I had planned my trip to Holmfirth for 2 years.  On June 20, 2005, at 8 a.m., I landed in Manchester, England.  Clive Carter, taxi driver extraordinaire, was waiting at the airport to give me a lift to Holmfirth.  On the way, Clive filled me in on some area history and we talked a lot about Summer Wine.  He and his wife had taken a cruise and met Tom Owen.  He couldn’t say enough good things about Tom, especially how ‘down to earth’ he was.  Once we got out of Manchester, I started seeing the beauty of the countryside.  This is why I had come, the green hills, stone fences, the sheep grazing up and down the hillsides.  Once in Holmfirth, Clive pointed out Nora Batty’s house, which was close to the hotel.  I arrived at the Old Bridge Hotel around 10 a.m.

Lynn Ford, manager at the hotel, greeted me by my first name and got me registered.  She then asked me “would you like to go on the set of Summer Wine?”  I’m sure my mouth dropped open and I croaked “I sure would.”  Alan J.W. Bell, producer/director, was also staying at the Old Bridge. Lynn knew him and was going to ask him if I could come to the set.  Oh, what luck.  I settled into my room on the second floor, showered since I had been wearing the same clothes for 24 hours, and hit the streets of Holmfirth. 

I remembered the Tourist girls from the Summer Wine site - they were marvellous

I was fascinated by all the buildings of Yorkshire stone.  As I started wandering, I noticed the Tourist Information Center.  Remembering the picture of Sue and Stephanie on the Holmfirth website, I decided to go in and get acquainted.  The girls were marvelous.  I asked about Bill “Compo” Owen’s  grave, and they gave me directions.  Just a couple of blocks further was Upperthong Lane, and I followed that up until I came to St. John’s Church and the grave yard.  A very quiet, peaceful cemetery.  His grave wasn’t far from the entrance, so I didn’t have any trouble finding it.  There were two markers along with two pair of ‘wellies,’ a large pair and a tiny pair.  There were flowers there, left by loved ones who continue to miss this wonderful man, small contributions for a larger than life personality.

After leaving the cemetery, I headed on up, probably another ¼ mile, to Compo’s Restaurant and had fish and chips.  This had been another mission of my journey to England – have the fish and chips.  And they were better than even I could have imagined.  The restaurant closed at 2 p.m., so after my leisurely lunch, I headed on back to the Old Bridge.  I have to admit, I was the typical tourist, stopping to look at the flowers, staring at the scenery, looking in all the windows.  Once back at the hotel, I did rest for a while, since I had not slept on the flight over.  After my rest, I again walked the streets.  Just a block or so away from the hotel, I found the greatest little park.  One of the walkways was paved with old cemetery stones.  It was interesting to read them.  So many young people died.  Someone told me later that a lot of them had died from the plague.

I wandered over the Holme River to the Grocery Store.  Of course I had to go in and compare the products and prices to what we had back home.  Basically, most of the food was the same, just some difference in packaging.  I bought a snack to keep in my room.  I was beginning to get a handle on counting out the change.  I then retraced my path through the park, past the bus pick-up area, and back to the hotel.  Deciding to eat there and have an early night, I ordered a cheeseburger and chips and sat outside, at the front of the hotel and enjoyed my feast while taking in the sights.  I was having the time of my life, and was still having some trouble believing that I was actually there.  It was fascinating to see the little cobblestone walks leading up and down the hills, like Penny Lane and Daisy Lane.  It was a real treat to wander up and down these paths exploring the shops and tea rooms.

