The Vicar's Ghost by Lucy Farmer - a Christmas Ghost Story

[@riverbilly64]

The rain “drifted in like smoke and steam…and tasted of salt.” Lovely.

[@Tomohawk-e1n]

Absolutely fantastic, now ive got my Gary Barlow impersonation in, Tony, i love your channel. I used to listen to get to sleep, now i get so engrossed i need to stay awake to hear the full story. ❤ From Glasgow.

[@yesterdayitrained]

Fantastic! What a lovely Christmas gift. Thank you

[@GingerTomMom]

Loved it, almost lol'd when you said "Lucy, Charlie and..." i really expected to hear "Snoopy." Thank you, and happy Christmas.

[@StoryVoracious]

Happy Solstice Tony and Sheila! I hope that you will be celebrating. Thanks for this late Victorian romp, and the crack. I too thought of the Handsome Cabin Boy. Let's drink a toast to many more like who is neither man nor maid! 🍻

[@LucicPower]

The cabin boy Chris Elliot?

[@StoryVoracious]

​@@LucicPower😊.I may have misquoted the line. There are so many versions of the shanty and I try to listen to every one. I think that the first one that I heard was Kate Bush's version. Have a very happy festive season.

[@LucicPower]

@@StoryVoracious

[@craigoliver8712]

@@StoryVoracious Solstice?you can expect a visit from the Spanish Inquisition or rather not expect the Inquisition- nobody does.

[@StoryVoracious]

@@craigoliver8712 😂 Not... The Spanish Inquisition! Well I am quite looking forward to the comfy chair, and the cushion. Happy Yuletide. 😁

[@LucicPower]

This is story number 1 ill be listening to on the way to my brothers in New Hampshire on Christmas Eve, i need 2 more

[@jamesblahut5008]

M.R. James composed some of his stories to be read on Christmas Eve.

[@footfault]

I lived in central NH (Bristol, the Lakes Region) for 14 years. Enjoy the lovely state and your family, happy holidays.

[@ivonekowalczyk5823]

Chapter 2...great. Thanks for a superb listen! Happy Holidays!

[@Ylluria]

Being new to your channel, I had no idea that the stories wouldn't just go on to the end, so I was surprised when you just started chatting with us after a while with so much of the episode left. I'm so so glad you did! I freaking love all the language stuff you go into!! I came here for the horror, but I'm a total language junkie, so this was an absolute treat to discover. XD Thank you so so much, and looking forward to hearing you again! You've got a great voice! 🥰

[@karaneal7732]

Love the format!!! I'm putting this one on my "favorites" Playlist. You are wonderful. Happy Christmas and the best New Year ever to you and your family. Your work is fabulous and we look forward to hearing much more in 2025. Thank you so much for all you do!!

[@susanmcgill7048]

I loved the "Susan." Fun fun fun! Thanks for this.

[@craigoliver8712]

@@susanmcgill7048 I imagine there has been Susans since the dawn of humankind,the Egyptian Susan complaining "that pyramid is blocking my reception of Amun"

[@hollywebster6844]

I can't afford to join the channel right now, but I showed my appreciation and support by watching the ads. All of them. Even the annoying insipid ads. That is how much I appreciate listening to you narrate these stories that allow me a respite from real life. Happy New Year to you and yours. I hope that 2025 isn't as scary in your country as it will be in mine.

[@ClassicGhost]

I am going to make an episode that only consists of ruby rolling her rubber toy over the floor next door like she is now

[@fetlock]

So fun! Beautiful crackling fireplace, ghosts and trollops who aren't what they seem, Tony Walker's lovely voice, and a scandalous discussion of dialect. Don't get me started on "orientate" 😂. Fantastic! Many thanks.

[@ClassicGhost]

Orientated is apparently contentious …

[@marciedewolff9357]

Thank you so much Tony for a new adventure! Merry Christmas to you and your family and Best Wishes for the new year!

