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Magnifico, mon brave! MAGNIFICO!

GREAT! Bring them on!

Before anyone comments, for "coloquially" read "colloquially". I knew it just did not look right.

G.O.L.D. programme for December is beginning to roll out. 3rd December they are airing 1990 Christmas Special which apparently had no title given to it on screen but is coloquially known as "Barry's Christmas". Not new to UKTV. It was shown two three Christmas periods ago.


Is C, F and C around? Does he know what is happening with our other message board?

Series numbering has indeed always been a vexed topic ever since that Series #9. I had no idea that it was an issue until the so-called Series #9 and #10 DVD came out containing only what all the references designate as Series# 9. And I have seen in many instances the BBC, particularly through Radio Times, using the standard references numbering system.


No matter, lovely lad or lovely lady, whichever the case might be, and at my age it is somewhat irrelevant, you fill our ancient hearts with joy with your news of the goodies to come however they might be designated.

Even if this is a bit garbled it is great news! We all know they are referring to Series #20 to #24 inclusive and not #21 to #25 and that it is Series #22 not #23 that was missed out but no matter. It will come along in November.


It is great to get the news about Specials in December following on from "Extra! Extra!" in November. And more series in 2010 adds to anticipation. As G & S would say, "Oh Joy, Oh Rapture"

Something I read (in Wikipedia but I do not know how authoritative it is) suggests that in 2010 we might get a DVD set with Series#18 (ten episodes, probably labelled #19), one Special ("Extra! Extra!")????? plus "25 Years of Last of the Summer Wine". By my calculations it will not quite reach "There goes the Groom".


That will follow DVD set with Series #16 & #17 (labelled #17 & #18) plus two? Specials.

To add to my last, currently long term TV schedule is showing the Special "Extra! Extra!" on 23rd November.

Word is that Series #22 will be shown weekends in November:

Sun 8th November (Episodes 1 to 3)
Sat 14th Nov (Episodes 4 to 6)
Sun 15th Nov (Episodes 7 to 9)
Sat 21st Nov (Episode 10).

Don't think they crossed the border yet!

The ways of G.O.L.D continue to be a mystery!

First they told us they were going to broadcast Series #21 to #24 which meant Series #20 was going to be missed. Then they seemed to realise the error of their ways and over the past two weeks transmitted Series#20 and Series #21. Very logical.

This week, however, back to the bizarre. The two episodes put out today are not the logical Series #22 but they have jumped to Series#23.

SO WHEN WILL WE SEE SERIES #22?

Why can't life be simple?

Ignore my last. I found how to do it. Hit the little "i" button.


Anybody know how to lock SKY on to a particular channel (usually G.O.L.D. at the moment). I want to eliminate the effect of the dreaded "TV Info" switch being pressed and recordings being spoilt.

Is that a Sky plus function, Wrinked old son? I am not sure I can do that with my ancient system.

Radio Time is gradually correcting its listing

From "Optimism in the Housing Market"


Smiler: "I've had my share of funny women"


Clegg: "Is there any other kind?"

I see our count got updated.

I just wish G.O.L.D. would correct its TV Listings. They do seem to be transmitting Series #20 this week but all the listings I have seen specify Series #21 episodes. That is alright provided they stay consistently wrong but one does worry they will do something unexpected and we'll miss something special!

Do the powers that be know what they are about???????


Set up to record G.O.L.D. this morning. Mild hiatus when her indoors decided to watch the News on Sky. Still have not got her house trained after all these years.


Switched recordong to G.O.L.D. Plus One. Caught the beginning of first episode at 08:00.


NOT SERIES 21, Episode #1, "Lipstick and Other Problems" but, lo and behold, SERIES #20, Episode #1, "The Pony Set"!!!!!!!!!!!


Can't help but think that them that called the Series #9 DVD Series 9 & 10 have a lot to answer for. Created a whole mess of confision over Series numbering!


Haven't got time for more watching this morning, Church calls.

Grumpy brother, you really do seem to have gremlins in your system. I can get here easily three ways. The old link I had in my "Favourites" folder to Alibi still works and brings me straight here. The link in the new posting advisory emails brings me straight here. Only slightly tortuous route is to navigate the UKTV website to G.O.L.D., select MESSAGE BOARDS and then pick up this thread - slight complication being need to select G.O.L.D. Forum as an intermediate step.

I see we are still stuck at 1197.

REAL reason for this posting is just to remind everyone (as if you needed reminding) to set everything to catch the first three episodes of Series #21 on G.O.L.D. 07:00 to 09:00, repeated at 19:00 to 21:00. They will of course be on G.O.L.D.Plus One an hour later and also G.O.L.D. Top Up TV (whatever that is) in the evening. The first two will also be broadcast Monday and the third, along with Episode #4, on Tuesday.

Many congratulations to Pixie Lady's buddy, Vicki. But we sure hope the bonnie lass's wanderings around Yorkshire's dales and Scotland's glens are not curtailed.


It is a pity our count stalled as we approached another mini-milestone. We must be over the 1200 mark by now. One apparent change for the better is we do not seem to be getting cancelled just because we use the odd classic tag.


From another thread which I have started following, I have learnt that UKTV does seem to have access to Series #20. They are using an extract from a Series #20 episode on the trailer for the upcoming airings of Series #21 to #24. It, of course, remains a puzzle as to why they have never broadcast Series #20 and are "missing it out".


Where is my grumpy brother?

Did anyone get vanished lately? I seem to have had several notices of postings only to find nothing new.

IMDb certainly supports the contention that Yvette Fielding had the one appearance and that was in "Crums".


I thought you guys called the delicacy "Fig Newtons" or do you not have a recipe for them either.


In my last I meant to include "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?" in recognition of your prediliction for the Latin, bonny lass.

[link]

Just got word that G.O.L.D. schedule for November is published. Nothing beyond series #24 so what is happening with Series #20 is a real mystery.

"Getting Sam Home" gets another airing on 30th November, but what is real great news is that on 23rd November the 1996 Christmas Special "Extra!Extra!", one hour with Norman Wisdom and George Chakiris" will be transmitted.

Young Eccles, august Lancastrian, "me" is correct as it is prefixed by preposition "with". It is down in the West Country, I think, (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, general south west of England, for the benefit of the delectable Pixie Lady) that they say "with I".


You know, I think "anyroad" is southern USA. Surely in Yorkshire they would say "anyroad up", but as in all things, I stand to be corrected.

I did wonder, young Eccles, if it was to the Christian period of "Lent" that passage was referring. In which case it is quite appallingly worded. Apart from anything else, in this context the word "Lent" has a capital letter as a proper noun. One does find some illiterates on Wikipedia.

Is there no end to this bonnie lass's talents, I say to myself? Mind, I never heard of fig jam, let alone seen it or tasted it. I am not sure I approve of the use of this biblical fruit for this mundane purpose. No, fig rolls is its obvious intended utilisation.


The word crochet caught my eye. I did wonder about the spelling thinking something was missing like a dreaded circumflex or some such horrible French invention.I found it correct by doing a Google and checking a few relevant sites. In the process I came upon a pattern for a sun crochet bikini of which I must confess I heartily approve.


Maybe you can help me, bonnie lass, over what might be a "two nations separated by a common language" situation. Referring to "Crusher" Milburn a certain passage reads:


"However Crusher did not return in the 10th series as Jonathan Linsley decided to leave the show after going onto lent and having elected to go on a crash diet; "


Does the use of the word "lent" in that passage mean anything to you? Okay, maybe it is Yorkshire and I don't do fluent Yorkshire.


Young Eccles, it is great to get recognition at long last. I think they should pay us a retainer. Mind, I do not come cheap!!!

Yep. Weird given the great plans for October

What an upheaval. We got moved! looks like most of the thread came with us, or did it?

Definitely!!! Clegg for prime minister!!

So, we got updated by a massive jump to 1178.


Sad news about Chas and Dave splitting up. Not that they had a bust up and it is sad for Dave who has retired following the death of his wife. I always thought they had an air of LOTSW about them, in a Cockney fashion.

Is it "No Mean City" (aka book by A. McArthur; H Kingsley Long) sung by Maggie Bell? That is Taggart theme tune

Au contraire, mon brave. We weary matelots need all the help we can get.

Funny you should mention adding water to your tipple as by coincidence that was just what I was about when notification of your post broke through the ether.

My tipple was very generously provided by one venerable Wrinkled.

For G.O.L.D. "Message Pages" read "Message Boards", (or do I mean Massage Boards?)


I did imply that us Ancient Mariners need to be kept right.


And talking of being kept right, our clock has stopped and we seem locked at 1162!

Keep up with the plot, young Eccles. I put a link to that page on G.O.L.D. among my "Favourites" some time ago when they had the temerity to delete our pride and joy from their list of SHOWS. My irascible brother is having difficulty locating th G.O.L.D. Message Pages.


But thanks anyway for trying to keep us Ancient Mariners right.

Welcome back, Grumpy Bro. You do have some PC problems. To use your words, did you ever think of throwing your torment at the naughty step? G.O.L.D. Message Boards are reachable but they are not exactly oversubscribed. The last post there was on 8th September.


Thanks for info on "Stop that Castle" C, F & C. It was about three years ago I latched on to UKTV (2006) so maybe that episode was broadcast before then

It would be surely difficult to bring out something different from what has been cleared by the Board of Film Censors.


I will be livid if "Stop That Castle" is not on it. That 1992 Special is the only anticipated episode never shown by UKTV (after they unexpectedly showed "Welcome to Earth" not long ago).


Miss out the real Series #14 on DVD and UKTV miss out Series#20. The world is going to pieces!

I suspect that this is what the real box will look like when we get it.


I just wish Play.com would specify the episodes correctly. I have tried to correct them twice

I do not recollect 1165 but we do seem to have stuck at 1162 for quite a number of posts now.


And we haven't even been moved to G.O.L.D. yet

!999 SERIES#20


Here is reply from UKTV when I queried broadcast of Series #21 through #24 before they have ever transmitted Series #20:


"We don't have this series scheduled yet, but it is possible we will show it in the future. We keep a log of all requests and will pass your suggestion on to our schedulers for us to look into acquiring this series."


Looks like a lot in what LOTSWFan01 said!

Worryingly, there may be something in what you say, oh venerable LOTSWFan01. That is most angst provoking. Given the extreme tardiness of DVD production it might be years before we see Series #20 again in any form.


I have tried a "Contact Us" mailing to UKTV in the hope of bringing this anomaly to their attention

Forum on one of sites C, F and C pointed us to is reporting that UKTV G.O.L.D. will follow Series #21 with more new to UKTV series, up to and including Series #24. The only puzzle is where Series #20 has gone?

I am trying to get Play.com to accept that their list of episodes for Series 15 & 16 (so-called) DVD is incorrect. Unsuccessful so far!

I treat David R's announcement with a large element of trepidation. Yes, I realise that it is to G.O.L.D. we now belong. But our thread is such a brilliantly crafted creation that I would hate for anything to spoil or diminish it. As it is we know that it is no longer complete and early postings have been discarded. Even the so-called Thread-Starter is patently a later contribution by the originator.


I would be happier if G.O.L.D. treated Last of the Summer Wine with the correct level of respect. I have already decried the fact that it is no longer listed among the A-Z of G.O.L.D. shows.



FRET, FRET, FRET, FRET, FRET, FRET, FRET

The link C, F & C gave us was to the British Board of Film censors website. That gave us their classification of each individual episode included on the upcoming DVD release. It confirmed what we anticipated as to the content.

SERIES 14 (15)
By The Magnificent Thighs Of Ernie Burniston (25 Oct 92)
Errol Flynn Used To Have A Pair Like That (1 Nov 92)
The Phantom Of The Graveyard (8 Nov 92)
The Self-Propelled Salad Strainer (15 Nov 92)
Ordeal By Trousers (22 Nov 92)
Happy Birthday Howard (29 Nov 92)
Who's Got Rhythm? (6 Dec 92)
Camera Shy (13 Dec 92)
Wheelies (20 Dec 92)

SPECIAL
Stop That Castle! (26 Dec 92)

SERIES 15 (16)
How To Clear Your Pipes (24 Oct 93)
Where There's Smoke There's Barbeque (31 Oct 93)
The Black Widow (7 Nov 93)
Have You Got A Light Mate? (14 Nov 93)
Concerto For Solo Bicycle (21 Nov 93)
Stop That Bath (28 Nov 93)
Springing Smiler (5 Dec 93)
There Are Gypsies At The Bottom Of Our Garden (12 Dec 93)
Aladdin Gets On Your Wick (19 Dec 93)

SPECIAL
Welcome To Earth (27 Dec 93)

That's a total of 20 episodes so it looks like Amazon is correct in specifying it as a four disk set.

I see C, F & C got vanished again. a pity because he provided a couple of really good links.

Oh joy, oh rapture. We are moving on!!

Sunday 4th October G.O.L.D. moves on to Series #21 which is, of course, the sad series during which Bill Owen passed away. Not sure what has happened with Series #20 which, as far as I am aware has never yet been shown on UKTV. But hopefully, that will be coming up before long.

C, F & C, there seems to have been a technical glitch and your update on precise content of Series #15 and #16 DVD never made it onto thread (though it did show up on Alibi MESSAGE BOARDS top level). I will not steal your thunder by revealing its content which I got from your posting on Amazon. I note that Post.com is still carrying misleading information.


BUT GREAT NEWS ON SERIES #21!!!!!!

Note that something by C,F & C has been posted but has not made in on to this Board. Maybe because it is weekend. Am posting this to see if that shakes up system.

Yes, bonnie lass, we do seem to have to make a distinction between production/filming and transmission.


What it looks like happened is that Series #8 was produced in 1984 and went out early 1985. Foggy left to paint china eggs at that point.


In 1985 BBC commissioned and produced the feature length "Uncle of the Bride" introducing not only Seymour but also Glenda and Barry and, most significantly, Edie played by the venerable Dame Thora Hird (though I think it was later she became a Dame).



Broadcast 1 January 1986, that was well received and Series #9 retaining the new characters was commissioned and filming and production happened in 1986. An additional complication was apparently initially six episodes was commissioned but later another six were added and, of course, it is that split commissioning of the twelve episodes total that some use to justify calling the package Series #9 & 10. Somewhere in there the Special "Happy Christmas, Father Christmas" was also produced to go out on 28 December 1986 followed by Series #9 in early 1987. As Robert says, Series #9 does have 1986 Copyright date but BBC often uses production year as opposed to transmission year for that.


Then, of course, some time after production of Series #9 and the Special, probably in 1987, the second feature length episode, "Big Day at Dream Acre" was produced, to go out 27 December 1987.


Well, it all makes sense to me which was never the case with a 1986 transmission year for Series #9.

Bless you Robert.

Folks, it is not that I want to win an arguement here. I am something of a stickler for detail (it's the engineer in me) and this has been really bugging me.

I am back on the vexed subject of Series #9: 1986 or 1987?????? I am having discussion with someone on Wikipedia.


Some time ago someone very usefully provided a link to You Tube video clip of BBC transmission of "Merry Christmas Father Christmas". Announcement over closing captions seemed to demonstrate conclusively that Series #9 would start following Sunday which firmly pinned transmission to 1987. Unfortunately, that video clip has been removed from You Tube. My Wikipedia correspondent is trying to argue that 1987 transmission must have been repeats.


I also recall someone on our august thread advising he/she had all Radio Times for 1987 (and possibly 1986) which demonstrated conclusively that it was 1987. Again my Wikipedia adversary argues 1987 must have been repeats. Is the holder of those Radio Times back copies still in touch?


I am that frustrated I am almost tempted to go buy a couple of relevant period back copies of Radio Times myself.


I am still hung up on fact that if agreed dates of transmission were in 1986 they would be Saturdays and I never recall our masterpiece broadcast on a Saturday.

Maybe Cleggie has agreed to waive insurance cover but Truly is being wily

I must admit that I am wondering if the secret has anything to do with this conjectured Series #32, (though that is not connected directly with Peter Sallis).


I, rather tongue in cheek, deleted all refernce to it in Wikipedia, demanding that anything like this be supported by authoritative sources, but someone came back promptly and reinserted it, this time with TWELVE episodes, and indeed no attempt at providing evidence the assertion.

I have been getting a bit ticked off with Wikipedia "List of Last of the Summer Wine Episodes". Most of my chagrin has concerned what some folk have posted in respect of Series #31 and a conjectural Series #32. And none specify precisely what their source of information is!


As far as I am aware the only authoritative source is 26 June 2009 (superseded Alan J W Bell's US interview) BBC Press Release which specified six episode series currently in production for transmission some time in 2010. Nothing specified about any Christmas Special and certainly no dates. Some on Wikipedia have conjectured on Christmas Special with series following straight on in January and February. Then today someone posted a ten episode series (series #32) also for transmission in 2010. It might be correct but no attempt was made to specify source of information.


On the DVD front someone has suggested Series #16, #17 and #18 (three series not four) will come out in 2010. Initially 2010/2011 was entered for Series #18 but that then got amended.


Dates for episodes in Series #4 and #7 have been changed so they are now at odds with other literature.


MOST UNSATISFACTORY. But has anyone heard anything to support all this?

Now Amazon has dropped price by £1 to make them one penny cheaper than Play.com.

Whoopee! A price war!

I see Play.com has dropped price for the next DVD (Series "15 & 16") by £1 by which it is now approximately that much cheaper than Amazon.

The theme tune is a song called "It's Alright", written by Mike Moran and sung by cast member Dennis Waterman, whose penchant for singing the theme tune of productions in which he stars is the subject of a famous caricature in the BBC comedy show Little Britain. In the pilot for the series, Waterman sang the Traveling Wilburys song, End of the Line. The two songs have some similarities in lyrics and both have a freight train rhythm.

I see Amazon has dropped its price for the next DVD (Series "15 & 16") and is now competitive with Play.com.

I also found another online retailer specifying four disks which would cater for Specials in addition to the eighteen Series # 14 and #15 episodes.

I see there is a stage show, the Moonbather, doing the rounds but no sign of its coming anywhere near Scotland.

I now found "Series #15 & #16" DVD on Amazon (rather tortuously). Somewhat more expensive than Play.com. In among detail it states four disks but that does not seem to be particularly authoritive. Date of 26 October is confirmed.

Aye, lad, that point ocurred to me overnight. A 45 minute episode does not fit readily into a format of forty minute slots, 30 minutes of programme and 10 minutes of commercials. Mind, a quick look at an imminent day's G.O.L.D. Schedule shows a one hour fifty minute "Only Fools and Horses" slot so it can be done.
45 minutes of episode would go neatly into an hour slot with 15 minutes of commercial. But this inflexibility in scheduling could be one contributor to our not getting some of the Specials which lasted longer than the 30 minute standard.

But that prompts me to remind all of the treat of "Getting Sam Home" on G.O.L.D. on Thursday and Friday evenings. That lasts one hour thirty minutes so can be fitted into a standard two hour slot with commercials.

To date I have only found the upcomoming DVD release on Play.com but expect others to catch up soon.

Just watched FOTSW Pilot Episode in six parts on You Tube. Quietly enjoyable and did set scene for first series.

