Mingle with the stars at our informal reception.

See the presentation of "thank you" awards  

Thirty glorious years of Last of the Summer Wine was celebrated in rousing style at a impressive cabaret-style evening, attended by cast, crew, fans and civic dignatries, in Holmfirth Civic Hall.

"This was not just a tribute to the world's longest running TV comedy but a showcase of Holmfirth talent," said a jubilant Andrew Bray, of Holme Valley Business Association, which arranged the celebration.

"Summer Wine has made a big impact in the area, it has put Holmfirth on the map, and we wanted to say "thank you" to the cast and crew, the people behind Summer Wine, for the unique series, which is enjoyed all over the world.

"Local artists and musicians entertained during the evening, demonstrating the huge range of talent in the Holme Valley."

Cast and crew attending were led by producer Mr Alan Bell, writer Roy Clarke and musician Ronnie Hazelhurst, who wrote the theme music to Last of the Summer Wine. Actors present included Frank Thornton (Truly) Tom Owen, Nora Batty, Stephen Lewis (Smiler) and newcomer Burt Kwouk, star of the Pink Panther films.

Awards consisting of cut-glass rose bowls and limited-edition Summer Wine paperweights were presented to the cast by the Mayor of Kirklees, and all proceeds from the evening were for her charity appeals.

Over 200 people flocked to the evening, and special visitors from afar included Elizabeth Nichols from Arlington, Virginia, USA, who was presented with a model depicting dry-stoned walls - a special feature of the local area as seen on Summer Wine. The Major also said how pleased she was to welcome a visitor from America to the Holme Valley. See photo, left, of the presentation by the Mayor.  

Ms Nichols was quite well known in Holmfirth during the week - she was in demand from the press and TV crews, being featured live on BBC Radio Leeds, BBC Look North TV and in the Yorkshire Post newspaper. Many were requesting interrviews with the lady who had travelled so far for the Summer Wine night. 

Read Elizabeth's lovely "thank you" note to the people of Holmfirth. 

Producer Mr Bell summed up the evening by paying tribute to the "real stars of Summer Wine" - the fans themselves. "It has been so nice to come to this evening in Holmfirth to meet so many fans of the programme. People keep asking how long the series can continue? Well that's down to the many people who keep watching. . Because when they stop, then we stop, its as simple as that."

FINAL AMOUNT RAISED FOR LOCAL CHARITIES IS SAID TO BE IN THE REGION OF £2,500!