The Archers

Looking forward to Russ's wife turning up. Hopefully with 2 or 3 children in tow.

Elizabeth doesn't seem to have mentioned the seriousness of breaking up a marriage to Lily.

Leaving his wife for one of his 18 year old students, it's going to be very messy.

Russ seems a bit precious, freshly ground coffee, his own special bread. I think Lily will soon outgrow him if/when she actually lives with him.
Cheeky of them both to just move him into Lower Locksley without mentioning it to Elizabeth.
Like Ayjay, I'm concerned for her dicky ticker.

Wondering what he might find in Freddie's room, or was it well gone over by Harrison or the drug squad?

Thanks anno, let’s get together and make sure Henry joins one of the Church uniformed organisations. The sw’s know nothing about village life do they. Shula would definitely be in the WI and probably a Guide leader

Iam, junior cubs are Beavers, but as he's coming up to 8, Henry can now be a Cub. Girls can also be Cubs. All my GSs have been through the organisations and one of my GDs is now a Cub leader.

Yes - I thought that was weird.

How come Russ has to have Freddie's room. It's a stately home FGS. There was a room for Jill and a room for Pip. Surely Elizabeth could put him in somewhere suitably spooky?

I'm amazed Elizabeth's weak heart hasn't given up by now?

I can't imagine a solicitor would give that advice

Usha is encouraging lying by omission by letting Russ be a character witness. Not a good idea.

I have listened, a bit on-and-off, but mostly on, for the Archers entire existence.
It has not, I think, ever had Scouts or Guides (and their younger counterparts), neither have any of the kids gone off to join in with such activities at Penny Hasset or anywhere else. The only team sport they partake in is cricket.
It also (my own gripe) has never had a district / community nurse or similar. There was once a brief mention of someone coming to stay at The Bull whilst she found accommodation, but she obviously didn't as she was never heard of again! Pat moaned about her Health Visitor, and Pip has been lucky enough to have an appointment with one.
Otherwise, they make do with doctors Pond (I think originally) and Lock, with the odd carer. Alistair & Nisha didn't even have a veterinary nurse.
Amy Franks is a midwife, but she never practises in Ambridge (and hasn't appeared for a long time). Nursing seems an unfit occupation for any Ambridge raised young woman.

I think the sleepover with Tom is important to the story: we’ve had lots of reminders about it in the script. I think Tom may discover what’s eating Henry- I still think it may be Rob who is influencing him.

good point phoenix, although given the connection between the Archers and the village Church, Henry should have been involved since age 3 shouldn't he. I can't remember the pre cubs name for boys, for girls it was Rainbows. By 7 he'd be off to cub camp this summer. The script writers need some advice from grannies don't they

Enrol Henry in Cubs, Beavers or whatever they have these days, and stop letting every male member of the family dance attendance on him!

Actually, Henry. I don't blame you for kicking off. They don't seem to have noticed you'll be eight just after Christmas and if you don't tell your mum you are too old for soft play you'll be getting another stuffed rabbit for your birthday.

Yes. Behave yourself, Henry. It's not as though it was a real rabbit!

I don't believe Russ will leave Mrs Russ, I do hope Lily isn't pregnant.
Henry - well many 7 - 8 year olds are a bit of a challenge in my experience. Pat could have been more helpful by saying exactly that, something like don't worry too much Helen, he's a lovely boy, doing well at school. All older siblings get irritated by younger brothers or sisters, though nipping is mean and must result in sanction.
She could have added that kicking mummy is never acceptable but - what a lot Henry has been through in the past few years. Living with psychopathic Rob, having his rabbit thrown in the bin, mummy attacking daddy and being sent to the clink. Daddy telling him mummy is Very Bad and he must tell the nice Court lady that. Mummy then coming home with a baby (how dare she) and daddy going away. Pat could have suggested Helen seek some professional help for Henry and for herself.
Result!

That thought had occurred to me, too Dora!

Just a thought- Helen is having problems with Henry. Much has been made about him spending time on his tablet, playing computer games. BUT, what if Rob has contacted him, and is turning him against Helen?

I think Elizabeth's sympathetic to Lily because reignites memories of her love affair with the cad Fairbrother which ended in tears. All we need to complete the circle is Lily announcing that she's pregnant. Watch this space. Good storyline.

One can only applaud the scriptwriters for coming up with the unexpected, as in Elizabeth's response to Lily's announcement of her love.
I only listen to The Archers intermittently but am caught up in this story. Is Elizabeth normally this stupid, or is it that all she can think about is her precious Freddie?

Has Elizabeth realised that Russ is STILL married? Lily was deliberately ambiguous about this.
Feel Usha will set her right about the horrendous teacher/ pupil situation here.

Elizabeth isn't stupid (I assume) and she must realise that it is a serious disciplinary offence for Russ even if Lily was 18 when the affair started. He was in a position of power & he exploited her. He will surely be sacked when it all comes out. If she (Eliz) is playing the long game intentionally she must have come to terms with it pretty damn quickly! Funny he has supposedly told his parents.

I always listen to the omnibus Iam so yet to hear how Lizzie has reacted, but I’m sure she will be calm and level headed as usual.