Noted that it carried station logo UK GOLD, presumably predecessor to G.O.L.D. In other words UKTV does have access so it is surprising that the pilot was not repeated recently with the two series as a complete package.

I assume you got information about next DVD release (26/10/2009) from Play.com, grumpy brother. Email notification just hit me.

I disagree with list of episodes Play.com has specified. If DVD does contain that list it will mean that 1992 Series #14 (starting with "By the Magnificentg Thighs of erenie Burnistone", or words to that effect, together with 1992 Christmas Special "Stop That Castle") will have been missed.

Sad, puzzling, weird, incomprehensible, seems almost ungentlemanly, certainly not "Last of the Summer Wine" behaviour. The only aspect of Pixie Lady's submission which I thought "they" might object to was her profuse distribution of Smiley emoticons. I thought in the past excess there might have incurred ire. But it really does cause problems when no idea is given as to why posts get deleted.

I do note that recent contributor, RodneyD got partially dismembered. But that was because he included his email address.

One point of concern generally is that I note on the G.O.L.D. pages of this website, they have deleted the link to "Last of the Summer Wine" from the list of G.O.L.D. Shows. The "Last of the Summer Wine" page is still there but to get to it you need to go through the search facility (unless you have selected it as a Favourite). I find this deliberate detraction from our masterpiece offensive, particularly when they have retained the link to unmitigated filth like "Little Britain USA". And does it imply they might soon cease to broadcast LOTSW?

I cannot recall all the points raised by that bonnie lass, Pixie Lady, in her late, lamented contribution. I know she asked where she should visit in Scotland. Difficult to answer that when I do not know her length of stay, her point of entry or the base, if any for her visit. Off hand I would certainly suggest Edinburgh and Glasgow. A trip to the lovely city of Inverness would take her through the Highlands. I love the peace of Iona and to get there would mean going through the island of Mull probably jumping off from Oban. Mind, the whisky island is, of course, Islay.

You can get Chorley Cakes (and Eccles cakes) north of the border but they are a Lancashire (England) delicacy. Scottish confectionary which comes to mind are border tart or bannocks (which are a bit like Irish Barmbrack). The Scottish pancake (probably called a drop scone south of the border) made on a hot girdle with jam and clotted cream is another delicacy.

Ignore my grumpy brother on the subject of deep fried Mars bars. There fabrication is confined to the poorer parts of Lanarkshire. Glasgow is renowned for curry.

Incidentally, the nearest equivalent to the UK Mars bar is a Milky Way in the US (which is far from the same as the UK Milky Way). Interesting to look up Mars Bar in Wikipedia.

Reference Porgie's mention of "Here We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder", by coincidence I was back at Series #5 (1979) last evening. Having seen Maggie Ollerenshaw as Clegg's mother in FOTSW (very good performances) I checked her appearances in LOTSW. I remembered "The Love-Mobile" and "All That Glitters Is Not Elvis" with Kenneth Cope but was surprised to find a far earlier part in "The Flag And Further Snags".

A very small cameo role it was where she was simply designated "The Woman" in IMDB cast list (does not make it into TV.com list) and plays the part of the Commodore's (Robert Lang) bit on the side caught by the trio on his wee launch. We hear a few lines from her as she tries to get dressed in a hurry and see one shot of a very young Maggie Ollerenshaw through the launch cabin light.

'Gone, and never called me "mother"'.

The word I was looking for was melodrama!

How does one know one has been vanished, bonnie lass? Well, when you send a post to the Message Board it does show up immediately and other contributors get the advisory email telling them there is a new reply. Later, the content is reviewed by someone in the system and if it dipleases for any reason it gets deleted. So quite often, those of us who keep a sharp eye on the Board have read something and later realise it is gone. It used to be that a contribution was edited and only some of it deleted but lately it seems the whole lot will get obliterated if any of it is thought to break the rules.

I suspect my quotation, "Gone, and never called me 'mother'" prompted your remark about your sons. The quotation comes from stage adaptions of the novel, East Lynne.

It was then picked up by the music hall comedians of the early 20th century and used to send up what they saw as hammed up Victorian emotionalism. This seems to be why, despite not being in the novel, it is so well known.

Very much a product of the weird British sense of humour. And have you noticed just how weird the word weird is? "i" before "e" except after "c" and in the word weird.

My last, does not, of course, touch on the masses of great literary compositions which have been unceremoniously vanished. "Gone, and never called me 'mother'".

Don't think so, young Eccles. My recollection, admittedly impacted by massive brain cell annihilation, is that Friday it stood at 1085 and moved on to 1087 on Monday with the two posts of that day. Today's will get counted in later.

Mind, sadly our massive masterpiece is not intact. At the top of each page it states that oscar2214 started this thread on Wed 25 January 2006. What follows is patently not what started the thread but a later contribution by oscar2214. Indeed, he/she posted that on Thu 15 March 2007, over one year later. If you make your way all the way back to what is currently our last page, Page 44, you find the ubiquitous Richard-UKTV, (remember him?) posted on Mon 17 July 2006 and then apparently nothing until Sat 17 Feb 2007 by one Porgie. it does seem a pity that what we have created has not been retained intact for posterity.

I ended up with a clean recording of Monday's episode since the glitch did not manifest itself during the second transmission on G.O.L.D. that day. Yesterday, of course, gave us the last episode.

I am so pleased that G.O.L.D. gave us this delightful programme having myself totally ignored it when it was first broadcast 1988, 1989. It would be great to see the pilot episode even if that would be out of sequence with the two series.

My only concern is that having given us FOTSW, that will get repeated many times by G.O.L.D. and fresh episodes of LOTSW, particularly Series #20, will get held back.

Anyone else register the glitch in first broadcast of FOTSW on G.O.L.D. today? For last five minutes picture and sound were out of synch. I do worry that it could be my DVD Recorder though that seems unlikely for this malfunction. Second broadcast seems alright (at least as far as that out of synch condition is concerned). Apart from that, another enjoyable episode.

Noted today a Customer Review comment on Amazon website suggesting Series #15 and #16 DVD will not be out until about two months before Christmas. Mind, it is not even on pre-release yet and that usually lasts three months.

Dates tie in. Johnathan Linsley left LOTSW in 1987 (last episode, "Big Day at Dream Acre, 1987 Christmas Special") to go on a diet which woiuld not have suited Crusher's character. Obviously he had lost a fair amount of weight by 1989 for second series of FOTSW.

Wish I could.

Johnathan Linsley is in IMDB cast list for specific episode, "Ain't Love Dangerous" and is listed on IMDB page for character Chunky Livesey. Position was a bit complicated:

"The part of Chunky Livesay was recast due to the unavailability of actor Anthony Keetch. Jonathan Linsley, who was recast in the role, also played "Crusher" Milburn"

I concur that in applicable episode of FOTSW Foggy's mother called him Graham. But that was broadcast in 1988.

"The Odd Dog Men" in which Foggy declared his full name was broadcast earlier, Series #6 in 1982. When writing FOTSW Roy Clarke must have forgotten what he had called him six years earlier. And Programme Continuity missed it or did not consider LOTSW detail.

And Wally's last episode was "Merry Christmas, Father Christmas" which was 1986 Christmas Special so again Roy Clarke already had Wally when he wrote "Thw Odd Dog Men".

How about "The Afterthoughts of a Co-op Manager" from Series#26? But surely Scrimshaw from FOTSW would have been too old for World War II?

I found this on another website:

""Foggy's name is WALTER not Oliver - I refer everyone to 'Odd Dog Men' when Foggy himself says his own name, when imagining Honours from the Queen and he quite clearly says 'Walter C Dewhurst' - the Oliver comes from one of Clegg's jokes in 'The Kink in Foggy's Niblick' where they are in Foggy's attic, looking for his golf clubs; Foggy says words to the effect that much of the stuff belongs to his landlady, but there are some of his quality possessions in there. Clegg holds up a tatty tea chest with the letters C.O.D. (for 'Cash on delivery'), stamped on it and says 'Oh, Corporal Oliver Dewhurst?' - Foggy looks disgusted and more or less tells Clegg to shut up - hence the confusion, but I think we must accept that Foggy DOES know his own name and that it is Walter!!!!"

Found the answer quite easily:

"By the mid 1930s, the two letter/four number series of registration marks were exhausted in some areas, and new three letter/three number series were introduced. AAA 1 was issued (by Hampshire County Council) in 1934 through to AAA 999 and the commencement of the BAA series in 1936. This process continued until the mid 1950s when marks were reversed to three numbers/three letters."

Now there's interesting, as residents the other side of the other border would say. Wikipedia has him as "Walter C 'Foggy' Dewhurst". I suppose one could trawl through some episodes to see how he was named. I recall him enumerating names and potential titles in "The Odd Dog Men" and "The Dewhirsts of Ogleby Hall" might be a possibility. Good to have you back, Eli.

Talking about names, I see they got Judy Flynn's name right in the credits in yesterday's episode (she plays maid Lena) which was, of course, the first from Series #2. Again, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Do we have an expert on vehicle registration numbers? I note Seymour's three wheeler has a four numeral, two letter registration which I thought correct pre-war. However, Wally Batty's motor cycle is the later three letters three numerals arrangement. Maybe I need to do a bit of research with Google.

Message for minx3. If you love Last of the Summer Wine, join us on the Alibi Message Boards. We have stuck there since the days when it was UKTV Drama and our favourite show was shown on that channel also. Our thread is over three years old with some 1074 posts on it. We also moan about the continued repeats but we try to keep each other informed on any developments with the delight of our TV lives. Some of us are enjoying First of the Summer Wine which, of course has just shown up on UKTV G.O.L.D.

And we have "Getting Sam Home" coming up in August!

Thoroughly enjoyed today's FOTSW episode (even if it did not include much of Peter Sallis and Maggie Ollerenshaw).

Roy Clarke again gave the young Clegg lines which were so typical of his older self. The vest with sleeves conversation was vintage Cleggie.

"A garment in which it is extremely difficult to be frivolous"

Maybe "Unlike a thong", but that would be my own embellishment just for my grumpy brother.

Up here in Scotland we might call it a "tarbet" but that lacks a certain ring to it. I thought to say "I know not what" in French but that might have got vanished.

In my last I said that was my last word on the subject of that particular article of feminine frippery (maybe). And far from an obsession of mine I was intent on providing you, oh grumbling brother, with information on a subject you seemed to hold dear. I will conclude with this trivia: "The name of the village is derived from the old Viking word ‘thong’ meaning a strip of land."

I note that my rant of yesterday got "vanished" which, of course, rendered several subsequent posts somewhat puzzling. I actually checked "Terms and Conditions" this morning and not surprisingly that said "they" can delete anything without rhyme or reason. Interesting expression that, "without rhyme or reason".

I note "they" seem to delete complete posts now rather than editing them like they used to do.

I do hope my "Lottie, sister of Nora or not" query does not get lost in the noise.

And I have another one. When did Compo's teeth get fixed. In the Pilot he was very gappy.

I really must get a life!

We have reached the twilight hours so this won't come out until 09:00 tomorrow morning. I find that so frustrating!

I also note we have reached the Battle of Hastings, 1066 and all that.

Main idiocy of note today (outwith UKTV Message Boards) is school in Doncaster which is making clip-on ties mandatory part of dress code because of safety concerns with regular ties. PC gone mad. How do we allow people with that soft headed mentality into positions of authority. We're doomed, DOOMED! And I thought Yorkshire a level headed part of the country. I suppose it is almost in Nottinghamshire but that is not the soft south.

Much enjoyed today's FOTSW. There were many sad references to what was then the imminent war. Had we had the clip-on tie brigade in charge we would, of course, have lost without a shot being fired. But I did think Roy Clarke gave Clegg some lines which very much presaged his off-hand humour in LOTSW.

Last note on one particular subject, (well,maybe). Today's Oneshow feature on shop names created from puns - Thong in Cheek.

In my last I should have written Thongsbridge which is plural in the critical place which makes it even more interesting.

Yes, I realise I am considering Clegg in latter days but not all that much latter. To me he is at his most typified in "The Kiss and Mavis Poskitt" episode which was, of course, in the Seymour era and which included his trying to avoid any enmeshment with Marina.

I concede that the characters developed over the decades. And I must confess to not liking Compo at the beginning. In the Pilot he seemed to be given some "dirty old man" aspects and reminded me somewhat of the elder Steptoe.

Now for something comepletely different. Wikipedia includes the following quotation about Barbara Young and I quote:

"In 2008 she at first made a guest appearance in an episode of the long-running BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine "Get Out Of That, Then" as Nora Batty's sister Florrie, before joining the cast regularly as Nora's both other sister and replacement Stella following the departure of Kathy Staff from the series in 2008."

Ignoring the appalling syntax, this makes the assertion that in the last episode of Series#29 the part she played, Lottie, was Nora's sister. Was that ever specifically stated in that or any later episode?

I shall ignore young Eccles inanities on Wesley.

For Harbottle's benefit, Co-op stores up here in Scotland are generally of the mini-mart variety. My local one used to be a SPAR. Isn't the Co-op taking over some Somerfield stores?

Haven't watched today's FOTSW. Have it recorded and will watch later.

Further research on a topic I am finding difficult to leave yielded a Thongbridge. There's a thought to conjure with (or even, with which to conjure). Don't know why but I am beginning to have weird thoughts on Nora Batty. What would Compo have made of one of those on her clothes line. But come to think of it, it would be much more Stella.

Many thanks for your support, good buddies.

Before being forcibly irated, as I was, I thought to comment on yesterday's FOTSW. I cannot emphasise enough that my enjoyment of an episode is very much proportional to the contribution of Peter Sallis and Maggie Ollerenshaw.

Mind, yesterday's episode was notable for the portrayals of 1939 England. The tram scenes were brilliant.

On subject of characterisation, I have no problem with Seymour. I can see the FOTSW version growing into his LOTSW counterpart. My main problems remain with Clegg and Compo and to a lesser extent Nora and Ivy (though Nora is improving).

The actor playing Clegg does suffer from a major handicap and that is that Peter Sallis is there for immediate comparison. I strongly suspect that the actor was significantly older than eighteen, the character's age. But generally the young Clegg seems far too self-assured and too much an instigator of the gang's activities to become our LOTSW hero. Maybe we just have to imagine that his marriage severely dented his self esteem and rendered him the follower he became. And how often has marriage done that to a good man.

As for Compo, well there we just have bad acting. It just stands out that you see someone trying to copy the mannerisms of Bill Owen and not succeeding.

I did consider going into the subject of thongs. I figured that if you had an Upperthong, there had to be a Lesserthong or maybe a Lowerthong and even possibly an Underthong (lovely concept). But all I found on Google was Netherthong. That yielded a beautiful quotation at the expense of Huddersfield:
(In 1757, Wesley wrote "I rode over the mountains to Huddersfield. A wilder people I never saw in England. The men, women and children filled the streets and seemed just ready to devour us.".)

Minor point on this driving business. I seem to recall that in "Edie and the Automobile", it wasn't that he couldn't drive but he did not have a license. Not sure when the driving test came in. I thought that before the war you were just given a license (or you did not need one).

I do know that in 1958 you only needed a motor-cycle license to drive a three-wheeler (provided it did not have a reverse gear which few, if any, had). That meant you could go around with L plates and did not need to be accompanied by a qualified driver. Also you could drive a three-wheeler a year younger than a car.

Interesting point is that FOTSW came out very much in the Seymour era of LOTSW>

I enjoyed today's FOTSW, "The Way of the Warrior" more. Plenty of Peter Sallis and Maggie Ollerenshaw and the whole thing had much more of a linkage with the characterisation and general tenor of LOTSW.

One interesting point caused me to try a little research. The maid, Lena, according to the credits was played by a "Julie Ann Taylor". I assume that some time or other she changed to Judy Flynn. That is the name used now by most of the literature.

You two guys seem to be doing a Two Ronnies Mastermind sketch, answering the last question but one.

I note that young Eccles has decided it's safer not to try to identify to which of us he is answering, oh grumpy brother. I have adopted the "Scatter" principle before when situation demanded. "Scatter" principle, keep a low profile and always present a moving target.

Many thanks, young sir, for addressing my FOTSW glitches query.

Did anyone else notice a couple of glitches on yesterday's 13:00 G.O.L.D. transmission of FOTSW or am I developing a recorder problem?

Apart from that, quite enjoyed the episode but not as much as first. Had less of Peter Sallis and Maggie Ollerenshaw which detracted.

Who's Russell Brand then?

Not sure how long your last post will last, lovely lady. "They" do not like foreign languages. We were getting away with it for a while but I must have pushed "them" to the limit today and "they" vanished me. I did say that I was pushing the boundaries and they took me at my word.

The distaff side does regularly accuse me of exceeding the bounds of propriety but my invariable response is to plead insanity or a simple touch of the Irishness.

So, along with a fig roll here's a wee Chorley Cake for thee, bonnie lass.

And now we know the Cafe used to be "Hygienic Fisheries"

The wee bit foreign repartee between young Eccles and my grumpy brother reminded me of the time Wrinkled wanted an idiomatic transalation of LOTSW into Italian (for non-nefarious purposes he assured us).

Young Eccles obviously muddled uncles. I was not involved. He also seemed to muddle languages. I had difficulty deciding whether he was using (or trying to use) Spanish, Portuguese or Italian.

MUY OBLIGADO GRAN TIO! translates as follows:

Spanish: "required very large man"

Portuguese: "very obligated great uncle"

Italian: "very it obliged great tio"

Best I can come up with is Portuguese: MUY OBRIGADO GRAN TIO. But even then it remains the wrong uncle and should be "IRRITAVEL TIO"

Prego is obviously Italian. In Portuguese it translates "fingernail" and does not seem to exist in Spanish.

We need Pixie Lady's Italian half!

I don't know why I bother. IT WILL ALL GET VANISHED!

More attempts at pensive.

On continuity, the character "Sherbet" is a bit of a puzzle. He was in all thirteen episodes. It might have been more appropriate to have a Blamire.

As far as Seymour is concerned, from his background story line in LOTSW he would hardly have worked in the co-op, would he? Straight from school to university one would have thought.

But we nitpick which, after all, is one of our greatest talents!

In case anyone is wondering, above is intended to indicate pensive.

I quite enjoyed FOTSW. As I have said previously, I hardly watched it when it was originally broadcast. Maybe I have more staying power now even though my profession of juvenile delinquent is pretty time consuming. And there are my Errol Flynn proclivities if my grumpy brother is to be believed. I must confess to a bit of the Howards in search of a Marina.

But I enjoyed it particlarly seeing the recreation of the 1939 world. A bit slow maybe but I cannot say I worried about the absence of a plot. Most LOTSW episodes lacked a significant plot. Many of Shakespeare's plays were not up to much in the story line and of course, much of Gilbert and Sullivan is patently ridiculous but brilliant.

I thought Peter Sallis and Maggie Ollerenshaw were superb and the Dereck Benfield part has many possibilities. I am not enamoured of the casting of the young Clegg, the young Compo or the young Nora. I don't see any of them growing into their adult counterparts. But the young Walter Batty was spot on.

And, of course, we had many brilliant Roy Clarke off the cuff witticisms to enjoy. No programme can be less than good with that man writing the script.