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Late to the show...but...better late than never! Had some Christmas preps to do! It is so hard to keep up! My favorite narrators are releasing stories at a rate that exceeds shells Russian siege guns send over the lines at night! Thanks for this gem, Tony!

[@TheRickie41]

High again from my little 1850’s sledgebed. Perfect to finish the day! Thank you. And have a wonderful Christmas!

[@yesterdayitrained]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@TheRickie41]

And to you!

[@getficked2022]

What ya smoking? 😂

[@lyndabrennan4560]

How wonderful, thank you Tony, merry Christmas 🎊

[@AndreaDingbatt]

This was A great deal of Fun, ~Thank you Tony!!! And we really enjoyed the synopsis as well. ...XxX....

[@greatestytcommentator]

I love me some wit and humour! can't wait! ❤

[@donaldmccleary9015]

I love the philology and language analysis in your chat. I have had people question my use of root words (i.e. burgle vs. burglarize). I always think burglarized is too long and prefer burgle.

[@emilybelzer5773]

If I'm going to use one word over another, I want it to be for a reason. Either it's shorter or somehow a better fit because of some nuance, or just give me something, you know? So "burgle" vs. "burglarize" is an example where I just don't see a reason to use the newer one.

[@mariameere5807]

I have been looking forward to this. Thank you so much ❤

[@maryeckel9682]

"I listened with all my ears" love that

[@annagettings4675]

The 1890's also saw the beginnings of 'Spiritualism', making ghostly tales, and their counterparts Detective fiction, blossom. This story is such a perfect combination. I loved it! This had happened previously at the beginning of the 1800's. Jane Austen wrote Northanger Abbey to mock the increasing popularity of such fiction. Humorously, off course. Thank you for a wonderful reading, for a Christmas season night ❤

[@ronaldmussulman2735]

These are some of the coolest paintings I've seen in awhile!! ❤❤

[@susanmercurio1060]

I am re-reading the Essay on Liberty by John Stuart Mill and he would completely agree with your statement that you disagree with the materialism that says that there is no spiritual connection at all.

[@maudieg8459]

Thank you Tony! Really enjoy your narrations. Best wishes for the holiday season!

[@HoboWorld-h5x]

That was so much fun! I liked all the action. Merry Christmas 2u-

[@mijiyoon5575]

I enjoyed your intro & the art w/ it ... Thanks *Tony*

[@peterbianchi6219]

Thanks!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you Peter

[@nksanbornski6687]

Wonderful! Thank you so much. Merry Christmas to all!. 🇨🇦

[@katemoonlight]

Lovely tale. Superbly narrated, always great, but you're peaking with this one 😉

[@ClassicGhost]

I enjoyed it lots

[@Carlapomeroy-fx5jb]

Silver sixpense in a Christmas pudding! ❤ This is marvellous. No sleep for me for a bit now.

[@danawinsor1380]

I thought this was excellent. The story was interesting and intriguing and the narrator's voice was pleasing to listen to. Thank you for this. I look forward to listening to more.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RachelWellborn-h6w]

Again! A wonderful story!!!! I found myself laughing!!! It was funny in parts, like you said😂With an awesome accent (like always) 🥰 A Much need visit this evening fromy my friend, who takes the time to chat ☺️ afterward which brings a friendly conversation into my lonely room tonight 🪸. Thanx for stopping by. lol so enjoyed the story and the visit 🥰

[@ClassicGhost]

And there will be more, though I may be having a week off.

[@RachelWellborn-h6w]

@ you certainly need some time off that’s for sure but we love every second of it

[@pookiecatblue]

Looks good. Can't wait to see it. Saving it for Christmas Eve or Christmas.

[@meadow9]

Loved it! Thank you Tony! 🙏

[@mariamcgee4462]

This has an Ealing film feeling to me. Really great story.

[@raissadevereux6762]

Thank you! Merry Christmas.🎄

[@ClassicGhost]

You too

[@stardust949]

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas! Thank you for this amusing story---and the language lessons.

