09.09.22.
New book coming
Patrick Vasey is editor in chief of the Laurel and Hardy Blog and author of the forthcoming Laurel and Hardy Silents book. Patrick was at the Laurel and HarDay last Saturday, with a fascinating advance look at his book.
Dirty Work Pictures
The Open University videos are now online, shown at the Laurel & HarDay on Saturday, presenting an affectionate look back at the past annual events at Wigan. The director's cut features 20 minutes more than what was shown on the day!
Subscribe to the channel at
The Perry Winkle
Editor Roger Robinson has yet again come up with a splendid edition of The Perry Winkle magazine, crammed full of marvellous stuff. Especially intriguing was the cover story about a young girl whose help from Stan Laurel helped to bring her to stardom.
New subscribers are always welcome,.
BFI plaque on Stan’s school in Bishop Auckland
Note for your Diaries! On Saturday September 24th a British Film Institute plaque will be installed on the original facade of redeveloped King James 1 School in Bishop Auckland UK, and Stan’s Great Nephew, Keith Woods will be in attendance. Below is an image of how the school once looked though the facade has been retained.
As you might know, Stan attended this school in 1902-03 as a boarder and the original building was visited during the UK Convention in 1988.
I have no details of what, how and when things will take place - this is still to be decided with the developers and local authorities at a meeting on September 12th. As soon as I know what is going on, I will share the details, but it would be splendid if the Sons of the Desert could have a presence on the day.
Mike Jones on Facebook
New portrait
I've been itching to release this print...Now that the recipient has received his original commissioned piece I can unveil my latest #laurelandhardy portrait Joe's Junk Yard. The following are available from my website: framed prints, mounted prints, unmounted prints, key rings, cards, magnets (mugs to follow):
https://www.stevelilart.co.uk/apps/webstore/ alternatively drop me a message.
Steve Lilly on Facebook
Andrew in Great North Run
My son Andrew who is a member of our Beau Chumps Tent here in sunny Sunderland is competing in this year's Great North Run on Sunday 11th September in aid of Cancer Research.
On Andrew's behalf (as he is a shy bairn) he would like to thank Gary Winstanley and Ian Parker of the Dirty Work Tent who organised the Laurel and HarDay on Saturday 3rd September. and all attendees who kindly donated the proceeds of the raffle to his sponsor fund. Also a thank you to Mike Jones GS of the Beau Chumps Tent for putting a fez on the bar for the shrapnel from the thirsty. A fantastic total of £165.79 was donated to the wonderful cause Andrew is running for this year. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who kindly donated to this amazing total, especially in these difficult times. Below is a photo of Andrew in his running kit ready for the run on Sunday.
Peter Jones, VS Beau Chumps Tent Sunderland
Hard Boiled Eggs and Nuts
We caught up with the latest issue of Hard Boiled Eggs and Nuts, the newsletter of the County Hospital Tent. It has lots of news from the very active and prosperous Bradford oasis, run by Grand Sheik Dave Ballard.
An item on page three set us scratching our heads!
“Hats Off to…”
After a successful 30th Laurel & HarDay, I'm now getting stuck into work for next year, with the introduction of the "Hats Off to..." series, focusing on a popular Laurel & Hardy co-star. This series will run for at least the next 10 years.
The first in the series will be "Hats Off to Mae Busch”. I've already recruited a few volunteers for this documentary film. If anyone else is interested in getting involved (or with future films) give me a shout. Whether you can help in front, behind the camera, with research or anything that will benefit the production, I'd be truly grateful.
As always, payment is in Bovanian francs or tiddly winks! Bare in mind, I do not profit from any films I make. They are a labour of love.
Gary Winstanley on Facebook
In the press
Wigan Today, the website of Wigan Observer and Wigan Post, carried a fine article on the Laurel and HarDay.
Men o' War Tent
With respect, we are going to go ahead with our planned meeting tomorrow at the new venue in Brantham as we are sure many members will welcome the diversion and the opportunity to get together again after the summer break. Indeed, over many years, it had been reported that the Queen liked to watch Laurel and Hardy films (eg in the Mail Online) and we might also think back to 1947 when she was just 21, and, as Princess Elizabeth, she attended her first Royal Variety Show and Laurel and Hardy were on the bill!
Just to confirm then, the doors open at 7.30pm tomorrow (Saturday, 10 September) at Brantham Village Hall for our advertised programme.
Paul Harding
05.02.17.
Paul on the road
‘Mad’ Paul Allen has done it again! He has a different van and wanted to display his love of Laurel and Hardy and ‘Only Fools and Horses’. Occasionally he comes to the mainland from Canvey Island, so do look out for this very distinctive vehicle!
Roger Robinson
...and finally
