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Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
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You're listening to The Archer's Omnibus from BBC Radio 4.
Oh, you'll have to come and see Alice. Me and Jazz have spent the day ripping out the old plywood floor and putting in lamina. So that's what all the sewing I could hear from the kitchen was. Yeah, there's still a lot to do, but it's already starting to look less like a horse box inside.
So when do you think you'll have it finished?
It's going to be a while. Rhys keeps promising he'll have the engine put back together soon. Good job Lillian and Justin don't mind having it sat on their driveway. No, indeed. Can't wait, though. I'm styling another bride's hair this Wednesday and that's only happened because I was recommended to her by a client. Imagine the vibes when I've got my own mobile hairstyle on.
It's going to blow up. I'm imagining you driving off into the sunset already. You must excuse me. Are you going on to Lillian?
Well, I only popped in for a quick word with Jolene.
Oh, you couldn't hang on for a minute? Oh, oh, yeah, sorry. I'll let you walk. Oh, thank you, Chelsea.
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Chapter 2: How does the conversation shift towards personal challenges?
Although, I don't know, it's not that big a deal. The whole point of pub cricket is you can rock up in your own gear. People are only going to buy a shirt if they want one. Well, I definitely am.
You better too. You can't be joint captains and not wear our team's shirt.
No, no, don't you worry, I'll be buying one. In the meantime, can I get you guys a drink? Oh, no, no, that's okay. Oh, no, go on. Let me buy you a pint. Alice, what are you having? Actually, I might head off. Why? We're not boring you, are we? No, no. But, you know, it's getting past Martha's bedtime and I need to pick her up from Adam and Ian.
Oh, right.
You stay here with Chris, though. Oh, but... No, no, no, honestly. The two of you ought to spend some time together. Enjoy yourselves.
It sounds like you've got lots to discuss.
When was this? Sometime over the last couple of days. I did tell Alice not to speak to him. Where is Rory, by the way? I assume he's not in. No, no, no, he's off somewhere with Ben. Have a seat, Billy. So, what did you say to her? Well, I told her to stop worrying. You can hardly blame her, though, Brian. She's only picking up on the obvious stress you're under.
Have you heard anything else from George? No, not a thing. I can't help thinking it's part of his game. Drive me mad wondering if he's going to break his word and go to the police. And if he does, you're going to lie to them as well. Well, I haven't got much choice. So if the police decide to reinvestigate... As I said, I'll tell them it was me. What else would you have me do, Lillian?
I'm not going to tell them it was Rory, sit by and watch his future being destroyed. He's my last chance of leaving a legacy. I'm sorry? A legacy? Well, you know what I mean. Oh, I haven't the foggiest. All right, Lillian. How can you say you don't have a legacy? You've three happy, healthy children, two slept children. I mean, I'm not saying they haven't had problems.
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Chapter 3: What are the implications of Brian's decisions on the farm?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, we've exchanged a few messages. Oh, so you are going to see her again. Well, it turns out I don't have much of a choice. Her daughter goes to the same school as Martha. When I saw her picture on the app, I thought she looked familiar. And then we met and got talking and the penny dropped. Oh, I guess Alice knows her too, then. Yeah, maybe. Her name's Lottie.
Although her daughter's not in the same year as Martha. Right. Small world, eh? Oh, isn't it just? Um, about Martha, um... I know it's a big deal for her, seeing her mum with someone else. Listen, Rex... You don't have to worry, though. The last thing I want to do is confuse her. I'm not worried. Good, good. Because I know Martha's already had a lot of changes in her life.
I just want you to know I do take all of that really seriously.
It's why I was a bit nervous about accepting a drink earlier. Alice keeps telling me I don't need to, but I'm trying not to drink around her. Oh, right. I think it might be why she left just now. What, because I offered to buy her out? No, no, no. But, you know, it's always going to be something she battles with. No, it's not like that. Alice is much stronger now.
She can handle being around other people drinking. Of course, but I don't want to make it any harder for her if I don't have to. I mean, you know, you're obviously a big drinker. I'm sure you would have been more careful if you'd known where it would lead to. Wait, wait. What are you saying? Just that I don't want to enable her. Now, what'll it be? Same again?
I just don't know where I went wrong, Lillian. I mean, it's not as though I had a perfect upbringing. What do you want in your scotch? Do you want ice? Water? No, no, I'll have it straight, thanks. I mean, losing both my parents in a car crash, being left alone in the world, it made me more resilient.
Well, they did leave you enough money to buy a home farm, Brian.
