Farmers wives make stand for Archers Helen! And raise £150

LONG Crendon Farmers wives and avid Archers fans, Claire Morris and Tracy Newman, brought the long running Radio 4’s programme to life over a fundraising breakfast on Sunday, Sept 11, as the culmination of the trial of Helen Titchener (nee Archer) unfolded live on the radio.

The Bucksum breakfastiers enjoy a cuppa after the tension of the Helen Archer trial

With donated produce from Tracy and husband David’s Bucksum farm shop, and support from other local producers, The Pointer Butchers (Brill), Egg House Charcuterie (Haddenham), The Cottage Bakery (Thame), Laceys farm in Lane End and ‘from Springhill’ in HMP Springhill where Tracy used to work, they cooked up a traditional full English served at Claire and husband George’s College Farm venue.

“The Archers is a tale of everyday country life similar to our own, and for us that means working together and supporting other local farms and businesses,” said Claire, who recently hosted Tracy and David’s wedding at her College Farm venue.

”In everyday village life the dramas that unfold can impact on everyone in the wider community and in the Farm Shop you do get to hear all sorts,” said Tracy. And ‘hearing all sorts’ was exactly what the group did on Sunday- they all sat down and listened over breakfast. “It was weird to just sit and listen to the programme,” explained Claire, “and to watch people’s expressions as the story unfolded,” with Tracy adding: “Usually The Archers is always on whilst you are doing something else.”

And what a gripping tale it was as the week of the trial unfolded towards the final Not Guilty verdict. “That’s why we wanted to use this event to raise money for the womens’ charity Refuge,” explained the women.

All the food was donated and so every penny of the proceeds goes to the ‘Save Helen Titchener Fund’ for Refuge.