| THE
SUMMER WINE NEWS & FEATURE PAGE |
|
| AN
ARRESTING SIGHT...OR WHAT? |
|
 Perhaps
not so much arresting...as frankly freezing! Grab your flask of hot
tea, a bacon butty and a good warm jacket and scarf, and join Clive
Eardley, President of the Summer Wine Appreciation Society, on the
windswept moors above Holmfirth.
Click here to view our photos
|
EMAIL
OF THE MONTH
A Friendship Born on the Summer Wine website |
Sue Kimber writes: "A couple of years ago I wrote
to Patrick. He put my letter in the postbag and it caught the
attention of a lady called Jean who lives in Maryland. Jean
replied to me, I wrote back, and so a friendship was born. We
found that we had lots in common, a liking for cats, and a
dislike of heavy housework were the main ones, but also of
course our love of Last of the Summer Wine. When Jean's son
arranged a trip to London for her, it seemed only right that we
should meet, so they worked it out that she could spend a couple
of nights with us. I knew that we would enjoy meeting in the
flesh, but I was pleased that my rather shy husband liked
her too. I would have loved to take her to Holmfirth, but there
was not really time, so we took her to some of our favourite
local haunts. We live in Surrey, therefore Guildford Castle
was a must, also a tour of our villages. A trip to our favourite
chip shop was one of the things that was on Jeans list, and
because she is also a fan of 'As Time Goes By' she had to
try custard tarts. We still write everyweek, sometimes more if
there is anything special happening. We know all about each
others families and support each other in any crisis, if only she
could pop in for a coffee sometimes it would be perfect. So
thank you Patrick for making this possible."
And a lovely note from Jean: "I'm the Jean in Sue
Kimber's story. I would also like to add my thanks to you,
Patrick, and to Summer Wine, for without you, we never would
have met. It has been a wonderful friendship. Sue
and her husband are lovely people and made my visit to their
home the highlight of my trip to England. It is my fervent
wish that they will come to the U.S. one of these days and that
I may be able to visit England again, and have the time to visit
Holmfirth. Thanks so much."
Jean Sax Maryland,
USA
|
MORE
CLASSIC GEMS FOR YOU TO ENJOY
Wait until you see these black and white classics! |
|
 Many,
many thanks for all your emails - which are still coming in - saying
how much you enjoy our black and white vintage collection from
Compo's photo album. We now have another special treat for you -
another page full of classic photos from the early years of Summer
Wine. In another scoop, we also have an actual photo (right)
of the special presentation of the album to Compo during Summer Wine
filming in the London studios. You can see a larger copy of the
photo on the intro page to our special collection. We know you will
enjoy these classic gems, which bring back many happy
memories.
Please click here to read a
selection of messages from fans
Click here for the full story and
exclusive photos.
|
MORE
USA
FAN PHOTOS OF LOTSW LOCATION FILMING
Lookout for the Summer Wine Bobbies! |
|
 Ello..ello..ello
- lookout for an "arresting" sight on the latest fabulous
LOTSW location shots snapped by USA tourist Helen Jones, during a
holiday to Holmfirth. Helen (pictured right) ended up as an "extra" on one of the
programmes! More
|
|
LOCATION PHOTOS - ANOTHER FAB UPDATE! |
|
Tonight
(Fri July 2) we have published more 2004 location photos direct from
Holmfirth and surrounding area. With special thanks to regular
reader and fan Mike Fernley. Click here
|
 YOU
LOVED OUR REAL SOUND INTERVIEWS ON THE SUMMER WINE WEBSITE.
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR
LOVELY MESSAGES |
 Many
thanks for all your email about our audio interviews of Compo and
Clegg. Because of the number of messages, we were unable to respond
to each one individually - please accept our apologies.
Several people had problems listening to the interviews and we did
reply to most of those appeals for help! Some were using an
older version of Real Player - please ensure you have the
latest free version by clicking our link. We have now published some
of the emails on a special page, follow the link below.
Find out the full story behind
the interviews - and listen to the interviews themselves - Click
here
|
| D-DAY
FOR CLEGGY |
|
 "Once
again the finest of our Summer Wine actors has triumphed in a role
which was totally different from that for which we know him so
well."
