not just for farmers & old people! (The Archers (R4))

Member Name: freud

Product:	The Archers (R4)
Date:	08/03/09 (156 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a good way to relax.

Disadvantages: not for those who aren't interested in country life?

When my brothers & I were young we used to stay every summer holiday with our Granny who lived in a small village in Norfolk. Living in the suburbs of Manchester we were seen as 'townies' as it was well before people bought second homes in the country.

My Granny listened to the Archers religiously every evening on radio 4, just after 7pm (or 2pm) weekdays & I soon learned how to be quiet for 15 minutes & eventually got interested & since then it's been part of my weekly routine. I tend to listen to the omnibus edition which is on Sundays from 10am - 11.15 when I steam the clothes whilst catching up with the latest news, gossip & scandal in Ambridge.

It's the longest running soap & has been broadcast since the 1950s & was dubbed. 'an everyday tale of countryfolk' & is easily recognised by it's catchy theme tune.

OK, it's been criticised for the following reasons -

1) it's seen as only appealing to the middle class who, apparently, are the only people who listen to radio 4 (tosh!)
2) it's been criticised for not reflecting authentic country life.
3). it's been accused of not acknowledging real-life issues & econmic problems etc.
4). it's viewed by many (non-listeners) as boring.

The Archers' storylines DO reflect real-life to a certain extent - eg we are now hearing about how the credit crunch is affecting businesses (eg the hotel & horse-riding establishment) & how government farming legislation is affecting organic & non-organic farms, there are always references to the environment, re-cycling, the economy & global warming etc.

The writers have also introduced several interesting topics over the years such as racism, breast cancer, anorexia.gambling, bank fraud, homelessness,homosexuality & Alzheimer's disease - all, in my opinion, being dealt with in realistic storylines.

There is a mix of characters who, in some respect, have similarities to those in Emmerdale & include the wealthy, the wheeler-dealers, the grafters, the shopworkers, those who own & serve in the pub plus the professionals. We see them through relationships, break-ups, pregnancy, birth, illness & death so the episodes are rarely boring.

The focus of attention is usually centred around 'The Bull' pub, the village shop or the church (not as dull as you may think!) & there's always plenty of gossip to listen to & several storylines to follow - some mundane & some not - you may be surprised!

I always think of my Granny when I hear the music which reflects the sometimes sentimental side of me which often gets hidden from those who don't know me well.

summary
~
- NOT just for old people/ farmers!
- a well-written, long running soap which reflects, in my opinion, a good cross section of the country community.
- interesting & relevant issues usually well-balanced & sensitive.
- gives an insight into problems faced by many farmers & their need to diversify.
- a good way to relax for 15 minutes.

Summary: an everytale tale of country folk