Much disgruntled to learn that THEY vanished our lovely Pixie Lady, the bonnie lass. Was she speaking fluent Virginian? Gone and never called me "Mother"

I was getting most concerned that she seemed to have gone off air and wondered if it was something we said. Note that I do usually use the plural, "something WE said" knowing full well the singualar "I said" is much more probable.

I am off out but will get back on line soonest to see of there have been any developments.

Just for once I am not verbalising just for the sake of it. I am concerned to note that currently we are not registering on the Alibi MESSAGE BOARDS front page/listing. I hate to think of us being unrecognised and anonymous so I am posting this in the hope of remedying the situation.

Of course, if this works no one will know what I am talking about but there is nothing unusual in that.

Sorry, young Eccles it is even worse. I misplaced a digit. It is 22:50 13th August on G.O.L.D.(or you could wait up and catch it at 23:50 on G.O.L.D. Plus 1).

However, you might be spared. "Getting Sam Home" according to very latest information at [link] will get repeated next day, 14th August at 21:00 on G.O.L.D., 22:00 on G.O.L.D. Plus 1.

It does last one and a half hours, I think. Can you survive without your lustful cocoa until 22:30?

Just goes to show, you cannot believe all you read in newspapers.

Sorry to betray my total youthfulness, but whom is the "Lieutenant Philips" to which yoiu refer. I wondered if you might mean Sub-Lieutenant Philips from The Navy Lark but his catch phrase was "Left hand down a bit"

Are the powers that be beginning to listen to us? UKTV are about to broadcast another Special, one of the greats!

Thursday 13th August at 22:40 on G.O.L.D.: "Getting Sam Home". I know it is out on one of the DVD sets but not all of us have DVD players.

Seems excellent news to me and might indicate a freeing up of Specials in general.

I cannot resist it because I think this does it.

Reference Grumpy Bro's comment on more up to date episodes, I do wish I knew what prompted powers that be in UKTV to give us "Welcome to Earth" out of the blue. It has certainly not produced a torrent of other episodes new to G.O.L.D.

Certainly support plea for more DVDs. We had four in 2008. To date, none in 2009 with just one promised.

Greetings

Don't mind me. I am just going on a wee bit ramble.

We are approaching quite a milestone on our thread. I wondered if there might be a wee bit of media interest. UKTV, one might have thought would use it for some publicity. I have tried to research what record length is for a thread like ours but on this one, Google is surprisingly unhelpful. I am probable asking the wrong question. I am told regularly by members of the distaff side that I make a habit of asking the wrong question (or of offering highly inappropriate comments). Of course, I do not think all threads number the contributions as our does.

Talking about contributions, if you go to G.O.L.D. and select Message Boards there, you immediately get a list of the so-called Top Ten Contributors (and that is to all UKTV Message Boards). You will see our own Harbottle listed at#2 and FamousEccles at #10. Mind, that provokes me to query how they drew up this list. Eccles at #10 seems to have contributed far more than any others in the list above him.

It has already been noted that the G.O.L.D. - SHOWS - LOTSW description concludes with the latest contribution to this thread. That must sometimes puzzle folk who don't bother to use the link to the thread to see what it is all about.

Concluding with thoughts on the embryonic latest DVD. Although labelled Series #15 and #16, we know full well we will get the real Series #14 and #15. Now, both those series were nine episodes long. That gives us eighteen episodes or nine hours of magic. That has been maximum length of any of the sets put out to date. So, will we get any Specials, I say to myself? The only potential one of which I do not have a recording is "Stop That Castle". UKTV put out "Welcome to Earth" recently and I now have that on DVD. In fact, since I have all of Series #14 and #15 recorded, "Stop That Castle" is the only potential addition to my collection. Don't worry folks. I will still by the box set because it makes the collection tidier than having the episodes scattered over a number of DVD disks.

Wow, I feel better after that! But I will not be impressed if I get vanished.

Now, don't go overboard, young Eccles. I did say just tempo and certainly not tune.

I did add a note on Wikipedia to the effect that the episode ended with a marching band. It is the sort of detail that is appreciated and I cannot resist making my own personal input to posterity. I did not, however make any reference to "The Wild Colonial Boy". There are limits!

OK, young Eccles, being one inclined to leave no stone unturned and never having been known to use one word when I can get away with twenty, I dug out my recording of "The Most Powerful Eyeballs in West Yorkshire" and listened to closing theme tune, played as you commented by a brass band of the marching ilk. All I can say is that if you had not conjectured so wildly on "Wild Colonial Boy" I would never have picked up any link.

I suggest that for the purposes of dramatic effect for this episode the closing theme was played at a tempo consistent with what is typical for "Wild Colonial Boy". Now, do I note that point against the episode in Wikipedia?

Eccles, oh happy bean. I just found a Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem rendition of "Wild Colonial Boy" on You Tube. Sorry, I just could not detect the similarity you imagined. I hope you are not suggesting plagiarism on the part of Ronnie Hazelhurst!

Sorry, my best guess is as you suggest, and I quote:
"am i mis-remembering or maybe dreaming

OR AM I LOSING IT AAARGHHH????"

This is something for our lovely Pixie Lady. When you come north of the border next year, bonnie lass, I am sure you will find things of interest at: [link]

Now, just a word to the wise, take great care over delineating correctly between English and British. The Scots can be sensitive over the distinction. Let your 'Yea' be 'Yea' and your 'Nay' be 'Nay'. As an Anglo/Welsh lass, half of you is well and truly British.

Myself, I am half English and half Irish (Irish Republic). But there are many of Irish origin living in Scotland (making for occasional friction).

Believe me, you will be made most welcome. Come to think about it, there is quite a large Italian population here also. The best ice cream in Scotland is Italian. Divitos is our local one.

Somehow we forget just how prolific Bill was. It only just registered with me that he wrote at least one song for Cliff Richards. For a full list of his activities see: [link]

I think my first recollection of him would have been as the corporal in "Carry on Sergeant". It was, of course, a big thing for him to move from his cockney roots to darkest Yorkshire but he carried it off like the consummate actor he was.

The programme jumped the gun a bit with "It's Never Ten Years" in 2008 as episode of Series#29. But maybe it was realised that would be last series with Clegg and Truly as leads so that was appropriate. I fear that sadly our US friends will not have seen that episode and it could be years before it comes out on DVD or id repeated on satellite, cable or PBS.

OK, so for "BUT THEY ARE FOR ACTUAL SERIES #16 AND #16, 1993 and 1995" read "BUT THEY ARE FOR ACTUAL SERIES #15 AND #16, 1993 and 1995"

Well , it advances us to the 1000 mark!

Here we go! Here we go! Here we go? Well, sort of!

Play.com has just posted a Series #15 and #16 DVD. Can't even be pre-ordered yet but leave your number (email address) and they'll get back to you.

They actually list episodes BUT THEY ARE FOR ACTUAL SERIES #16 AND #16, 1993 and 1995 series with Specials "Welcome to Earth" and "The Man Who Nearly Knew Pavorotti". If true that would mean real Series #14 (1992) and "Stop That Castle" had been missed out.

But it does look like something is on the way!

Could not find the article to which you refer in Radio Times, grumpy bro. Might have got missed out from Scottish edition. Has anyone got a steer on whether there will be a 2009 Christmas Special or will the six episodes come out as a series in 2010.

I note that G.O.L.D. is starting off "First of the Summmer Wine with "Taller Exercises", Season #1, Episode #1 and not with the Pilot episode. Seems rather a pity. I must admit that when it was originally transmitted I paid very little attention to it. I have an inherent distrust of adaptations, sequels or prequels. I plan to give it a run this time but, as I said, would have appreciated the Pilot.

No sign of any new DVD. I do wonder if there are contractual problems with the demise of Woolworths though other BBC DVDs are coming out.

I thought Amazon UK website provided detail of shipping rates to US and other non UK addresses. You certainly get total cost before you confirm your order. I wonder if you would not save a few wee bawbies, bonnie lass, by ordering two or three items at a time. Shipping two items together should cost less than shipping one at a time (or ain't life like that?).

Porgie makes an excellent point there, bonnie lass. "Uncle of the Bride", 1986 New Year Special, 90 minutes long, not only introduces Seymour but also Edie, Barry and Glenda. Up to that point we had seen only Wesley.

This so called Series #9 and #10 includes the twelve regular episodes broadcast in 1987. We call that Series #9 starting with "Why Does Norman Clegg Buy Ladies' Elastic Stockings?" and finishing with "When You Take A Good Bite, Yorkshire Tastes Terrible". Last is one of my favourites and should appeal to US citizens. I think it shows Clegg at his laconic best. There is a school of thought, to which I do not subscribe, which thinks it was first broadcast in 1986.

But also included are the 1986 and 1987 Christmas Specials, "Merry Christmas Father Christmas" 35 minutes, and "Big Day at Dream Acre", another 90 minutes feature length.

Sorry to be a bit pedantic about this Series #9 and #10 business. To us the twelve episodes broadcast all in one year on a weekly basis without a break are one series, series #9. But it was sold to USA as two six episode series and they maintained this fiction for the boxset.

If we include the Comedy Playhouse pilot and all Specials (but not 25 Year or 30 Year documentaries) we have current episode total of 289. Another six will bring us to 295. Would not 300 be a grand total to go out on?

I just hope Roy Clarke has enough left in him to manage 11 more episodes. I cannot recall who wants another writer but as far as I am concerned, if it is not Roy Clarke it is not "Last of the Summer Wine".

Problem with what has happened with your man, Roy Abbott, is he is being treated as a star. Last of the Summer Wine never had stars, just jobbing actors.

Further thought on the more DVDs theme; how about G.O.L.D. progressing beyond Series #19!

Just to be absolutely certain you get what you expect, bonnie lass, what is sold as Series 11 and 12 contains only Seymour episodes and none of Foggy. There are the six 1988 episodes starting with "The Experiment" (which is what we call Series #10), the seven 1989 episodes staring with "Come Back, Jack Harry Teasdale", (Series #11 to us), and the 1988 and 1989 Christmas Specials, "Crums" and "What's Santa Brought for Nora Then?" respectively (15 episodes total).

Hope that helps:

I forgot to translate. For "Fig Rolls" read "Fig Newtons"

I forgot to translate. For "Fig Rolls" read "Fig Newtons"

You are very welcome, gracious lady.

Two other points that I could have made (or maybe three). Sadly, for some reason, the elusive "they" have never put the Comedy Playhouse 1973 pilot "Of Funerals and Fish" on any of the DVD box sets.

Wikipedia is pretty accurate in defining what episodes including in particular which Specials are included in each DVD box set.

You might be interested in customer comments on Amazon UK website, , particlarly US customers to the seven boxsets available from that supplier.



I was pleased to hear you will be coming north of the border on an upcoming trip. Now that the fig roll, Chorley cake and Eccles cakes famines are over, all supplies are bountiful

If you now have a DVD player that will play Region#2 DVDs (Western Europe) use Amazon UK site to order. That is what quite a few US faithful have done. First thirteen series including all Specials up to Christmas 1991 ("Situation Vacant") are available on seven box sets, two series per set (except Series#9 which is on its own but is mischievously and erroneously labelled Series #9 and #10 with subsequent sets being one series out in their labelling). Unfortunately they have got nowhere near isssuing Series #21 on DVD yet.

Strikes me that it would be a touch ironic if the very last words of very last episode broadcast were by Howard saying "It is so unfair" and very last action were Barry being clobbered!

Comment on Peter Sallis in Kingdom: latest series has not come north of the border yet. I get the impression from ITV Viewer that he only appears in Episode#1 but have not researched thoroughly.

No sign of any more DVD sets. I am wondering if demise of Woolworth's has had an impact. One company involved in getting them out on the street was/is a joint Woolworth's and BBC venture.

Someone was fretting over my lack of activity though it is not all that long since I posted; well, maybe a month now. But dinna fash yersell. I intend to be there to contribute to getting us to the big grand mark.

Vaya con dios

Congrats all. We are up to 900.

Reference to recent comment about David Williams. It was he forced that buffoon (and I am being kind), David Walliams (appropriate for a right wally and again I am being kind), to use a slightly different name.

Did somebody get vanished? I got notified of a new posting but there isn't one!

I realise that it is approaching a month since I contributed. I have been struggling with the dreaded Internet and my PC which has now got a horribly corrupted operating system. I am reduced to this laptop which i know will not make me any more coherent than my earlier humble efforts.

Whither LOTSW? I am torn. "Welcome to Earth" reminded me of the happy days of my youth (which admittedly spanned some forty years). Like that one, there are still episodes I have never seen. Sometimes I feel I would just like them to end the beautiful story and just release every last episode either to UKTV or to DVD. I want to have every last episode recorded before I join the greats where the Summer Wine never runs out.

But some aspects of the current series I do quite enjoy. Not up to earlier standards but it is far better than much of the drivel and tasteless garbage put out by the once proud BBC. One point: LOTSW can never be written by anyone other than HIMSELF. Only Roy Clarke can manage the sophistry and sophistication of his own creation.

I would dearly like to know if Roy wrote this series knowing Russ Abbott had been recruited. I feel Hobbo could be a great character. But Russ Abbott is not up to it. I have racked my tatty memory banks trying to think of an actor up to the part but have failed. In a minor key but somewhat similarly, Trevor Bannister, (the Captain) is still Mr Lucas. He has not matured as an actor, but his role is minor.

Failing to find a good three, my thought is to support whoever it was thought to re-establish the four. Billy Hardcastle is a must supported by Alvin and Entwistle (who I feel is better than some reckon). We need a new Clegg. How about Clive Swift (from "Keeping up Appearances") Not good in his last part admittedly but could develop the right air of trying to stay totally uninvolved with all that is happening around him.

Sadly, I fear, I am indulging in sophistry. This is last series. But I do hope we get access to our precious archives in timely fashion.

Exciting news - well I think so anyway! This seems to be right out of the blue. I have just scanned UKTV G.O.L.D. schedule for Sunday 10th May. Initially it was the same very old episodes we have seen repeated so many times before and I was about to quit when I noted at 13:40, repeated at 18:20, "Welcome to Earth". Eyebrows raised, into check mode!

1993 Christmas Special with guest stars John Cleese and Paul Bown!!!

How about that then. There is a Father Christmas!

Particularly pleased as I do not have that episode on DVD!

Nobody else may care, but Parks Chorley Cakes are back in Scotland

Using 'frown' as substitute for non-available 'thoughtful.

Generally concur last two sentiments. Irrespective of Russ Abbot capabilities, one thing LOTSW should never be is a one man show and that is where it seems to be trending.

In some ways it might be time to put it to bed before it becomes an excessively faded shadow of its former glory.

But can the BBC, with its concentration on the tasteless and downright crude, be expected to put on anything better than an admittedly not as good as it was LOTSW?

And it can still act as a social commentary on our times. I would hate to lose Roy Clarke's biting analysis of our society when he can still come out with totally politically incorrect but immortal and deafeningly true comments such as PC Cooper's "It's no good waiting for a car full of violent yobs. The criminal justice system is geared for letting off violent yobs. But no one's looking out for little old ladies".

Series #30 gets underway on BBC #1 on 19th April at 18:05. Sadly, there is a strong possibility that it will be the last series (though it might depend on viewing figures).

If you want to keep up with much Last of the Summer Wine chatter, have a look at the Alibi Message Boards. We have a 847 postings long thread going there. Although LOTSW is now shown on G.O.L.D. only, our thread stems from the time it was also shown on UKTV Drama (which, of course, became Alibi). They left our thread on that Message Board. [link]

SUNDAY 19TH APRIL 18:05

Sure looks like start of Series #30 with

"Some Adventures of the Inventor of the Mother Stitch"

So more

YIPPEE!

SUNDAY 19TH APRIL 18:05

WE'RE BACK!!!

NOT CLEAR YET WHAT EPISODE (REPEAT OF "I Was a Hitman for Primrose Dairies" OR NEW ONE) BUT IT LOOKS LIKE SERIES #30 GETS UNDERWAY!!

Just done a wee recce and found that we have heard nowt from the Flying Chieftain o' the Pudden Race since 26 July 2008.

I am a bit concerned about how many of our previous regulars have dropped out.

Was it something we said? Too much dwelling on the likes o' Chorley Cakes?

Interesting, that, Pixie lady. Our satellite station, UK TV, on its G.O.L.D. channel, has shown everything except some Christmas Specials from the 1972 "Of Funerals and Fish" pilot up to the 1998 Series#19 "Support Your Local Skydiver". That seems to be a common cut-off point.

Problem is that they all keep getting repeated and we would like some new material, particularly Series #21 with Compo's funeral.

I do have some of the recent series recorded on DVD from the original BBC transmissions but sadly do have a few gaps.

Yes, indeed, welcome aboard Pixie lady. When I was gainfully employed on a joint Royal Navy/US Navy project I spent many a happy time in your country, much of it on the East Coast. A goodly spell in Virginia Beach comes to mind and I much frequented Embassy Suites, Crystal City just across the river from DC.

It may be useful for you to be aware that some of your compatriots have equipped themselves with Europe Region (Region #2?) compatible DVD players and purchased the seven available DVD sets from Amazon UK site. Possible correction to what my grumpy bro writes. He says these sets cover first fourteen series. For us it is first thirteen. But in US you might consider it fourteen since for you our Series#9 was split in two and designated Series #9 and #10. And in any case the seven DVD sets are labelled in pairs of series so it looks as if they cover fourteen series. There is a lot of Irish in me and was it not a brilliant weekend for Irish rugby indeed.

Just to close on a note of frustration. Radio Times tells us that weekend 4th/5th April both days are given over to LOSW. Sadly but predictably it is all the same old episodes (much of it in the Foggy/Seymour/Foggy transition periods).

I am always out of hibernation for the Six Nations Rugby and am much looking forward to Murrayfield when Scotland take on my beloved Ireland.

Fig Rolls are not currently a problem but I have written to most supermarket chains complaining about dirth of Chorley cakes. Delighted that in one supermarket Jameson's is on offer. My delight in that Irish nectar can be blamed on British Airways and a cup of coffee all over my shirt!

Major grounds for recent lull in postings has been total lack of activity and/or developments with various facets of our beloved programme.

Back 12 February I posted the following:

"I see that someone has posted on Wikipedia hypothesis that there will be four series (Series #14 to #17 in real money but probably labelled #15 to #18) released on DVD in 2009. Don't know how authoritative this is."

I note now that some editor type has deleted this forecast on basis that there is no authoritative evidence that DVDs will be released in 2009.

On an entirely different note, I just called up the listing of all my postings and it is quite frightening. There are ten pages of me! That fact must not get out. Too many of my acquaintences will use it as proof positive that I talk too much!

I see that C,F & c's link got vanished again.

Thought RobertW's contribution brilliant. Many thanks. I am very much into trying to improve/correct Wikipedia information and have long suspected 1987 as being correct year for Series#9. One of my very first sources of information, "British TV Comedy" website does have it correctly.

I am intrigued by Wrinkled contribution on "How to Clear Your Pipes". Maybe UKTV recording is broke. I certainly have it recorded off UKTV but that was some time ago.

I note C,F & C link to the YouTube video got vanished. Fortuitously I saved it before it went.