Read Gerald Hayne's detailed review - D
Day for Clegg.
|
| THANK
YOU BARRY TOOK FOR CHOOSING HOLMFIRTH! |
|
 Last
of the Summer Wine could have been filmed around the industrial
streets of Doncaster or Rotherham...had it not been for this man -
Barry Took.
Full story and pic on The Story page.
|
| COMPO'S
LAST RESTING PLACE... |
|
 "...Being
the anniversary of Bill’s death it seemed appropriate to re-visit
his last resting place; one he chose himself as an adopted
Yorkshireman..."
LOTSW enthusiast Gerald Hayne makes the trip up the hill, out of
Holmfirth, to visit Compo's Resting Place.
More
Also,
read Tom Owen's piece on the passing away of Bill 'Compo'
Owen.
More
|
| MORE...MUCH
MORE...OF CLIVE'S SUPERB SUMMER WINE PHOTOS |
|
 We
know from your messages you are really enjoying Clive's colouful
photos of the 2004 Last of the Summer Wine series, which was filmed
in Holmfirth and surrounding villages the previous summer. As one
correspondent said...just like the TV series, it always seems the
sun is shining in Clive's photos! Many thanks again to Clive,
President of the Summer Wine Appreciation Society. Check the
following links!
The General's
Greatest Battle
Featuring
Howard and Marina at the Crossroads pub
Beware of
Laughing at Nora's Hats
|
NEVER
MIND THE RAIN - TOM'S HERE IN HOLMFIRTH!
Compo Statue Appeal - Saturday, July 3, 2004 |
|
New!
Download Pat Carline's fabulous report and photos of Saturday's big
event. Click the link below!
|
|
 The
rain stopped and there was a big patch of blue in the sky as Tom
Owen and friends descended on the paved square outside Sid's Cafe,
in the heart of Holmfirth, to re-launch the exciting fund raising
campaign to build a statue of his father, Bill, in Holmfirth. Stop
Press: Thanks for the text message Tom, revealing the full
amount raised at the collection was £53! Well done to everyone for
helping and donating.
Full details and photos
|
DONATION
TO THE COMPO STATUE APPEAL - READERS' IDEA
Enjoy our site - and make a donation! |
|
 You
can rest assured there are no plans to start charging our fans to
enjoy the Holmfirth-based website. But several people in our recent
survey (results to be published soon!) suggested that fans could
instead make a donation to the charity appeal for a Compo statue in
Holmfirth. Bill's son, Tom, is already making plans to re-launch the
appeal in Holmfirth early July. Several of our readers - including
one from the USA - is planning to come over to help. One or two fans
have already made a donation as a thank you for our website. If you
fancy doing this, then please visit
the Statue page for full details. Every little helps. Also, any
funds left over will benefit youth projects in the Holmfirth
area.
|
BIG
DAY AT DREAM ACRES FOR ERNEST
Two prizewinners on the Summer Wine Website - thanks to ALL who took
part |
|
 Congratulations
to Ernest Walker, of Chesterfield, England, right, who won
our exclusive signed photo from "Big Day at Dream Acres" signed by Kathy Staff and with the original caption.
The photo was kindly donated by Holme Valley photographer Malcolm
Howarth, who is providing the photos for our popular
vintage collection - many thanks Malcolm. We received over 70
entries, most correct, with the winner picked out of a hat.
Ernest called over to pick up his prize in person.
DVD Winner: The winner of our LOTSW Series 1 and 2 DVD -
sponsored by the BBC - was Mrs E Wright, of Oban, Scotland.
All those who took part in our recent survey (details to be
published shortly!) were entered into the free draw. We are
running more free competitions during the summer with BBC
prizes.
|
| NEWSFLASH
- LOTSW WINNER IN US BATTLE OF THE BRITCOMS! |
|
 This
news just in from Charles Watson on Long Island, NY -
"Just
recently, WLIW21 on Long Island held its 4th Annual Battle of the
Britcoms and its British Brigade Winner was "The Last of the
Summer Wine", which will be airing on WLIW21 on June 25th. The
competitors that were aired against it were "Open All
Hours", The Thin Blue Line", "Downwardly
Mobile", and "The Piglet Files". Could you please
mention it in the latest LOTSW homepage."
