The Archers

Helen always sounds extra smug whenever she's with Emma - as though she's expecting brownie points for having a working class BF who really does work.

Thanks merlot I enjoyed the "heart quiz" too. The site looks fun. Such a sad soul am I, have even been listening in whilst away on holiday. I agree Iam, am waiting with great anticipation for the big showdown with Russ, either with wife or college, or preferably both! Phoebe has been setting the scene for the likely college outcome.

merlotgran first time I’ve heard of the paper - laughed out loud st the quiz, and other items. Looking forward to next issue.

When is Freddie’s court case I thought it was Thursday?

Thanks for the blog link merlot

Perhaps Elizabeth should 'forget' to put money in Lily's account or at least hang on for a while before she does it. Blame computer error.

I feel sorry for Lizzie - am I alone in this? Both her children in dire straits. she must be so scared for them and feel so isolated.

So has Lily got to travel back to Ambridge for the interview or will they do it in Manchester?

merlotgran, I'm absolutely sure they won't do it in Manchester. It's a local process, Miss fancy pants will be expected to present herself at the right time, date and place. I hope she's asked some searching questions.
where is Lara?

Is there a Lara?

If Lily was my child I'd be doing a bit of digging. Lizzie knows, or thinks she knows, where Russ was living and that his wife is called Lara. I'm afraid it would bring out the Miss Marple in me.

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Alistair + Philip right on trend with their chat about no-fault divorce

Question for Gransnetters who know anything about the safeguarding stuff that Russ is involved in. I get the college enquiry, but Police & Social Services at the same time? Is this how it works now, or is Lizzie exaggerating?
Just interested, as of course, we've had all the Archers fore-shadowing that he's a wrong'un.

I retired several years ago but up to that stage, any safeguarding concerns about professionals, including staff at 6th form colleges, were discussed at what was then called a strategy meeting. That meeting was multi disciplinary, health, social work, police, education and any other relevant organisation. It considered the information available to that point and made recommendations about next steps.
There is a long tradition of police and social workers investigating together. They are trained side by side before they're involved in investigations into child abuse/professional abuse allegations.
I can't imagine that approach has been watered down.

If we had an edit button, I'd add that one of the issues will be whether Russ has been subject to previous concerns and whether he poses any risk to any children in his family

Thanks, Iam I've been wondering if the investigation being a major part of the storyline is a way of highlighting possible issues in the same way that the Helen/Rob storyline raised awareness of coercive control.

I'm finding this and Freddie's drug dealing far more interesting than Alistair and Shula's flipping divorce and the endless build up to the Flower and Produce Show.

Good old Archers though. Light and shade as ever.

It’s grand isn’t it, drives it’s loyal listeners mad at times, doesn’t follow safeguarding policies to the letter but, it’s drama, we feel we know the characters - lovely.

Thanks!

Did Freddy cut his own hair??

Will the eternally miserable Shula seek comfort in the arms of her fit young lodger? Will Elizabeth find relief with Roy?

It will be interesting to see how the Lily/Russ affair is dealt with by the college. It must clearly be a college disciplinary offence and hopefully he will suffer some penalty, but it isn't a criminal offence because Lily was 18 for most of her last school year. Would have been if she'd been younger. I don't think Freddie will go to prison and good old Jonnie has become his mentor and saviour - amazing in one so young

Johnny is my favourite character. Sensible and hard working because he didn't have the pampered upbringing of the other Archer offspring.

If sexy Lexi doesn't return we'll have to put up with Ian wailing about not having a bebby for weeks on end. Maybe Adam is paying her to stay in Bulgaria?

I think Russ could well be off the FE teaching register and be on the Barred List which prevents working with young people /children. No criminal record required.. just unsuitability e.g after a disciplinary hearing. Yes SS and police could be involved . All people working with young people and children have a legal duty to report any concerns of actual/suspected abuse to the LADO.(Local Authority Designated Officer) who will take the decision on next steps.
I bet Russ has not told his wife the truth about Lily!