulous new merchandise ideas. Do let us know if you have a great idea for an Archers product and we'll see if we can find a supplier! Click 'Contact' (top right) or post your ideas on the Forum.

Meanwhile, happy listening! KW

I’m just back from a glorious week in the wilds of West Cornwall – my regular week away after Christmas to spend some time by the sea and just taking deep breaths and R-E-L-A-Xing!

There is nothing like winter walks to detox your mind! Walking by the sea in the wind with glorious views blows away the cobwebs – then of course one has to find a suitable pub or café to retox with a local brew or clotted cream teas (and maybe both)! 

On one such walk this week with my husband we were buffeted by strong winds high up on the coastal footpath with a deep turquoise and white boiling sea below us – and not another soul in sight! Bliss! We were a little south of Lands End on the very western tip of the country. After a few miles we turned in land to find our way back to our starting point across country, and found a sign directing us to The Apple Tree Café.  Not expecting it to be open we were amazed to find a thriving busy place in the middle of nowhere!  We feasted on leek, potato and apple soup, nut pate and toasted homemade sourdough – and even had a delicious espresso!  One of the amazing things about the Apple Café apart from the delicious food, are their regular activities – there are monthly Bollywood banquets, weekly knitting and chatting but most impressive – Breakfast with The Archers omnibus every Sunday!  How fantastic!

So should you find yourself in the wilds of Penwith with a need for some company with your weekly Archers fix, as well as a splendid Cornish breakfast you know where to head! The whole idea was dreamt up by the lovely Helen (right, with Jo on the left) who runs the place and does much of the baking – she really should be in Ambridge! Where will you be this Sunday morning?  I’ll be dreaming of a lovely coastal walk and Helen’s yummy sourdough until I get back there!

Find The Apple Tree Café between Sennen and Lands End just off the A30 – tell Helen we sent you! JE

A big thank you to all Archers Addicts for a fun and interesting year. We've loved reading all your comments on the programme - there's been quite a lot of drama in 2011 both on and off air!

Thanks also for all your orders this festive season. Our little AA elves have been kept busy and we hope you all enjoy your Archers goodies.

Best wishes and hope you have a fabulous Christmas. KW

P.S. <- Apologies for crimes against Santa!

Holy Trinity Church in Stratford upon Avon last night was a magic place to be. Candles flickered, the choir sang, and Leon and shared our Christmas poems nobly supported by family and friends. There was an Ambridge moment when my microphone clip lost its way and the microphone fell onto the floor! Leon rose nobly to the occasion and scooped up the wire and clipped everything back in place. Of course as the wire was now on the outside of my dress the skirt was dragged up so that I looked like a cabaret dancer. Fortunately we had reached the fun poems so it wasn't too incongruous. It put me in mind of a tale about Dame Sybil Thorndike. She was centre stage and declaiming when the elastic in her pants snapped and they fell to the floor. Hardly pausing our doughty dame simply stepped out of them and kicked them behind a handy sofa set nearby.

The choir carolled merrily on as the less doughty Hedli sidled down the left aisle, hid amongst the singers and pushed the microphone up her leg, past her chest to safely clip it at the top. Sadly the safest place to do this was in front of the phalanx of male carollers, (at least 200 in my fevered imagination but probably about 30), who must have felt they were enacting a farce. Thank goodness I was wearing black tights...

Needless to say this was the shining moment of the whole concert. When people came up afterwards it was to smile in a gently reminiscent manner as they commented on the Incident - fortunately I was told I had the legs to carry it off!! I am yet to be convinced.

However, nothing could spoil the fun, warmth and sense of community the event brought with it. I hope you all have similar experiences, apart from the microphone thing, and start to feel Christmassy

Ps And the person I wanted to win the Strictly Come Dancing Final did exactly that. Who says there's no Santa Claus?

The photo is of Leon and myself. He played a Bishop and played the maid, Ida. We were in Pool's Paradise, one of the silliest funniest plays in which to meet your future husband!

Pat's current obsession with John's son has reminded me of Sam Barriscale who used to play John, (pictured). When he decided to move away from the programme he could never have imagined that the story of John's death would become the stuff of Amridge legends. Who can forget Tony's discovery of his son and realisation of what had happened. Gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.

Archers Addicts was at the Country Living Fair in London at the time and we had a poignant meeting with a lady whose son had suffered a car accident in the States. His life was saved but he had short term memory loss. He could remember Latin and his classical studies but she had to re-introduce herself as his mother each time she visited him. She told us that she felt soothed by what was happening in Ambridge: she felt less isolated and that some of her grief was reflected by the characters involved. We were very moved. So if you are having a tough time, made tougher by approaching Christmas, we wish you well Ambridge style. And you are not on your own. There's an account of the Women of the Year awards in January's Good Housekeeping which makes you realise just what people go through, and how brave they are.

Loads of entries for the Nigel competition. We can't wait to see him in the Paul Eddington part in 'Yes Prime Minister'. And Tim Bentinck tells us he's written a Kindle book. More details in News when we find out exactly what he's been up to. Right - back to the Christmas cards!

KP

... you lot are keeping us so busy here at AA-HQ. We love to be busy, so keep those orders coming in! This year's favourites have to be our Calendar and Borsetshire Life set, 'Spot The Archers' Mug and 'Get 1 free' Tea Towel set, plus the 'Drama' Notebook and Pen have been going down a storm.

To make your Christmas gifts that little bit more special, we're offering the chance to buy an exclusive Archers Christmas Card signed by the gorgeous Eddie Grundy himself. Love it!

Plus, don't miss our fabulous Christmas Competition in which you can win 2 tickets to see Yes, Prime Minister starring the wonderful Graham Seed (Nigel) plus you can meet him after the show. It's all happening!

Anyway, better get busy. Over & out. KW

Gotcha gotcha!

Latest ditty from Tim Bentinck (David) as his alter ego Ray from Holloway. Ray gets caught on speed cameras. It's very funny! Click Gotcha

Raise a glass to Ryan!

We congratulate Ryan Kelly (Jazzer) who has been awarded the prestigious Tyzack Award for his 'groundbreaking' portrayal of Jazzer. Click Awards

Mad Groupie Competition over!

Thank you for all your entries. You correctly guessed that the mad groupie was in fact 'Kathy Perks' aka Hedli Niklaus. The pic was taken at an Archers Addicts event in Torquay. Asked for a quote Ms Niklaus said, 'We were both much younger then but Mr Harrison's Elvis had to be heard to be believed'.

Remember Nigel?