When it comes to Series#9 the various references come up with a variety of different dates. For "Why Does Norman Clegg Buy Ladies' Elastic Stockings?" I have seen 4 January 1986, 4 April 1986 and 4 January 1987. What C,F & C has found convinces me that 4 January 1987 is correct. Note that it is a Sunday!

The famous trio's last puzzles me, possibly because I cannot find his reference on YouTube.

There were two specials in 1986. New Year Special, "Uncle of the Bride" went out 1 January 1986. Christmas Special, "Merry Christmas, Father Christmas" went out 28 Decmeber 1986. I assume it is latter to which C,F & C refers.

"Merry Christmas, Father Christmas" has been put on YouTube twice, once in six parts (about five minutes each) and once in three parts. But both are recordings from old UKTV Gold so bear no relation to original transmission. And on neither can I find reference to upcoming series.

Whether Series #9 went out 1986 or 1987, first episode "Why Does Norman Clegg Buy Ladies' Elastic Stockings?" went out 4 April which is far from week after 28 December.

I do favour 1987 as year for Series #9 as that puts transmission day as a Sunday as opposed to Saturdays for 1986 dates.

I wish I could find YouTube video to which C,F & C refers

Okay, so maybe I missed by one (or two).

This is me aiming unashamedly at the #800 posting.

Cannot believe "The Old Guys" ("The Old Gits") could ever replace (or even come near) our heroes

Roger Lloyd Pack and Clive Swift are very poor manifestations of their previous, very excellent, incarnations.

And the script just comes nowhere near Roy Clarke's artistry.

i would be interested in other's opinions. I am far from impressed by "The Old Guys". Script is weak and lacking in humour and particularly subtlety. Acting is stilted with cast seeming to just go through the motions.

I see that someone has posted on Wikipedia hypothesis that there will be four series (Series #14 to #17 in real money but probably labelled #15 to #18) released on DVD in 2009. Don't know how authoritative this is.

Ain't it all gone quiet. No DVD imminent, no fresh episodes (Series #20 onwards) on G.O.L.D. Almost enough to start me back on subject of dearth of Chorley cakes and upset somebody, I can't remember who.

Harbottle did ask if LOSW started on a Monday. If dates given on various sites, 12 November 1973 et seq, are correct, then Series #1 was broadcast on a Monday.

There was some conjecture about the pilot being aired at the start of the original run. It is true it was first broadcast as Comedy Playhouse on 4th January 1973. But the literature only gives dates of first transmission and not of subsequent repeats. In those days, unlike now, BBC did sensible things. So it would not surprise me if, to introduce Series #1, the pilot was repeated the previous week.

In the early days, actual day of broadcast seemed to bounce around a bit. Series #2, #3 and #4 seem to have been on a Wednesday. Series #5 was on a Tuesday but Series #6 went back to a Monday evening.

Series #7 was the first to be aired on a Sunday evening which seems to have been the case for all subsequent series with one firm and one possible exception. Series #13 dates indicate a Friday.

But then we come to the mystery Series #9. Some sources state it was broadcast in 1986. Were that the case the the dates given would mean it was transmitted on a Saturday. That worries me and inclines me to the year used by other sites which was 1987 implying day of broadcast was the far more familiar Sunday.

Have just enjoyed watching "Flower Power Cut" with Clegg at his brilliant best. That and "Open All Hours" "The Cool Cocoa Tin Lid" with the lovely Helen Cotterill as Julie.

Okay, now back to sleep everyone.

Porgie

Welcome aboard. I must concur with what my grumpy brother has told you. The pilot, broadcast as a BBC Comedy Playhouse episode all those years ago, has never been included on a LOSW DVD. One of our satellite channels, UKTV G.O.L.D., does broadcast it every so often as if it were a regular LOSW episode. I obtained my copy by recording off that channel.

I just checked and it is available on UK You Tube if you can acces that in US.

Well, I for one ceased to be surprised by any of the sheer idiocies of the BBC. I cannot think of any publically funded organisation currently which as self-serving is as the BBC. When they do not get all they want out of the license payers the only response is to hurl the dummy from the pram.

One wee bit good news. Series 12 & 13 DVD turned up today. As I have said before, there is only one episode of which I do not already have a recording, Christmas Special, "Situation Vacant".

That is reason I think Christmas Specials are not broadcast. They become the incentive to buy the DVD.

Mind, we do get "The Loxley Lozenge" regularly.

I do find it hard to believe even idiot BBC could complete an eleven show series and then broadcast only one. But, of course, it's not their money is it? It is everyone elses.

Bah Humbug

On a more serious note (and I told you I was serious - and paranoid. And just because you are paranoid does not mean they are not out to get you. Well, look how often I have been vanished!)

I note that "I Was A Hitman for Primrose Dairies", due for its first showing on Hogmanay at 19:30, is due to be repeated just a few days later, Sunday 4th January at 17:30, a very typical time for our pride and joy. It begs the question as to whether "I Was A Hitman for Primrose Dairies" is a Hogmanay Special or simply the first episode of Series#30.

I see there have been more reports that Series #30 will be the last. And I am still unclear as to whether Nora will show in this series or whether Kathy Staff was just tooo unwell to appear in any episode.

Now, just a cotton-picking minute. I didn't get where I am today without being a very serious person. If I do one thing very well, it is being serious. I am a specialist in serious. I positively thrive on serious. And I walk backwards for Christmas.

I am working on a humble theory. I had no idea that my wee foray into the Irish (induced by my mother's origins in Caherconlish, County Limerick) would have provoked such a furore. I note that Famous Eccles' contribution survived the big red pencil. I am wondering that it was not my using the Irish which brought on the wrath of UKTV's high-heidyuns but that I copied and pasted from another website.

As for, "Please can we have some new episodes" in Gaelic, I would need to email my cousin in Shannonbridge, County Offaly, for a translation. And that would be into the Irish Gaelic, of course, and then I would not be sure if it were Munster or Leinster variant.

The Much Vanished One

There will be Wallace & Gromit on Christmas Day. I note G.O.L.D. blanks us from 23rd until 30th December and then gives us a day of Series#19. And we do have a brand new episode on Hogmanay.

Just got word from Amazon that Series # 13 & 14 DVD is on the way!

"The Kink in Foggy's Niblick."

Dug out DVD from Series #3/4 boxset. My best guess is "frogface". I have a feeling that might provoke discussion!

Very sad news indeed. Only ones left from very original cast now are Clegg and Ivy and both of them are needing to take things easy.

There has been a lot of conjecture going on in Wikipedia about the state of affairs. I get the impression that sadly Nora will not appear at all in Series #30 because of state of health of Kathy Staff at the time? Her last appearance might well have been in "Get Out of That, Then".

Most comment seems to indicate that "I Was A Hitman For Primrose Dairies" will be a Hogmanay Special and that true Series #30 will come in August 2009?

Sadly, Huddersfield Daily Examiner is stating categorically that Series #30 WILL be last. BBC has decided to axe us.

Has anyone else got any authoritative info on these points?

RIP Kathy Staff. You will now be with a lot of old friends.

I can't see a problem as long as you do not reveal all the plots. I am more interested in when the series' episodes are to be broadcast. See my point about Wikipedia suggesting that we will only get a New Year's Eve Special (that should read Hogmanay Special) in near future.

Whoops. My last should have referred to "I Was A Hitman For Primrose Dairies".

Someone on Wikipedia is suggesting "Get Out of That, Then" is a one-off, New Year's Eve Special and that the rest of the series will not be out until mid-2009. That does not seem to be supported by Radio Times. Does anyone else have a take on that point?

TVGuide cast list does include Auntie, Pearl and Tom but no Ivy or Marina.

Who the devil is Stella? Well actress Barbara Young (ex-Corrie) played Florrie in "Get Out of That, Then" opposite Cannon & Ball.

Also included in TVGuide cast list are Trevor Bannister (Golf Captain previously) as Toby and Chris Beeny (Repo Man and/or Teasdale previously) as Morton.

Time will tell if any of three become permanent.

Hard copy of Radio Times out today confirms "I Was A Hitman For Primrose Dairies" on Hogmanay at 19:30. Designates it episode 1/10 of "New Series", not 1 of 11 as specified by TVGuide. Wikipedia is conjecturing on this being a New Year Special but Radio Times seems to contradict that. The only point of surmise is that it is so unusual (if not unique) for a regular series episode to be aired on a day other than Sunday. Time will tell.

UKTV does not seem to be advancing the cause in any way. Two Christmases back they gave us four previously unbroadcast (by them) Christmas Specials (1987 to 1990 inclusive). No sign of that as yet this year. I suspect the Christmas Specials are being saved for the DVDs. The only episode of which I have not already got a recording on the imminent DVD is the 1991 "Situation Vacant". I will, of course, get the DVD as it keeps my collection tidier and frees up more recording space on my RAM disks.

And two years back they started broadcasting Series #17, #18 and #19 for the first time. Maybe towards the back end of 2009 they will release three more series. I just long for the day when I see "The Pony Set" is to be aired. Series #20 will have started. I got very envious when a US contact on Amazon reviews stated PBS over there had just broadcast Series #21 which, of course, includes the sad Compo passing and funeral.

And right out of the blue, all of a sudden I am getting email notification of new postings on this thread. I must be doing something right!

I cannot resist pointing out your mispelling of Kirkcaldy. However, it serves to support your point when I recollect a BBC Traffic Report referring to the Kincadin (no 'r' and stress on the first syllable) to Kircawldy (stress correctly on second syllable but drawn out 'awl' as opposed to correct clipped 'odd' pronunciation).

Wikipedia & TV Guide announce start of new series on 31st December. Wikipedia calls it series #30. TV Guide designates it Season #32, 1 of 11. Includes in cast retired milkman Luther `Hobbo' Hobdyke (Russ Abbot). First episode:

"I Was A Hitman For Primrose Dairies"



OH JOY, OH RAPTURE

As an Anglo-Irishman living in Scotland I just could not resist a wee dig. But I share the chagrin at the appalling mispronunciation of place names. Personally i consider BBC at times the worst culprit.

I am now returning to my old love, Last of the Summer Wine

Not sure I understand point being made by AO90023. Lowland Scots are inherently Sassenachs. 'Sassenach' means lowlander, surely.

I see Lily, Bless Her has shown up in East Enders

I also had trouble accessing over last two days, Grumpy Bro. This morning I used UKTV Contact facility to complain. That maybe prompted some action by way of restoration of a missing link.

I shall just have to stop making refernces to the Lancashire Eccles in the light of this family tree research, oh famous one.

I thought the post credit 'punch lines' was a recent innovation. (By recent I mean post Truly arrival). There seems always to have been pre-credit action at beginning of show. Has anyone else noticed that it has always been one of promptest shows to start, particularly on UK TV? Credits have always, as far as I can recall, been over live show background (as opposed to off-screen image).
I cannot specify precise episode, but I do recall one ending with Seymour heading off in one direction expecting the other two to follow but, of course, they did not. Setting was by the stone country bridge used in those days.

But post credit dialogue seemed to come in with Alvin and Billy Hardcastle.

'Twere indeed I. I was repying to grumpy bro's query on the statue. I suspect I got vanished because I was being a bit idle and it was detected that I was quoting copyright material directly.

Huddersfield Daily Examiner of 10 November 2005 reported that only a few thousand of £40,000 budget had been raised and project had been dropped. It was thought that a scaled down memorial might be incorporated in a projected heritage garden in Holmfirth.

I was aiming to post 700th input but "the best laid plans" and so forth.

Who has been reading some of my contributions to the Amazon website, then?

Right enough, it was CC who used the term "bun".

It occurred to me that in my retraction (unrepentant) I should have enhanced my description by calling the cake a "notable sticky 'currant' confection".

Then I can introduce the quote from last night's One Show:

"Was it Alistair Campbell's interest in raisins that led him to a career in current affairs?"

What I meant to say was "Oh famous Lancashire town from whence commeth a notable sticky confection" but my new spectacles confused me again. Anyway, what I did say seemed to caues amusement, provoke ribaldry and generally keep this thread going so I am appropriately unrepentant.

Is this "notable sticky confection" a cake or a bun? I still maintain it lacks the delicacy and subtlety of the neighbouring Chorley cake (still unavailable in the local ASDAs).

I thought all Seymour's sentences took fifteen minutes.

I just did a wee bit experiment. I edited my shortcut to the thread by amending page number to read #26 instead of #1. That took me almost back to the start. Start of thread is now at Page #28.

As we say north of the border, you are both blethering a wee bit.

When you left click on a screen name, oh famous sticky current cake from a Lancashire town, you get just what you say: all the messages that individual has ever posted. That was always the case.

To go back to the posts prior to the latest page, now the whole thread has been reversed, grumpy bro, you need to go right to the top of the Message Board page and hit 'Next Page' or one of the available page numbers. It takes a long time to work right back to the start.

I watched 'From Wellies to Wet Suit" last night over a wee dram. I bet that when they were filming they did not think that over twenty six years later idiots would be analysing the location.

My scenario is that Nora was in her own house at the back, i.e. the opposite side from what we usually see. Wally, Clegg and Foggy came down the steps and turned left away from the door into the garden and to the shed to make the skis. Only Compo turned right and knocked on the door. I vaguely recall some other of the earlier episodes had reference to the back of the house.

What I found intriguing was that in those pre-Wesley (and pre-Seymour) days, they went to Wally Batty for equipment manufacture.

I worked it out for Cleggscap. Whenever you select an emoticon it will ALWAYS go at the end of what you have written so far. It is no good going back into waht you have written, setting the cursor, selecting the emoticon and thinking it will go to the cursor position, It will always go to the end (and on a new line if you have finished with a carriage return).

What you can do is select the emoticon, 'Cut'it from the end of what you have written and then 'Paste' it where you wnat it.

I hope that makes sense (unlike the system).

Puzzled?



Seems to go where I want it.

It was the third appearance of Cannon and Ball. They were in "The Swan Man of Ilkley" and "Who's That Talking To Lenny".

Looks like only query on Series 13 & 14 DVD is Christmas Specials, if any.

Outtake TV was certainly not worth waiting up for!

There seems to be a conspiracy amongst all concerned not to publish the list of episodes on a particular DVD. I feel the genuine outcry at the crass mislabelling of the so-called Series 9 & 10 DVD has provoked suppliers into revealing absolute minimum information. Talk about asking folk to buy a pig in a poke! Whatever is on next DVD, I have the vast majority of it recorded already. I will probably still buy it but only because it makes my collection tidier (and frees up space on my RAM DVD disks).

Only problem about deleting some of my recordings off UKTV is where there are the differences someone spotted. I should have made a note but from memory they were in:

"The Loxley Lozenge"
"Who's Looking After The Cafe, Then"
"Catching Digby's Donkey"

Anything else, (apart from the jump in something or other)? Was it in "Happy Anniversary Gough and Jessie"?

It looks possible that it gets repeated at 11.35 this evening. The Radio Timmes synopsis is very similar.

It could have been this programme, Outtake TV, on which, a week or so back, I saw David Williams, who back in the nineties had four small part LOTSW appearances, saying that he had done another appearance 'recently'. This is the David Williams whose membership of Equity required David Walliams to make a modification to his stage name (as there cannot be two members of Equity with the same name).

I hope C, F & C has some joy with Universal on the content of Series 13 & 14 DVD. I do have a query through the Universal Playback website open on this topic but don't hold out much hope of a reply. I note more retailer websites have updated box picture. However, one of those is Tesco and, unlike with previous boxsets, Tesco is not with this one providing the option to view the reverse side of box. Not yet anyway.

Nothing to say, (as usual I hear you all mutter) but I just want to get us clear of the horrible number 666!

Don't even trust Universal Playback. They got the content of Series 11 & 12 DVD correct. However, I checked what they had listed for the dreaded Series 9 & 10 DVD. And the BBC salea ploy of Series # 9 episodes only bamboozled them. They include the six Series #10 episodes which we all know were on the next DVD.

Have just skimmed through "Who's That Dancing With Nora Batty, Then", the applicable episode, but did not see anything other than "Cafe" painted on the window. Surely it was just know as Sid's Cafe. There was something like that on the side of the van in "Getting Sam Home". All the literature fails to assign a surname to Sid and Ivy and I am convinced Roy Clarke just never gave them one.

I cannot get over excited about where folk lived. Per the Comedy Playhouse pilot, did Blamire not live in lodgings? He had a landlady. I would have thought Foggy had two different houses, one before and one after his period away. In "Return of the Warrior" they certainly spent time getting his belongings up the hill.

Seymour's house was used frequently in Series #9. I suspect it ceased to be available for Series #10 and #11. It was noticeable that he used Wesley to do all the manufacture of his inventions. I do recall some interior shots in the first half of "Return of the Warrior".

Marina's domestic situation is intriguing. Was there ever an indication she lived with her mother?

Turning to Amazon and the so-called Series 13 & 14 DVD, I suspect the authentic box cover is now being shown. Play.com is also showing it. I do not expect that to change but do still anticipate the release date to vary from the 26 December date currently shown. It is the content that really intrigues me. Even this late, the only website which officially specifies accurately the episode list for the last release is Universal Playback.

I contacted BBC 2Entertain Ltd (BBC commercial wing) to try to find content of Series 13 & 14 DVD but they referred me on to Universal Playback. I have now tried them but they have never been forthcoming in the past. We might need to wait until website which provides reverse side of box gets up to speed, (though I do have a great deal of difficulty reading that).

Detail given on Amazon website is, indeed, provided by customers. There is one character who consistently ignores what happened with the Series 9 & 10 DVD (only Series #9 content) and lists the episodes for the real Series #13 & #14. I have tried to keep things right on the Amazon website but, frankly (clue there) there is no telling some people.

I didn't realise they were that odd in Hull. I know it is Yorkshire but even so. Or did they go funny with decimalisation (or do I mean with being cast into darkest Humberside)?

Being inherently paranoiac, (which of course does not mean that they are not out to get me) I was wondering if it was me. I wondered if I was being punished for ignoring C, F & C's request to lay off the fig rolls. But everybody else seems to be suffering, including all the other threads/message boards. Then I was, of course, trying to decide between the cock-up and the conspiracy theory of politics. I always incline to the former.

I suppose this way round has the very marginal benefit of always finding the latest post on Page #1. I have always preferred Page#3. But is does make for difficulty with latest post at the top and new comments box at the bottom.

Do they mean to keep us in a mirror universe. Time will tell but it would have been nice to have been forewarned. I mean, generally Compo got a wee bit of notice before he was inverted.

Help! Help! Help!

What are they doing to us?
The whole thread has been reversed! The latest posts have gone to Page #1 and the very first are on Page #26.
It's biblical!

The First shall be Last and the Last shall be First!

I am intrigued as to where this will end up if it ever gets posted

More tongue in cheek! To quote Gilbert and Sullivan, "Oh Joy. Oh Rapture". ASDA fig rolls are back in Scotland. The famine is well and truly over.

Sid and Ivy I concur on. However, Alvin is Alvin Smedley. I concur on Marina but thought everyone knew that the immigrant from the far east, Hull, is Electrical Entwistle. I don't think I realised until I did wee bit research on this that Barry and Brenda are Wilkinsons and that Miss Davenport is a Lucinda. Another without surname is Nelly and, of course, we only recently learnt names of policemen, Cooper and Walsh.

