2025 Conference / Saturday PM - Ambridge Family Dynamics

Welcome to the sixth series in the annual podcast programme from Academic Archers, bringing you papers from our 2025 conference.

This episode explores family life in Ambridge through questions of choice, justice, and intergenerational care. Across three papers, speakers examine voluntary childlessness, crime and redemption, and the varied roles grandfathers play in shaping family dynamics.

Please note: this session begins at 2 minutes 40 seconds.

Ambridge Family Dynamics

2:40 – To Breed or Not to Breed? That Is the Problem
Louise Gillies

This paper explores the portrayal of voluntary childlessness in The Archers through the storyline of Harrison and Fallon Burns. It examines how their decision reflects wider debates about reproductive choice, gender roles, and the meaning of family.

The paper considers both internal emotional struggles and external societal pressures, particularly the tension between traditional rural expectations and contemporary ideas of autonomy and lifestyle.

About the speaker
Louise Gillies is a reproductive health counsellor with a background in health communication research. A listener since 1998, she frequently uses Ambridge storylines as case studies in her teaching and has been part of Academic Archers since the first conference.

Law and Disorder: I Fought the Law and the Law Won in Ambridge
Nicola Maxfield

This paper explores crime, punishment, and redemption in Ambridge, focusing on George, Freddie, Tom, and Clive. It examines how family background, education, attachment, and social capital shape different outcomes, and how the village responds unevenly to similar crimes.

The paper invites reflection on whether some characters are judged more harshly than others, and why.

About the speaker
Nicola Maxfield is an Academic Skills Advisor at University Centre for Northern Devon. Her work focuses on equity of access to higher education, particularly for neurodivergent students. She lives in Devon and is still attempting to complete a Master’s degree.

Grandpas Are Wise, Loving and Fun – Or Are They?
Katharine Hoskyn and Deborah Miller

Grandfathers have featured prominently in recent Archers storylines, particularly in response to George’s difficulties. This paper compares the grandfathering styles of Neil Carter, Joe and Eddie Grundy, Tony Archer, Brian Aldridge, and David Archer.

Drawing on academic literature, the paper proposes a new framework for understanding grandfathering in Ambridge and reflects on the experience, authority, and care grandfathers bring to family life. The presentation is dedicated to the authors’ own grandfathers.

About the speakers
Katharine Hoskyn is based in rural New Zealand and works with Auckland University of Technology. Her research background spans social science and business, with a focus on community issues.
Deborah Miller works in the health sector in the North East of England and has a background in history, politics, and leadership studies. Both have been long-term listeners of The Archers.