Graham Seed is interviewed in the Daily Mail. He's done some great work this year but does he still miss his alter ego? To find out click Mail Online

It's always good fun to visit 'Ambridge' at the Mailbox. You never know who you're going to bump into and what's the hot gossip this session. I was very pleased to share a lift with playwright, David Edgar. We were both students at the Manchester University Drama Department and I remember him as far more grown up than the rest of us! We had a quick reminisce before departing for the car park.

I caught Tim Bentinck and thanked him again for reading The Ambridge Voice for our visually imparied listeners. He says he's changed tack. 'Instead of reading it as though I've written it I now read it as if I'm a friend, so I add my own comments'. I like the sound of that, must make it really interesting, - perhaps I'd better get hold of a CD!

Of course we were buzzing about Ryan's award - he's going to be on Radio 4's 'In Touch' sometime in December so watch this Blog. And it was brilliant to know that Billy Connolly still listens to us and that Jazzer is one of his favourite characters. Talking of which I gather Graham Seed (the late lamented Nigel), is going to be in the panto News Quiz, recorded in Cardiff. It has to be said that Nigel may be late lamented but Graham hasn't looked back - soon to be seen as PM in 'Yes, Prime Minister'. Go Graham! (Watch this space for an exclusive 'Yes, PM' competition, coming soon...)

KP

x

Look who landed on my conservatory roof the other day. I was lying in my bed thinking about getting up when there was this loud 'thunk' from the other room. My husband and I looked at each other with eyebrows raised. I pulled on my dressing gown, pulled back the curtains and saw this beautiful fellow. He looked equally surprised to see me I must say. An escapee of Will's perhaps?

After considering his options, he tentatively hopped down onto a wall, into our garden then off next door. I just hope he made it back to the fields safely as he would've had to cross a road and go quite a way. I daresay he'd have gone quicker with Brian on his tail!

Over and out. KW x

A big thank you to everyone involved in the Christmas Shopping event in Fladbury on Friday (18th Nov). Having driven through pretty villages with half-timbered cottages and cosy looking pubs, we walked into Fladbury's village hall only to be greeted with a scene from Ambridge. The atmosphere was one of hustle and bustle as we wove our way between stalls filled with local crafts. I half expected Lynda to appear with a clipboard to direct me where to go!

Several glasses of mulled wine later, we happily chatted to people as they browsed goodies on our Archers Addicts stall. Ably assisted by two locals, we had plenty of opportunities to mingle. We met a lovely lady who had listened to The Archers when she was growing up in Ethiopia. We also ran into the wonderful John, who presented Hedli with a signed photo of her with Fiona Bruce and Hilary Kay from Antiques Roadshow. John has been to live recordings of Antiques Roadshow over 150 times, and that includes two trips to Australia! That's the kind of dedication we expect from you Archers fans too you know...

Anyway, it's time to take my mincemeat out of the oven and pot it up. For those of you with Jennifer's first Cookbook, turn to page 141 (my mother-in-law's favourite recipe) and get mixing! You've got two recipes to choose from in the new Cookbook - Apricot Mincemeat (p55) or Brookfield's Brandied Pineapple Mincemeat (p56) - yum!

Over & out. KW

(That's my mincemeat all finished above - my kitchen smells like Christmas!)

A White Wedding

Wondering why Nic tried to buy her wedding invites from the Ambridge village shop? You're not the only one. Click Nice Day for a White Wedding for an outrageous critique of recent events in Ambridge.

That time of the month again!

Hurray! Nancy Banks-Smith reviews the month's events in Ambridge. Click Guardian for her wit and observation.

Missed this?

if so click Country Channel to get a taste for what happens behind the scenes in The Archers!

Winners Announced

Thanks for all your entries into our latest competition. First prize of a £200 garden voucher goes to Margaret Smith, Cardiff, with £100 going to Cosette Harrington, Suffolk; Victoria Pettitt, Snaith; Ruth Cuthbert, Preston. Congratulations! Comiserations for those of you who didn't win, but better luck next time.

Pigs Playing Football?!

We thought it was impossible but here's life imitating art, next thing pigs will fly! Click here

Here at AA we speak to all sorts of interesting people in all sorts of interesting places. I just took an order for a chap who was shouting at me over the sound of his mill. He was busy grinding food for cattle and said he had to keep an eye on proceedings in case the mill jammed. I half expected Brian to pop up at any moment to ask for him to jump on board with the mega dairy project! Very Ambridge.

Hope you enjoyed the drama at Ivy's funeral. It never was going to be a quiet affair now was it?

Anyway, I'd better get on as orders are rushing in after our latest emailer (click update to view a PDF version). I can see the Calendar/Borchester Life offer is proving very popular. I'm suddenly feeling the need to get on with my own Christmas shopping as you lot are obviously well ahead with yours!

Over & out. KW

Hello lovely listeners,

Hope you had a happy Hallowe'en! We're getting busy as people start Christmas shopping in earnest. Now we've turned the clocks back it feels like a good time to start - anything to avoid the mad Christmas Eve rush! We're giving you a couple of shopping tips in the next newsletter from the ever thrifty Alice, plus we've got our own great gifts for Christmas. Click on Emailers to receive our latest offers and ideas.

Devon Life have just contacted us as they love our 'Spot the Archers' Mug - they're not too far from Simon Drew's studio. I have a feeling this is going to be a great seller for Christmas as it's so popular and perfect for those men who can be difficult to buy for (I speak from experience - this is my husbands favourite mug for his cup of tea in the morning!).

And as for events in Ambridge... I still can't believe Nic and Will are getting married! It's nice to hear the Gundys having something to celebrate, and equally pleasing to hear Emma being put in her place. I spoke to Becky Wright (Nic) last Friday and she was desperately trying to avoid being put in a wedding dress for a photo shoot. I told her to don the frock - we want pictures for The Ambridge Voice!

Over and out. KW

Ryan Kelly (Jazzer) joins the In Touch team to celebrate the achievements of blind people on the programme's 50th Anniversary. To listen click In Touch.

The new jigsaws have finally arrived so we are surrounded by boxes at the moment! The chirpy delivery man commented, "How can you have an Archers jigsaw when you can't see what they look like on the radio?" We do like a delivery man with a sense of humour, so Jennie rewarded him with some Archers chocolates.

Now I can hear a furious rustling from behind the stacks as the jigsaws get packed up before winging their way to Archers fans everywhere. We hope you enjoy them and, if you haven't already ordered yours, don't forget to make the most of our brilliant offer - buy 2 and save £2.50 or, if you buy all 4 designs, save £5.00!