Charles Watson, West Babylon, Long Island, New York, USA
Incidentally – many of you may not already know it so I will tell
you that ‘Open All Hours’ is also written by Roy Clarke and the
location work was recorded here in my Yorkshire hometown of
Doncaster! It is set in a local ‘corner shop’ – a small
general store – and it’s main characters are ‘Arkwright’,
the store owner and the most penny-pinching man in the North, played
brilliantly by Ronnie Barker; ‘Granville’, his nephew, still
‘adolescent’ at 25, played by the superb David Jason, and
‘Nurse Gladys Emmanuel’, Arkwright’s lady-love, played by
Lynda Baron, who many of you will know better as
‘Lily-bless-her’ in ‘Getting Sam Home’! Amongst other
‘regulars’ is the dark and dismal ‘Mrs Blewitt’ played by
our lovely Kathy Staff and the black widow, ‘Mrs Featherstone’
played by Stephanie Cole, who many of you know best as the feisty
OAP Diana Trent in ‘Waiting For God’. I
know that Open All Hours has not been shown very widely in the USA,
but if you get the chance to see it please give it a try – it is
well up to the high standard of LOTSW and I think you would soon get
‘hooked’!
Best Wishes, Pat Carline, Co Editor.
|
| A
SPECIAL TRIBUTE PAGE FOR THOSE SPECIAL PEOPLE |
|
Following requests from
fans, the Summer Wine website is now
planning a special page which will pay proper tribute to all cast
members who are no longer with us. We need YOUR help creating this
special page.
For more details, see Pat's
Piece.
|
| ORDERING
YOUR SUMMER WINE "EASY LISTENING" MUSIC
CD |
|
 Your
two Website editors, Pat and Patrick, are receiving a growing number
of emails from fans wishing to order the special Summer Wine CD from
the Appreciation Society. To help save time, Pat has now compiled
full details on how to order a CD direct from the Society. We have
already replied to a number of fans who wanted details about
ordering a copy - many thanks for all your messages.
Full details on the SW CD page, including a music review from Clive
Eardley, President of the SW Appreciation Society.
|
| COMPO
STATUE APPEAL - YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED |
|
Summer
Wine Online has been receiving many emails from fans asking about
the plans for a statue of Compo in Holmfirth. A number of donations
have been made via the Summer Wine website. However, it is fair to
say that not everyone is convinced about the plans. A number
of your questions have been forwarded to Tom Owen - Bill's son - who
is anxious to respond to them. Tom has now compiled a list of the
most frequently asked questions to help keep fans informed, which
are published on this website. There is also an opportunity to
ask Tom further questions, via the Summer Wine site.
Click here for full details
|
| MORE
GLORIOUS PHOTOS OF SUMMER WINE FILMING |
|
Clive
Eardley, President of the Summer Wine Appreciation Society, was so
delighted with the lovely comments following publication of his
LOTSW filming photos - that he has supplied another batch for
readers to enjoy.
Click here to
view the latest photos from Summer Wine country.
|
NICE
ONE ALAN BELL!
Wharmby Street Sign Spotted
Photo courtesy Clive Eardley, President of the SW Appreciation
Society |
|
 Many
thanks to all the fans who emailed the Summer Wine website this week
after spotting "Wharmby Street" in the latest series of
LOTSW, being broadcast on Sunday evenings on BBC1. All said it was a
lovely and fitting touch to the late Gordon Wharmby. Leo Phillips
said: "Nice one Alan Bell. What a nice touch! How many noticed
the street name in the last
episode?
Remember when Howard came across Marina dressed in 'boring' clothes.
It was Wharmby Street.
The late Gordon Wharmby played the much missed Wesley Pegden in
Summer
Wine.
And nice to see Norman Wisdom in a brief appearance as Billy
Ingleton.
Perhaps
Billy Ingleton retired to Summer Wine Country after a lifetime
working
for
Grimsdale's in Huddersfield?"
Another email from Peter Judd, Hampshire, UK, said: "What a
wonderfully kind gesture on the part of the Holmfirth
authorities in
naming a street Wharmby Street as seen in the episode of 15th
February.