The next day was Tuesday, June 21.   The news was reporting about the number of people at Stonehenge to celebrate the solstice.  I went down for breakfast, which was included along with the hotel room, and had a full English grill, including bacon, sausage, egg, mushrooms, tomato and fried bread.  I decided to forego the black pudding.  I was sure I wasn’t up to that.  I visited some of the shops along Victoria Square, such as, Help the Aged, and the Hospice Shop, and bought a few bargains.  The Parish Church right by Sid’s Café was having an Angel Exhibit.  There were many examples of Angels, along with the descriptions of them.  The church was having a book sale, and also had items such as bookmarks and postcards about the Angels for sale.  My daughter called while I was in the church.  I stepped outside to talk to her and told her I was right in from of the webcam.  She was able to get on the Internet and see me standing there, talking to her.  I did this several times while I was there, talking to both my daughters, my sisters and my co-workers at my office. 

In the afternoon, I decided to take the bus tour from Sid’s Café to see the filming sites of LOTSW.  It lasted about 30 minutes and we got to see Nora Batty’s house, and the hillside where Compo, Cleggy and Truly spend time wiling away the hours thinking up their mischievous antics.  We went to Jackson Bridge, and stopped across a pasture from where the crew were filming the show.  We could all pick out the different actors waiting their turn to be in front of the camera.  We continued on our way to finish our tour.  It was a great ride for just a few pounds.  After getting back to Sid’s, I went in to have a drink.  I got a certificate that said I had actually visited the Café.  In the Café there was a television playing the show, souvenirs to buy, and cardboard cutouts of Compo, Nora and Ivy.  The green checked curtains and tablecloths were exactly as in the show.

A  Real Bacon Butty - As seen on Keeping up Appearances

I left Sid’s and wandered through the Park, back to the grocery store.  I purchased some tissues and got a bacon butty from the deli.  I had to admit to the girl behind the counter that I didn’t really know what a bacon butty was, but had heard it often on another Brit comedy “Keeping Up Appearances” when Onslow always asked Daisy for one.  It turned out to be a delicious bacon sandwich.  I continue to be educated.  On my way back to the park, there were 2 school boys hanging over the walkway over the river, trying to keep track of a fish.  One young fella took off to run down to the water to try to see it.  I think he would have gone in after it if he had seen it.  The river was only about 12-15 feet across, and very shallow, so there wasn’t any danger for him.  Boys will be boys no matter where they are.  I took my sandwich back to the park and enjoyed a leisurely dinner.  Then, back to the hotel for another early night.  When I got to my room, I decided to use my adapter to re-charge my cell phone.  Apparently I didn’t have the right kind of adapter, because I heard a buzzing and a small popping sound, and the charger wouldn’t work.  I had fried my charger.

The next morning was a breakfast of cold ham and tomatoes, which were delicious.  I asked Lynn if she knew of some place where I could purchase a phone charger.  She knew of a place in Huddersfield, and told me how to catch the bus.  I decided to catch the bus that went the scenic route so I could see the countryside.  It took about 40 minutes to reach Huddersfield.  The roads were very narrow, and many times we pulled over to let another vehicle pass.  Once in Huddersfield, I strolled down the street and came across a toy store.  Since I have grandchildren, and needed toys to take home, I went in to do some shopping.  The clerk was very helpful and pointed me in the direction of a telephone store.  I was able to get my charger there and was back in business.  I wanted to have lunch at the Parish Church, which Lynn from the hotel had recommended, so I asked directions.  I was able to find the church without a problem and stopped for lunch at “The Keyes” in the basement of the church.  They had a great selection and were really busy. Then it was back on the bus for my return trip.

That evening I had cod, chips and mushy peas for dinner at the hotel.  It was very good, but apparently I’m not big on mushy peas, so I left some on my plate.  I strolled back to the grocery store to pick up a couple of items, and then another visit to the park.  After my outing, I was ready for another early night.