[@dancingdingo]

Perfect for my beddy bye story tonight 😊

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Very enjoyable narration, Tony. Thanks for the smiles.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for listening

[@zululemoko]

Fascinating and well done, Thank you, from a student of literatiure, who hadn’t a clue about Joyce’s family story.

[@juliadia007]

I really enjoyed that.🎉

[@JonfitzFitzjohn-k6s]

Keep up the Brilliant Work Mate

[@RandomHandle77]

Nice surprise to hear you on BBC 6 Music on Sunday 22nd, Tony! A much deserved endorsement from the national broadcaster. Hope it brings you new listeners (Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone for those that missed it).

[@ClassicGhost]

Yes, Stuart very very kindly reached out to me. I am a big fan of his and was very grateful to him. Glad you heard it

[@imh9524]

'Dead as mutton!'; 'Like an owl in a holly bush!' - great expressions I hadn't heard before and now need an excuse to use. What a great story, and excellent accents. I thought it was a northern story (but not being British, I'm hardly an expert) by the use of 'us (uz)' instead of 'we'. I agree that the village folk were not shown to be foolish and were, rather, sympathetically described, even with all the humour. Not an easy balance to achieve, so it's a pity we don't know more about Lucy Farmer's works. Thanks Tony: if you can manage more before Christmas I won't complain 🎄.

[@ClassicGhost]

One more!

[@amandine512]

Merry Christmas everyone.

[@KilronanMary]

And a Merry Christmas to you from Florida

[@StoryVoracious]

Merry Christmas from the deep South... of the planet.😄

[@yesterdayitrained]

Merry Christmas to all!

[@SusiRP]

Same to you, n a happy Solstice

[@joedge6142]

Thanks Tony, great choice 👍

[@alantheinquirer7658]

Great tale, with a subtle ending. Black Friday was an invention by giant retail chains. It sells off stock that takes up space in warehouses needed for Christmas stuff.

[@ClassicGhost]

Stuff that no one really needs. And the stuff we need, they don't sell.

[@MMKFT]

I just recently discovered these magnificent channels. I love books, and have a substantial collection, I won't waste time regarding), Mr Walker has thee most extraordinary voice. I'm sure he could read the phone book and it would be marvelous. Richard Burton, Morgan Freeman, Sir Anthony Hopkins was the men with voices I always admired when it came to reading or speaking the written word. Mr Walker, I hope you know that you most definitely find yourself in the company of men with amazing voices. Beautiful. Thank you for the channel. I'd love to contribute in any way I can. You must have a Celtic heritage), I find male and females with Celtic decent have a almost close to the veil sort of depth to their soul. Amazing people.

[@ClassicGhost]

I do have Celtic heritage . It’s a great honour to be numbered amongst those men with such wonderful voices.

[@MMKFT]

@ClassicGhost you shouldn't be so modest. You have a magical magnificent voice. Thank you for this amazing channel. I'm from South Africa, and was fortunate to travel extensively. I noticed that you at times get off topic, I'm the same! It's as if the mind is to far ahead for the speaker. And people mostly say I speak "short hand" 20 different subjects all at once. It's that we simply have so much information and no little time to talk about it. I think it's awesome. For we are not here to be ordinary. We are to be extraordinary. And you sir, most definitely are.

[@t.dmytryshyn2615]

Enjoyed this reading very much, well done. Merry Christmas from Canada.

[@Cat_festation]

The Jacka family donkey 🫏 - too funny 😂 Have a wonderful holiday everyone 🌲

[@angelaroberts2803]

We listened to this Christmas eve.Great story.Thank you tony.Happy Christmas

[@susanmercurio1060]

I revel in discussions about words. In the US, we say, "You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy."

[@happygardener28]

Looking back even to Shakespeare's play 'As You Like It' and Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Watches' cross dressing thieves and runaways were a topic.

[@yesterdayitrained]

Interesting!

