04.04.2010 15:08

What's on?: The Archers

The series is set in a fictitious village called Ambridge in the county of Borsetshire, which is loosely based on the real counties of Worcestershire and Warwickshire in England. Originally the programme’s aim was to help farmers increase food production after the Second World War when rationing was still in operation and in fact the Ministry of Agriculture gave advice to the programme makers. However, The Archers became very popular with city and country residents alike and although its focus remained on farming and country life, its main story lines appealed to a wide audience.

It tells the story of the four generations of the Archer family and the other residents of the village. You soon become involved in the goings-on of the village and the friendships and rivalries between the characters. It deals with hard-hitting social issues such as rural poverty, drug use and suicide; it also introduces current issues such as sustainability, organic food and gay partnerships as well as more light-hearted issues such as the Flower and Produce Show, the Christmas pantomime and Pancake Day races.

Although many of the original cast members have now died, there is an actor who has been there for the duration. June Spencer recently celebrated her 90th birthday and has played the central role of Peggy Archer (now Woolley), and recently she appeared on Desert Island Discs (see Network Teachers’ Club in November). From time to time celebrities appear on the programme in small cameo roles – amongst them have been Princess Margaret and Dame Judi Dench. If you want to find out more about The Archers before listening, then enjoy the special two-minute guide - a good way to find out more about the characters.

Otherwise go straight to the website to listen.