Memorable moments from seven decades of The Archers

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BBC Radio 4

1950s

Jack and Peggy Archer become licensees of Ambridge’s local pub, The Bull, in 1952.

Only five months after her marriage to Phil, Grace Archer is killed in a fire at the stables in 1955. The episode draws record numbers of listeners.

The end of the decade heralds the start of a new generation: twins Kenton and Shula are born in August 1958 and September 1959 sees the arrival of David Archer.

1960s

A 20-acre golf course arrives in Ambridge as self-made businessman Jack Woolley from nearby Birmingham continues his development of the country club, Grey Gables.

Twenty two year-old Jennifer shocks her parents in 1967 when she announces that she is pregnant. She refuses to name the father but he is later revealed to be farmhand Paddy Redmond.

At the end of the 60s, after years at the helm of Brookfield farm, Dan Archer retires, and he and Doris make preparations to move to Glebe Cottage.

1970s

Jack Archer has struggled with alcoholism for many years. He enters a clinic in Scotland in 1971 where he is treated for liver damage, but sadly dies in 1972.

Wedding bells chime in 1971 for Lilian and the wealthy Ralph Bellamy, in 1974 for Pat and Tony, and in 1976 for Jennifer and Brian.

Ambridge celebrated The Queen’s Jubilee by lighting a beacon on Lakey Hill.

1980s

The Archers welcomed its first royal visit when HRH Princess Margaret attends a charity fashion show at Grey Gables.

Love is in the air in the 80s, as Eddie proposes to Clarrie, and Neil to a pregnant Susan.

Others face hardships, including bankruptcy for Mike Tucker following an outbreak of TB in the cattle at Willow Farm, and Grange Farm has its first case of a mysterious new cattle disease, BSE.

1990s

Susan Carter is given a six-month jail sentence for harbouring a criminal, her brother Clive Horrobin, who was on the run following his armed robbery of the village shop.

A tragic accident claims the life of John Archer, Pat and Tony’s eldest son. He dies in 1998 whilst working the fields when his vintage tractor overturns.

During their eco-warrior youth, Tom Archer and then girlfriend Kirsty Miller take action on Home Farm, destroying a field of GM crops.

2000s

The decade sees several characters face ill health. Ruth struggles with breast cancer and a subsequent mastectomy. Sadly for Siobhan Hathaway her cancer is terminal, she dies in May 2007. The 2000s also sees Jack Woolley diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and despite Peggy’s initial misgivings eventually the family moves him into Ambridge care home, The Laurels.

The course of true love never did run soomth. The 2000s rocked with the Ed, Emma and Will love triangle, Brian and Siobhan embarked on an affair, and a passionate kiss in a polytunnel marked the start of Adam and Ian’s relationship.

• A community-run enterprise saves Ambridge’s Village Shop from closure.

2010s

Tragedy marks the start of the decade for The Archers when Nigel Pargetter falls to his death from the roof of the Lower Loxley.

2013 marks the arrival of Rob Titchener, the start of his relationship with Helen Archer, and a dramatic storyline which would make the headlines. Exploring the issue of coercive control, Rob subjects Helen to months of abuse behind closed doors which drives her close to the edge. By 2016 Helen has found the courage to leave Rob but as an argument escalates she stabs him. A nail-biting trial sees Helen face charges of attempted murder and wounding with intent. The audience breathe a collective sigh of relief when she is found not guilty.

Ambridge bids farewell to a loveable rogue in 2019 when, after the annual cider pressing party at Grange Farm, Joe Grundy dies peacefully in his sleep.

2020s

A devastating explosion at Grey Gables during renovation works almost costs the life of Lynda Snell. Unbeknownst to the village, the labourers involved have been enslaved by newcomers to Ambridge, Philip Moss and his son Gavin.

For the first time in its history The Archers records scenes remotely with the cast at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. After several months production returns to the studio in Birmingham with numerous safety precautions. A socially-distanced studio set up sees far fewer cast members in the studio at any one time. With exception of only three weeks interruption - during which highlights from the archive are broadcast - The Archers is the only serial drama to continue in the UK.

The Archers celebrates its 70th anniversary on 1 January 2021

Source BBC Radio 4

December 16, 2020 4:00am ET by BBC Radio 4  

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