In light of recent discussion on content of our great thread I cannot resist, tongue in cheek, mentioning that today is Paddington Bear's 50th birthday. Clegg would surely queation how any self-respecting Peruvian could survive so long in the dark south and in London in particular. After all, he considers London second most dangerous place after Lancashire.

I forgot to mention Slipslidding and 400 miles from Dunstable, a consummmation devoutly to be wished. That either puts him somewhere over water or on the right side of the border like me and the mini-skirted haggis!

Like June Whitfield as Delphi Potts in 'Potts in Pole Position', 2001 Christmas Special, then getting re-incarnated as the regular, Nelly, in 'Merry Entwistle and Jackson Day' 2005 Christmas Special continuing on in 2006 Series#27, et seq. A bit of Latin there for which I refuse to apologise. After all, our favourite programme was full of non sequiturs. My favourite, Clegg rejoiced in them and many other idiocies. As the introducer of 'The great Fig Roll Famine, I am totally unrepentant. I will continue to throw them in and will not be concerned or twitched when, like most of Billy Harcastle's greatest lines, they go totally ignored.

That was what I thought our great programme was all about, a celebration to the banal. So there.

So, oh newcomer on the block, young Michael-UKTV, can you let us in on when we might see some fresh episodes, Series#20 onwards, of the programme you like so much?

Just a hurried thought before departing to see Edinburgh v Leinster in the Heineken Cup.

Got out of step there. I was answering last post on Page#25 not realising everyone else had moved on to #26. Have updated my 'Favourite Places' Shortcut.

Grumpy bro was quite right when he said it was Clegg called Foggy 'Oliver'.

Mark's reference to Nora's sister reminded me of a query I had over very last episode, 'Get Out That, Then'. I read somewhere that Florrie (Barbara Young) was Nora's sister. But there was no mention of that in the episode. Only relationship specified was Lenny (Bobby Ball) as Barry's cousin. Mind, you got distinct impression that Lenny and Cliff (Tommy Cannon) were brothers.

No. That is where Compo finds a parcel labelled COD and translates it as Corporal Oliver Dewhurst in jest. One must remember that Compo called Foggy many things, particularly female (such as Clarice). It would not surprise me if at sometime Compo called him Olive.

Foggy use the name Walter himself in 'The Odd Dog Men', as in 'Walter C Dewhurst OBE'

Using Google I have found a few more references confirming 'William'

IMDb says 'William' as in 'William "Compo" Simmonite'. Best I can come up with.

It should not be difficult to translate this thread to a G.O.L.D. Message Board where we now belong.

I notE that the last item on the G.O.L.D. 'Shows' Last of the Summer Wine page is still the latest posting on our thread so there is a link already there from G.O.L.D.

Been worrying for days if our great thread was lost forever. However, it does seem to have been restored and, maybe, after my last wee posting seems to indicate, it is beginning to work almost properly (not that there has ever been much terribly proper about LOSW).

Now I am just hoping all our old clubmates will find us at our new venue. Come Back. (I think that is the right CB radio technical term).

Malice aforethought, oh famous goon. 'Emppy' is a North of the Border colloquialism, admittedly usually reserved for the state of being totally devoid of the Uisge Beatha!

What a masterpiece! I do not wish to carp but, apart from specials, for anything new in the way of episodes fifth line needs to read:
'Of Truly, Compo and old Clegg'.

However, I'll let it go on the grounds of poetic license!

Charity collections; I have never put anything out on step as I carefully select charities and our ancient capital of Scotland is full of charity shops. But I do know that none of them collect their wee plastic sacks in spite of their encouragement to put out even if emppy.

Oh, I do hope she has survived. I think the famine is over. I have said before that the toothsome delicacy is available in the Co-op. Yesterday I found plentiful supples in Morrisons, a store normally outside my wanderings.

Talking of Grey Power, Platinum Blondes and Barberesses, where is the redoubtable Flying Haggis these days?

Has there been a change to the Message Board in that one stays logged on even when going off line and then coming back on. I am sure I did not log on this morning and I always had to. Mind, I am doing more and more without any input from massacred brain cells.

Phew! But for 'sceam' read 'scream'.

Great news indeed! I was trying tp work out a way of storing the whole thread on my PC and the brain strain involved cost a multiplicity of bottles of the Uisge Beatha!

Have others been having problems with the Message Board? A day or so back I composed something incedibly erudite. (Is that not true of all my compositions?) And after considerable time and effort and more Uisge Beatha I found I was just unable to post it. The Message Board just would not go into 'Preview' mode. So there is yet another work of masterful literature lost in the electronic ether where all deleted thought ends up.

My masterpiece was on the very topic of the demise of UKTV Drama and the transformation of Gold into G.O.L.D. (Go On, Laugh Daily). Much of what I said has been covered in today's contributions.

I am afraid that G.O.L.D. does not start very auspiciously. For its first week there will be two episodes each weekday, both being repeated later in the day. There will be nothing at weekends. It starts off back at Series#5, at the conclusion of that it jumps to the ubiquitous 'Loxley Lozenge' and then contiues with Series #8. Nothing new on the horizon I am afraid, Grumpy Bro.

On another topic, I still doubt that the so-called Series 13 & 14 DVD will actually be released on Boxing Day. I do anticipate that date being changed.

And I got around to ordering Series 11 & 12 (so-called) DVD because I needed something else from Amazon and was after free delivery.

Big Unc

P.S. I shall sceam if this posting fails to register!

I have not got around to purchasing the so-called Series 11 & 12 DVD yet. I have everything on it recorded. I will get it eventually for tidiness.

You must watch everything scrupulously, oh venerable C F & C. I have never noted a 'jump' in "Gough and Jessie".

There is some discussion on Amazon website re. so-called Series 13 & 14 DVD. One contributor suggests we will get real world Series #12 and Series #13 episodes plus "Barrie's Christmas" 1990 and "Situation Vacant" 1991 Christmas Specials. I hope to see the latter because it is the earliest episode now missing from my collection. That makes 18 half hour episodes, for a nine hour total.

After that it gets interesting. Series #14 and #15 are both nine episodes long, nine hours total which has been the limit for these three disk boxsets. So will there be any ChriStmas Specials included?

It is noticeable, incidentally that very few online retailers have included episode listings for Series 11 & 12 AND THOSE THAT HAVE ARE MOSTLY WRONG!

Very much concur your sentiments, Mark. A wonderful actress of great stature even before she joined Summer Wine. There is quite a good write-up of her in Wikipedia from which I note she was born in 1924. I was watching 'Carry On Sergeant' over the weekend which, of course, included her and Bill Owen. And I well remember her in 'A Taste of Honey', a classic of its day, particularly for us resident in Manchester at the time, and that was not yesterday.

Well, Pontefract Cakes aren't really cakes at all are they? Eccles reference to ginger cake amused me because broadcast yesterday on UKTV Gold was an episode of Roy Clarke's other gem, "Open all Hours" called "The Ginger Men" where Arkwright gets rid of a surplus of Jamaican Gingercake with the ploy of its being laced with drugs and an aphrodisiac.

I always imagined "Open All Hours" to be set in Lancashire because it always reminded me of the streets of parts of Manchester but I read it is set in Doncaster. I was also amused to see that there was an episode titled "Fig Biscuits and Inspirational Toilet Rolls".

'Twere I what started this confectionery theme because I was real puzzled about the dearth of fig rolls north of the border. I have learnt that there is/was a gross shortage of figs from Turkey on account of drought and some wasps (yes, wasps) not pollinating the figs.

I have certainly seen marble cake in the likes of ASDA but cannot recall upside down cake. That seems more the fare of a specialist baker.

I do appreciate the solicitude! However, I can reassure in that at least the dear old co-op does have my fig-roll delicacies on the shelf. I am disappointed in ASDA, though, and I am not sure if our local store is not getting a bit pointed. Where I used to find Park's Chorley Cakes they are now displaying Yorkshire Tea Tea Loaf. Clegg might approve but I am not enamoured. Last time in I decided on some battenberg cake as a treat (though I could hear Clegg complaining that, "He has actually resorted to foreign fodder").

Research on battenberg cake led me to a real worry on the mushy peas front. We will all recall Compo feeding his embryonic housekeeper, Liz Smith, on mushy peas in "Spring Fever" from the very first series. Well, this is what I have learnt on the potential hazards posed by political correctness:

"In April 2008 the Food Standards Agency asked for a voluntary ban on artificial food colourings and suggested that the ban would be practical by the end of 2009. This would mean that certain foods such as mushy peas, battenberg cakes, Turkish Delight and tinned strawberries might disappear temporarily or permanently."

When it comes to fare offered by Nora, I always thought her forte is baking. It was Mrs Jack Harry Teasdale who was the expert on onion gravy.

And as far as I am concerned, Pontefract cakes are the dullest fare imaginable and I am hyper enough without the benefit of Kendal Mint Cake.

Sadly, no one will be surprised that when UKTV Gold finishes its run through Series #19 with "Support Your Local Skydiver" it reverts right the way back to the first Seymour episode of Series #9. I suspect we will have to await the restructuring of UKTV before we see anything new!

I appreciate the sentiments on the possible replenishment with Eccles cakes but without wishing to sound ungrateful will confess to finding them a bit on the sticky side. What I do appreciate comes from up the A6 and that is Chorley cakes. But would you believe, our local ASDA, my usual source, has been out of them for the last few weeks.

This discussion will not impress our favourite trio, involving as it does comestibles from the wrong side of the Pennines. Clegg will be questionning our credentials along with our soundness of mind. "They'll be eating seaweed from Wales next," he'll be saying.

Less than two weeks now until the release of Series 11 & 12 (so-called) DVD yet very few retailers are spelling out the episode list. In fact, I have only seen one, CD Wow.com, and I don't think they have got it totally right. They correctly list the six Series #10 episodes and the seven Series #11 but have missed the two Christmas Specials. I will eventually purchase this DVD to match up with all the previous but I am in no rush as I have got everything I anticipate to be on already recorded off UKTV.

It is amusing that serious debate has broken out on Amazon website over what will be on the so-called Series 13 & 14 DVD. And that is not due out until Christmas! I am hoping that will have at least one Christmas Special I have not already recorded but that might be about all.

I DO NOT LIKE JAMMY DODGERS! VERY PLAIN FARE!

Whoops again. For 'Lottie' read 'Florrie'.

Sorry for mixed metaphor. Did a bit of Googling. One lies doggo but keeps stoom!

Whoops.

Still no sign of fig rolls in our supermarkets but Co-op own brand are back on the shelves at a price so we are not totally starved. I am on a new quest; bagels without a hole. I am fed up of the honey dripping through the middle.

That was a devious ploy on our collective part: lying stooum (not sure of spelling but am getting used to new spectacles) until Slipslidding broke cover. But I must confess I was wondering who would crack first.

I enjoyed final episode but did anyone else see any reference to Lottie being Nora's sister?

I wonder if the new set up on UKTV in October will bring us any not seen before episodes (from Series #20 onwards). I note that on current scheduling for September UKTV Gold is once again approaching the end of Series #19 (first Truly series and latest ever shown on UKTV).

For those up to date enough to view in HD, BBC HD will be showing first three episodes of current seires on 7th September. There will be nothing on BBC#1.

Anyone know any way of getting BBC Prime in UK? I have emailed Sky but got no reply. BBC Prime will be showing the 2005 Series #26 from which I have several gaps in my DVD recordings.

Back to the delicious subject of Fig Rolls. Am I to understand from someone that they are in plentiful supply south of the border (including ASDA's own) and Scotland is being denied. The last I got was in Coop and they were baked in Irish Republic.

Note that 2008 Christmas Special and thirteen episode 2009 series have been deleted from Wikipedia on basis that they are not verifiable.

Compo's death was covered in "Elegy For Fallen Wellies" broadcast 23 April 2000, just over eight years ago. Maybe last year Roy Clarke was not confident of continuing filming into 2009 for broadcast in 2010. 27th was obviously pulled out of the air with no reference to month.

Thought Alvin was at his most Compo like. No sign of Brian Conley though he was named in the cast by both Radio Times and Locate TV. I am fairly sure the credits listed Hilary Sieta per Radio Times and Locate TV indicating IMDb.com list is incorrect for "Last Post and Pigeon" with its "Hilary Sesta".

Am I right in thinking there was at least one clip from a Foggy episode, "Wheelies"?

All in all, pleasant nostalgia.

Research tells me that this will be third appearance of Cannon and Ball, earlier ones being "The Swan Man Of Ilkley" and "Who's That Talking To Lennie".

Correction; no Barry and Glenda

31st August, "Get Out Of That, Then" full cast list is now on Locate TV. It looks like a full turn out of the remaining regulars. Barbara Young plays 'Florrie' and not surprisingly (though Radio Times has not listed him) Tommy Cannon is there along with Bobby Ball.

"A Merry Heatwave", the first Christmas Special, is correct.

To quote Wikipedia, specifically on 2002 episode "Beware of the Hot Dog":

"Nora Batty's absence is explained by her leaving to visit relatives in Australia; the episode opens with a faraway shot of her departing for the airport."

She was back for the Christmas Special "A Musical Passing for a Miserable Muscroft"

I just picked up from Wikipedia that Barbara Young plays Nora's sister. That gives pause for thought!

Looks like we do get an eleventh episode in current series; "Get Out Of That, Then" on 31st August, Have not seen a complete cast list but it does include a Barbara Young and a Bobby Ball.

And if there are any typos in this, I am still struggling with new spectacles and old fingers and keyboard! What's "Flyinh"?

And is it not a while since we heard from the renowned (or notorious) Flying Haggis?

I am too busy chasing the Noras and Flyinh Haggi of this world to indulge in darts!

I did and am breaking in a new pair of vastly altered prescription (tempus fugit) spactacles!

Have not been able to establish Director of "The Old Guys", a highly important post!

We are getting nearer issue of so-called Series 11 & 12 DVD. Have not seen anything 'official' on its content yet, though we do have a pretty good idea.

Now I am at it! Hilary Sesta, not Secha nor Sieta!!!

"The Old Guys" features two elderly delinquents, Tom (Roger Lloyd Pack) and Roy (Clive Swift) who believe there is life in the old dog yet - but it might just need a kick. That is, of course, when they are not lusting after sexy neighbour Sally (Jane Asher).

The series is written by award-winning writers Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong with Simon Blackwell (Peep Show) (if that means anything to anyone) and will be produced by BBC Scotland.

I have read that it is more "Elderly Men Behaving Badly" than our beloved programme. Time will tell.

Similarly, time will tell on this Radio Times anticipated 31 August episode. Programme for that date is very much in draft with lots of TBAs. Time of episode could get changed, potential episode could just disappear, episode could be brand new part of current series, or as they have done in past, they could tag on a repeat/repeats from a recent year. Or the horse might talk.

"Doesn't Seem Ten Years" does seem to be an appropriate final episode for a series. Thanks, Eli. for research on Ray Cooney and Hilary Secha (not Hilary Sieta as Locate TV wrongly named her).

I congratulate Mark and very much concur on his summing up of the whole series.

Big Unc

I went to BBC website page covering tickets for shows but that does not yet cover November, only next three months including this. It is, of course, possible that differnt shows use different systems.

After all the extraneous excitement (tracking down Talisker according to my grumpy bro though if he looks back down the thread he will note that it is an ex-bottle of Talisker, it is no more, deceased, consumed, it is a non-bottle of Talisker) and returning to current series, Locate TV now carries cast for what I assume will be last episode, "It's Never Ten Years", on 24th August. Small cast with only four of current, and I stress, current, crew, Clegg, Truly, Alvin and Nora. Two guest 'stars', Brian Conley (again) plus Ray Cooney and an extra, Hilary Sieta, whoever she is. But prominent is one Bill Owen as Compo. It is going to be a real reminisce!!!

Getting into the audience for a show would be great! How do we organise it? Where are the previews held? Come on all you experts!

I am sure the wordsmith master, Roy Clarke, could do a great story line on the current dire shortage of fig rolls. Trouble is covering episode would not be out until next year when hopefully fig famine will be over.

Fret not, famous one. It was my reply to Wrinkled which was vanished but it was sent on another plane.

Big Unc

Wrinkled. your message received, understood and answered. Something weird going on in the ether.

Tenth episode on 24th August (19:05), "It's Never Ten Years". Obviously a bit of a reminisce on dear old Compo. Possiblity the Brian Conley appears again.

Welcome back indeed, C, F & C. Hope your brush with the medical profession proves successful.

Not totally trusting the date being carried by those sites for release of Series 13 & 14 (so-called) DVD. Apart from being Boxing Day, 26 December is a Friday. All releases this year have been a Monday. Time will tell.

I for one did enjoy "The Mischievous Tinkle in Howard's Eyes".

Recent inputs to Wikipedia are interesting but I have no idea how authoritative. It is anticipating this current series will have eleven episodes (three more). I recall that when it started Radio Times one week specified ten and another eleven.

More significantly, in a way, a 2008 Christmas Special is prognosticated and for 2009, Series #30, thirteen episodes. Again, time will tell.

Sad news about Terence Rigby, "Big Al" in another excellent series of shows directed by Alan J. W. Bell, the three Beiderbecke series.

Big Unc

,D,

Well, I thoroughly enjoed it. The beginning was just like old times. And we had the throwback of seeing the four characters in the distance at top of hill but still hearing the dialogue.

Howard and Pearl: I was reminded of "Leaving Home Forever *or* Till Teatime" from 1995 Series #17 when Pearl threw him out and he was devastated. Mind, it was baking day! Irrespective of Marina, Howard needs Pearl.

Barry's antics took me back to the likes of 2004 Series #25: "Who's That With Barry and Glenda - It's Not Barry and Glenda" *or* "Barry Becomes a Psychopathic Killer - But Only Part Time". Barry can be positive but is totally gullible in the hands of Auntie Wainwright, Alvin and Entwhistle.

Talking about gullible, I was hoping for good news and something new on UKTV front. However, Monday 18th October they will give us very latest episode they have ever shown us, "Support Your Local Skydiver" from 1998 Series #19. What then? Right back to entrance of Seymour in Series #9.

It must be two years since they gave us new material with three new series, #17, #18 and #19. Maybe we have to wait until the next three years is up before we get more.

It's Yorkshire Day with a new Yorkshire flag, white rose on blue background. Will we se it in Holmfirth?

Episode #8: "The Mischievous Tinkle in Howard's Eyes." , 17:30, 10th August
LocateTV now has cast list. Only regular I note as missing is Ivy. Guest star Erin Geraghty as vicar's wife. (Jim Whelan as caretaker)

Not made much progress, Wrinkled. Married All Saints, Wandsworth 31 October 1891. Have emailed church for more information.

Big Unc

I was right, a habit for which I have a penchant. It was my grumpy bro who hit the magic 500. Mind, who is now going to trawl back to count how many times he transmitted in stereo so we can determine when the real magic 500 is reached?

A bit more detail has become available on August 10th, Episode #8:

"The Mischievous Tinkle in Howard's Eyes."
Howard discovers there are better ways than the mobile phone to contact other nature-lovers - and quite openly, too.

