by Johnny Glover
click here for cast list

Episode 30 - "Fred Ricketts - Part 2" - (May 18th 1998 7.45pm)

Yaxley Farcett glanced around The Skaters Run to make sure no one was listening and leaned in towards Fred Ricketts. "So", he hissed, "You're telling me that about half an hour before Reg Dixon was run through with a pitch fork, Daisy and Anne Worthington were having a huge Barney in the kitchen ?" Ricketts drained the dregs of his Quangleroot and nodded. "And that were only the start" he teased. Yaxley looked at Ricketts through curious eyes. Brian had been right, Fred Ricketts was a 'singular character'. As well as living a lonely existence deep in the fen, living on his wits and country skills, he also appeared to be the eyes and ears of the village. A useful man to have around.

"Go on then, Fred" he urged, "Give me what you've got". "Well, I didn't hear it all, as I didn't want John to come back and catch me earholing but I did hear something about Dixon. Daisy was shouting and bawling about how Reg wasn't only teaching her how to use the computer and how she thought Anne should show her John more attention. There was also some stuff about Anne's head being full of bloomin' History and empty of the bloomin' present. It was then that I got on my bike and took my eels up to the shop". Yaxley made a quick note and gave Fred a sidewards glance, "Reg Dixon doesn't strike me as the sort of bloke that would be giving computer lessons". Ricketts gestured to Johnny Swift that he would like two more pints and turned to Farcett. "Don't yew be judging no books by no covers young Farcett. Reg Dixon studied at Agricultural college before taking his Dad's farm over and I know for a fact that he'd been playing about with computers for years. When Anne was doing her studying, Reg used to help her with Zip Drives". Ricketts gave a dirty grin, "Mostly on Thursday's when John and Darren had taken Daisy to market in Ealham is what I heard"

While the two men had been having their enlightening chat the pub had become quite full. As well as Hummer and Brian in the corner and Jak setting up the Karaoke equipment, they had been joined by Clunch and Su Parsons, Jak's girlfriend Fleur and, next to Yaxley, a tall spivvy looking character in a suit with an outrageous tie and his hair slicked back over his head. "Oi. Geordie ! I'm next. Forget the peasants. I've had a hard day," he barked at Johnny Swift. The landlord gave the newcomer a stare and replied curtly " Yurl wait yur turn. I'm filling up old Hummer at the moment". The newcomer then began to drum his fingers on the bar and rattle his change in his pocket with frustration. Yaxley, finding this not only rude but extremely annoying said "Can't you bloody wait ? You can see he's on his own !" As Yaxley said this, Fred Ricketts quickly gestured for him to shut up. Yaxley waved his hand back at Fred to calm down. Although it was his first time in the Skaters run he wasn't prepared to let someone treat Johnny Swift like dirt. "Ooh" said the impatient customer turning to Yaxley. "And who might you be ?" he said looking Yaxley up and down, taking in the t-shirt, jeans and baseball cap. Farcett told him his name (and rank) which left his adversary unimpressed. "And you ?" enquired Farcett. "I" said the thirsty customer, "am Trent. Graham Trent"

The prologue - Episode One -  Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 -  Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7 -  Episode 8 -  Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11- Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - Episode 16 - Episode 17 - Episode 18 - Episode 19 - Episode 20 - Episode 21 - Episode 22 -  Episode 23 - Episode 24 -  Episode 25 - Episode 26 -  Episode 27 - Episode 28 - Episode 29 - Cast List - 'Did you see the wrist watch in Ben Hur' ?- The Colly Continuity Page.

Comments to drove@ely.org.uk

Who Dunnit? Your suggestions Please.

DG says "I did you this time!!!!!!! Shame I hadn't pushed you harder in 1966!!!!!! Shame Nursy Broadhead saved you?????????????????" - after he sent this message they locked him up again!

MG says "I reckon it were suicide. You see, Reg was quite obviously a bit iron hoof or POOF as we call 'em, and in them there days, well it wer'nt propper wus it?

James Brown says "I suspect a fallen pitchfork from one of the overhead helicopters ferrying a local farmer to the office of KLFM for one of their match reports on a Lynn home game."

World Leader reckons "I think that Monica woman did it. Damn girl never could keep her mouth shut. And she was always letting things drop". Yours World Leader