Happy puzzling. KW

We had the most fantastic time and were awed by some of the experiences that were shared with us. All sorts of celebs were in the audience, Ruby Wax, Joanna Trollope, Juliet Stevenson, Lulu, Floella Benjamin, Julia Donaldson, to name but a few! But it wasn’t about celebrity, it was about women facing up to enormous challenges and making something of their lives while helping others. I especially liked Jackie Miller chip, a child minder who looks after both able bodied to severely disabled kids to break down barriers between them. She won Lorraine Kelly’s Inspirational Woman of the Year and deservedly so. We were asked to take a bow for The Archers – and we felt really honoured to be asked to do so.

All the women present were made to feel special and valued and we were encouraged to talk to anyone we wanted to. Everyone had a story to tell and you could only be humbled by what people go through and how brave they are. It wasn’t all serious – Sandi Toksvig was a warm and witty host and Maureen Lipman told a few stand up jokes (you’ve heard the one about the woman boiling an egg, who tells her husband to get into the kitchen to make love. ‘Why now, why here? he asks’ ‘I’ve broken the egg timer’ she replies.)

You certainly got a sense of how powerful women can be when they fight for a cause dear to their hearts. There were 400 women present and you could feel the strength!

Thanks so much to everyone who came to Come Rain Come Shine this evening supporting Archers Addicts, our Archers actors, and the Samaritans. I hope you enjoyed the show as much as I did! The audience was packed out and it was a smashing atmosphere with everyone chuckling and clapping in all the right places. All in all a fantastic evening, and it was lovely to meet some familiar faces and some new ones too. We even saw a few Archers Addicts badges twinkling in the crowds.

Until next time, happy listening. KW

Oh no - we were working so hard here at AA-HQ that we missed the first of the new series of Ambridge Extra! We'll have to wait for it to come on iplayer...

Inspired by a recent thread on the Forum about radio kissing (outrageous) I stumbled upon this fun little interview of David and Ruth (Timothy Bentinck and Felicity Finch) on YouTube. As well as giving you a demonstration, they also discuss the infamous 'Oooh nooo' and why The Archers matters so much to many. Click smooch to listen, or click kiss me to share which Archers character you'd most like to kiss and why! As we're getting a bit hot under the collar, Adam & Joe have come up with a creative edit of an Archers episode... intrigued? Click sigh.

Having received the latest Ambridge Voice and brochure you are keeping us busy with orders and letters. I'm impressed to see people Christmas shopping already despite the hot weather, and you seem to be as excited about our new products as we are! Don't forget our latest offer for members only - an Ambridge Community Shop Bag on all orders over £21.00 (before P&P).

Over & out. KW

Lots of Archers fans appear to watch the Antiques Roadshow and saw me have some of my Archers memorabilia valued on the show last night (Sunday 25th September). It was such a fun day but it took place last September! One of those crisp sunlit Autumn days with Charlecote House looking its very best. Trestle tables had been set out under the trees, groaning under the weight of all sorts of pumpkins and squash in various sizes and colours. A long long queue wound up the driveway and you could have spent hours chatting and gawking at the fascinating bags and parcels people were carrying!

It took a couple of hours for Kate (Editor of the Ambridge Voice ) and myself to get to the kiosk. When we finally arrived and said who we were there was an instant buzz of interest, and we knew we were talking to listeners! Fiona whizzed over and decided to set up Hilary Kay, who she knew was an avid fan. Then we had to hide so as not to spoil the surprise.

Links to The Archers arise in all sorts of places and the Antiques Roadshow was no exception. After our piece had been filmed a tall dark, (and handsome), gentleman introduced himself as Mrs P's great nephew. Some of you will remember the redoubtable Mrs P, love of Walter Gabriel's life and Peggy Woolley's mother. She was played by the talented Pauline Seville. And my especial thanks must go to John Dallimore, Evesham painter and decorator and Archers listener who was also present. John took a great photo of the event and went to the trouble to get it signed and framed for me as a souvenir. Thanks John - you're a star!

You can see a larger version of John's photo in the Gallery - the Ambridge Fun section

Hello lovely listeners,

I hope you've been enjoying The Archers lately. I must admit I've been riveted throughout the whole Bridge Farm saga, and I was really moved by poor old Eddie as he lamented his wife's disappearance last week. Poignant stuff.

But back to the task in hand... I hope you all got our latest Autumn Update email, full of great offers and all the latest news. If you are not on our mailing list then head to the 'Emailer' tab on the navigation bar and get signed up! You can also check all the latest offers in the NEW category we've created for those of you who love a bargain - click OFFERS to be whisked away to this special new page. We've got some fun new items too, (including a 'tongue-in-cheek' magnetic bookmark, pictured left) so why not have a good rummage around in the Shop?

In the meantime you can look forward to a jam-packed issue of The Ambridge Voice which is being dispatched as I type!

Happy reading. KW

Hello everyone,

This is just a quickie to say hi as I have been away for a few weeks. I have returned to find an office full of new merchandise (so exciting), emails from assorted Archers actors (they are all so busy! Check our NEWS page for more), a brand new brochure jam-packed with new Archers goodies and offers, and the next edition of The Ambridge Voice all ready for print!

The next AV is a really packed issue which we hope you'll all enjoy. There's lots of gossip and the inside story on the oh-so-dramatic Bridge Farm saga, plus the chance to win a £200 Garden Voucher - yes I did say £200 - what a fabulous prize! So you can look forward to your copy landing on the doormat at the end of September.

In the meantime I've still got lots to catch up on so over and out for now. Happy listening! KW

I could have been killed!

Thanks 'Derek' from the Forum for linking us to this article with great pics, where 'Jennifer' reveals all. Not another death please! Click EADT24

Viral Press!

Thanks 'Andy' from the Forum for linking us to this little gem in the Webmaster magazine. It's all about how fiction affects reality, or is it the other way around? Anyway Tom (Tom Graham left) is not amused. Check SEO (search engine optimisation)

August is a wicked month

When Nancy Banks-Smith gets going! Her monthly review of Ambridge in the Guardian never fails to make us smile. Click Guardian

Browse Julia's wonderful new website!

Julia Hills (Annabelle Schrivener) has a whole new look on-line. View clips and great vintage photos and see what Julia gets up to when she's not in the BL boardroom! Click Julia

See 'David Archer' as you've never seen him before!

Click showreel to view a selection of clips of Timothy Bentinck ranging from an early Ribena commercial to a stinit as a vicar! Click News for details of his one man show.

Read about Rhys

Click here to read all about the new kid on the block in an article from the Independent.

Good news for Archers fans!

The figures are in and more people than ever before are listening to The Archers. Not only that but another half million are listening to Radio 4 Extra. Click News for more and Interview for Rachel Cooke's interview with Controller of Radio 4, Gwyneth Williams

I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather. We went over to Gloucestershire to visit friends on Sunday, of course listening to the Archers Omnibus on the way (poor Clarrie I feel so sorry for her, I hope it all turns out ok in the end) when we arrived I presented them with a jar of ‘Clarrie’s Crunchy Chutney’ and as our friends had also been listening to the omnibus they said ‘I hope it’s not got E-coli!’ I said that I’d actually made it and it would be delicious.

