Classic vintage highlights from the much-loved radio soap

The world's longest-running drama, The Archers has delighted audiences ever since its launch on 1 January 1951. Today, over five million fans across generations and across the world tune in, hooked on the epic saga of everyday life in the rural village of Ambridge.

This collection takes a look back at the early years of the iconic show, from the 1950s to the 1970s, and follows the fortunes of some of its pivotal characters, including Jack and Peggy Archer, Walter Gabriel, Sid Perks, and Brian and Jennifer Aldridge. Here are some of the most memorable moments from Ambridge's history: Grace Archer's tragic death in a stable fire; Tom Forrest's arrest for manslaughter; the wedding of Tony and Pat; the birth of Phil and Jill's daughter, Elizabeth - and their subsequent worries about her heart; and the shock of Jennifer's illegitimate baby.

Also featured is a compilation of farming catastrophes that shaped the lives of the residents, including Dan Archer's devastating discovery of fowl pest in his poultry, plus a selection of Christmas celebrations throughout the years, where we hear tidings of the births of Debbie Aldridge and John Archer and drop in on shows in the village hall.

Covering all the major Archers milestones over the first three decades, this compendium of classic highlights offers lifelong listeners an ideal opportunity to relive their favourite storylines, while giving newer fans the perfect chance to catch up with key events from Ambridge's past.

Due to the vintage nature of these recordings, the sound quality may vary.

Track listing
1. Introduction
2. Grace and Phil
3. George and Nora
4. Walter Gabriel
5. Tom Forrest
6. Phil and Jill (Part 1)
7. Phil and Jill (Part 2)
8. Farming Catastrophes
9. Sid and Polly
10. Jack and Peggy
11. Pat and Tony
12. Brian and Jennifer
13. Christmas in Ambridge

Production credits
Written by Brian Hayles, Edward J Mason, Keith Miles, Bruno Milna, William Smethurst, David Turner and Geoffrey Webb
Produced by Tony Shryane
Editor: Godfrey Baseley

Cast includes:
Peggy Archer - Thelma Rogers/June Spencer
Jack Archer - Dennis Folwell
Doris Archer - Gwen Berryman
Grace Fairbrother/Archer - Ysanne Churchman
Tom Forrest - Bob Arnold
Walter Gabriel - Chris Gittins
Nelson Gabriel - Jack May
Dan Archer - Harry Oakes/Monte Crick/Edgar Harrison
Phil Archer - Norman Painting
Jill Archer - Patricia Greene
Sid Perks - Alan Devereux
Polly Mead/Perks - Hilary Newcombe
George Barford - Graham Roberts
Christine Archer - Lesley Saweard
Nora McAuley - Julia Mark
Brian Aldridge - Charles Collingwood
Jennifer Archer/Aldridge - Angela Piper
Carol Grey - Anne Cullen
Pat Lewis/Archer - Patricia Gallimore
Tony Archer - Colin Skipp
Lilian Archer - Margaret Lane/Elizabeth Marlowe

First broadcast March 1952-December 1982 on the BBC Home Service, BBC Light Programme and BBC Radio 4

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