No full detail on cast yet but no indication of any guest star(s).

I think grumpy bro hit the magic 500. Count can only be trusted when it is set at beginning of day and I think Mark's last contribution was 497.

You anticipated my dialogue/duologue correction, oh wrinkled one. I did some research on Wikipedia. Mind, that came up with the concept of dilogue for a two way conversation. I confess that my education was limited to Latin.

I did some research on HG Wells but could only come up with a Fitzroy Road, Primrose Hill address which even I know is well away from Wandsworth.

Apart from dialogue, I also need to correct a comment I made about UKTV Gold. Monday 11th August it is UKTV Drama which goes back to Comedy Playhouse pilot (and continues on to Episode#1, Series #1 the day after).

I recollect we have discussed Tom's frequent absence. But contrary to someone's assertion, I have seen cast lists in two places which indicate PCs are in next Sunday's show.

Big Unc

Concur on first visit to Cafe this series.

Note that eighth episode on August 10th will be at 18:30 but no other detail yet.

Now what is UKTV Gold up to? Monday 11th August at 09:55 we have "The Most Powerful Eyeballs in West Yorkshire". Fine, that is continuation of 1994 Series#16 from previous week. At 13:15 and repeated at 19:00 we have "The Suit That Attracts Blondes". Fine again; that is continuation of first Truly series, 1998 Series#19 from previous week. But what do they do at 17:00? Right back to Comedy Playhouse pilot!!!!

Took many drams to overcome charms of Shirley Anne Field!

Lot of interesting dialogue of late. That might not be accurate. If monologue is one, presumeably dialogue is two. What's three? Trialogue? I was thrown a bit by grumpy bro suggesting a red rose influence, prompting gnomey to castigate Mark who then turned out to be a Lancastrian. Incidentally, I note he seems to participate in this thread whilst at work. Is he gainfully employed one is inclined to ask?

I thought Sunday's was best so far of current series mainly because of roy Clarke's script. Possibly Clegg and Truly played larger parts this time.

Cast turned out to be as per final listing. Tom absent again and I don't think he is in next Sunday. Felt Barry and Glenda bits were a bit superfluous. I was amused to see a very young Mike Grady (Barry) in a cameo role in Carry on Loving over weekend.

It strikes me that Keith Clifford (Billy) could have been a tad upset by billing generally given to Brian Murphy (Alvin) when he came on the scene two years later. But latter was probably better known actor.

What will they make of Russ Abbott, Anglo-Scot born in Chester. Wrong side of Pennines and almost in Wales. We have heard Cleggie often on subject of Wales. A dangerous place.

I tend more to Lancashire myself having done Manchester University. I have a grandson who supports Hull City in the mystic east but my general attitude can be summed up in a conversation I had recently with our church organist (that's got you all). Subject was use of tune Ilkley Moor for certain hymns and organist said he only used English tunes if essential, to which I replied that Ilkley Moor is not English but Yorkshire.

Another great Yorkshire based comedy, also directed by Alan J W Bell was the Beiderbecke series. One of those involved adventurous expeditions to the Lancashire border.

Big Unc

Trouble with Lucozade, grumpy bro, is it makes your clicking finger twitch and you transmit all your messages twice!

Whilst researching Tyler Butterworth who will appear in Episode#7, 3rd August, 18.05, "In Which Romance Isn't Dead - Just Incompetent" came across a new website, LocateTV, which seems to have full details of cast etc earlier than other websites.

Those lust buds of earlier ill repute drove me to think of Liz Fraser. I am sure she appeared in two episodes in 2000, "Surprise at Throstleness" and "Just a Small Funeral" (which, of course, covered the sad demise of Compo and Bill Owen) as Reggie Answorth, the surprise at Throstlenes. I have a vague recollection she showed up again in a more recent episode but that is not supported by any of the literature. Maybe she was in something else which I watched half asleep or whilst enjoying a dram or three.

Big Unc

Good news for Mark, I think. Ignoring Specials, Monday 4th August, UKTV Gold shows last Foggy episode, "A Sidecar Named Desire" from 1997. Tuesday 5th August it shows first Truly episode, "Beware the Oglethorpe" from 1998.

Big Unc

For "feeing" read "feeling". Back to those lust buds again!

Not over impresssed with yesterday's episode. Thought Cope and Ollerenshaw would be same characters as in "The Love-Mobile" Thought Cope gave a terrible performance.

Have just picked up on next weeks cast. No Tom again but Ivy returns. Shirley Anne Field plays Eva. That should stir my lust buds if anything is capable of stirring those highly decrepit I don't know whats.

Query "Roger" Clarke, grumpy bro. Another senior moment?

First Saturday in August UKTV Drama reduces from the the six early series episodes of July to one episode only from Series#10 repeated later in the day. Definite feeing of transition.

Big Unc

Sunday 27th July, 18:40, "Eva's Back in Town"

A worldly-wise old acquaintance of Alvin's makes an appearance, and proves to be just the woman to make Howard's life more complicated.

No indication of significant guest stars or who plays Eva (if anyone).

Big Unc

After all that, something did get disappeared. I posted a response to mark812 query on Truly series. It has vanished.

The gist of my comment was that the first Truly series, from 1998 (Series#19 in real money), has been broadcast on UKTV. A couple of years back in a fit of benevolence they put out Series #17, 18 and 19 in quick succession.

UKTV Gold is currently ploughing through Series #18 at the rate of one episode a day. Who knows, it might continue with Series #19.

Big Unc

Not to fret, famous goon. They are now using your last posting and looking for comment. GOLD obviously quite correctly recognise us as the superior thread.

On subject of the count, it quite frequently fails to update immediately. Once they (the big THEY) have vetted them, then the count is incremented.

I anticipate this will now go onto the GOLD website.

Big Unc

Have been wandering around UKTV website and learned that from 7 October UKTV Drama becomes UKTV Alibi dedicated to Crime programmes, GOLD +1 becomes Watch (for general entertainment) and GOLD (Go on Laugh Daily) will concentrate on Comedy. So looks like our favourite will come exclusively from GOLD.

I wonder if they will have the imagination to give us some fresh material (from Series#20 onwards) to launch the new setup.

Big Unc

Maybe it's our fault grumpy bro. Have you noted how much longer our thread is compared with any other. We are over taxing the website.

I do, of course jest.

Many thanks, grumpy brother. I was about to ask if others thought website on a go-slow and you then confirmed it. Probably a server problem (he says pretending to be PC literate, but certainly not PC, heaven forfend).

Yes, the great Morecambe ans Wise went to ITV for a time but it was a very different show and all their really memorable material was on BBC. I do not have a great deal of sympathy with the BBC any longer. Its news and current affairs coverage is appalling. Much of its output is pornographic which I would not mind but it is totally tasteless and lacking in culture However, some things like our favourite programme and most sports' coverage it does far better than others, Not as well as it used to but it is still best so I would hate to see LOTSW transferred.

I liked Sunday's Jeremy programma in spite of some blemishes. I note most of regulars are in next episode except Ivy who has not shown since second episode. Watch out for the golf though. Radio Times is giving a time for 27th July episode but no other detail.

Big Unc

I was worried. I thought my grumpy brother was accusing me of verbosity. However, checked meaning of "bibulous" and realised he was just saying I drink too much. So that is alright then.

Mark 812, did you see my query re. "35 Years of LOTSW"?

Big Unc

So, yesterday was whisky and whiskey. What are we going to talk about today?

Dalwhinnie near Newtonmore. Was up near there recently. Highest distillery in Scotland. Newtonmore noted for shinty and highest percentage of left-handed golfers ( an offshoot of shinty which is ambidextrous).

Enjoyed a visit to Jameson distillery in Dublin a few years back. Same company as Bushmills but that is made in the north. Was introduced to Jamesons by British Airways who gave me a big bag of miniatures after a stewardess spilt coffe all over me on a Edinburgh London shuttle. Last thing I needed was to find another drink I liked.

Back to favourite programme. Wikipedia is claiming " A Short Introduction to Cooper's Rules" is first episode ever shown on BBC#2. Any takers on that one?

Big Unc

Anything that qualifies as Uisge Beatha is acceptable (though Laphroaig does need a bit of getting used to - a real acquired taste).

'Twere not the Talisker to come that was culpable. 'Twere the Glenmorangie already here.

Whoops! Two boobs in my last posting!

In first sentence, for "their" read "there". In last sentence remove a surplus "not".

Must do better!

(Now, I bet everyone goes over it with a fine tooth comb to find other booboos)

Big Unc

Mark812, possibly you can advise if their was a 35 Years of LOTSW documentary made. The possibility was touted on Wikipedia for some time.

Welcome aboard IndyBritFan (to be known as Indy henceforth). I have many friends your side of the pond from my working days which included many great visits. Even had a week in Fort Wayne. From these threads you have probably gleaned that another DVD is due out 22 September, Series 11 and 12 so-called. Amazon UK is advertising it pre-release. Along with that one, if you have all five produced so far, it will give you 90 episodes including several longer than normal specials. I would not be surprised if there is not another before the end of the year.

Big Unc

Back on your original tack, Wrinkled, sadly I fear we will never reach Episode#300.

Kathy Staff (Nora) for one showed as Mrs Blewett in the Arkwright emporium.

And don't limit Roy Clarke to two programmes. What about "Keeping up Appearances"? Or Ain't Misbehaving"?

Just noted that by some quirk, two days later (Tuesday, 22 July), "The Love Mobile" is on UKTV Gold

Episode#5: Sunday 20 July, 19:10; "All That Glitters is Not Elvis"

Back to "The Love Mobile" with Kenneth Cope and Maggie Ollerenshaw.
Timing needs watching as this is last day of Open Golf Championship and we recall what happened last year.

Big Unc

Series 22 (1 Apr 01 - 3 Jun 01)

Getting Barry's Goat (1 Apr 01)
The Art Of The Shorts Story (8 Apr 01)
The Missing Bus Of Mrs Avery (15 Apr 01)
Hey! Big Vendor (22 Apr 01)
Enter The Hawk (29 Apr 01)
Gnome And Away (6 May 01)
A Hair Of The Blonde That Bit You (13 May 01)
A White Sweater And A Solicitor's Letter (20 May 01) #200
Why Is Barry At An Angle? (27 May 01)
The Coming Of The Beast (3 Jun 01)
Special
Potts In Pole Position (30 Dec 01)

Series 23 (6 Jan 02 - 10 Mar 02)

A Brief Excursion In The Fast Lane (6 Jan 02)
The Mystical Squeak Of Howard's Bicycle (13 Jan 02)
Mervyn Would Be Proud (20 Jan 02)
The Incredible Ordeal Of Norman Clegg (27 Jan 02)
Beware Of The Hot Dog (3 Feb 02)
In Search Of Childlike Joy And The Farthest Reaches
Of The Lotus Position (10 Feb 02)
A Chaise Longue Too Far (17 Feb 02)
Exercising Father's Bicycle (24 Feb 02)
Sadly, Madly, Bradley (3 Mar 02)
It All Began With An Old Volvo Headlamp (10 Mar 02)
Special
A Musical Passing For A Miserable Muscroft (29 Dec 02)

Series 24 (5 Jan 03 - 16 Mar 03)

The Lair Of The Cat Creature (5 Jan 03)
Ancient Eastern Wisdom - An Introduction (12 Jan 03)
A Pickup Of The Later Ming Dynasty (19 Jan 03)
The Secret Birthday Of Norman Clegg (26 Jan 03)
In Which Gavin Hinchcliffe Loses The Gulf Stream (2 Feb 03)
The Miraculous Curing Of Old Goff Helliwell (9 Feb 03)
The Frenchies Are Coming (23 Feb 03)
The Man Who Invented Yorkshire Funny Stuff (2 Mar 03)
The Second Husband And The Showgirls (9 Mar 03)
All Of A Florrie (16 Mar 03)
Special
A Short Blast Of Fred Astaire (21 Dec 03)

Series 25 (8 Feb 04 - 18 Apr 04)

Jurassic - No Parking (8 Feb 04)
The General's Greatest Battle (15 Feb 04)
Spores (29 Feb 04)
Happy Birthday, Robin Hood (7 Mar 04)
Who's That With Barry And Glenda? - It's Not Barry and Glenda (14 Mar 04)
An Apple A Day (21 Mar 04)
Barry Becomes A Psychopathic Killer But Only Part Time (28 Mar 04)
Things To Do When Your Wife Runs Off With A Turkish Waiter (4 Apr 04)
Beware Of Laughing At Nora's Hats (11 Apr 04)
Yours Truly - If You're Not Careful (18 Apr 04)
Special
Variations On A Theme Of The Widow Winstanley (19 Dec 04)

Series 26 (13 Mar 05 - 29 May 05)

The Swan Man Of Ilkley (13 Mar 05)
Watching The Clock (20 Mar 05)
Has Anyone Seen A Peruvian Wart? (27 Mar 05)
Hermione (The Short Course) (10 Apr 05)
Who's That Mouse In The Poetry Group? (17 Apr 05)
Available For Weddings (24 Apr 05)
The McDonaghs Of Jamieson Street (1 May 05)
The Afterthoughts Of A Coop Manager (8 May 05)
Lot Number 8 (15 May 05)
Little Orphan Howard (29 May 05)
Special
Happy Entwistle And Jackson Day (18 Dec 05)

Series 27 (5 Mar 06 - 30 Apr 06)

Follow That Bottle (5 Mar 06)
How To Remove A Cousin (12 Mar 06)
Has Anyone Seen Barry's Midlife Crisis? (19 Mar 06) #250
The Genuine Outdoors Robin Hood Barbi (26 Mar 06)
Barry In Danger Of Reading And Aunt Jessie (2 Apr 06)
Who's That Merry Man With Billy, Then? (9 Apr 06)
Who's That Talking To Lenny? (16 Apr 06)
Oh Look! Mitzi's Found Her Mummy (23 Apr 06)
Plenty Of Room In The Back (30 Apr 06)

#50 is The Waist Land. Cheering Up Ludovic is #51. Maybe you haven't counted in the Pilot.
#100 is Roll On. Landlady for Smiler is#101. Pilot?
#150 is Extra! Extra! The Love mobile is #101. Pilot again?
#200 is A White Sweater and a Solicitor's Letter. Why is Barry at an Angle is #201. Still the Pilot?

As I already said, #250 is "Has Anyone Seen Barry's Midlife Crisis?"

Are you missing complete Series. Most where you seem to have a problem had ten episodes.

All I can suggest is to consult Wikipedia though my list was initially drawn up from [link]

Thanks for further hint

big Unc

Include Comedy Playhouse pilot, all Christmas and/or New Year Specials, exclude documentaries (25 Years of, 30 Years of) and Cooper's Rules was No. 270. Is that what you meant to put but committed a typo, Wrinkled?

No. 250 was "Has Anyone Seen Barry's Midlife Crisis?"

I am working on that biography!

Big Unc

Wish I could facilitate delivery of that Talisker, Wrinkled!

Did you note that BBC iPlayer designated current series as Series#29. Implication is that whereas BBC Sales splits Series #9 in two (as Series 9 & 10) BBC Programming and Radio Times numbers all 1986 episodes as Series #9.

Tony Capstick and Louis Emerick were interchangeable as PC\2 in early days. According to IMDb website:

1987 Big Day at Dream Acre: Capstick
1988 Downhill Racing: Emerick
1989 Three Men and a Mangle: Emerick
1990 That's Not Captain Zero: Capstick

From 1991 (Give Us A Lift) to 2004 (Yours Truly - if You're Not Careful): Capstick. Capstick died in October 2003.
Louis Emerick took over from 2005 (The Swan Man of Ilkley)

Big Unc

Well, I liked it. To me it showed the continuing genius of Roy Clarke. Some of the lines he gave PC Cooper (Ken Kitson) were right up there with vintage Cleggie. Nicholas Smith (Are You Being Served?) as the vicar was superb and the empty can tagging plus the cyclist/sniper scenes were masterpieces in their dottiness.



I do sympathise with those that missed it or failed to record it. What was BBC playing at? They advertised tennis would go to BBC#2 at 17.30 and it would have been so easy to switch the Singles Final over at that time. And, of course, they were appalling at advising what they were doing. I had DVD all set to record off BBC#1. Unfortunately I had to go out but was able to watch episode when dear old BBC got around to telling folk it was on BBC#2. However, I had to telephone home and remotely instruct technologically illiterate significant other in switching DVD over to BBC#2. I was relieved to find that on my return home I had failed to record only first two minutes or so. So I have the bulk of it.

It would have been annoying if they had postponed but in view of chaos created it might have ben preferable. All I can suggest to old buddy, Wrinkled, is to keep an eye on what BBC HD is broadcasting. Currently BBC HD is showing 2007 series. And, of course, there is BBC iPlayer.

I note that Amazon UK has joined Play and Sendit in advertising Series #11 and #12 (what we all know as Series #10 and #11 in real money) DVD on pre-release for 22 September. Fun and games will be breaking out on that website. Someone has already reviewed it and listed content as episodes from real Series #11 and #12, i.e. as a Seymour series and a Foggy series.

What a mess BBC Sales created with the so-called Series #9 and #10 DVD.



Big Unc

Checked and for last two episodes of 2007 series the credits designate them PC#1 and PC#2. Obviously they have been given names for current series and will have relatively prominent involvement in next Sunday's episode.

Thanks Wrinkled. I have been able to quickly check credits on Episode#1 and they are named there also.

I have visited IMDb website but on there they are referred to as PC#1 and PC#2. Earlier cast member Tony Capstick is referred to as PC#2. Louis Emerick took over from him. When I get a chance I will look at recordings of 2007 series and see what those show.

Big Unc

Welcome aboard Mark812!

Sunday 13th July, episode#4, "Is Jeremy Quite Safe?". It is episode with John Challis to which Mark referred. Watch out though, it is on early. 17.05, but there does not appear to be sport up front to disrupt it.

Big Unc

Enjoyed second episode, "Will the Genuine Racer Please Stand Up?". Like first, it had a gentle touch to it. Peter Sallis looks in better health than he did in 2007 series. And Alvin and Entwistle are proving good value.

Hard copy Radio Times out today with full detail of cast for third episode, "A Short Introduction To Cooper's Rules". Is this first time that the two cops have acquired names? Still no sign of Smiler. Last Sunday's show included Auntie Wainwright's emporium scenes where one would have expected Smiler to show.

UKTV Gold and Drama routine seems fixed for July. Weekdays Gold has one Series#9 and a Series#17 episode (both later repeated). UKTV Drama continues with six very early (Series#1 and 2) episodes on a Saturday which get repeated. Nothing on a Sunday. Ho hum.

Big Unc

Episode#3, Sunday 6th July, 19:00, "A Short Introduction to Cooper's Rules". No details on cast (so we don't know yet about Smiler) or where it comes in series. Could be 3/10, 3/11. or if they continue pattern they could make it 3/12 (but I doubt it).

Reference last two posts, timing of current filming does tie in with the article about insurance problems. Probable implication is reduction in time spent around Holmfirth on outside location work. I suspect we will not see Russ Abbott (the semi Scot) until 2009. And news of Keith Clifford's accident reminded me just how ill he looked in Coronation Street, (though that could have been make up for the part he played).

