Brian at bay, Nic sees red and Alice is unwell (again)...

Exclusive: Aldridge to quit Borchester Land

Brian Aldridge, beleaguered owner of Home Farm, Ambridge, is set to resign from his position on the board of Borchester Land at an emergency general meeting of the company this week, the AmOb has learned.

Sources close to Mr Aldridge say he is a ‘broken man’, after revelations about the dumping of toxic chemicals on Home Farm land, which caused the recent environmental damage to the river Am.

‘Poor Brian, he’s done everything he can to help the Environment Agency with the clean-up, but feels he is being victimised for something that happened in the Seventies, of which he has no knowledge,’ the source said.

The EGM called by Borchester Land’s directors is the latest blow for Mr Aldridge, who last week was stripped of his Borsetshire Businessperson of the Year award before even receiving it.

Contacted by the AmOb, Mr Aldridge said he was ‘undecided’ about whether to step down from the BL board. ‘I am sure I have the support of some of my fellow directors but I do have other commitments,’ he said. ‘And rumours that I am hiding away from the public are ridiculous. It’s simply that the feed shed needs tidying, my wife’s car is very dirty and I would like to spend more time in the polytunnels.’

Coffee break with… Alice Carter

Unfortunately, this week’s interview has been cancelled as Mrs Carter is unwell. Her husband Chris rang to say she had been taken ill with a migraine after an office party and had stayed overnight with a friend. Get well soon Alice! Ed.

Valentine’s Day events

Celebrate February 14 in style with two romantic and fun events for couples!

• Mr and Mrs. Join Emma and Fallon at the Bridge Farm Tea Room for the traditional couples’ quiz. Reveal how well you know your partner and win prizes! Free red rose and chocolate truffles for every couple.

• Mrs and Mr. Hosted by Kenton and Jolene at The Bull, you’ll love this brilliant twist on the traditional couples’ quiz. Reveal how well you know your partner and win prizes! Free red rose and chocolate truffles for every couple.

(Note to subs: check details; they seem very similar. Ed.)

The AmOb prize crossword

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Across

1. Philip and Kirsty got on swimmingly here (3,4)

4. Emma’s job in the chicken factory, or where Nic says she lives (6)

7. Another unusual milk for Susan to try (5)

9. How Toby might transport budgies to Aquafit? (7)

10. Just routine for Lexi (5)

Down

1. Neil is the best -man in Borsetshire - official (3)

2. David has none of this for Toby (3)

3. Young Bob had a Top beard in the Seventies (2)

5. Nic was so upset she needed a box full (7)

6. The landlady’s not for slanging matches (6)

7. What Justin likes to sweat? (5)

8. Jenny’s are getting ever more despairing (5)

Letter to the Editor

Dear Madam,

In the week in which we are supposed to ‘celebrate’ the centenary of women receiving the franchise, I am sorry to report exactly why it is a terrible error to allow the fairer sex to be involved in government at any level.

I had the misfortune to be in The Bull on Friday, with my customary half of mild, when I witnessed a shocking display of temper by our newly-elected Parish Councillor, Mrs Emma Grundy.

She and the barmaid, Mrs Nic Grundy, were involved in what our charming landlady Jolene Archer described as a ‘slanging match’. Neither party emerged from it with any credit, but Mrs Emma Grundy showed none of the restraint and dignity that we demand from our elected representatives. I certainly do not expect any Parish Councillor to storm out of the bar in a shower of pork scratchings.

As I was saying to the young hostess of our table at a charity dinner only the other week, it is the natural order of things for men to conduct affairs of government and for women to fulfil the functions for which they are most suited, namely typing and making tea.

I did not vote for Mrs Grundy, preferring the straightforward manliness of Mr Robert Snell, and I have referred her to the monitoring officer at Borsetshire District Council, for breaching the councillors’ code of conduct.

I hope her punishment will serve as a warning to other young women that they are not welcome in public life, or indeed the public bar.

Name and address supplied.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

For sale

Brand-new pair of ladies’ evening shoes, bought for awards ceremony but never worn and not likely to be, now. Any reasonable offer, as I cannot bear to look at them any more. Contact: Jennifer Aldridge, Home Farm.

Situations vacant

Part-time stock hand wanted for shifts in busy lambing and calving sheds at mixed farm in Ambridge. Immediate start. All levels of experience considered; training given. Unless your name is Toby Fairbrother, in which case don’t bother applying as I’m not letting you ruin my farm as well as my daughter’s life, you complete waste of space. Contact: David Archer, Brookfield Farm.

Situations wanted

• Versatile business journalist, excellent at in-depth profiles of high-flying executives, seeks new position after creative differences with current employer. Contact: Christian.Wyver@lazybizhack.com

• Experienced dairy manager, with a flair for product development and marketing, seeks part-time position with an employer who appreciates her talents and realises that you won’t make award-winning kefir if you can’t get your mum out of bed to milk your goats in the morning. Contact: Susan Carter, Ambridge View.