Emma believes that the word gullible is not in the dictionary, and will be found dancing naked around Ambridge village green on Halloween, convinced that she's chanelling the spirit of some long-dead witch. #TheArchers
Three thoughts on this evening's episode of #TheArchers:
1. Why does Emma think Eddie is telling the truth about witches? Has she never met him before?
2. I welcome Emma's revelation that witches punished centuries ago may not have deserved it. It's a radical position, but she may be onto something.
3. When Emma asked Alan "If there's no Hell, how do people get punished?", did anyone else half expect him to say "Well, if you've been a naughty girl and need to be punished..."?
The court building seemed to be in decent condition and, after 10 minutes queueing at security (the machine beeped for everyone) we were shown up to the witness suite. It had comfy chairs, a TV, working toilets and water - no complaints.
I can't praise the staff and volunteers enough - they did a fantastic job of talking us through everything and answering our questions. Their frustration with the lack of funding for the courts system was clear, but they were helpful and understanding. (2/3)
I guess the outcome was predictable. The trial was originally scheduled for 3 hours, but the defence wanted all the video/audio evidence played in full, which meant it would take a day or more. That meant re-scheduling the trial, so we'll be back in August 2024.
It's 2 years since the incident and we've now got a 10 month delay. Overall, I saw a dedicated staff, volunteers and legal representatives working in a system that's under-funded and struggling to deliver justice to anyone. (3/3)
Today I experienced the UK court system for the first time, as a prosecution witness in a relatively large Magistrates Court trial. Having read The Secret Barrister I wanted to see how my experience matched up.
The trial was scheduled at a court 27 miles from where the witnesses and defendant live: 45 mins by car, over 90 mins by public transport. There are several closer courts but I guess they didn't have space. We were told to be there at 9am for a 9.30 trial start. (1/3)
The court building seemed to be in decent condition and, after 10 minutes queueing at security (the machine beeped for everyone) we were shown up to the witness suite. It had comfy chairs, a TV, working toilets and water - no complaints.
I can't praise the staff and volunteers enough - they did a fantastic job of talking us through everything and answering our questions. Their frustration with the lack of funding for the courts system was clear, but they were helpful and understanding. (2/3)
Gutted Rob turned up too late to take part in the Lark Rise in Candlelight readings - would have been perfect. Still holding onto the hope that he's the Grey Gables major shareholder. #TheArchers
This morning I was able to walk to my GP in four minutes to get my flu jab. This is the 15-minute city nonsense that Sunak wants to put a stop to. #Sunak #15minuteCities
#TheArchers show schedule:
October: Lark Rise by Candlelight
November: Fanny by Gaslight (a Brian Aldridge production)
December: Ambridge by Fleshlight (a George Grundy production)
Coming to Radio 4 this Sunday: 8 hours of #TheArchers cast reading the whole of Lark Rise to sodding Candleford. You will not be permitted to turn off your radio.
If Ruth starts policing her 30-year-old daughter's love life, I'll start feeling sorry for Pip, and that's a farm track I really don't want to drive down. #TheArchers
Wouldn't surprise me if Stella was so fed up of Pip messing about that she announced she'd turned straight, just to get out of the relationship. #TheArchers
So two things happen.
1. There isn't - can't be - a high enough density of people to make it feel busy. Despite lots of restaurants, hotels and bars, it never feels nice a place you want to spend time in.
2. Because the area covered by roads and public space is high compared to the area covered by buildings, the council is getting less revenue (from business rates etc.) that needs to stretch further in maintaining all this public realm.
So two things happen.
1. There isn't - can't be - a high enough density of people to make it feel busy. Despite lots of restaurants, hotels and bars, it never feels nice a place you want to spend time in.
2. Because the area covered by roads and public space is high compared to the area covered by buildings, the council is getting less revenue (from business rates etc.) that needs to stretch further in maintaining all this public realm.
I visited Milton Keynes recently. The city centre always feels desolate and I was trying to understand why. I think it's a combination of being designed for cars and giving too much space over to them. Let me explain...
I've never seen the city centre very busy in rush hour. Many people would think that's a dream: finally, a city you can drive around at almost any time with decent and reliable speeds. But it comes with a heavy price... 🧵
https://cdn.masto.host/urbanistssocial/media_attachments/files/111/025/647/670/567/782/original/a15cae2715d3159c.png
@343c547f evidence? Pretty sure this has been thoroughly researched and, while initially it was thought the research labs were a likely vector, the final conclusion was that there was no evidence to support it.
Notes by Iain Roberts | export