I wonder whether other deceased cast-members are to be honoured in
this
way?" Several other fans also said it would be nice to include
similar references, and a local resident, Trevor Davies, of Wooldale,
suggested new developments could be named after actors from LOTSW.
Read Pat Carline's review of the latest series - click
here.
GLORIOUS SUMMER WINE PHOTOS: Another fab chance to see the
location shots for the 2004 series, filmed last summer in Holmfirth.
Click here to
feast your eyes!
|
| DID
YOU SEE THE REAL SUMMER WINE BOBBY - PC RUSS CONLON! |
Holmfirth's
real life community bobby PC Russ Conlon - who has a column on our
sister website holmfirthweb.com - appeared in last Sunday's episode
(Sun March 7) of Last
o f the Summer Wine. Russ, who wrote to
producer Alan JW Bell asking if he could appear in the  programme,
played a policeman in a short scene in the episode "Happy
Birthday Robin Hood" transmitted on BBC 1. In an email to the Summer Wine website, Russ - last
year's top community constable in West Yorkshire - stressed he was
not on duty at the time of the filming! A resident of the Holme
Valley, Russ is often called the "Summer Wine Bobby"
because of the area he covers, and his love of the programme. Also
appearing in tomorrow's episode is famous comedian Roy Hudd -
remember his hilarious programme "The News Huddlines"?
|
"HOORAY
AND SORRY" FROM USA
2 DVD SET FROM WARNER BROS - Please click to enlarge artwork |
|
 Email
update from a Fan
"I don't know whether to post this or not. My fellow US fans
are going to be very happy and our UK cousins are going to hurt me.
But here goes....
Warner Home Video has announced a release of a 2 DVD set which will
include the 30 Years Special and an interview with Bill Owen.
The packaging says "Vintage 1995" so I assume it will be
either the 16th or 17th season, though most likely the 17th season
since it was made in 1995. Fortuntely/Unfortunately, it is a
Region 1 release.
The set is set to release on June 4.
I'm attaching the artwork which I found on both dvdanswers.com and
tvshowsondvd.com.
I have yet to see it on any of the websites yet, amazon, etc, but I
will post when I see it available for pre-ordering.
Hooray and sorry."
Len Yacullo
NEWS UPDATE: Len has since informed us that the
set is now available to pre-order at a good discount at www.amazon.com
|
THE
GREAT LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE QUIZ
Thanks for taking part! |
|
Many thanks to everyone
who took part in our LOTSW quiz. We received over 50 entries,
although some were a little incomplete! Several grumbled that the
questions, compiled by the Appreciation Society, were a little
tough. Winner was Terry Evans, of Battle Lake, USA who said: "I
do love my Summer Wine - and LONG LIVE CLEGG!!" Runner up
was Christine Cushing, of Hereford, England, who said: "...the
best programme ever...I never get tired with it, I can watch it over
and over again." Exclusive anniversary SW pictures are being
posted to the winners - congratulations again.
PS: The answers can be seen on our quiz page.
STOP PRESS: More emails from fans on our Postbag
page.
|
"JAM
PACKED FULL FOR SUMMER WINE"
Preview of 2004 Series by Clive, of the SW Appreciation
Society. |
|
|
NEW PHOTOS from the exciting studio
previews in London. Join the audience, see more photos below.
|
|
Although the BBC may have dismissed
Last of the Summer Wine from their top 50,
that is not the case with the appreciators of the show. Having
just returned from the latest batch of previews I want to report
that all the 3 audiences were jam-packed full and it's nice to see
that many of the people in the audience were young people who were
clearly enjoying the shows just as much as everybody else.
Although I cannot reveal too much, the programme's are full of the
usual Roy Clarke style of humour which only he and he alone can
write.
All the shows are very funny for
different reasons - some for the guest characters coming into the
series in guest roles (watch out for Roy Hudd in an episode called
"Spores"). Some were visually funny and one in
particular is very colourful and features our favourite town in
all it's glory. Just watch the episode "The General's
Greatest Battle."
So teaser wise what can I
say...well:
- Nora has an old score to settle?
