Summer Wine On-line

Welcome to the official web site of the Summer Wine Appreciation Society, in partnership with Holmfirth Web. This is our tribute to the world's longest-running TV comedy series which is filmed in the Holme Valley, and surrounding villages.
 

Nora

 

 US TRIBUTES TO COMPO 

 LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY
Alisonetaylortwp@aol.com 

Dear Summer Wine,

I just saw the episodes about Compo's death and funeral for the first time.  I was very moved by the warmth and respect which was shown both for the character and the actor himself.  It was the finest sendoff ever for a fictional character, and well deserved.  I was crying and smiling at the same time.  Compo certainly was a wonderful "person", with his irrepressible and elfish sense of humor and enjoyment of life.

I also wanted to send a thank you to the rest of the cast, and everyone else connected with this delightful show.  I live in New York City, and it has been a particular blessing during the last difficult year to be able to escape to a place of simplicity and affection.  You all have a special place in my heart, especially Nora Batty, who reminds me of my late dear nanny.

With my very best regards to all of you,

Alison Taylor (November 2002) 

Dear Friends of LOTSW,

It may come as a surprise to all of you, but in the US, (at least in my area) we seem to be 2-3 years behind on the episodes that are aired. Yesterday, November 13th, 2002, they aired the episode, "Elegy for fallen Wellies" for the very first time.

As an avid viewer of "LOTSW," I was deeply saddened to discover that Bill Owen had passed on. His brilliant portrayal of the warm and very likable character "Compo" will be truly missed.

It's somewhat hard to describe my love for the show. But in 1999, I had taken a holiday to London, but had an uncanny urge to head north. I ended up hiring an automobile for a week, and toured the northern countryside, and fell in love with this part of your country.

I can't explain what I felt, but it was a feeling of being at home, and a feeling of belonging. It was like I had lived there all of my life. Maybe it was my Mother's English root's calling me home.

Anyway, shortly after returning home, I stumbled across "Last of the summer wine" and instantly feel in love with the show. Somehow, with every episode that I watch, I vicariously return to the countryside that I loved, and long for, that I hope to return to, and live in someday.

Sincerely,

Robert G. Ehrbar York, PA USA 
rehrbar@aol.com   (November 2002) 

(REPUBLISHED FROM SUMMER 2001) 

There has been a flood of emails to Summer Wine Online by USA fans who are just watching the episodes covering the sad death of Compo. Many of you will know that the Summer Wine TV schedules in USA are at least one year behind the UK. 
American viewers on some public service networks are just viewing the 2000 series which covered the sad death of Compo, actor Bill Owen, who died in July, 1999, aged 85. 

 Exclusive Interview

Following requests from the USA for more details, we are publishing for the first time an EXCLUSIVE interview, submitted to Summer Wine Online by a freelance journalist who was the last reporter to interview Bill. Small extracts from the interview were published in the national UK press and magazines following his death. But this is the first time the whole interview has been published and we would like to thank Annette Brooke, who has donated the item to Summer Wine Online for no charge. 
Read the full article here. 

Below are a selection of some of the emails from USA fans: 



I recently saw these three very moving, touching episodes and cried all the way 
through them - every one.

Bill Owen died on my birthday in '99. I didn't find out about it until
December that year. I know that I also share that day with Kathy Staff,
former Nora Batty, it is also her birthday. That's one of the deep
connections I felt with Holmfirth and felt when I walked up the hill to the
cemetery where Mr. Owen lays in eternal rest, I had my chance to say goodbye.
Last year, I left Holmfirth just days before the first anniversary of his
death. On my birthday, I had a moment of silence for his friends, his family,
and his many fans he left behind.
Watching these episodes dealing with his death, his life outside "the other
two," and the funeral that followed, touched my heart deeply. The song they
played - the theme with words about missing him, the lining up of people on
the hillside to spell out "See Ya Compo" ... the way Nora and Ivy jumped into
action to make sure his send off went just so ... the caring looks that Pearl
gave to Cleggy. Some of it, you have to wonder ... how much were they all
really acting then? It IS strange seeing what episodes that I've seen without
him in them. His spirit lives on in their words and in our own memories.
He'll be missed ... I gathered this much from speaking with the cast when I
visited the set last July.
Anyway, I thought I'd share my feelings.
Robin



We have just seen the tragic program where Compo died...and a cloud hung over our house for the whole week. Even people at the store who watch the series were saddened. 
Casio Forster, Miami


We were expecting his death from the series because we knew all the details through your website - but nothing could prepare us for the shock. We quite literally felt numb. You must understand we have been watching this show for years, and feel like Compo and Clegg are our special friends.  Now our family have suffered a loss. I don't know if we can carry on watching the show, or the past programs we have recorded.  
RS 


We live in a small town in Oklahoma USA and were saddened by the death of Mr.Owen.  We really felt like we knew him and grieve for his family.
JB


We were in tears after watching the series - we knew about his death from your website of course but were simply not prepared for this. 
Ron Appleyard, California


We are grieving the loss of Bill (Compo) and our hearts go out to his family.  Your website says that his son, Tom, is now playing a part in future episodes and look forward to seeing him. 
Ralph

Your website is an inspiration in times like this, we love you dear Bill, and you will always be in our thoughts. 
Katy Longdon, Maryland. 

Thanks Compo for adding some extra sparkle into our lives, we can't imagine how the show will go on without you. We are all deeply sad. 
BF 

 
Archive News  - Tribute Night to Compo from 2000. 

SUMMER WINE PREVIEW NIGHT
Stars from BBC TV’s Last of the Summer Wine flocked to the Picturedrome cinema in Holmfirth for a moving tribute night to Compo, who died last July aged 85. Holmfirth Web is proud to be the first to bring you a report and selection of special photographs from the unique occasion, which was organised following a request by Holme Valley Business Association. The BBC agreed to the special preview of three episodes dealing with the sad death of Compo, played by Bill Owen, in recognition of his close links with the people of Holmfirth. As the Clifton and Lightcliffe Brass Band performed outside, a specially invited audience made their way into the cinema for this unique occasion. See the full report.

 

© 2000 Area5. The Summer Wine On-Line web site brought to you by Area5 Public Relations, Holmfirth. Thanks to everyone who has contributed material to this web site, including Colin Frost, of Side's Café, Holmfirth.