The Archers

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

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.

Is there a Lara?

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?

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

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.

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.

Thanks for the blog link merlot

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 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.

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.

Helen is pretty annoying but her brother is worse!

Henry really needs some help.
Getting a bit fed up with Helen. She has constant, free childcare but is always SO busy/ tired. She is planning a new herd of cows to be brought in but naturally will not be looking after them. Ggrrr

I haven't heard "The Archers" regularly for - I think its over a year now, so I don't really know whats going on. I still get little pieces from other people and magazines and things but I haven't listened to it for ages. Sometimes I'm just not in either, I still like it though and dip into it occasionally. I do agree tho, the last time I heard it. it was getting a bit too OTT and unbeleiveable. But I suppose most what is popularly known as soap operas (I hate that word though)are aren't they - BIG COL

The Ambridge Observer blog is such fun!!

merlot thank you for the pointer to the blog.
Loved it and intend to be a regular reader!

Russ is obviously a gold digger out to live off Lily’s money ( trust fund?) perhaps he got th sack from the college which would explain why he can’t work and hasn’t needed to hand in his notice, hopefully Lily’s eyes will be open before he sells her painting.....

Merlotgran- I suspect you are an Archers’ scriptwriter!