- Who's the stranger looking for
Truly?
- Why is Billy taken to wearing a
green suit?
So watch and all will be revealed when
the new series starts next month (Feb).
One thing is sure, Roy's vintage sees
no sign of running out and the finest vintage are the ones which
have been allowed to mature.
Enjoy
Clive Eardley
President of Summer Wine Appreciation Society
|
|
Below left -
who is that strange man in the audience? And, photo right,
see the famous stars on stage at the fabulous Previews in the London
studios.
|
|
|
| GOING
DUTCH IN SUMMER WINE COUNTRY! |
|
Summer-wine.com and our
sister site Holmfirthweb.com are seeing a surge in hits and
enquiries about visiting Holmfirth from Dutch surfers. Dutch hits
rose from virtually nothing to 16 per cent of our total for November
and December 2003. In the last three weeks, we have responded to 12
emails from Dutch visitors planning to visit Holmfirth. This is
almost as many as the US! Many have been asking about
accommodation, Summer Wine visitor attractions and mileage from
Leeds and Bradford Airport. The dramatic increase in Dutch
traffic would appear to be due to the low cost flights from Leeds
and Bradford Airport. The Summer Wine site contacted Jet2.com
who confirmed that nearly half of their journeys now started in
Amsterdam - more Dutch tourists are visiting Yorkshire. Also,
several of our Dutch emailers confirmed they can watch LOTSW on
their cable TV and have been attracted to the local scenery.
Good news for Holmfirth!
STOP PRESS: This story was covered in the Huddersfield
press Thursday Jan 23, and the resulting "plug" has
already led to more hits on summer-wine.com plus enquiries from new
fans.
|
| WALLY
AND HIS BSA MOTORCYCLE COMBINATION |
|
Remember our article
about Wally, the BSA motorcycle and the mystery photo? Well the
former owner of the bike has got in touch after spotting the machine
on the Summer Wine site!
More
Also, read our latest contributions to our Postbag
page
|
| 2003
SPECIAL - FIRST EXCLUSIVE REVIEW |
|
 "Last
night (Sunday Dec 22) we in the UK got to settle quietly in front of
our TV sets to enjoy the first ‘Last of the Summer Wine’
Christmas Special in years – but in our house at least it didn’t
stay quiet very long!"
Read Pat's fantastic
review of the 2003 Christmas Special
|
CLEGGY'S
CAP STEALS THE SHOW IN STOCKPORT!
Email from Across the Pennines |
"Dear Patrick,
I thought you and the Summer Wine fans
ought to know about a new exhibition here at Hat Works, the UK's
only museum of hats and hatting, based in Stockport, Cheshire, not
too far from Holmfirth! Clegg's famous flat cap is one of the stars
of the show!"
Hannah, Hat Works.
Location - Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport, SK3
0EU. Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 10am-5pm, Sunday: 11am –
5pm. Tel: 0161 355 7770.
Patrick writes: "Thanks for the email Hannah, we will try to
get across one weekend. If any fans manage to see Cleggy's cap,
please send us an email."
|
| SO
WHO'S THE HAPPIEST LASS IN YORKSHIRE THEN? |
|
Just look who SWOL
Co-Editor Pat bumped into while at the Little Theatre in Doncaster.
Summer Wine fans are in for a very nice suprise!
Click here for more details
and photo
|
| LOTSW
CHARITY
"TIE UP" STILL ON SALE |
|
 Limited
edition tie pins celebrating LOTSW (click photo to enlarge) are
still available to purchase from Huddersfield Traffic Warden Fred
Bradbeer. He contacted the Summer Wine website team after concern
that some fans visting the ebay page, where the pins were being
offered, may have thought the entire collection had been sold.
