31.03.25.
UK Convention
The Yorkshire Committee have announced some highlights of the coming Convention in Harrogate…
Our Yorkshire evening on Friday will start with the world premier screening of Laurel & Hardy's Yorkshire Adventures, a film created by award winning father and daughter Yorkshire filmmakers Dean & Rebecca Sills.
Musical entertainment will be provided by Yorkshire's very own Ukulele Bailey.
Friday night at the Convention is Yorkshire night, so once you've finished your pudding, don your flat cap and immerse yourself in the culture of God's Own County!
On Saturday morning, weather permitting, the parade of the tents will leave the hotel after breakfast, and make our way to the beautiful English Heritage Grade II listed Valley Gardens, where the world famous Lucky Dog Theatre boys will entertain us as Stan & Ollie from the bandstand.
On Sunday we will be heading to Kings Snaith Landing for a 1 hour cruise on the River Ouse, complete with Captain’s Commentary!
There will, as usual, be a fancy dress night, a quiz, sales stalls etc.
We have unfortunately had some delegates who have had to withdraw, so as things stand we still have 5 places available. If any of you know anyone who you think would like to attend, please ask them to contact us as soon as possible.
No single rooms left, but there are single occupancy rooms available.
£295 - convention fee + additional £35/night - single occupancy of twin/double rooms.
Harry Hoppe
Cheery Son from Düsseldorf, Harry Hoppe, was booked in to attend the Harrogate convention, but has had to cancel. He writes:
I was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer some four weeks ago. Quite a shock for me and my family as you can imagine. I am already under combined chemo-immune-therapy and so far: no side effects, allergies or sickness. I am in the best hands in the hospital and with "Nurse" Sandra at home - she is a dear caring wife and she's mine all mine! Of course I'll never loose my humour!
Unfortunately I had to cancel the Harrogate convention for Christel and me but already told Mathias to fill out the registration-form for us for next year's convention as soon as it will be handed-out after the passing of the pineapple! So hopefully we'll meet before the European convention in 2027!
All the best wishes,
Harry
GET WELL SOON, HARRY!
See you next year
The Perry Winkle 107
The slightly delayed Perry Winkle 107 has arrived. Roger Robinson says, “I held back publication so we could include Dave Simpson’s article about the special celebration of Fin. The Perry Winkle is now the ONLY regular L&H magazine in the UK. In the latest edition, there are articles from Sons in England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France, Belgium and America.
New book:
The Animal World of Laurel & Hardy
Coming soon! My new book The Animal World of Laurel & Hardy is all about the animals in the films of Laurel and Hardy. Be amazed by the number of different animals that populate the films and make them even funnier.
163 pages of reading and viewing pleasure. The edition is limited, making it a collector’s item. The book costs €15, plus any shipping costs. Anyone interested can sign up now via email at de.coninck.marc@telenet.be.
Marc De Coninck
Sunday Post (16.03.25.)
Paw Broon loves Laurel and Hardy!
‘The Broons’ is a weekly comic strip, created by Dudley Watkins, and published in the ‘fun section’ of the popular Scottish Sunday newspaper, the Sunday Post.
The first Broons annual appeared in 1939 and the first edition is in the National Library of Scotland.
Bill Crouch
At the Panopticon
When the Call of the Cuckoos Tent have their Laurel and Hardy film show on 9th April at the Panopticon in Glasgow (open to the public as always), there will be a special addition to the programme.
A copy of the James Finlayson portrait which was unveiled at the Dobbie Hall in Larbert recently will be raffled in aid of Panopticon funds. A video of the Larbert event will also be screened.
At the Hippodrome
I went with [daughters] Yvonne and Aileen to the Hippodrome, in Bo’ness to see two silent movies. They were We Faw Down and Big Business. A pianist and a drummer played accompanying music to add to the experience. They did this expertly. It was a great show, though perhaps a bit short, lasting only 45 minutes.
The Hippodrome was hosting a festival of silent films. This was my first visit to the Hippodrome, which I believe was the first purpose built cinema in Scotland. It lay empty for years then was restored in 2008 by Falkirk Council, spending £2m on it. I will be back.
Alex Porteous
Did you know?
Even our Royal Family are addicted. In 1991 it was reported that Princess Diana loved to go on secret bargain-hunting trips and her favourite alias was “Mrs Hardy”. She and Prince Charles, a professed Laurel and Hardy fan, also used the name “Hardy” to make secret travel arrangements.
From The Laurel & Hardy Digest, now available
... and finally