I now have a copy of the beautiful ‘Jennifer Aldridge’s Archers’ Country Kitchen’ cookbook and of course had to make something from that as soon as I could, as we are looking after our two grandsons for three days this week I thought I’d try out ‘Alice’s Favourite Fudge Spread’ it made two jars and tastes wonderful, though I only licked out the pan and saved the jars for my boys.

Best wishes to you all Ann     

I always enjoy recording The Archers because I get to hear all the off air dramas as well as participate in the on air ones! This time it was Charles Collingwood (Brian) who held the floor in the Green Room (actually it's a hideous red, especially vibrant in the early morning episodes!). Had I heard about Angie Piper's near death experience in France? No, I certainly had not.

Apparently Angie was holidaying in France and was driving herself to the airport in a hired car. The car had manual gears and wasn't the automatic she was used to, plus it was rather large. Starting out early and in plenty of time Angie decided she had time to view a lake she had always wanted to see properly instead of whizzing past. No problem. She parked the car safely and made her way to the lake's shore.

Suddenly she heard a 'whooshing' sound and glanced back over her shoulder -  just in time to hurl herself to one side as the car sailed past her, pushing her out of the way and bruising her arm in the process. Shocked, Angie tried to work out what had happened. It looked as though she'd slipped the car into neutral but neglected to put on the hand brake and the car didn't want to be left behind!

Meanwhile the car had come to a gentle rest in the water. Luckily some young chaps turned up to save the day and were able to ease the car out of the water and onto the shore. Angie was able to continue to the airport, driving it slowly and carefully despite her own injury and the battered state of the car!

Thank goodness the tale has a happy ending. Her family could not imagine a world without Angie and we couldn't imagine an Ambridge without Jennifer Aldridge!

KP

I was chatting to Pat Gallimore, who plays Pat Archer and is in the middle of a huge story. I'm fascinated by the E-coli story because it seems to be bringing together all the elements in The Archers I enjoy most: its roots are to do with farming -  dairy farming in particular - it's affecting the Archer family young and old, it's upsetting well established relationships with people like Clarrie and therefore the Grundy clan, and we don't know how it's going to end. Oh and it's informative and educational, certainly in my case as I don't know a thing about the safety procedures that should be observed. I just hope Kathy is as good a friend to Pat in her time of need as she was in Kathy's!

Anyway, Pat was telling me that she'd been invited to Highgrove Gardens for a reception hosted by Prince Charles and several people were chatting to her about the story. 'I soon realised one of them knew more than I did! It turned out that I was talking to a representative from Yeo Vally organic products who had been advising the production team. I learned a lot!'

We've said it before, it's a small world.

P.S. Pic is of Tony and Pat (Colin Skipp & Patricia Gallimore), whose world is in the process of being turned upside down

New Gormanghast series - starts Sunday 10th July!

Gorgeous Tamsin Greig (Debbie Aldridge) stars in this exciting new series for Radio 4. Click here to find out more.

Marriage of Figaro

If you want something altogether more racy, click Marriage of Figaro to find about an exciting new production.

....and Charles Collingwood hasn't done so badly either!

Charles Collingwood scores!

Charles Collingwood is surprised and delighted that the script of the very first episode of The Archers, used and signed by Gwen Berryman fetched twice as much as expected - a zonking £6,875. Wow! No wonder he's smiling. Of course today's Archers Addicts collectibles could become tomorrow's treasures too......:)

You know how it is - the school holidays have started, the office starts to empty out as well needed breaks are taken - and we start having our first deliveries for Christmas!  I'm sure you all have an idea that all is gentle and quiet in The AA office - just like Ambridge itself!  But actually we are busy beavering around behind the scenes to ensure Christmas in Archer-land is a success well before the festive period arrives! 

We've already written and designed our brochure for the festive period.  The calendar is written, beautiful photographs chosen and it's being printed, and now our first goods designed and ordered especially for Christmas are arriving!  It is so exciting - much like Christmas itself.

We've had our first glimpse of the beautiful cook book which is Jennifer Alridge's Country Kitchen and it doesn't disappoint.  Full of lovely illustrations and thoughtfull ditty's written by Jennifer (Angela Piper) as well as the tasty recipes.  There are even some cut out labels included - an idea of Angela herself.  It is published next week and available for ordering now.

We've all sorts of goodies planned - tea towels, note books and jigsaws, plus arriving today a magnetic bookmark.  It is so pleasing to have an idea for a product, think of a fun design and then to have the finished article all ready to show you all and send out.  I certainly will be having a few of these - being magnetic they won't fall out of my book as I carry it around.  And I always seem to be reading more than one book at once depending on my mood and the temptations on the bookshelf!  Maybe I should join the Ambridge Bookclub - who knows maybe you can too....but I don't want to give anything away!  Just watch out for new deliveries to The Village Shop! 

Have a good summer what ever you are doing! 

Well hello everyone, I hope you are enjoying this lovely summer weather (finally), the excitements of Wimbledon (thrilling), and The Archers (dramatic as ever – tune in tonight – Thursday 30th - for some excitement!).

I hope you’ve all enjoyed the latest issue of The Ambridge Voice. We had fun putting it together for you and our latest offers are clearly going down well. We’re already taking orders for the eagerly-awaited cookbook from ‘Jennifer Aldridge’ – yum! – and we’re working on some gorgeous new tea towels for the autumn. We’ve gone for a new style so I can’t wait to see what you make of them. Watch this space…

I also have a little bit of gossip to share with you… we’ll soon be putting a face to the voice of David Archer as Tim Bentinck just told us he’s been cast in a new BBC1 television series starring David Jason. It’s a comedy called The Royal Bodyguard in which Jason plays Captain Guy Hubble, a lifelong soldier coming up for retirement who has been put in charge of royal security, with disastrous consequences. Tim kept schtum on the details of his part, but with his royal blood we’re thinking it’s bound to be a person of pedigree! The series is going into production in July so, as always, we’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, happy listening! KW x

Hi everyone,

Well the holiday season’s almost upon us, though for us semi retired folk a trip to Italy has already taken place, with a group of folk from Peterborough and it wasn’t long into new conversations before I dropped in the fact that I work for Archers Addicts, everyone then has their own tales to tell about visits from Charles Collingwood (Brian) or Trevor Harrison (Eddie) to their own fete or bazaar.