The
'Last of the Summer Wine' series of six high quality enamelled pins
feature original characters from the hit TV series. All the
characters display a police link, such as Nora Batty with handcuffs
and Clegg with a chequered cap. "I hope to raise between
£300-600 for the Kirkwood Hospice in Huddersfield," explained
organiser Fred Bradbeer, who can be contacted on the following email
fredbradbeer@btopenworld.com
|
HOLMFIRTH
FILMING REPORT - 2004 SERIES
Special Location Photos To View |
|
THE BBC cameras have once again left
Holmfirth as the cast and crew move back down to London to complete
the 2004 series in the comfort of the studios. As revealed last year
on Summer Wine Online, the crews have also been filming another
Christmas special along with the exciting new series. Just before
the cast left the Valley, there was a special celebration as actor
Brian Murphy, who plays Alvin Smedley, celebrated his 69th birthday
on set. Alvin is hoping to add a bit of love interest into the life
of the wrinkled stocking Nora Batty, played by Kathy Staff. Regulars
Tom Owen, Stephen Lewis, Keith Clifford, Jean Alexander, Burt Kwouk
and Frank Thornton have been joined by a few new faces. There is
Josephine Tewson, of “Keeping up Appearances” fame, playing the
part of Miss Davenport, the librarian, who has taken up residence
next door to Glenda. Miss Davenport is going to become a
regular following a guess appearance in the past. Another newcomer
is the classic comedy actor Roy Hudd, of the “News Huddlines”
fame, a popular hit on the radio. He is playing Lionel. Anita Carey,
of “I Did n’t Know Your Cared” fame plays the part of
Lionel’s wife. While packing up the last cameras and lighting
gear, producer Alan JW Bell told the Summer Wine website: “It has
been hard work over the past couple of weeks but very enjoyable. We
now move into the studios to put the finishing touches to the shows.
I hope the Christmas special (see photo above) will go out in
mid-December and the new series will have a date sometime early I
the New Year. I would again like to thank the people of the Holme
Valley for their warm and friendly support, while we have been here.
It is a beautiful place and we will miss it.”
|
PHOTO SPECIAL: Feast your
eyes on some recent location filming in Hade Edge, above Holmfirth,
courtesy of American fan Robin Simpson, who was invited onto the
set.
Click here
|
| IN
SPECIAL MEMORY OF DAME THORA HIRD... |
|
 Many
thanks to fan Gerald Hayne, a member of the Summer Wine Appreciation
Society, for sending us the lovely, detailed report of the touching
celebration at Westminster Abbey, London, in memory of Dame Thora
Hird.
Full report on the Thora page
|
| MAJOR
USA DONATION FOR HOLMFIRTH STATUE APPEAL |
 A
fantastic $2,000 donation from a USA fan has officially
launched the fund raising appeal for a statue of Compo in
the Summer Wine town of Holmfirth. Members of the Bill Owen
Statue Memorial Trust paid tribute to Mr Brian E Kushner, of
New Jersey, USA, for the donation. Mr Kushner - who got in
touch after seeing details of the appeal on the Holmfirth-based
Summer Wine website, said: "I love this show and with
what joy Bill Owen has brought me over the years, its the
least I can do." Royston Rogers, of the Trust Fund said
this was a generous donation. "It has got our fund
raising off to a great start, and we really welcome the
superb donation from across the Atlantic." Patrick
Brooke, Editor of Summer Wine Online, said he was delighted
that the website was helping with the important appeal for
Holmfirth and fans of LOTSW.
Appeal details
- Can YOU help?
|
|
| WHO
ARE THOSE EXTRAS! |
|
 Holmfirth
will never be the same again! Four girls flew over from USA
specifically to watch the LOTSW filming in Holmfirth this week - and
ended up on set as extras! The party included Robin Simpson,
pictured right, former Summer Wine Online Co-Editor, who is
organising the USA LOTSW Gala.
|
| ON
THE SET OF THE WORLD'S LONGEST RUNNING TV COMEDY |
|
 Thanks
to Summer Wine Online fan Pat Carline, we can now go on the set of
Last of the Summer Wine, as seen through the eyes of the Scottish
Sunday Post newspaper. Pat not only obtained permission for the
Summer Wine site to use a recently published feature but also helped
to compile the details for a webpage. Many thanks to Pat - and
her Mum for spotting the item in the first place - plus staff at the
Sunday Post. Please note the photos will take several moments
to download once the page has appeared.
