The Archers 2013-04-05

Source: BBC Radio 4 "The Archers" Archers: 2013-04-05 Friday http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/archers archers_20130405-1920a.mp3

You are listening to Friday's episode of The Archers from BBC Radio 4.

Brenda?

Hello.

What's up?

I was wondering if we could get together later, maybe at lunch time.

Sorry, I can't. If we don't get this ... finished soon, ... ... carrots, again. I promise / dad

to see you

Surely it can wait for a few hours?

No it can't.

Is everything all right?

Yeah.

You are not ill, are you?

No. Look, I'll meet you back at home around one.

All right. I'll see you then.

I noticed __ __ this morning. What do you think?

Yeah. She is limping a bit.

I'll keep an eye on her over the weekend. ... Pat, um, ....... I know you don't like talking about it, but we are gonna have to come to a decision about these

Yes.

I've thought about it long and hard. And, as much as

pain

to say this, I am with Tom. I think we should let them go.

I see.

case he presents is just too good. We'd save so much money if we put Tom's ideas into practice. We'd secure the future of the farm.

I'm not just being sentimental, you know. I've really believed that the fact that we've raised the cows on the farm

that we know the history of every animal

exactly how our milk

produced

I think that matters to our customers.

I agree. So, if we did stop producing our own milk, we'd simply have to ensure that the milk we buy in is just as good. All your products would still

local fresh organic milk.

Yes.

I'm not trying to do you down, love. Standing here, watching them graze, well, feels impossible

one day they won't be here.

It's hard to put into words, but, I'm grounded, rooted in the care and raising of cows. It's what I've done all my life.

I know. But it's not just about how we feel. We have to consider our children. Believe me. I know it's hard, but we have to be realistic. We've already lost one son, Pat. Tom and Helen are all we have. Well, ... I don't agree with everything Tom comes up with, I am proud of him.

Tom wants what's best for the farm and the family. Helen and I have made our choice. It's just down to you now, love. Take your time. Talk to me. But we do need to decide.

I just can't understand why this couldn't wait until tonight.

I'm sorry.

This is a very important time for me, Brenda. If mom and dad agree to sell the cows, it'll be all hands on deck.

I'm sorry, Tom.

So. What's so urgent?

Sit down.

You are scaring me.

Please.

OK.

What I ....... what I want to say ..........

Yeah?

It's really hard. I'm so sorry.

What?

The problem is, I don't think I can do this any more.

I don't follow.

Us, Tom. It's just, not working. I wanted to ...... I wanted it to, but it just doesn't any more.

Brenda, what are you saying?

I do love you, but we can't go on like this. I think we have to split up.

What?

Please, Tom.

We are engaged. You are going to be my wife.

No. I'm so sorry.

You and me. We are Tom and Brenda. We are a team, a greate team. We've got our whole future mapped out.

part of the problem, because the truth is, what you want and what I want are two different things.

You've never mentioned anything like this before.

Yes, I have. And I've tried to make it work. I wanted it to work so badly because you are a great guy. And I care about you so much.

I care about you too. I love you.

No.

Brenda.

our relationship

working

have to listen to my heart. Do you understand?

Come and sit down, love. There's some bread for you. I'm sorry, Pat. I know you are finding this hard.

I didn't think you'd come down on Tom's side, not on this one.

No. I think, well, I think you've got to stop thinking

anyone's side. It makes sense economically, and very little will change, ethically.

Is that what you really think?

Yes. I think that you are muddling up two things. You mustn't apply your concerns about non-organic ready-meals to the question whether to lose the herd. They are two different things.

I don't know.

Tom said over and over again that he sees the future of this farm

organic.

I can't shake off the feeling that money is the only motivation he has.

Well, even if that were true, ... I don't think it is, you can't leave Helen out of the picture. She won't

let him change what our business is about.

No, no, I think that's true

that's true

I don't want my son coming to work every day into an environment which is alienating or frustrating for him.

I want him to be happy too. Of course I do. But it's going to cost me. And I think it'll cost you too.

What about the cost to us of keeping the cows? My health, our life style, all of this working ourselves into the ground. You know how tough it's been.

Yes, yes I do.

If we let go a bit, maybe you and I can start to relax, plan some holidays, have a proper rest.

I'm not ready to retire, Tony. Not nearly.

No, no, I know. This is a working family farm, Pat. To make it a success

whole family should want to work here, so that everyone feels like you about it.

including Tom.

Yes.

and, this way, we'll be here to guide him, Pat. He needs us. I want to steer him through if we gonna make a radical decision like this. No point making him wait until we are both too old to care.

Listen to me. I love you, and I want to marry you so much. I'll do whatever it takes, Bren. I'll fight for you. / I wish it was that easy. I wish it was. / Look, I know I'm not the easiest person, and, I do go on about the business. I know that. But I can change. / I don't want you to change. You are who you are,

wonderful

breaking up with me.

Oh Tom, don't

Maybe you need space. Yeah, that's it. Have some space.

see how you feel in a week or two.

I can't let you go just like that. I won't. We have a future together. We've seen it. We've even chosen the place to build the house to raise our children. / That's the hardest thing. I know you won't believe me, but it's true. I don't want to have children. I've tried to want to because I know you do so much. / but it's something I've know myself for a while now. / But you are great with kids. Brenda, you'll be a wonderful mother. / No. I love .... sister .... but that's enough. / No. / I know how important having children is to you, and I,... I can't deny you that. / I can't believe this is happening. A few hours ago everything was all right. / No, it wasn't. / So, what now? / I don't know. Seeing you like this, it's breaking my heart. / Then don't break it. Please, Brenda. / I can't not tell you the truth. I care about you too much for that. / Yeah? / I'm so sorry. / So am I.

Ah. Here he is. / We were looking for you at lunch time. / Yeah, but you disappeared. / Oh. I ... I had something to take care of at home.

You all right, Tom?

Yeah, I'm fine. What's on your mind?

We've got some news for you. / Yes. Your mom and I have had a chance to discuss everything.

And we've come to the conclusion that you're right about the future of the farm

agreed

selling off the herd.

What?

We are saying yes, Tom.

I see. Wow. / Wasn't an easy decision. / I'm sure. / But, now we've made it, I have to say I feel much lighter.

I'm glad. I really am.

You sure you're OK?

Yeah, yeah. Of course. Thanks, dad, mom. / Maybe we should give you some time to take it in.

I expect

next few years

mapped out on some spreadsheet, haven't you, Tom?

We both think you deserve this opportunity. You've worked very hard.

Yeah, you certainly have. And you know what they say: hard work gets result. You finally got everything you wanted. / Come on, Tony. Let's leave him to it. / Yeah, OK, yeah. You get on, son. We'll see you later. / Bye ...