On Thursday, I knew it was Lynn’s day off, so I didn’t think I would get on the set of the show, so I just piddled around and got down to breakfast about 8:30.  Sarah at the front desk told me that Lynn had said Alan thought today would be a good day for my visit to the set.  I was so excited I couldn’t eat.  I rushed around, got ready to go, and headed back to the reception desk.  Sarah then drove me out to Jackson Bridge, where they were filming at Clegg and Howard’s house.  As soon as we arrived, Sarah handed me over to Ashlynn.  She introduced me to Lindsey who would take care of me.  Alan came over and introduced himself and said how glad they were that I had come.  He was very solicitous and kept asking me if I were getting some good pictures, and moving me into better spots for my pictures.  As I was standing, waiting for the next scene, Stephen Lewis (Smiler), came over and started talking about the weather being so nice and warm, usually it is cool and rainy.  He was telling me that any spot in England is not more than 70 miles from the sea, which I had not realized.  Then Simone, Alan’s right hand accomplice, was calling him over to get ready for his scene.

Smiler was put into a suit of armor, and stood out in the sun for probably 45 minutes waiting for his turn.  JoAnna and Lindsey would hold an umbrella over him to give him some shade, and wipe his brow and nape with a cool, wet cloth.  Finally, it was his turn.  He starts down the path, step – step – step, and then stops to scratch at the armor, then again step – step – step, and more scratching.  I kept making notes of the scenes so I would remember to watch for them when I got back to the States.  Usually it takes a couple of years or more for the newer episodes to get to my PBS station.  Another scene had Pearl and Howard at their front door talking to a government man who was looking for Cleggy.  Pearl takes the trash out, and Howard mumbles to the g-man, then goes into the house.  The g-man says to Pearl, “Your husband seems awfully stressed,” and Pearl says, “Yes, we try,” as she gives her famous smile.  The scenes may be filmed many times, until Alan gets it just the way he wants it.

I spoke with Juliette Kaplan (Pearl), telling her I was Mary from America and asked her if I could take her picture.  She remembered that I had sent her an email telling her that I was coming over.  She let me take her picture and was very sweet.

A Car Came Backing up the Lane - and there was Clegg and Truly

A car came backing up the lane and Peter Sallis (Clegg) and Frank Thornton (Truly) got out and went into Clegg’s house.  JoAnna was rushing around and came over to ask me it everything was all right, and if there was anyone I wanted to meet.  Of course I said Peter and Frank.  She went in and asked me if I could join them and was given permission.  I went into Cleggy’s and there they were, bigger than life.  At this point, I was very excited, and trying not to show it.  I was able to get my picture with each of them, and stayed about 20 minutes talking.  Peter asked about the episodes I was seeing in the States.  He wanted to know if I had ever read the book “Wind in the Willow” by Kenneth Graham, which I had not.  He said it always reminded him of the show.  Frank and I were talking about trips, and he told me about a trip around the world that he and his wife took a few years ago.  It was hard for me to believe that I was actually talking to them.  After watching them for so many years, I felt like they were part of my family.  I felt a definite kinship to them.  I decided to leave and let them get ready for their scene.  I didn’t want to be a nuisance.

Outside, again, I was watching and snapping pictures left and right.  I say Keith Clifford (Billy) and Burt Kwouk (Entwhistle) sitting under umbrellas and asked them if I could take their pictures, which, of course, they said ‘yes.’  When I was introducing myself to Entwhistle, and told him I was from the States, south of Chicago at Champaign-Urbana where I work at the University of Illinois, he said, “Oh yes, the Fighting Illini.”  What a pleasant surprise for me that someone so far from my home recognized it.  I spoke to a Roger and Howard, a couple of the doubles, and got their pictures also.  Roger asked me if I knew who they were and I replied, “Well, I know who you’re supposed to be.”  He got a kick out of that.   I finally got a chance to meet Robert Fyfe (Howard) and get my picture with him.