Click here to read a
special web copy of the article, compiled by Pat.
|
| SERIES
3 AND 4 DVD/VIDEO DELAYS |
|
 Disappointing
news from our contact at the Beeb - unfortunately the video
and DVD release of series 3 and 4 of Last of the Summer Wine has
been postponed, probably until early 2004. The spokeswoman at the
BBC in London said: "I will inform you when I have an amended
release date, but at the moment this is still to be confirmed. I do
have some CD soundtracks coming out just after Christmas, and I will
give you all the details nearer the time. It's a great shame about
the delay in releasing series 3 and 4. I know that a lot of fans
have been looking forward to it, as the BBC receives many letters to
this effect."
|
| ADVENTURE
TO SUMMER WINE COUNTRY - FINAL PART |
|
 In
the final part of our "Adventure to Summer Wine Country", American
visitor Helen Jones receives a note from Alan JW Bell, Producer of
LOTSW. It simply says "Meet me on Set at Nora's!" That's
right, Helen finally manages to catch up with the cast and film crew
in the centre of Holmfirth. Her dream comes true when she watches
the Summer Wine filming - and has her photo taken by some other SW
fans who live near her home in Maryland, USA! Fans will enjoy
reading Helen's detailed account of a day on location with the SW
film crew.
Click here to read Helen's Adventure in Holmfirth - Part Three
|
| LAST
OF THE SUMMER WINE EAST COAST USA GATHERING |
|
 Thanks
to our USA correspondent Dinky, we now have the first photos of the
enthusiastic "Last of the Summer Wine" gathering on the
East Coast of America. It may be a long way from official
Summer Wine Country, Holmfirth, in West Yorkshire, but that did not
stop our American friends from paying special tribute to the show.
Click here for the full report and more
photos.
|
| TOM
OWEN CHATS TO SUMMER WINE ONLINE |
|
 Summer
Wine website editor Patrick Brooke enjoyed a Pint in Holmfirth's Old
Bridge with LOTSW actor Tom Owen. Tom, an enthusiastic supporter of
the website, was anxious to find out how the site was
progressing. Plans were also discussed on stepping up the fund
raising appeal to build a statue of Compo in the centre of Holmfirth.
Tom said: "First of all, it is great to be back filming in
Holmfirth for the second time this year. Apart from seeing the town
again and local people, it is always nice to meet up with the
cast and crew, which is really one big happy family. There are 14
regulars now in Summer Wine  and
I know this is going be another successful series when it is
screened next year. My impression is that Holmfirth has not changed
much over the years, and even since my dad (Compo) was here filming
in the early days. It is superb and we get so much support from
local people, which makes it all worthwhile." Tom said they all
appreciated the work which went into the Summer Wine website, and
particularly enjoyed reading the emails from fans. "What surprises
me each time I look at the site is all the interest from America, it
is outstanding. This kind of support can only be a good thing for
the programme. In the meantime, I would like to thank all our fans
from all over the world for their enthusiasm and dedication to the
programme, which is illustrated for all to see on the Summer Wine
Online website."
|
| WALLY,
THE MYSTERY PHOTO AND THE BSA MOTORCYCLE COMBINATION... |
 One
of the nicest things about being based in Holmfirth, the
heart of Summer Wine country, is the occasional personal
caller. It is fair to say that 99 per cent of our public
contact is via email - but occasionally there is a knock at
the door. And there, on the step, is a a rather puzzled
looking visitor, holding a mysterious photo of Wally
Batty - and a BSA motorcycle combination. It could be a
scene right out of LOTSW. Can you help clear up the
mystery?
Click here for full details and
larger photo
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SUMMER
WINE FILM CREWS IN HOLMFIRTH!
Summer Wine Online Exclusive |
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You can hardly see those
world-famous steps. Why? Because they're back outside Nora's
in Holmfirth! For the first time this season, the BBC film
crews set up outside her little house - and Summer
Wine Online was invited along to record it! We will bring
you a big update in the next few days, keep checking the  Holmfirth-based
Summer Wine website. In the meantime, any guesses who
the guy behind the mask is (pictured right)? All will
be revealed shortly.
NOTE: Many thanks to all the fans who have
emailed us location photos, we plan to use some of these
shortly. Please try not to send really large photos - keep
them compact.