Big Unc

Grumpy uncle conjectures "With reference to the implication of eleven episodes maybe we are going to get the "special" as well?"

Is my grumpy brother indulging in unbridled optimism? Radio Times designated first episode as "1/10" and second as "2/11". In my, admittedly jaundiced, view, a typo is most likely. Watch for third episode designation.

On subject of Smiler, I am just very conscious of how Billy Hardcastle was suddenly dropped with no explanation or warning.

Big Unc

Where's Smiler, or am I being precipitate? Noted that neither Auntie Wainwright nor Smiler were in 'Enter The Finger'. Radio Times cast list shows Auntie Wainwright back in 'Will the Genuine Racer Please Stand Up?' but again no Smiler.

No detail yet on third show (Sunday 6th July? Wimbledon Men's Final day). Latest hard copy Radio Times implies eleven episode series but I suspect that as being a typo.

Big Unc

The frog was a real throwback to Compo and his various ways of attracting Nora's attention through her kitchen window. Or should I say 'scullery'? I am sure Nora would have had a scullery!

Big Unc

My verdict on "Enter the finger"? Not vintage but certainly great. It had a lot of charm and stood head and shoulders above the sheer crudity which attempts to masquerade as comedy on today's television. As long as it is being broadcast BBC can be said to retain a shred of the great reputation it once had. Once it is gone I fear civilisation will have come to an end.

Big Unc

Radio Times website today confirms that first week of July, during the week LOTSW is confined to UKTV Gold, (with Series#16 and mostly Series#9) but on Saturday (5th July) it switches to UKTV Drama with six straight episodes from Comedy Playhouse pilot and Series#1 which after a short break of two hours (from 11:00 to 13:00) get repeated.

Big Unc

I think you must have missed it, oh roguish manifestation! It is right next door to this one in list of Message Boards!

Big Unc

Thought what I supplied earlier sounded a bit truncated. Is "truncated" an acceptable word? Full title of second episode of new series (to be shown 29 June) is "Will The Genuine Racer Please Stand Up?"

Big Unc

It is all just too close to the Solstice!

Far too late and far too near the Solstice

Vaya con Dios

Let's just try to get it right shall we!

For Rogue Spirit: From Monday 30th June, UKTV Gold will broadcast two episodes starting at 12:40 then repeat them starting 18:20.

UKTV Gold at 12:40 and 18:20 (not 18:40)

Big Unc

Sorry, that should have read UKTV Gold!

For Rogue Spirit: From Monday 30th June, UKTV will broadcast two episodes starting at 12:40 then repeat them starting 18:40.

Big Unc

I heard that! Pardon?

Second episode of new series (Series#29 - I am sticking to old numbering system and ignoring BBC Sales nastiness in trying to split Series#9 into two six episode series), "Will The Genuine Racer Please", Sunday 29th June, 18:00 to 18:30, BBC#1. That is what is currently showing on Radio Times website. Obviously another Harold cycle adventure.

As far as UKTV is concerned, Radio Times website indicates:

Friday 27th June
UKTV Drama finishes Series#12 ("A Landlady for Smiler")
UKTV Gold finishes Series#18 ("A Sidecar Named Desire")
UKTV Gold continues Series#16

Saturday 28th June
Nothing

Sunday 29th June
Nothing (but see BBC#1)

Monday 30th June to Wednesday 2nd July (as far as Radio Times goes yet)
UKTV Drama nothing
UKTV Gold starts Series#14 ("By the Magnificent Thighs of Ernie Burniston")
UKTV Gold continues Series#16

Saturday 5th July UKTV's own website indicates UKTV Drama goes back to Comedy Playhouse pilot and then continues from Series#1 onwards through the Saturdays in July.

Big Unc

Correction! I just found something that indicates UKTV Drama takes it back to the Comedy Playhouse pilot on Saturday 5th July then runs all the early episodes (again) on Saturdays?

Big Unc

Would it be 'Where There's Smoke, There's Barbecue', 1993 Series#15 Episode#2? I traced it through Wikipedia. It might be some time before that gets out on UK DVD.

It seems a possibility that Spelt001, from whom we have not heard lately, got it right when he said UKTV Drama would cease to broadcast LOTSW from 27 June. Radio Times website covering up to 1st July shows only UKTV Gold having anything after that date. Sadly it is old Series#9 and Sries#16 episodes. More of the same!

Apologies Spelt001 that I questioned your authenticity if UKTV Drama is ceasing from 27 June.

Big Unc

Hard copy of Radio Times out today indicates that there are ten episodes in this series. Also confirms filming was done last summer.

Wikipedia has dropped reference to 2009 Series 30 but recent Times On Line article on cast insurance indicated that it was at least being considered.

Big Unc

I note second episode will be on Sunday 29th June at 18.05 but no title or detail available yet on Radio Times website

Big Unc

EXCELLENT

And there is no major sporting event scheduled before it which might overrun and cause postponement like last year's first episode.

Big Unc

The 2007 series (Series 28 in old money) ran July to September. I see some undiluted optimist is predicting a 2009 Series 30 in Wikipedia.

Big Unc

I see Sendit.com has sorted out that oddball comment on Series 11 & 12 DVD which C, F & C noted. 22 September looks like the date and content should be predictable.

BigUnc

Play.com does have Series 13 & 14 called up on a 'Notify me when available for pre-release order' basis

BigUnc

Now Play has come into line on 22nd September. I don't see it on any other websites yet. Not over fussed about this release as I do have all episodes recorded of UKTV broadcasts, even Christmas Specials.

Big Unc

Sendit has revised Series 11 & 12 DVD Release date to 22 September 2008. Play is still specifying 29th.

Big Unc

I wonder if Wikipedia is an acceptable word. Someone has started developing the List of LOTSW episodes there. Also, the anticipated 35 Years of LOTSW has been removed from the Wikipedia website. Take a look (unless this gets vanished)

BigUnc

In my last I threw in the motto of The Order of the Garter and they vanished that. And that, of course, is in French (and I know Compo used it at least once and Foggy many times).

Yep, there they go again. In my last was a wee Latin quip and out it went censored.


Big Unc (moving swiftly into Victor Meldrew mode)

Well said, grumpy brother! I held off contributing to see if you got vanished. THEY do not appreciate any form of criticism.

Actually, I do not think just us were impacted by the recent spate. Any Latin input seemed to get purged from whatever quarter.



Big Unc (what does a forceful Victor Meldrew when provoked)

What happened? A night has elapsed and I have not been vanished!

Big Unc

That has moved the thread on to Page 14 and I have updated my Favourite Places link accordingly.

Big Unc

Point I made in one message which got vanished was that Play website has list of so-called Series 11 & 12 DVD content. Very much as expected; what we call Series 10 six episodes, Series 11 seven episodes and next two Christmas specials, 'Crums' and 'What's Santa Brought for Nora, then?'

Big Unc

For Cleggscap. I have a link in my "Favourite Places" folder which I update as needed to link to last (current) page of thread. I cannot get system to email me when there is new posting. It could be that like others UKTV has difficulty linking with my ISP

famouseccles sayeth, 'are they trying to lure(force)us onto UKGOLD in time for the changeover .??'

I am extremely puzzled. Have I missed something in my state of being repeatedly vanished? Can some kind soul please translate?

Big Unc

I got vanished again!

One posting of mine got emasculated to become meaningless - see above!

Another posting was taken out altogether.

And our thread has been eliminated from the main Message Board list!

What is going on?

Caveat Emptor remains my philosphy.

Big Unc

On the vexed subject of Series 9 & 10 DVD, I hear what you say, Spelt, but still consider it arcane. What they seem to have done is create a single series, call it Series 9 & 10 and number the twelve episodes 1 through 12. Nowhere have I seen it designated Series 9, episodes 1 to 6 and Series 10, episodes 1 to 6. Who is going to modify Wikipedia as a consequence?

On the subject of Wikipedia, there is some discussion on year of Series 9 broadcast (we still call it Series 9, I note) on Discussion page associated with list of episodes. My only contribution is to ask if our pride and joy has always been broadcast on a Sunday? If so, then specified dates point to 1987. For 1986 they were Saturdays.

Remember Wikipedia suddenly increased episode count by one (to 268) with effect from 23 May (which is a Friday). Full programming is now available for that date and there is no sign. Is there any chance it could be Sunday 25th?

In the miserable letter they sent 2 Entertain gave me an email address for enquiries, DVDenquiry@2entertain.co.uk. I tried it in hope of getting confirmation of Series 11 & 12 DVD release date plus episode content. However, I got return email from BBC saying it could not be delivered! Bah!

Big Unc

I have had a letter back from 2 Entertain Video Ltd, the arm of BBC responsible for DVD release, on subject of Series 9 & 10 DVD. I quote:

"To clarify, the BBC commissioned the two series together and transmitted them next to each other. Even though they were transmitted back to back, they were in fact commissioned as two separate series, i.e. Series 9 & 10."

So BBC are saying all the standard referneces, Wikepedia, TV.com, IMDb.com have all got it wrong.

Big Unc

The concept of a cross dressing haggis does no harm to the general public. But I would not wish to meet one on a dark night, particularly one of the airbourne variety.

I keep coming back to see if my last is still there.

One trick might be to break anything you want to say into short multiple messages so only a limited amount at a time gets deleted by the commissars!

Big Unc

Yes, grumpy brother, I noted you being banjaxed! I read your contribution of this morning, went to main Message Board page to check our latest thread count, noted what you posted this morning was not there as latest input, came back here, and there you were gone. Infuriating!!

I was, in fact, deleted or interfered with, three time yesterday!!!

I posted following on another but relevant thread (on UKTV Gold unfortunately):



To David R - UKTV.

On 2 April 2008 you proclaimed:

"BTW - I didn't delete any of your threads but apologies if our website went on the fritz and ate them by mistake"

On our thread, "Last of the Summer Wine", my brother, grumpy uncle, and I are being repeatedly deleted, particularly when we complain about being deleted. We would strenuously deny being in any way offensive unless getting into the spirit of Last of the Summer Wine is now considered offensive to the politically correct. Or is it your website going on the fritz again?

Big Unc

To David R - UKTV.

On 2 April 2008 you proclaimed:

"BTW - I didn't delete any of your threads but apologies if our website went on the fritz and ate them by mistake"

On our thread, "Last of the Summer Wine", my brother, grumpy uncle, and I are being repeatedly deleted, particularly when we complain about being deleted. We would strenuously deny being in any way offensive unless getting into the spirit of Last of the Summer Wine is now considered offensive to the politically correct. Or is it your website going on the fritz again?

Big Unc

My totally inoffensive contribution covered fact that Play.com (29 December 2008) and Sendit.com (29 September 2008) disagree by three months on date of release of Series 11 & 12 (so-called) DVD.

I also pointed out that ChoiceUK is advertising a compilation of Series 1 to 10 (16 disks) DVD package for around £95 but am not sure of its list of episodes which includes the six what we aficionados know as the real Series 10.

I posted it, it was there for a good few hours and there it was gone and never even called me "mother".

What are you doing to me David R, UKTV?

Big Unc

Ye Haggis [female honest]?
Bit of an oxymoron there and it is no wonder grumpy brother got confused. We all know a haggis is a masculine beast. You don't get to be a great chieftain without being masculine unless you are Nora Batty!

Big Unc

Got tired of moaning about Series 9 & 10 so-called DVD so I thought to get power of press behind us and sent a few details of our disgust to great British press - well, Scottish press in form of Scotsman and Herald. Watch this space.

Bit of a storm brewing up on Amazon website but I suspect some of you are as involved as me on that one.

Big Unc

I just got email from Play.com telling me that Series 11 & 12 DVD is now available to order. Went to website which confirmed. Same picture of box with Seymour's picture but with Brian Wilde (Foggy) listed as star.
Play.com specify 29 December 2008 as release date but I find that hard to believe. It would not be on pre-release this early if that were correct.
NO DETAIL OF CONTENT! Well, there's a surprise!

Big Unc

You seem to be losing the plot, oh great airborne chieftain o' the puddin-race, or maybe I should have said losing the thread. We have been discussing little else lately other than Series 9 masquerading as Series 9 & 10 for the purposes of this latest DVD. Look back over recent contributions!

As for Series 11 & 12 and Series 13 & 14 DVDs, (whatever they will consist of now they have totally muddled Series 9 & 10), Sendit.com is advising the first will not be out until 29 September.

Big Unc

C,F&C, as first recipient of latest DVD, looks like you are confirming content as:
Disc 1:
Why Does Norman Clegg Buy Ladies' Elastic Stockings?
The Heavily Reinforced Bottom.
Dried Dates And Codfanglers.
The Really Masculine Purse.
Who's Feeling Ejected Then?
The Ice-Cream Man Cometh.

Disc 2:
Set The People Free.
Go With The Flow.
Jaws.
Edie And The Automobile.
Wind Power.
When You Take A Good Bit, Yorkshire Tastes Terrible.

Disc 3:
Christmas Special 1985: Uncle Of The Bride.
Christmas Special 1986: Merry Christmas Father Christmas.
Christmas Special 1987: Big Day At Dream Acres

Nothing from Series#10 at all?
Sorry to hear your copy is playing up. Any problems with Disc #2?

Big Unc

I omitted to say in my last when talking about the peculiar Series 9 & 10 DVD, I do not think it is a matter of paying more for a pre-release to get it early (or earlier). It is a matter of choosing the supplier, not on price but on its policy with these pre-release items. With the Series 7 & 8 DVD I Internet ordered from ASDA and noted that that company did not despatch the item until the actual release date. So, it reached me later. In contrast Amazon send the item up front such that it will reach you on the release date. From contributions to this thread, I gather Play.com does the same.

It does not help when release date is a Bank Holiday since bulk of suppliers use Post Office which does not deliver Bank holidays.

Big Unc

I note that Sendit.com is one of few supplier websites which is still specifying the actual six Series #10 episodes with thw twelve Series #9 and two Specials, Big Day at Dream Acre plus Crums.
I have no objection to the release only containing the twelve Series #9 episodes plus the three specials. It is still an excellent package. I just object violently to them designating it falsely.
Big Unc

Ain't life great. I don't know if anyone else noticed but our thread count, at 261, is catching up with current longest, 'Who is is the Greatest Dr Who?' at 276.

Well spotted Spelt001! Mind, are there not two mistakes? You noted the one on the box for Series 11 & 12 (whatever that means now they have messed things up with Series 9 & 10, so-called). And for Series 13 & 14, surely we will be back to Foggy but it is Michael Aldridge (Seymour) listed by Play.com. It just emphasises my attitude of never pre-ordering until things are sorted out by the various suppliers and you know what you are going to get.

Mind, I am now thinking about not buying any more of these two series sets. If they keep them coming at the recently vastly increased rate it won't be long before the complete compendium of all almost thirty series comes out (aka the unbiquitous Morse).

Big Unc

Sorry, Spelt001, but I disagree with your analysis.

Your first link, to DigiGuide is simply telling me that UKTV Drama has only organised its programming up to 27th June. That's pretty good. Beeb can only manage two weeks ahead. See Radio Times website. I would point out that your link only takes UKTV Gold to 16th May. DigiGuide only guarantees programmes for next two weeks.

I note DigiGuide is showing nothing for BBC on 23rd May, the date when Wikipedia is predicting another episode. I agree that a Friday is an odd day for the broadcast of a new episode per se. I wonder if it might be the long awaited '35 Years of LOTSW'. Mind, if that is the case it is incorrect of Wikipedia to increase episode count by one. The previous 267 total did not include the two earlier documentaries, 25 and 30 Years. I am beginning to lose faith in total accuracy of Wikipedia. It is still showing the six Series #10 episodes on the upcoming DVD and we now know that this will not be the case.

I also disagree with Spelt001 second link analysis. That link is to a BBC US website and covers what BBC has made available to US PBS. The recent series BBC will still be keeping to put out on BBC#1 and will not have released to its subsidiary, UKTV yet.

It must be two years near enough since UKTV screened any new material when Series#17, #18 and #19 were shown in quick succession. And I think it was Christmas 2006 when we got the 1988, 1989 and 1990 Christmas Specials on UKTV. Incidentally, I am using the original UK series numbering system and ignoring the peculiar single, twelve episode series, weirdly designated 'Series 9 & 10' for the US PBS television market.

On that point, vis a vis the designation of the upcoming DVD as 'Series 9 & 10' which we all know as Series#9, I have had no reply to my letter to BBC 2 Entertain. Whoever asked, there was no point in querying when new series will be broadcast. My letter was to BBC subsidiary responsible for DVD generation, not to BBC TV programming authority.

Incidentally, I noted on my Series 7 & 8 DVD box a wee stick on label stating 'For contractual reasons certain edits have been made'. I wonder if on the so-called Series 9 & 10 box they will put on a wee label to somehow justify why it has been so designated. Interestingly, I am led to understand that these DVDs are not marketed per se in USA. They are Region#2 formatted.

Big Unc

I strongly suspect the latter to be the case! I note that UKTV Gold will get to Series#18 shortly but I still await anything beyond Series#19, the last of those shown before, without holding my breath. It is a matter of BBC releasing anything from Series#20 onwards.

You know, grumpy brother we could really use an input from the ubiquitous David R - UKTV. He could advise authoritatively. 4th April he posted the following:

"The two messages that are coming across loud and clear on these messageboards are " we want Gold to be classic British comedy and TV" and "we want the schedule to be more varied". You'll be pleased to know that at this very moment the Gold team is looking very carefully into these very issues. (Not that they weren't taking feedback on board before). I can't really say any more than that at this stage but just wanted you to know."

There is a contention that LOTSW is more appropriate to UKTV Gold.

So let's pose three questions to David R - UKTV directly:

Is there any truth in rumour that UKTV Drama will drop LOTSW 27th June?
Will UKTV Gold take up the slack?
Is there any chance of anything beyond Series#19 in the near future?

Come in Dave R! All is forgiven.

Big Unc

Well said, grumpy brother. UKTV Drama has had short weekend breaks before. Other question is whether or not our source of wisdom and enlightenment on the vagaries of human behaviour will continue on UKTV Gold. I note that channel is stepping up coverage considerably on Saturday 10th May.

Big Unc

Dear old BBC came back and said they knew nothing about the box set. Load of nonsense when they are advertising it. They did give me contact details for BBC Commisioning Editor and I was so incensed that I wrote complaining of the labelling.

Dare say spiredale will suggest I am acting like an old woman. How does he/she know I am not one! I prefer to think of it as my adopting my Victor Meldrew role which I do very well!



Big Unc

I must confess that I have done nothing formal on the Trades Description Act front. I am waging a not very subtle campaign on Amazon's website. And now that BBC Shop has got around to listing it I have written an email of complaint to that body (not that I anticipate getting anywhere). I anticipate the official line will be that the twelve Series #9 episodes went to USA as Series/Seasons #9 and #10.
I am slightly amused that BBC Shop must be most expensive supplier of this box set. Am ironically amused that UKTV Drama on 30th April go right back to Comedy Playhouse pilot yet again. It pleases me in a way because I have recently realised my recording does have a slight glitch so I can maybe improve on it.
Big Unc

Not long ago someone asked when we might see 'Come in Sunray Major' where Foggy kits the team out with Walkie Talkies. It is on UKTV Drama on Monday 21st April at 18.20 and Tuesday 22nd April at 11.40.