Well, I still had to make something of it, though. I tried to bring the children up to have the same kind of determination. And they have. What about Debbie? She's a chip off the old block. Yes, but she's out in Hungary and very content she is too. I doubt she'll ever come back.
Here you are. Oh, thanks, darling.
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Chapter 4: How does Alice's relationship with Rex evolve?
He's doing it now. He's more than competent. If you want someone to follow in your footsteps... Yeah, I know.
I mean, I've already come to the conclusion he's probably my only option. But I just worry, though. I'm not sure he's the firm hand on the teller Home Farm needs. And besides that, he turns 60 next year. Yeah, I know. That's why I was so delighted when Rory announced he wanted to be part of the farm. I thought, oh, good. I saw the same fire in his belly that I had.
I didn't realise he was so fragile. Well, all right, but he'll get over it, surely. All this blaming himself for George. I'm not saying what he did was right. No. By the sounds of it, it was a moment of anger. Look, would you like me to try talking to him? No, no. If he discovered someone else knew, it'd only make matters worse. Well, if you're sure.
I just hate to think of him beating himself up about it. You might have been right the other day, though. What you said about giving him more responsibility. Oh, yeah. I'm starting to think it was a mistake getting him a job at Barrow. Maybe what I should have done is shown him I still believe in him. I mean, after all, he is my own flesh and blood. Maybe home farm would be the making of him.
Maybe that's what he needs.
How many pints is that now?
Five, I think.
Oh, God, I must be getting old. Back in my rugby playing days, that would have been the start of a good evening. You're still sober.
You must have a hollow leg. Rex, what did you mean before? When you said I wouldn't have drunk around Alice if I'd known where it would lead? Did I? Do you think I enabled her?
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Chapter 5: What are the family's reactions to the changes at Home Farm?
What the hell do you think you're doing? I wanted to see you. I love you. Oh, Rex.
I know I've not said it before, but I really do.
OK, that's lovely. But keep your voice down.
Martha's sleeping and so was I. Me and Chris, we've had a drink together. It's all good now. I promised I wouldn't let anything bad happen to you.
Oh, did you now? Why are you wearing pyjamas? I just told you. I was in bed. Oh, no. Did I wake you? Sorry, I thought you'd be up. I'll go, I'm sorry.
Rex, Rex, wait, wait.
Look, you can't go back to your boat in that state. You'll fall in the river. You'd better come in. What? Really? Don't you want to go to sleep? Shh! That's what I'm going to do. You're staying downstairs. Downstairs? Don't imagine we're doing anything else. Now, look, mind the step. Oh, OK. You can sleep it off on the sofa. Xander, remember to put your reading diary in your bag. Sorry, Adam.
You were saying? Yeah, I'm hoping these field trials will help us cut down on the amount of fertiliser we use. It's always tempting to put on extra just to be on the safe side. Oh, sorry. Excuse me, Adam. Can I just get to the sink? Sure, sure. Of course, Brian had to put in his two pennoths, said it'd take any losses from lower yields out of my salary. He did not. He wasn't serious.
Just had to let me know he thought it was a waste of time. Besides, I'm only reducing the fertiliser on 10 or 12 small strips of wheat. See what, if any, difference it makes. I might not use fertiliser on some of them. You're a rebel. You can laugh, Ian. But it's all about improving the farm's NUE. Nutrient use.
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Chapter 6: How does the theme of legacy play a role in the discussions?
Hi. You OK? Oh, you know, start of the week and I'm already tired. You don't know how Rex is, do you? No, why? You weren't in the pub last night, were you? The pub? No, but we were supposed to have a meeting this morning. He messaged to say he wasn't feeling well. Oh. I'm guessing he's not ill with a cold, then.
Look, I'm in a bit of a rush. I need to grab something for dinner later and then I have to get straight back to the stable. Sure, of course. Yeah, but don't go feeling too sorry for Rex. He's only got himself to blame.
Uh-oh, someone's in trouble. Yeah, but with whom? You or Alice? I don't think he needs me adding to his woes. It was only our regular Monday morning catch-up. It's no biggie. Right.
Well, if you don't have to rush back, do you fancy a flat white in the tea room? Morning, Adam. Oh, hi, Brian. Just let me cut up in the fertiliser bag. No, no, no, don't mind me. You carry on filling the spreader. Brian, wait. Just hold on a second. How are the deer? Did you spot any youngsters? No, but I'm pretty sure two of the hinds have carved since the last time I checked.