Everyone says ‘well that must be a nice job to have’ and I must say it is. I think I’m really lucky to have such a lovely job with such great people and that includes you - it’s so nice to speak to you when you ring up to place an order or ask about one of the characters, but we can’t tell you what’s going to happen as we are sworn to secrecy! They might have to shoot me if I tell. Actually I prefer not to know myself then it’s a surprise to me too, for instance when Phil Archer died my husband and I were on the M1 when the episode was broadcast and nearly had to pull over as it was so sad, I was in tears.

So our next trip is to Cornwall where I shall be taking my ‘dum di diddle’ bag to the beach and some extra ‘dum di dum’ mugs in case our friends call round. By the time I get back the new Jennifer’s Cookbook will be published and I’m really looking forward to that, I bought the last one and my favourite recipe is Clarrie’s Crunchy Chutney. It’s so easy even my husband has made a couple of batches, though he did once get his tablespoons and teaspoons mixed up so that batch was spoilt. We always have a few jars in and everyone loves it and is amazed that no cooking is involved, hence my husband having a go.

Hope you all enjoy the holiday season. The latest newsletter is due out at the end of the month, ‘one should always have something interesting to read on the train.’

Best Wishes to you all Ann

We've been waiting and waiting for the arrival of the anniversary souvenir edition of the Borsetshire Life. It's such a great idea and we knew that the publishers wanted to do it because they listen to The Archers.

Well our consignment arrived on Friday and my great assistants came in to post off all the back orders. Publication was delayed so that the most up to date pictures and information were available for the contemporary part of the magazine.

I've had a read through and am very impressed with the care and quality that has gone into this. It's a reminder of the programme's farming roots. the beautiful countryside it represents, as well as some sly jokes and even Alan Tichmarsh!

If you haven't got a copy you can buy it from us in the Village Shop - Click Borsetshire Life

Ps - The only sadness is that my contribution was rejected. I'll let you have a look at some time so that you can see why! ;)

KP (aka Hedli Niklaus)

I always enjoy catching up with Green Room gossip when in recording. Dan (Jamie) is facing real life exams and finding revision a tough addition to his normal activities, (now where have I heard that before?). Judy and Charles (Shula and Brian, who are married in real life), are planning their daughter's wedding and it's going to be fantastic. Charles has promised not to read extracts from 'Brian & Me' but there's a lurking twinkle in his eye....

They are a talented group. Buffy (Jolene) is playing in Gogol's Inspector General, Tim (David) is touring with his one man show and Richard (Kenton) is in Moonlight and Magnolias at the Watermill. However Michael Lumsden, (Alistair), can top them all. 'I'm off to Bulgaria,' he said, ' I'm playing Kate Middleton's dad in an American series!' Now I look a bit closer I can see the resemblance.

Hope it's raining a bit less in Bulgaria

Merl Opening

Archers actors attended the opening of an exhibition at the Museum of English Rural Life. Click News for info about the links between the museum and The Archers. Click MERL for a pic of the opening

Andrew Wincott (Adam) above

So sweet!

Click conductor to see a video that'll make you smile...

This is only a quickie (I have the next Ambridge Voice to put together you know!) but I just had to let you know that I have just been presented with one of our new Simon Drew 'Spot the Archers Character' Mugs and I think you're going to love it!...

In crisp white fine bone china, the new mug is much larger than our others holding nearly a pint! (no, we don't mean Shires). It's also a bit of a puzzle, as wrapped around the mug are colourful pictograms of the names of Archers characters. It'll give you something to do while you sip your tea. In fact there's still one I haven't worked out yet, and I've nearly finished mine - better put the kettle on!

As you can see, it's feeling a little shy at the moment, but we'll let you see it soon! Over and out, KW x

Well I for one have eaten far too much chocolate! We keep bringing in our Easter goodies to AA HQ and I just can't resist a nibble with a nice cup of coffee so the caffeine is keeping us all going!

We're getting to grips with the next issue of The Voice so I'm looking in my crystal ball to see what the future will bring our favourite Ambridge folk. I think love is in the air this spring, and it'll be interesting to see how the businesses manage with Elizabeth keeping things together at Lower Loxley, Caroline managing without Roy, and our farmers facing their usual challenges and looking forward to agricultural shows... Busy times lie ahead!

Meanwhile, we're looking forward to Borsetshire Life which is due to be published 6th May... I can't wait! We've signed off artwork on a brand new 'man-size' bone china mug which will be lovely. Plus check the News page for various upcoming events including the Museum of Rural England's exhibtion starting 1 May - it looks great!

Over and out. KW x

Hello everyone,

I hope you've all been outside enjoying this wonderful weather for the bank holiday weekend. This is just a quickie to wish you a very happy Easter, plus a reminder to tune in to Radio 4 on Easter Sunday at 2pm. Gardeners' Question Time will be coming from Ambridge, and I for one can't wait! Enjoy the programme while you nosh on your Easter eggs and we'll be back next week.

Over & out. KW

Well we thought Lilian would be far too busy to see us but her alter ego, actress Sunny Ormonde, found the time to pop in to AA HQ for a cup of tea this afternoon. I suppose we'd need to offer a nice G'n'T to lure Lilian away from Ambridge!

Meanwhile, Borsetshire Life is rushing off the shelves. Well, it would be, but the publishers have pushed the date on so we're expecting it early May. Having seen a few of the spreads we can't wait to read the final gorgeous glossy mag, but we'll just have to be patient...

As you guys can't seem to get enough of the fine bone china version of our colourful 'Dum di Dum' mug, we've incorporated it in some great Easter offers. Check out the Shop for inspiration while we try not to eat the mini Easter eggs included!

Anyway, I've got work to do on the 2012 Pocket Diary - doesn't time fly?!
Over and out. KW

Thank you for your entries to our latest competition - and for giving us a laugh! The photo shows Camilla and Kathy sharing a joke. This is what you suggested was said.....

Vicky

Duchess of Cornwall: "Sorry you’re on your own again my dear, but don’t despair - you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince."

Portia

The pleasant conversation about the rolling fields of Ambridge was suddenly interupted when the Duchess remarked, “I’m so glad you enjoyed your wave... have you played Lynda Snell for long?!”

Bonbon

Duchess: "I gather Jolene may be closing The Bull and leaving Ambridge for good."

Cymraes

HRH: "Kathy, do you know that Kenton is with Jolene now!"

Lyndajoy

The Duchess found Kathy’s impression of Bartlebury very realistic!

Larkin

HRH: "I hear that your son Jamie is a model for good behaviour"

George

HRH: "...so, when I told the Queen I was coming to Ambridge she said, 'Whatever you do, DON'T forget to curtsey to Lynda Snell. Otherwise she'll have you in the Tower faster than you can say Duchy Originals.'"

