Background: 
The presentation of the album – to mark the 25^th anniversary of LOTSW – was made to Compo during studio filming for the series at the famous Pinewood Studios, London.

We are proud to bring you an actual photo of the presentation (right) during a scene in Aunty Wainwright's shop. 

Photographer Malcolm Howarth and Don Smith, formerly of the BBC Radio Times, both pictured, made the presentation to a very surprised Bill Owen.

Malcolm recalled: ”There was a short break in the busy filming schedule and Don and I went forward to make the presentation.

”He looked very surprised and we said a few words, thanking Bill for all he was doing for Holmfirth. Bill was really pleased, I knew there were some of his personal favourites in the album.

”At the time, he was living in Holmfirth during the location filming and actively supporting many important events and charities. He was proud to be called the "adopted Yorkshireman".   He was only too pleased to lend his name to support any worthy cause, particularly involving charities and young people, and we wanted to thank him for his dedication and love for the town.

”The album consisted of a special selection of official publicity photos, most of which had appeared in Radio Times and many other publications around the world to help promote the series.

“Bill was delighted to accept them. The album was an important and unique record of his involvement over the first 25 years – little did we all know that the programme would still be going  stronger than ever in the 21^st Century!

”The pictures are unique because they are the official photographs of the time, capturing many of Bill's favourite episode.  

”Some of them are pure vintage, in marvellous monochrome, and showing the original “famous three” – Bill Owen, Peter Sallis and Michael Bates. Each one is a fascinating story in itself and where possible we have tried to include a small caption.  

“We are very proud of them and it is very fitting that a selection should now appear on the appreciation society’s official website – based in Holmfirth – and free to view for the many fans across the world. This completes the circle.”  

Similar publicity shots are also available to view and buy in the Summer Wine Exhibition in the centre of Holmfirth – click here to visit their website.

We know you will enjoy looking at these Summer Wine classics as much as we enjoyed sorting through them and getting them ready for online viewing. Please let us know how much you enjoyed them.

Any further enquiries about the photographs can be made via the Summer Wine site. 

Copyright Notice: As usual, we are happy for our fans to use the images for their personal use only. However, all our images are subject to copyright and must not be published elsewhere. Other fan websites are welcome to link to this special page but must not republish the images.