I reckon they're staying close to where they've hidden the calves. I'll have to take the binoculars and go and have a look myself when I get a chance. So, what is it you wanted? I just wondered if you'd managed to arrange an appointment with your solicitor yet. Not yet, no. OK, well, when you do, maybe I should come with you. It might help expedite things. It's my will, Adam.
I'd rather not be rushed. No, but you did say you'd see him last week. I just think now that the decision's been made, we might as well get it all sewn up. Then I can start making solid decisions about the future. What, like getting back into soft fruit again? No. I'm sorry. Or aquaponics, even though they both failed. They didn't fail. Yes, yes, yes.
And we wouldn't have got rid of the strawberries if there hadn't been the issue with getting foreign pickers. In any case, I was only musing. I'm thinking heritage grains may be the way to go. Rory told me about his friend's farm he visited. Yeah, I had the spiel too. You do know there's a reason they're called heritage grains. We stopped growing them because we developed better varieties.
So what will it be next week? Breeding crickets? What is this, Brian? I'm only thinking about what I need to do to secure Home Farm's future. Isn't that why you've decided I should inherit the land? I don't want Dane to move into the new house. Well, no, I didn't think you did. I like that we lead our own separate lives. Sure.
I just want us to make the most of our time together, like you and Eric do. And from what you've told me, you certainly made the most of your weekend in Liverpool.
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Chapter 7: What future plans are discussed regarding the farm?
Just haven't been brave enough to pull the plug. But maybe now's the time. What with the new house and all the changes on the farm. Dad's Anguses are going to market tomorrow. Are they? Yeah. Yeah. So, maybe now's the time to finally make the break and tell Dane it's over. I'm sorry, Kirsty. You were about to say something.
No, no. It's nothing. Really? Yeah. So, when are you going to give Dane the bad news?
So everything I've learned over my working life is wrong, is it? No, Brian, that's not what I'm saying at all. My point is the world is changing, whether we like it or not. We've seen how much more volatile the global markets have become over the last few years. And with warmer, more extreme weather, there's going to be more disease, more droughts. Yes, yes, OK.
The only way to mitigate those risks is by diversifying and becoming more resilient. All right, Adam. It's not only my livelihood I'm thinking about. Debbie, Kate, Alice, Rory, their income from the partnership depends on the farm continuing to make a profit too. And let's not forget about the millions in inheritance tax I'm going to owe. I'm the one who's going to have to find a way through it.
And all I'm hearing is one half-baked idea after another. The fact is, Adam, there are some tenets of farming that remain true, no matter what. Jumping on the latest bandwagon is no way to run a business. You need to make a long-term plan and then stick to it. What do you think I've been talking about? This is all about the future, my future.
If you're not going to give me a free hand to make decisions, why on earth have you agreed for me to inherit? Yeah, well, nothing's been signed yet. What's that supposed to mean? Well, to be totally truthful with you, Adam, I may have jumped the gun promising you the farm.
Wait. No, no, no.
It's not fair on Rory or your sisters. I should have discussed it with all of you. But that's what I've been asking you to do. Let's just tell them your decision. Get it out in the open.
Adam!
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Chapter 8: How do the characters address their emotional struggles?
They didn't get into first take-offs, did they?
No, no, of course they didn't. But they had a few beers and then later, much later, Rex turned up drunk at my door. How drunk? Well, drunk enough to get me out of bed. You're having me on. In the end, I had to let him sleep on the sofa. But fortunately, Martha didn't wake up. I turfed him out before she had to get up for school. Oh, I can't believe that. Rex, of all people.
Still, it can't have been very nice for you. Well, at the time, I wasn't too impressed. But you know what? He was actually quite sweet, if annoying. It's today that's been the problem.
Oh?
No, he won't stop apologising. I've told him it's fine, but he keeps sending me messages saying how ashamed and embarrassed he is. He even said he'd give up drinking.
Well, is that such a bad idea?
I've never asked him to. It's me who's got the problem. But now he thinks I'm upset with him for being drunk around me, and I'm really not. I'm upset because he's making it into a massive issue. Ian? You there? Sorry, Alice. Adam? Where are you? Well, here in the kitchen. What are you doing back? That's it. I've had it. I don't give a monkey's about home farm. Brian and I are finished.
What a nurse. I can't believe I was ever gullible enough to believe him. Why? What's happened? What do you think? He's changed his mind about the farm, hasn't he? What about it?
Alice, what are you doing here? She just dropped by to check about this party next weekend. You know the one Xander and Martha are both going to?
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