Q&A with The Archers' Tim Bentinck 31 March

I would just like to give you a little reassurance. We had a bypass built near our village which divided a farm in two but they seem to have survived. Worst hit were the local stables who had to find new routes to ride .

My question. Did you feel Elizabeth's and Shula's reaction to David deciding not to sell was in character and do you have any idea when the Archenders scripts will calm down?

I can't believe that David ever entertained even the notion of selling up and moving to the NE for the sake of an ailing MiL who could have been so easily accommodated in the Midlands . What did you think of this story line and what do you think of the present state of script writing? I have listened, on and off, to the Archers since I was a little girl in the '50's and must say I am disappointed in its gradual descent down the slippery slope to soapdom with its ridiculous story lines. I just liked it as a gentle story of country and farming folk, without all this latest nonsense
Good luck with your books

I'm one of the less vocal who are enjoying the new direction of the Archers. I thought the Brookfield move a bit far fetched, but it's had lots of repercussions which have been dramatic. Do the more racy story lines make it more interesting / fun for the actors?

I am finding the current story lines are spoiling the programme. I could hardly be bothered to listen to the Brookfield move, it was such a waste of time when it clearly wasn't going to happen.
I hate the way that the script writers change characters to fit a story, e.g Elizabeth and Roy are not a couple who would even look at each other, apart from the work relationship.
I agree very much with Marmight.
Do the script writers/producers/production team take any account of the views of the listeners, who are very vocal in their criticisms?

Hello David Tim I have also been a regular listener for years. I was also sceptical about the selling up of Brookfield ever happening. This was widely speculated about here on GN by us Archers fans.

Do the actors ever get any chance of influencing the script by suggesting that their character would never do or say or act in the manner the scriptwriters have written up for them?

Tell the script writers we don't need high dramatic stories. The Archers works on its characters and their, often irritating, consistencies in behaviour. That is just how real people behave.

My favourite episodes in recent years were about Jenny's reaction to Alice's marriage to Chris Carter and the realisation that Susan Horribin would become a family member. That was really funny and the sort of social comedy that keeps me listening.

Suggest your script writers look at our Archers threads, I think there are couple of them .They might enjoy reading our feedback and suggestions for future story lines.

You will find feedback and suggestions all over the Internet. I particularly like commenting on Twitter, as it happens. I would love to know if it is read.

Do you ever find yourself thinking " what would David do?" Over situations in your own life? By the way if you get the chance could you have a quiet word with Helen over her unsuitable partner .

Melodramatic storylines occasionally disrupt our own humdrum lives - and sometimes the impact on survivors is very profound. I just happened to listen while washing up as Tony was paralysed by sudden Spinal Cord Injury - which has affected our family. I was stunned. I anticipated an announcement "if affected by these issues" at the end pf the episode, but I don't think there was one. Please plug the support available from the Spinal Injuries Association, the inspired work of Spinal Research, and the need for continued physio after the NHS has done it's great patch-up work. Spinal Cord injury is relatively rare - and the effects need further publicity. Melanie Reid writes very evocatively in her articles in Saturday Times magazine. They can be hard to read - but we need her insight.

North London! How ever do you get to Ambridge in time for the early morning milking?

I love the Archers & think the present story lines are great. I'm often heard bellowing at the radio while I'm doing the evening washing up.

I'm afraid David drives me nuts, in fact they nearly all do, but that's families for you. I'm sure you are lovely.

I, too, am a long-term listener but have been dismayed by the recent silly story-lines, sorry! Particularly galling was the 'flood'. I thought the Archers tried to be true to seasons/happenings etc., but Borsetshire seems to have been flooded in a very special way! Not your fault, obviously but perhaps you can relate my ire to the producers!

It was obvious that David would not leave Brookfield, thank goodness! Ruth, however, is a different matter. Are you sure she wouldn't be better employed looking after her mother.....?! Just a thought.

Please tell the scriptwriters to concentrate on intense characterisation: we want to know/love/hate Ambridge folk. Silly superfluous story lines just don't do it for some of us.

Oh, when is Rob going to have his comeuppance?! We can't wait!

Many thanks for a mostly enjoyable part of our day.

Regards

Rob's comeuppance is one story that I actually like.
Why did they come out from linking the story to seasons/happenings? I was irritated that when swathes of the country were underwater the winter before this one Ambridge went happily on as normal and then , after a very dry winter, it starts to rain one day and they have a catastrophic flood!

Hi Tim, well done on the book! What made you decide to write it? why a childrens one rather than an adults? what was the inspiration behind it?
Also, what age group would it be suitable for?
thank you.

I see (having Googled you!) that you were born in Tasmania. Have you ever returned to your roots? I am in NSW on a prolonged visit and have visited Tassie in the past and just love it.

Why, oh WHY has Hazel (a new voiced one) returned??? No one's favourite EVER?

Well done on the new career! If it was writing or The Archers, which would you choose? Do you have any other hidden talents hidden up your sleeve that we may see emerging in future?

Hi Tim,
Congratulations on the new book. I read that you made up the story for your children when they were small, what do they think of seeing their story in print? Maybe we will see you at some VW festivals in the summer, that would be fun ...

Did I miss something? I thought this was for last Tuesday. Were there answers?

Anyone know?

Perhaps he was too busy doing that flood meeting....