Archers addicts 3!

I think if I described my feeling about MG the post would be deleted but I don't mind Oberstgruppenführer Gove doing good things for once.

Rather harsh, Graces

Your opinion Pheonix

My apologies, Graces, I have only just realised that you meant Michael Gove!

Luckygirl are you telling me "The Archers" is not real life.
I was very caught up in this story before the stabbing and at times it was difficult to listen to but I do understand it is just that a story.
It really worries me that there are adults out there that really do not seem able to understand that not all you see or hear on radio television has really happened.

Who did you think I meant? The mind boggles

An interesting vacancy here

Well it's kinda put me off knowing MG is listening. If he thinks BBC can produce such a "superb drama" why doesn't he put pressure on his Government to stop messing with the BBC.

It sounds as if Neil can see the point in opting out of the pigs for this cycle, which is interesting. Tom does need someone to help him with the burden of both responsibility and managing his work load and the only one I can see getting through to him would be Kirsty.

I do hope Pat can work through this or I fear her becoming seriously depressed. I have seen families who have faced unexpected and tragic life events where it has wrecked both health, physical and mental, and family cohesion. Sometimes it brings people together when they feel it is them against whatever it is that has happened but it is bound to take a toll. I wonder if Pat will get some counselling at some point. Like others I would like to think I would not have gone to the police station without a solicitor but who knows how we would react to such an unknown event. I can't remember anything about Pat's family and where she came from - does anyone else? It would be nice to find out that others - Adam perhaps - are helping with a bit of free labour. Peggy is great but there is a wider family although they may not be sure what to do for the best.

I thought it promising on Thursday with Kirsty mentioning the helpline and asking Tom to tell Anna that Helen knew about it. Supergran doing well too - but she IS 92 ...

Gove is unpredictable, so bad for education yet good for prisons it seems.

I think it was absolutely awful that Pat was interviewed by the police without knowing she would be a witness for the prosecution and the consequences of that.

I agree Mumofmadboys. You hope if ever you find yourself in a situation like this you would tread v carefully once law/police involved.
Do we think Tom and Kirsty will get back together btw?

I agree Elrel, Kirsty mentioning the helpline should be something they can follow up. I think Anna can apply to interview her (Kirsty) if she thinks it will be useful. I would also think she should be able to have copies of who Helen phoned both on the Kirsty's phone and the home phone - I can't remember which one she used. This is going to be like drawing teeth isn't it; as they find things bit by bit?

Mumofboys and Newquay I agree - it felt vey underhand. I wonder how many people, interviewed by the police, will now say no comment - just in case.

Newquay I don't think T & K will get together unless they grow their relationship through the coming months. It did revolve round Tom when they were engaged. We do need strong Archer women though so maybe the SWs could start working on him and the problems he has clearly had since the death of John.

I'm pleased that Johnny is being given a bigger role + he has shown a practical way to support Helen.

It doesn't seemed to have dawned on anybody at Bridge Farm (Pat) that Helen is a lot safer at the Mother and Baby Unit where Rob and Ursula can't get at her and the baby.

I have no idea whether or not Rob will be allowed to visit but there will be procedures and he will have to toe the line.

Why is Kirsty mentioning the helpline going to be helpful? I'd doubt that such a line would keep records, and even if they did, they can only say what Helen told them. If I remember correctly, Rob interrupted the call.

Rob will be allowed to visit. I'll be surprised if her doesn't apply for a residence order with a view to the baby living with 'his brother and his father, in a safe environment'.

Would that come into force before the trial Iam?

Merlotgran, yes I believe Rob could make an application to the family court, arguing that his baby's future lies in his care, along with Henry. He'd no doubt argue that Helen launched an unprovoked attack on him and that for various reasons the baby's future lies with him. If found guilty, Helen is likely to serve a longer sentence than the 18 months she may be able to keep here baby with her. He could seek to persuade the court it's better the baby moves in with him rather than face life in hmp followed by separation from his primary attachment figure.
The family court won't make final decisions until the criminal court concludes. Nightmare scenario for Helen but if Rob is true to form and character, I'd be surprised if there isn't a contested hearing in the family court.

I am afraid you are right Iam. They need something to say he is suspected of abuse before Pat and Tony go back to try and get Henry back with them. Grrrr ...

Daddima Kirsty mentioning the phone call is the first anyone has heard of this within those on the "defence" side - Helen hasn't mentioned it. They did give her a reference number so hopefully she recorded it somewhere. Rob did not interrupt the call "The next day Helen rang the helpline, but she was still very conflicted. She maintained she felt like she should be grateful for what she had. When the helpline woman offered support, Helen clammed up and ended the call" They will be building up a picture of Rob's behaviour so anything that can add to this picture will help and you would have to ask why any women would ring such a helpline unless she felt in some sort of danger. I still feel they will have to have a psychiatrist's report too but then the prosecution may have their own psychiatrist. Each side will be building up their own picture of what was going on in the Titchener household so every little bit that helps convince the jury will be important.

Yuk, poor little Gideon (?) Robert Titchenor. What a start in life with Ursula and Rob waiting to get their hands on him. Helen may find it difficult to bond with him in view of her fragile state and the circumstances of his conception.
TA doesn't get any lighter, does it?!

Armed guards would definitely be good, keep Rob and his toxic mother away!

How much longer have we got to endure Pat's wailing?

Thank God Kirsty is not afraid to stand up to Ursula. She's the only one with a ready answer for the nasty old bitch.

At present the Archer family seem to have a very poor chance of getting custody of either child after the mother and baby period is over.

"Peggy Woolley" is 92. Peggy is a really tough cookie she has had to be with her wastrel husband Jack.
She might need a helping hand on her arm from time to time but she that does not mean she can't still do a lot of the stuff she still wants to. I am sure she could cope quite well with supporting Helen.

Am I the only one that thinks that there is a chance that Helen may actually reject the baby?