Every one of the cast and crew made me feel like they were pleased to have me there.  I was flabbergasted that they would take the time to speak to me, have pictures with me, and genuinely seem interested in me.  I never dreamed that I would get to meet them and spend time with them.  For me, this was a dream come true.  I felt truly honored that I had the opportunity to interact with them on the set of the show.  Time was running out and some of the cast were leaving.  Smiler came to me, kissed the back of my hand, and said it was a real pleasure to meet me.  My heart actually fluttered.  How gallant!  I watched a couple more scenes, then it was time for Peter and Frank to leave.  Frank actually made a point of  coming to me to tell me goodbye and he hoped I had a safe trip home.  I told him I wanted to return in 2 years for the 35^th anniversary, and would see him then.  Things were winding down.  I didn’t want to out stay my welcome, so made my goodbyes.  I wandered down to the White Horse pub, had a cool drink and called a taxi. 

Friday and Saturday were rainy and cool.  I decided that these would be good days to sit with a book and read.  I wandered over to the New & Used Book Shop and bought a copy of “Wind in the Willow” to see if it reminded me of LOTSW.  I went back to the hotel, sat outside in the mist, and read.  I enjoyed the book so much, I finished it in record time.  Because it was about good friends and the mischief they got into, it definitely reminded me of the show.  I thought when I got back to the States I would send a short note to Peter to let him know I had read the book and agreed with him.  At the hotel, Lynn did mention that they would be filming at Nora Batty’s on Sunday.  I was going to take a couple of side trips before I left the following Wednesday, but once I heard they were filming in town, I decided to hang around and see what happened.

Sunday was bright and sunny, so I was up early, had a big breakfast, and headed over to Nora’s.  Sure enough, they were filming.  I spent the next 3 days watching them film the show.  It was hard not to laugh out loud as they are trying to film.  The writer has such a way with words that really tickles me.  On Tuesday, my last day, the crew were filming over by the co-op.  Alan had greeted me at breakfast and told me that is where they would be filming that day, as they were done filming at Nora’s.  He wanted to know if I was going to be around, which I said “of course.”  After I talked to him, I had to find out where the co-op was.  Lynn told me it was on the other side of the park, and across the bridge.  Well, to my surprise, the co-op was what I called the grocery store, so I was very familiar with it.

While watching them film, Smiler came to me and we chatted for about 20 minutes.  He is a very personable man, chatting about being in London and seeing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the theatre.  He then had to get ready for his scene.  I made my way over to where Josephine Tewson, Peter Sallis and Frank Thornton were sitting.  I introduced myself again, which they remembered me, and told Peter that I had gotten the book, Wind in the Willow, and I agreed with him, it did remind me of the show.  He wanted to know which character I thought he should be.  He had done the voice of River Rat on an animated show several years earlier.  However, I told him I thought he was more like the Mole, not the rat.  That’s what he thought also, but they had already cast someone for Mole in the animation show, so he was Rat.  Frank asked which one I thought he would be, and Peter and I agreed, the Badger, because he liked being boss.

I sadly said my goodbyes to everyone and headed back to the hotel.  I was going to be picked up at the hotel by my taxi at 7 a.m., so wanted to have an early night.  In the morning, I was at the front door of the hotel early.  Alan and Stefan, the set designer,  came over and thanked me for coming and said it was a pleasure to meet me.  I still couldn’t believe that they would be so thoughtful, since I was just one lone fan from the States. 

I met some of the most wonderful people on my trip.  Liz and Tony Wellman from across the Mersey at Liverpool, Les and Margaret Davies from Cardiff, Wales, and Lynn Ford, the most wonderful hostess at the Old Bridge Hotel.  Everyone on the filming set, the crew and cast,  made this a most memorable vacation.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I could have had this experience.  I can hardly wait to return in 2 years.  That is the sort of vacation that is a real wonder, one where you’re anxious to go back.

Editor's Note:  Many thanks Mary for taking the time to write and tell us about your wonderful visit to Holmfirth, and for sending the photos. We really enjoyed reading your journal, you obviously had a great time. We know many of our fans - particularly those from your neck of the woods - will enjoy reading this, and we hope it will inspire them to come and see us in Holmfirth.