Eastryman

... and you know the sound effect for horses neighing? Well, just tilt your head back like this and let rip... NEEIGGHHH!!!

Blue Plaque for Norman Painting?

Click The Courier for more info

Hello lovely listeners, long time no speak! I've been busy putting the finishing touches to the latest Ambridge Voice which should be landing on your door mat as I type. We've had great fun putting together this issue, giving in to birthday fever on the front page, delving in to dramatic moments in Ambridge for our double page spread, and getting creative with a very special song from Jolene... I hope you enjoy all the latest gossip from Ambridge!

As for other AA business - while we keenly await the arrival of our gorgeous new eco-friendly Archers pen, Ann and Jennie have bravely ventured into our cupboards for a spring clean! We've found some amazing bits and pieces, from Archers Addict boxer shorts (!) to handknitted 2-foot versions of Joe and Eddie Grundy (see pic)! Anyway, our stationary cupboard has never looked so good.

Hope you're enjoying the sunshine. Can't wait for Ambvridge Extra (details below)! Over and out. KW x

Well they rang me up and said 'Do you want to be in Ambridge Extra?' 'Yes,' I replied, 'What is it?' (well, I am an actor). 'It's about Ambridge but it's extra.' They responded. Sounded interesting.

Actually it was. My character, Kathy, is going through a midlife crisis alongside her son Jamie's teenage angst.  Dan, who plays Jamie, and I get on very well, and we share a sense of humour, so what you hear on the waves is real acting folks. Anyway, what Ambridge Extra will do is tell us what Jamie is up to when his mum isn't around; obviously if 'Kathy' had any sense she'd go digital and find out for herself - but she's probably too busy at the Golf Club. The good news is that even if you haven't got a digital radio you can listen through your TV or online, and if you enjoy The Archers it would be worth trying it out. It starts on April 5th.

Ambridge Extra is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am, with repeats on the same days at 2.15pm (straight after The Archers on Radio 4)

An omnibus half hour programme will air on Fridays at 10.30am, repeated on Sundays at 11.15am and 7.15pm (again, straight after The Archers Omnibus and evening episode) Can't wait!

The further good news is that there's a dishy lad called Rhys (check the pic) who we'll be hearing at The Bull as well as on Ambridge Extra. Isn't it time Kathy had a new man in her life? Of course Lilian hasn't met him yet....

Ps Mothers Day is coming up. I've reminded Jamie but if you're stumped for ideas click Shop There are some nice ideas including signed cards which are always a fun extra

We've been blessed with a few lovely clear sunny days, albeit still rather chilly but it lifts my spirits and makes me think that Spring is just around the corner now.  The daffodils are starting to open up and, even more exciting, the Spring edition of The Ambridge Voice is being made ready to send to the printers!

 I've just read the proofs and can tempt you with a few nuggets such as Sara Coward's (Caroline) inside scoop behind the scenes at Clarence House.  Following the now infamous anniversary story line we reminisce about other shocking stories over the last 60 years.  There's an indepth interview with Vanessa Whitburn and a fun chat with Alison Dowling (Elizabeth) about where Lizzie starts and Alison ends..  Altogether a fun read with all the usual peeks behind the scenes, readers letters, competitions and news.

Along with the newspaper the new Spring brochure is being printed with some sale bargains to tempt you plus some new goodies such as a lovely stylish wooden pen made in the UK from recycled wood. There is also a special anniversary glossy magazine 'Borchester Life' celebrating life in Ambridge - a copy of which is bound to grace Jennifer's coffee table! So lots to come.

If you already subscribe to The Ambridge Voice it will be winging its way to a letter box near you by the end of the month.  If you haven't subscribed yet - take a look in The Village Shop and sign up now!

Spring is coming...the sap is rising...look out Jolene....!

Well hello there, long time no see! Hope all's well and you've been enjoying events in Ambridge. I felt for poor old Lynda, although can quite understand why everyone has had enough of her tales of Camilla. Talking of Camilla, I've just put up a new competition which should be a right royal laugh - click Having a Laugh! to enter and let your imagination run wild. This is your chance to sport an 'I love The Archers' badge; if it's good enough for the Duchess then it's good enough for you!

Archers Audio Slideshow

I've just taken a wonderful stroll down memory lane with a brilliant audio visual slideshow of The Archers through the ages. Featuring interviews with the actors, audio clips of key moments (yes that does include the fire, as well as Brian and Siobhan, and the wonderful voice of Walter Gabriel), gorgeous archive photos and pictures I've never even seen before! Indulge yourself for five minutes with this nostalgic kick - click BBC Magazine News.

Plus, just in case you missed this feature in News Extra, find out about 'Susan's' other side...

Charlotte plays Susan Carter & much much more...

Click Youth Space to find out about Charlotte's fascinating other role as senior research psychologist at Birmingham and Solihull mental health foundation NHS trust - she could sort out the youth of Ambridge no bother!

Over and out.

KW x

Well we had a ball! Quite apart from anything else it was fun seeing so many of the cast in one place, and there were people who have left the show too. Ysanne Churman, (Grace Archer), was there and I could see Robin Pirongs in the distance. He played Sam Batton who nearly came between Ruth and David. I also had a few words with Graham Seed, obviously chuffed by his great reviews for 'Accolade'.

The Duchess is a real fan and wore her 'I love The Archers' badge from the moment she arrived. Charles Collingwood, (Brian), was pleased when she told him that her children had given her his autobiography for Christmas and she'd thoroughly enjoyed it. Patricia Gallimore, (Pat), chatted about what grand-children call their grandmothers. 'Mine call me Gaga,' confided Pat. 'So do mine' replied Camilla, 'I've five of them and sometimes they make me feel it!'

10 years ago when we met she'd described Jolene as a slapper - sadly I had to tell her on this occasion that Jolene hadn't changed. We shared a twinkle.  We'd heard that the Duchess would like to be a member of Archers Addicts, so I'd been asked to present her with membership. We'd put together a bag of goodies including two 'I'd rather be in Ambridge' mugs - one for her and one for Prince Charles. 'You probably feel like that from time to time!' I said.

I liked the typical BBC moment when Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman of the BBC Trust (who also listens - like him for that), asked us to raise our glasses to toast the 60th anniversary of The Archers and we had no glasses. He passed it off as a radio moment - well, let's face it us Archers actors are used to feasting with no feasts and drinking with no drinks!