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| BURNLEE
WORKING MEN'S CLUB - GONE! |
 You've
read the good news sbout the film crews due to return to Holmfirth
next week - but there is some disappointing news. For the first time
in many years, the crews will be unable to park their trucks and
lighting vans in the huge gravel car park outside Burnlee Working
Men's Club, on the road between Holmfirth and Holmbridge. The
Burnlee WMC sign is still standing (see photo) but the car park is
now being  developed
for housing. Many locals are disappointed that they won't be seeing
their friends from the Beeb this summer, some of whom stayed on the
site in caravans. Summer Wine Online Editor Patrick Brooke,
who used to travel past the site at 6.30am during weekday mornings,
said: "It was like a special little community. At that time on
a sunny morning, several crew members would be up, enjoying a cup of
tea, ready for their early morning filming schedule. We will
certainly miss seeing them." The crews would set up the
equipment at the filming location ready for the arrival of the cast,
who stay in various lodgings around the Valley. The BBC are not
saying which site they are now using for the crews. |
WHAT
A WEEK FOR HOLMFIRTH AND SUMMER WINE
Plus "A Tourist Day Out? Not Quite!" |
 What
a week that was! Holmfirth residents are still talking about
the week Robin Simpson - co-editor of Summer Wine Online -
came to town, bringing along the media spotlights. Read
the full details, see the photos plus an extra special
report from UK fan Pat Carline who thought she was coming to
see Robin in Holmfirth for a "tourist" visit -
find out what happened.
Click here for full details.
Read your May mail here
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| SUMMER
WINE EXHIBITION NOW LIVE |
 The
popular Summer Wine Exhibition in the centre of Holmfirth was
officially opened by Bill Owen (Compo) on Easter Saturday,
1996, the 25th anniversary of the programme. Now, during 2003
when LOTSW has just marked its 30th birthday, the exhibition
has just gone online to the world. Created by the experts at
Holmfirth-based Area5 News and PR (the people behind Summer
Wine Online) the site features delightful extracts from the
Exhibition Visitor's Book, plus a history of the exhibition.
Area5 liaised with Tom Owen, Bill's son, who wrote a foreword
for the site. The people behind the Exhibition are also
supporting the Supporting Wine Online website - and we are
grateful for their help.
The link is www.summerwineexhibition.com
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"MEMORIES
THROUGHOUT THE HILLS"
A Beautiful Poem Submitted by a Fan |
There
was a man named Compo, who dressed all tatty,
The woman who lived next door, her name was Nora Batty,
Every morning, you would see Nora hanging out her sheets,
Compo would come up behind her, he tried to be a sneak,
Along would come Clegg and Foggy, to rescue Nora Batty,
From the clutches of Compo, who was so funny and daffy,
Off to the Cafe they would run, for Ivy's tea and sticky buns,
Away to the hills they would go, for some adventure and fun,
The entire cast gave all of us laughter, adventures, and
thrills,
As we sat and watched them romp and roam throughout the hills,
Now that most of them have gone on to pass through heaven's
time,
There will never be another group quite like those of Summer
Wine.
Thankyou for all the wonderful years of entertaining your
fans.
KITKATMOM1 |
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"30 YEARS OF LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE."
Read fan Pat Carline's superb Review. |
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"I
sat down, Sunday evening, to watch the Summer Wine documentary
celebrating 30 years of our favourite show and the team surely did
their best to do it justice!"
Read a fascinating and detailed review by a fan of the programme
everyone is talking about - Summer Wine's 30th Documentary,
broadcast on BBC1 Sunday, April 13.
More
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| OUR
MARINA AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, WINDSOR, NO LESS |
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Jean Fergusson, our Marina, is appearing
at the Theatre Royal Windsor as Miss Marple in Agatha Christie’s
"A Murder is Announced". Open the enclosed PDF
file to view the colourful poster featuring a photo of
Jean.
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| USA
FANS SADDENED BY COMPO SERIES |
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There
have been more emails to Summer Wine Online by USA fans who
are just watching the episodes covering the sad death of
Compo. New York viewers on a public service networks are just
watching the 2000 series which covered the sad death of Compo,
actor Bill Owen, who died in July, 1999, aged 85.
Special report and emails
New - Compo's funeral lyrics.
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