[@happygardener28]

@@yesterdayitrained Indeed, Lizzie Compton is an interesting RL study. (US Civil War)

[@spitfire_2]

I really enjoyed this story. It was quite funny 😄. I love how you go off on tangents at the end; sometimes it’s my favorite part. You give me a lot to think about. Of course, being your “cousin across the pond,” I was completely lost when you started talking parts of speech used in various areas of the UK. It was just as interesting, though.

[@ClassicGhost]

I did a story recently that included the word tanner. i bet that was a mystery to many

[@spitfire_2]

@ClassicGhost , referring to one who tans hides; sixpence; or some other definition not in my Merriam Webster app?

[@annnichols3091]

I enjoyed the story, thank you.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for listening

[@annnichols3091]

Felicitations of the season to you and your good lady, sir.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you kindly

[@peterbianchi6219]

Sent a thanks. Not sure how it works at your end but hope you can put a little something in the doggies' stockings, certain they'll be hung with care. Happy Christmas and thanks for many hours of pleasure and information.

[@gretchenkiley6615]

What a great tale, thank you Tony! I needed that after a hectic week 🕯️

[@craigoliver8712]

I'm from Middlesbrough Tony,you once told me we sound the same,said you pass on the way to Whitby,when i worked in Brentford they called us Geordies (more by location than accent i would say)but they got bent out of shape when we called them Cockneys(we knew the difference just getting our own back) Have a great Christmas Tony+family

[@ClassicGhost]

I was listening to Bob Mortimer tell a story about how Chris Rea put an egg in his bath (a lie) and someone asked him where Chris was from and he said, 'Same place as me but he sounds more Middlesborough' and then he did the accent. Made me laugh. It is more Geordie than we are though Carlisle is getting more NE these days I think.

[@craigoliver8712]

@ClassicGhost That's coastal erosion for ya,we will all be Leeds in years to come,Bob+Chris 2 of Boro's famous sons,Brian Clough+Paul Daniel's too (great story Tony,I liked it but not alot)sorry couldn't resist.Hope you+yours have the festive of festivities-all the best Sir.

[@sugarfalls1]

I don't know what a Cornish accent sounds like, but you did a fantastic job!! Very countrified! I had a friend from Somerset so not too far off comparatively speaking. I really enjoyed it! Lucy Farmer did a hell of a job on that ghost story!

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Smee 1st Nice Hell yea

[@StoryVoracious]

🔥

[@yesterdayitrained]

😂

[@mijiyoon5575]

I watched your vid short👍👍👍👍👍

[@mijiyoon5575]

I live countryside & would not have it any other way ... especially in these days. People have turned into monsters ... some of'em

[@mares3841]

💛

[@nobleelf]

I can't find the name of who did the woodcuts, which are absolutely charming!

[@meganmcnelis7136]

Your comment about Americans adding syllables is so funny because that's exactly what we say about British English! Like aluminium instead of aluminum and speciality instead of specialty. 😄

[@ClassicGhost]

ha ha . very good points !

[@anitaevans2432]

Of course English, English, is correct... without question.

[@rohanquinby3188]

I swear to god when I win $1 million I am going to join your channel, subscribe to your Patreon, and fly out to England to take part in one of your workshops. This is such a lovely story and it is illuminated by your brilliant performance..

[@ClassicGhost]

Bless you Rohan. Good luck to you. I’ll put one on specially

[@thurayya8905]

I could swear that she says her name was Lucy Farmer near the top of the story in the first chapter. That would add veracity to the tale. I am sure the biggest ghost is the writer, who must have been paid under the table for their Christmas story.

[@ClassicGhost]

The girl is called Lucy in the story

[@arthurj.downeyjr_2013]

Happy Holidays!

[@ClassicGhost]

Happy holidays!