HN

..so we're celebrating my birthday here at AAHQ!  Hedli bought this darling little cake covered in sweet sugar roses which we've now devoured with our afternoon cuppa!  I'm also modelling my new scarf - a gift from our talented Ann who made it for me!  Looking at my Archers calendar I see Tim Hathaway (remember him?) also has a birthday this week (even born in the same year) along with William Grundy.  I can't see Ann spending her time making a scarf for dour Will though - I'm the lucky one!!  Best wishes to all the Aquarians out there!  JE

We were taken aback when a huge bouquet of gorgeous Spring flowers arrived in the office yesterday. They were from a very grateful Archers Addict, tracked down by our personal 'Poirot' in the shape of Jennie, and reunited with the wallet she had left in a taxi. How very kind and how very much Jennie appreciated the thought!

There's a buzz surrounding the role of HRH the Duchess of Cornwall who is following in Princess Margaret's footsteps with a cameo appearance in The Archers. The Duchess is a great fan of the programme so we're hoping to meet her as part of our 60th anniversary celebrations. Sara Coward (Caroline Sterling) will be telling us all about her right royal performance in the Spring issue of The Ambridge Voice. In the meantime we've heard on the grapevine that the Duchess may not be averse to becoming an honorary member of Archers Addicts! Liking her more and more......

And we're celebrating Valentine's Day in our unique Archers Addicts style, with cards signed by 'Lilian'and 'Eddie' to add mystery to Valentine cards for your loved ones. Check out the Village Shop

Hooray! Jazzer sang again! It brought back memories of the 'Ambridge has got Talent' contest during which the nation first learned that Jazzer, played by the talented Ryan Kelly, has a beautiful singing voice. I hope you enjoyed his ditty as much as I did. I'm off to seek out a haggis supper and I'm already looking forward to a warming wee dram. Have a lovely Burns night!

Over and out. KW x

It was the usual Monday morning here at AAHQ...then I had a phone call from a chap who had found a wallet full of cash in the back of a taxi in central London.  Why call us?  Well it seems the wallet had an AA Membership card in it complete with telephone number.  So the lost wallet belonged to a member of Archers Addicts. Aha! I was able to trace the owner by their membership details - but it belonged to someone living in Oman!  'Leave it with me' I told the wallet rescuer 'and I'll get them to call you once I've tracked them down'. 

But how to contact someone in Oman when their wallet has turned up in London?  I twiddled my Poirot moustache and discovered this member  of Archers Addicts was one of our Direct Debit subscribers - so we had their bank account details. I was able to call the bank in question to help me track down the wallet's owner. 

Success! They had all the contact details so instructed them to call me.  I rang the wallet rescuer in London to give him the good news and 20 minutes later I had a call from a much relieved Archers Addict - having only arrived in London the evening before and our AA was over the moon to be tracked down.  I gave her the rescuer's number so by now she and the wallet should be reunited!  She couldn't get over the fact that if it hadn't been for AA she may never had seen her wallet again.  She went away happy and convinced of the good nature of London taxi travellers and that AA is good for many things!

You couldn't make up a story like this - so glad it had a happy ending.  Bouquets to the lovely chap in London who found the wallet and happy travels to our AA from Oman.

Moral of the story - always carry your AA membership card in your wallet and always pay by Direct Debit!  Oh yes and remember to call Poirot at AAHQ!

JE

It makes such a difference when the sun shines and it's cold and crisp,rather than dank and dreary! I feel like this about the current stories. Elizabeth is handling her current crisis with such courage and determination and I'm fascinated to know what is going to happen to Lower Loxley now that Nigel isn't there to help run it anymore.

'Episodes' with Tamsin Greig, (the delicious Debbie Aldridge), at her comic best is under way and giving some laugh out loud moments. You can catch it on Mondays BBC at 2 10pm.

There is life after death Graham Seed tells us. He's in a major revival of Emlyn William's play, 'Accolade' playing opposite Aden Gillett at Fulham's Finborough Theatre 1st-26th February - http://www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk/productionsaccolade.htm

Here are the links to a couple of programmes and trails you may have missed....Jane Asher likes the character of Brian Aldridge, so here he is played by Charles Collingwood

BBC response to complaints about the Anniversary Episode

Click BBC Response

Editor Vanessa Whitburn Blog

A behind the scenes look at how the 60th anniversary plot was planned and implemented. Click Vanessa Whitburn

Missed the 60th anniversary episode?

You can hear it for 7 days from Sunday 9th January. Click Archers 60th

Scriptwriter Mary Cutler Blog

Scriptwriter Mary Cutler wrote the anniversary episode and in her blog she explains how and why it took the shape it did. Click Mary Cutler

BBC News YouTube

60th anniversary trails including Stephen Fry, Ian Rankin, Sue Johnstone, Jane Asher and Samantha Bond

  Click YouTube - Martin Clunes   

Click YouTube - Stephen Fry & Ian Rankin

Click YouTube - Jane Asher

Liking the Archers - like a third nipple!

Journalist David Aaronovitch give his take on the story - click Today

The Archers Arena

This was repeated on BBC TV on 3rd January and you can still get it on I-player. Click Archers Arena

BBC News YouTube

60th anniversary trails including Stephen Fry, Ian Rankin, Sue Johnstone, Jane Asher and Samantha Bond

Click YouTube - Martin Clunes   

Click YouTube - Stephen Fry & Ian Rankin

Click YouTube - Jane Asher

The real drama in Ambridge is online!

Click Independent for Brian Viner's views on current affairs

More fun on YouTube -Click Nigel R.I.P

Graham Seed just popped us an email with an entry on the 'We love Nigel Pargetter' Facebook page. It's from a Richard Hollis: "I was clambering over the seating on the balcony at the Orange Tree Theatre last night to claim a spot in the middle of a busy row, and at my most precarious my unknown neighbour said to me, " Careful, don't do a Nigel." Part of the vernacular now."

We also gather that people have downloaded 'Nigel's' scream as a ring tone on their mobiles. Loving it.....

There's huge media coverage of The Archers 60th anniversary, with some great new pictures of the characters in situ. A few links to various articles and programmes follow below, with the newest in News Extra on the Home Page, and we'll keep adding to them.

The response to the big episode on Sunday 2nd January is going to be fascinating too!

We show Helen (Louiza Patikas) because so many of the less wild suggestions centre around her...

Archers no longer educates farmers!

Here's Neil Midgley's column in the Telegraph 28 Dec. Telegraph

Ambridge bites back!

Louiza Patikas (Helen) talks about Helen Mail Online 25 December

A drama too far?

Journalist Gillian Reynolds gives her take on the core shaking events to come! Telegraph 28 December

Excitement is brewing as the special anniversary episode of The Archers gets ever closer... we can't wait! Tune in at 7:00pm on Sunday 2nd January for a double episode which promises to shake Ambridge to the core.

• Will Harry win an Olivier Award for best actor for his role as Dick Whittington?...

• Could William Grundy break under the pressure, go on the rampage and set fire to the Estate?...

• Or perhaps aliens will land on the Village Green, attracted by the Christmas light switch on, and abduct Lynda Snell?...

Anything could happen!

To fill your time while you eagerly await this monumental episode, why not click on the link below and while away a few minutes reading this interesting interview with Timothy Bentinck? Having played David Archer for nearly thirty years, Timothy reflects on his first day in studio, getting his hands dirty, and how to raise an eyebrow with his voice. Just click Archers Feature and enjoy.

We've taken 15% off all our gorgeous Archers mugs to help with your Christmas shopping (and breakages!)

Fine Bone China Mugs are now £6.95 (was £7.99)

China Mugs are now £5.94 (was £6.99)

And of course if you're a paid up member of Archers Addicts you can add an additional 10% discount.

Wowzers! Has Christmas come already?

Waiting for a Wonder

Magic moments for The Archer family.  To read the full verses composed by Norman Painting (Phil Archer) click Wonder

The Archers Special Offer - Download Exclusive Audio clips

Download 12 vintage episodes for just  £2.99 each (RRP £3.60). Original material themed around favourite characters past and present - great for the true 'Archers Addicts'. Visit www.audiogo.co.uk/thearchers & enter the code ARCHERS60 at checkout.

Offer ends 31st January 2011. Visit www.audiogo.co.uk for full terms and conditions

For those of you who watch BBC2's comedy, Miranda, did you notice some rather lovely singing in last night's episode? Panicked by some hoodies in the shop, Stevie gives Miranda some advice: "Don't let them smell our fear; just act casual". They give a feeble rendition of Barwick Green before Miranda questions, "Why are you singing The Archers theme tune?" Well we all know that The Archers can be a comfort and reassuring at times of stress!

Anyway, I can't sit here chatting with you I'm afraid because you are all keeping us very busy with gorgeous Christmas orders. The Vintage CD and all our books are whizzing off the shelves along with our Jubilee Ted. I feel like one of Santa's little elves!

Over and out, KW x

P.S. If you want to see the episode you can watch it on BBC iPlayer. It's the fourth episode of the second series and it's called 'A New Low'. Simply type in 'Miranda' in the BBC site's search engine and you'll find it. Enjoy.

Loving Facebook and one of our Archers fans - Lying Scotsman - who contributed a recipe to last night's episode. Jazzer cooked it and panicked when it didn't turn out as expected but we thought it sounded so delicious you should have a go! Here it is

Fearless Fred's fab fowl

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts with the skin still on
2 lemons
40ml Soy Sauce
1.5 level dessertspoons of flour
1.5 level dessertspoons of paprika
olive oil
small knob of butter

How to cook it

Set the oven to about 210C (Gas 7).

Mix the flour and paprika together on a plate.

Cut the chicken breasts into two pieces each of about equal size/weight, and coat well with the flour & paprika mix.

Juice the two lemons, and mix with the soy sauce in a bowl.

In a saucepan, melt the butter with the olive oil, and get it hot.

Fry the chicken skin side down very fast until the skin is almost black.

Turn the chicken over and fry for a minute.

Put the chicken into an ovenproof dish, skin side up, and pour in the lemon/soy sauce mix. Add any of the remaining flour & paprika mix as well, and whisk it with a fork till all the dry mix is incorporated.

Put in the oven for 25 minutes.

The chicken is now ready. Put the chicken pieces on the plates to serve.

Pour the liquid through a sieve into a small saucepan, add a small bit of butter, and heat to thicken.

Lovely with boiled potatoes and green beans.

Visit the new BBC Archers web site to find out more

Guess who paid us a visit today? Yes, it's the lovely Lilian herself, otherwise known as the delicious Sunny Ormonde. She bustled in, wrapped up against the cold, to pick up some gorgeous Archers goodies. As you can see in the pic, she is sporting a lovely 'Dum di Dum' shoulder bag - her top tip for Christmas!

We're also over-excited as the latest edition of The Ambridge Voice arrived today, so you can expect yours soon! You can look forward to the usual mix of Archers fun and facts, plus brainteasers and a special centre spread written by scriptwriter Joanna Toye. Enjoy!

Over and out. KW x

(P.S. How topical is The Archers? I hope you enjoyed the insert about Kate and Will - great stuff).

Me again. I just had to tell you I went to the Mother-in-law's for supper last night and she produced Amy Frank's Vegetable Lasagne which is absolutely delicious! Not only that, but she sent us off with a doggy bag of Marjorie Antrobus' Marmalade Cake - I'm scoffing it as I type with a cuppa and it's truly scrumptious.

The M-in-L says she's in love with Jennifer Aldridge's Cookbook, so if you're stuck on gift ideas this will go down a storm with any purveyor of fine foods! The joy of it is you get to sample the spoils so everyone's a winner. To take a look, click Cookbook.

Happy cooking! KW x

Hello everyone and welcome to our fresh new site. Our vibrant green will certainly chase away those winter blues and we've got some fun new facilities for you to play with. You can now leave your comments on any article on the site, use our search box to find exactly what your looking for, and let our smart tags take you to other related articles that may be of interest to you. We hope you enjoy exploring and don't forget to tell us what you think on the Forum!

Meanwhile, we're busy in the office - it looks like you have all wisely started your Christmas shopping early this year! We took a break yesterday as an honoured guest paid us a visit... it was none other than Trevor Harrison (Eddie Grundy). He was so excited about our 'We love The Bull' T-shirts that he put one on - what do you think?

Over and out. KW x

It is so exciting to be able to welcome everyone to our new web-site. You should find it much easier to navigate now and there's plenty of opportunity for you to give your comments on all the content. I also like the fresh green and white look. But then I'm hopeless. I always enjoy novelty and love the way technology works. It's amazing!

Calendars and books are swooshing out of the office but I don't want people to miss our new dum di diddle bag. It's rainbow colours brighten up the day. And of course the 'We love The Bull' T shirt is a hot purchase while the fate of The Bull is in balance.

Sunday's blog entry for the Archers. jkfdsjfkjsd f dsfjldks flkdsj fl entry for the Archers. jkfdsjfkjsd f dsfjldks flkd entry for the Archers. jkfdsjfkjsd f dsfjldks flkd entry for the Archers. jkfdsjfkjsd f dsfjldks flkd entry for the Archers. jkfdsjfkjsd f dsfjldks flkd entry for the Archers. jkfdsjfkjsd f dsfjldks flkd entry for the Archers. jkfdsjfkjsd f dsfjldks flkd entry for the Archers. jkfdsjfkjsd f dsfjldks flkd

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