[@mijiyoon5575]

I agree, the *ly* & the *ing* are not used or at least overused by *careful* writers

[@toscadonna]

Growing up in Texas, we had no vicars, so whenever I see the word, “vicar,” the only thing that comes to mind is Rose from “Keeping Up Appearances” and her efforts to seduce the vicar.😂

[@thurayya8905]

Tony, you just tell those critics that they are full of . . . sheep. Well, just tell them that when THEY have their own channel, THEY can read it the way they want. Since most people are high on opinions and short on work, I doubt we will be hearing their accents any time soon.

[@dianarawlins8805]

Here in Texas if you are rebranding you are engaged in cattle rustling (stealing). It’s called running the brand and, my dears, there is nothing authentic about that. Rebranding is telling someone you are different all the time it is the exact opposite of authenticity.

[@emilybelzer5773]

Oh, yeah, we (Americans) love to take a verb, like "burgle", make a noun ("burglar"), and make that into a new verb ("burglarize"), and sometimes it goes through the cycle again. Sometimes, it has a useful, if subtle, distinction, and sometimes it's just making up new words in place of perfectly good ones. I'm torn on "use" vs. "utilize". I *hate* "gifting"; it grates on my ears. It just sounds so corporate to me. I only ever heard it in syrupy sales speech until suddenly real people started saying it. Now my kids say it, and I just call out, "it's 'giving'; we have a perfectly good word already." And my kids roll their eyes at their unreasonably fussy mother, and all is as it should be.

[@ClassicGhost]

Use v. utilize. Hmm. Utilize feels colder and more technical. Yep, gifting. Pfft.

[@RishPanjeetJr]

W o n d e r f u l

[@MsMounen]

I think the accent fitted the story.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you!

[@MsMounen]

@@ClassicGhost you're very welcome 😊

[@jamesblahut5008]

Pert is a word that is not used often enough.

[@999minimal]

Lucy Farmer? I cannot believe she only wrote one story!

[@ClassicGhost]

Wrote more apparently

[@AndreeaCe]

😊

[@annnichols3091]

We Americans use lots of acronyms and initialisms. (Acronyms are pronounced as if they were words. With initialisms, one pronounces each letter.)

[@ClassicGhost]

I am very grateful for you explaining that as I didn't know that!

[@annnichols3091]

@@ClassicGhost You're welcome. I know it because I am a former librarian and we had an Acronyms & Initialisms and Reverse Acronyms and Initialisms dictionary set in my library.

[@nomansgoddess]

I never have money on Black Friday so I guess it's just as well 🤷

[@abbycross90210]

Am I mistaken? I thought the first detective/mystery novel was Edgar Allen Poe's. He created the theme of the brilliant detective that can solve anything.

[@ClassicGhost]

That's true Auguste Dupin

[@mijiyoon5575]

*'almost* knows it' ... guess *almost* is the difference ...😉

[@janetcw9808]

Mrs Mumbles!

[@mijiyoon5575]

Cornish manners...

[@bigpesst]

The summary/intro before the stories is so unnecessary and I can't understand why you started doing them. It would be great if you went back to the old format.

[@AndreaDingbatt]

You know there are ways of speeding past an Intro, ~rather like the off button, so you dont have to listen to the synopsis.......

[@susanmercurio1060]

Most of us are not complaining. Speaking for myself, I like them.

[@nobleelf]

One can always use the transcript to slide to exactly where you'd like to begin Tony's tale. It's impossible to please everyone, and Tony makes these for free, so it's his call.

[@bigpesst]

@@nobleelf clearly it's his call... that's why I left feedback hoping he would take it into consideration, which I'm free to do. What was the point of your comment?

[@bigpesst]

@@susanmercurio1060 and I don't, so I chose to express that...

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thank you Tony! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! ❄️🎄☃️🎁⛸️🧑‍🎄🎁⛸️⛷️🎅🎄🎁

[@ClassicGhost]

Same to you!

[@skiapod6427]

Where was this originally published? It doesn't seem to be part of the Cardewe Manor series in Cassell's Family Magazine, and doesn't read much like them.

[@ClassicGhost]

I don't know more than I said

[@Lovemusicandtarot]

❤