Big Unc

Not long ago someone asked when we might see 'Come in Sunray Major' where Foggy kits the team out with Walkie Talkies. It is on UKTV Drama on Monday 21st April at 18.20 and Tuesday 22nd April at 11.40.

Big Unc

Not long ago someone asked when we might see 'Come in Sunray Major' where Foggy kits the team out with Walkie Talkies. It is on UKTV Drama on Monday 21st April at 18.20 and Tuesday 22nd April at 11.40.

Big Unc

Oh dear, this is very sad. Also not guilty! Please be aware, oh venerable C, F & C that only the website administrator can delete a contribution. If other subscribers could do so it would lead to anarchy and mayhem. I cannot think why your piece, which I vaguely remember, could have upset the editor/censor. Being a convinced believer in the cockup, as opposed to the conspiracy theory of politics, I suggest it was one of those cockups on the admin front, to switch my metaphor temporarily to Reggie Perrin.

And, as far as I am concerned we are not in any form of competition so I am totally uninterested in taking credit for anything. I thought we were just keeping each other informed on what we discover about the lovely world of LOSW.

Sorry if you find me pedantic but I am a great believer in precision. If the next DVD contains what is now anticipated then it has nothing to do with Series # 10 and that needs to be stated. Remember, it is being advertised on a pre-release basis. That surely puts an onus on suppliers to define precisely what the DVD contains and puts an onus on the originators (BBC, Universal Playback, 2 Entertain Video etc.) to accurately label the product. It should be noted that there are still suppliers listing some real Series #10 episodes or which do not provide any episode list. So as far as I am concerned labelling the product as Series #10 leaves much to be desired in respect of the Trades Description Act.

The product really should be labelled Series # 9 only. The length of that series (12 episodes) coupled with the specials did preclude putting any other series on the standard three disk set.

Can we now get back to happy go lucky reveries on our favourite programme. In a way, of course, the content of a DVD has very little to do with UKTV Drama!

Big Unc

Oh they are being sneaky, if not downrighr slimy! I have rechecked several suppliers websites and noted that they are defining the next DVD as, not 'SERIES 9 & 10' per previous pattern but 'SEASONS 9 & 10'!

Caveat Emptor in spades.



Big Unc

Your list, oh great airborne chieftain o' the puddin-race, does tie in with what majority of online suppliers are specifying, though for episode #12, most are saying 'bit' as opposed to 'bite of Yorkshire'. I watched that lovely episode again yesterday just to confirm 'bite' is correct. I concur with whoever that a similar type episode in tribute to Foggy would be lovely but fear infirmity of many of stars will preclude. It is somewhat disgusting how television powers that be have to all intents and purposes ignored sad death of Brian Wilde.

I strongly suspect that what our upwardly mobile pudding has listed is what will come out on the next DVD. But I reiterate that for us in UK IT CONTAINS NONE OF SERIES #10! And it will make for complications downstream.

The subsequent DVD which they will masquerade as Complete Series #11 and #12 we can anticipate to contain the six 1988 what we call Series #10 episodes, the seven 1989 what we call Series #11 episodes, (that's six and a half hours), the sixty minute 1988 Christmas Special, 'Crums' and the 50 minute 1989 Christmas Special, 'What's Santa Brought for Nora Then', a total of 8 hours 20 minutes. I said it will be complicated!

It does mean the three Seymour series will be covered by two DVD sets and kept separate but it will, sadly be some time before 'Return of the Warrior'.
Big Unc

ASDA.co.uk has fallen into line with what zavvi.co.uk is saying.

On first glance it looks as if the DVD contains nothing from series#10
at all. The content is Series#9 plus three specials:

Disc 3:
Christmas Special 1985: Uncle Of The Bride.
Christmas Special 1986: Merry Christmas Father Christmas.
Christmas Special 1987: Big Day At Dream Acres.

However, I have found the following information on one website:

'When recordings were "repackaged" for overseas sale, UK series 9 (12 episodes) was split into "Season 9" and "Season 10" (each of 6 episodes), with all subsequent "seasons" being renumbered accordingly. As a result (for example) "Series 27" in the UK may be referred to as "Season 28" in the USA.'

So it looks like what is coming out is Series #9 UK plus three specials which is same as Series # 9 and #10 USA plus three specials.

Content (12 episodes plus three specials) is right for three disks and lasts around usual time.

Big Unc

RIP Dear Brian Wilde, Foggy, 1927-2008
Having played 13 of the first 18 series, last seen in 'A Sidecar Named Desire', 22nd June 1997, I totally concur my grumpy brother's sentiments.
The angels will be all the happier having such a lovely character join them

Big Unc

Go to List of Episodes and look in Notes against the three specials I listed.

We have had this discussion before. The 2007 series was not the best but I certainly do not concur it was an embarrassment and even if it was a waste of license payers' money it was better than the other 80%, mostly vile languaged tripe in that category which the BBC disseminates these days.

I do not believe that even the self-serving clique which manages and runs the BBC these days would simply drop a programme which has done so well even if its success was primarily in the days of those who did believe that the BBC should serve the public and not the organisation itself. (For 'license payers' money' read 'the BBC's money'.

I am not sure that a Christmas Special was filmed but I do recall reading that filming was going on in Holmfirth in 2007, too late for it to be used in 2007. but in preparation for 2008.

Wikipedia is still calling for a 2008 series and a '35 Years of Last of the Summer Wine' documentary.

And back on the vexed topic of Specials included in Series #9 and #10 DVD boxset, Wikipedia specifies 'Uncle of the Bride', 'Merry Christmas, Father Christmas' and 'Big Day at Dream Acre' but NOT 'Crums'. I have no idea on the source for that information.

Big Unc

Further Greetings, Oh Famous Three

No, I forgetteth nothing. I regret that I think you are expecting too much. Your scenario would give us 13 hours, 35 minutes of viewing (18 episodes , 9 hours, plus 4.35 in Christmas Specials) a delightful prospect but probably unrealistic. Remember that with Series #7 & #8 we got 8.5 hours and that covered three disk. One disk seems to be six episodes, three hours typically.
I will add my contribution by emailing Universal but suspect that by now production schedule is set in concrete. As far as published listing is concerned, with Series #7/8 suppliers did eventually get their act in gear and published correct info.

TGIF

Big Unc

Life just seems to get more confusing. First we had two differnt versions of the Series #5 and #6 DVD set (one of which included 'All Mod Conned'). Now we have different versions of certain episodes. I almost wish you hadn't told us that, Oh Revered C, F & C. Having just got my Series #7 and #8 DVD set (on which only 'Getting Sam Home' and 'All Mod Conned' actually added to my recording collection) I wes set to delete my UK Drama recordings of everything else and free up space on my DVD RAM discs. Now I guess I will have to keep two recordings each of 'The Loxley Lozenge' and 'Catching Digby's Donkey'. There is no doubt that the two scenes in question are hilarious and worth retaining. I do have the capability of retaining the scenes themselves and deleting everything around them but maybe I am not that short of disk space.

Interestingly, on 'The Loxley Lozenge' Wikipedia does make the following two points:
First appearance of Crusher, however his introduction appears in the next series.
Note that, for unexplained reasons, in some airings of this episode, Jonathan Lindsey's appearance as Crusher has been edited out.

In the episode, Crusher's appearance is so short that editing it out probably saved paying any fees to Jonathan Lindsey for repeat showings. Also, maybe the Crusher character was not introduced adequately until the following series.

Moving on to Series #9 & #10 DVD set, I note Haggis' comments on Play.com. I think that to tell Play.com about the error of their ways I would need to register as a customer and that seems somewhat tedious to me, oh magnificent, imperious bird. I will wait until all the suppliers have sorted the listing out. I suspect the set will contain the 18 episodes from Series #9 and #10. (That takes nine hours and would cover three discs). 'Big Day at Dream Acres' and 'Crums' are consistently mentioned and that is another 2.5 hours. All we got on Series #7 and #8 was around 8.5 hours.

The only episode I really need to add to my collection from around this time is 'Merry Christmas, Father Christmas' so I am going to wait until I am sure that is included before buying another DVD set

Incidentally, I noted the dreaded David R UKTV recently posted some good news for that vastly inferior product, Tenko. We must gang up on him to tell us what is going happen on UKTV in the celestial fields of Holmfith.

Vaya con Dios

Big Unc

Greetings, Oh Famous Three, Compo, Foggy & Clegg
I share your concerns on the content of the Series #9 and 10 DVD but am nothing like as sanguine about the content as you are. I have read that it contains 20 episodes and then only 19 are listed. The one missing for certain is 'When You take a Good Bite, Yorkshire Tastes Terrible'. That is Episode #12 of Series #9.
Series#9 was a long one with 12 episodes. Series #10 had only six but that makes 18 total. 'Big Day at Dream Acre' is 90 minutes. 'Crums' is 60. That makes 11.5 hours total.
When 'Uncle of the Bride' another 90 minutes and 'Merry Christmas, Father Christmas' (35) are to come out is anybody's guess. I am certainly not going to purchase that DVD untill certain of the content.

Big Unc

Many thanks for that input, oh graceful Flying Haggis. I suspect you are talking a Region#1 DVD and I have done nothing to my DVD Recorder to allow it to play Region#1.

I have all the content of your Discs#3 and #4 (from Series #1 and #2). I anticipate 'Getting Sam Home' on Series #7 & #8 DVD. The content of your Disc with untitled film intrigues me. There are few 90 minutes length LOSW films.

Big Unc

Nice try, grumpy, old lad, but I think fee goes to performer's estate.

Big Unc

'Come In, Sunray Major' was on UKTV not long ago. Difficult to know when it will be repeated again. UKTV Drama is currently on Series#3 and progressing to Series#5 in next couple of weeks. UKTV Gold is on Series#14 moving to #15. Keep an eye on Radio Times website for these channel programmes.

Series#7  DVD is due out Monday. Series #9 and #10 DVD will follow in early May so you never know, thery might bring out Series #11 and #12 this year (but up to now they have only brought out only one DVD in any one year).

Best of luck

Big Unc

There are daily showings of the older episodes on UKTV Drama and UKTV Gold, young amiee. Have no idea when BBC will show anything.

You should be aware that your Title line, 'last of summer wine' has started a new thread. If you use 'Last of the Summer Wine' you will find a very long thread with loads of info.

Big Unc

I thought I'd join in here as much as anything else to see where this gets posted. An identically titled thread has just been started and it makes me wonder if 175 replies (which this thread boasts) is some form of limit.

Must, as is often the case, concur with my brother, Grumpy. UKTV Drama seems mired in the very early series and excellent though they were, repetition can be excessive. UKTV Gold is limping its way through Series#15 and it would take a long time, if that were intent, to reach Series#20 the first to my knowledge never yet shown on UKTV.

Looking forward to imminent receipt of Series #7 and #8 DVD, as much as anything else to get Specials content confirmed. Then it will be necessary to pin down Series #9 and #10 DVD content. Has it been noted (and I stand to be corrected) that Comedy Playhouse pilot never made it to DVD? I worry that some of Specials (particularly those I have not been able to record) will get by-passed.

Best of luck to whoever raised query on repeat showing of 'The Second Stag Night of Doggy Wilkinson' in which Eric Sykes did appear. Currrent BBC output suggests best bet might be BBC HD. 'When will we get Series #29?' I say.

Big Unc

Is this a new thread being imposed on us? The Topic title looks identical to our old one (now boasting 175 replies).



Big Unc

There is a bit of a disconnect in what Play.com has posted. Series#9-10 had a total of eighteen episodes. Play.com specify a total of nineteen but two of those are Christmas Specials, Big Day at Dream Acre (1987) and Crums (1988). The last episode of Series #9, 'When You take a Good Bite, Yorkshire Tastes Terrible' is missing. I am also a bit concerned that two Specials could get missed. They are 'Uncle of the Bride' (1986 New Year) and Happy Christmas, Father Christmas' (1986 Christmas). Can't be sure until the Series#7-8 DVD is out and we know exactly what is on there.

And, Bubbles, young sir, all suppliers I specified earlier were Internet suppliers like Play.com. See Price Bomb UK website.

Big Unc

Throwing your bawbies about there, young Haggis. You could have got it £2 cheaper at ASDA, Amazon, Dixons, Currys and others!

Just thought you'd like to know that.

Big Unc

I am sure it will be out on or near that date. Price Bomb website lists 21 suppliers including Amazon with prices from £15.93 to £24.99. I am just concerned about content though since it seems certain to have 'Getting Sam Home' on it, it should be worth getting. I thought BBC Shop and Universal would be most authoritative on content.

Big Unc

Sorry if I was a bit blunt (but why change the habits of a lifetime). I just felt that signing was a service by the particular channel (UKTV Gold in this case) for the hearing disabled and not particularly LofTSW based.

It does seem that two different versions of Complete Series 5 & 6 were marketed which can only be described as an aberration. I will not be ordering Series 7 & 8 until I am sure of the content. What also seems weird at the moment is that neither BBC Shop nor Universal Playback websites carry any reference to the upcoming DVD. I contacted BBC Shop and was told they had been given no notice of its release.

Big Unc

I would not have cracked first by saying that last entry by Jack296 must be some kind of wind-up were it not for fact that I wanted to post my latest thought on Specials content of Series #7 & 8 DVD. Based on vast bulk of online retailers advertising Pre-release ordering (and try:
Click here: Last Of The Summer Wine : Complete BBC Series 7 & 8 Region 2 DVD - Compare And Buy Cheap · Price Bomb UK )
I now suspect what we will get is:
Christmas Special 1982: All Mod Conned.

Christmas Special 1983: Getting Sam Home.

Christmas Special 1984: The Loxley Lozenge.

At least it should have Getting Sam Home!

Vaya con Dios

Big Unc

Many thanks for that Bonnie Bubble, (I think). Talk about 'caveat emptor'!

Looking up various suppliers, it looks like your Series 5 and 6 DVD has 17 episodes on two disks, mine, which I got from Amazon or BBC Shop just after issue last year, has 17 episodes on three disks. You got 'All Mod Conned' from 1982, I got 'Small Tune on a Penny Wassail' from 1978.

I thoroughly recommend diligent check on content of Series 7 & 8 DVD. I have seen a number of variations on content specified by different suppliers. Some include 'Uncle of the Bride', some don't! Some even include 'Merry Christmas, Father Christmas' from 1986.

In general, 'Getting Sam Home' seems to be included on all listings. BBC must have cottoned on to what I said about watching it on You Tube. There is now a reference there to it being copyrighted.

Yes, I was aware of sad point about John Comer. According to Wikipedia, dubbing actor was Tony Melody:

[link]

Thanks again and a good weekend to all.

Big Unc

Yes, Grumpy, I did twitch a mite at that but I much prefer to have two sources of an episode rather than be struggling to find it. And on that score, I have now realised another concern. In the three DVDs out to date and the Series 7 & 8 due March, the powers that be seem to have missed 1982 Christmas Special, All Mod Conned, if the information I found (on CD WOW website) for the upcoming release is correct. Although some sources (UK DVD and Choices UK) state it was contained on Series 5 & 6 DVD I have not found that to be the case on my copy.

So the cry now goes up, 'How can we get "All Mod Conned"!'



Incidentally, I have been enjoying 'Getting Sam Home' on You Tube but will look forwrad to getting it on DVD (though I will be doublechecking the content before purchase). The only episode of those listed for which I do not have a recording is 'Getting Sam Home'

Big Unc

Have found reference to content of Series 7 & 8 DVD due out early March. It would appear to contain three Specials:

1983 Christmas Special, 'Getting Sam Home'
1984 Christmas Special, 'The Loxley Lozenge'
(I am convinced UKTV does not realise that is a Christmas Special, the number of times it has been repeated unlike all the rest)
1986 New Year Special, 'The Uncle of the Bride'

Plus the twelve episodes from Seies 7 and 8:

The Frozen Turkey Man
The White Man's Grave
The Waist Land
Cheering Up Ludovic
The Three Astaires
The Arts Of Concealment
The Mysterious Feet Of Nora Batty
Keeping Britain Tidy
Enter The Phantom
Catching Digby's Donkey
The Woollen Mills Of Your Mind
Who's Looking After The Cafe Then?

Big Unc

Anyone else tried You Tube like following link

[link]

Some kind person has loaded some good vintage material.

Big Unc

Oh, joy, oh rapture.

I just acquired video of and saw for first time, 1986 New Year Special, 80 plus minutes feature length 'Uncle of the Bride', introduction of Seymour, Edie, Glenda and Barrie. Cost me 1p from Amazon plus £2.75 p & p; second hand but in good condition. Second hand is always a worry but felt worth the risk at that price and so it proved. Nice point is that it is not code protected so I have been able to copy it to DVD.

Amazon (Market Place) has more stock but at far higher price.

Big Unc

Something is going on with DVDs. You can pre-order series #7 and 8 DVD from Amazon but Series #5 and 6 DVD has become unavailable. It is not even shown on BBC Shop. And both series #1 and 2 and series #3 and 4 DVDs are out of stock on both Amazon and BBC Shop.
Saw your piece on petition website, grumpy uncle, and, in fact, signed up. And I noted administrator had deleted it! CENSORSHIP!!!!

Big Unc

For what it is worth, reference to 2008 New Year Special has now been dropped from Wikipedia.

All very depressing, particularly given the totally dull much repeated offerings currently coming from UKTV Drama and UKTV Gold!

Big Unc

Programme schedule right up, in fact, to Sunday 13th January inc. is available online but still no sign. Man who does all the work on Wikipedia has amended 2007 Christmas Special to read 2008 New Year Special but given that does not seem to be coming in first half of January, Ah hae mi doots. I queried man via Wikipedia discussion facility and he advised that his expectation was based on a BBC webpage which actually says, 'Watch out for 2007 Chistmas Special'. But then, I believe in Santa Claus as much as I believe in the BBC these days. . I did send Email via BBC website querying Special but got no reply to date.

I believe independent witnesses saw activity in Holmsfirth area in 2007 so I am more hopeful on 2008 series (Series 29). I pass on documentary '35 Years of LOSW'.

The only other point I have of note is that it is possible to pre-order Series 7 and 8 DVD on Amazon (due 3 March). There does not seem to be any information on precise content of DVD, i.e. any Specials.

A Guid New Year to one and all from North of the Border.

Big Unc

Latest from Wikipedia on what's in the works:

2007 Christmas Special TBA
Documentary 35 Years of Last of the Summer Wine
Series 29 (2008) TBA
"[link]

Also, applicable subsriber is predicting DVD of Series 7 & 8 in March 2008. It will be interesting to see what Christmas Specials, if any, it contains.

Big Unc

Chacon à son goût

Nay, grumpy. I did not say 'turning' water into Summer Wine but 'adding' a wee splash to it. However, you have hit the nail on the head with your condemnation of the dreaded Spritzer. That was precisely what I was warning against.

Mind, for some reason I always thought the dreaded spritzer was concocted with white wine. Maybe shows how little I know. But as far as I am concerned, our beloved Summer Wine is a great, big, booming Red!

BigUnc

I think I have two issues with Cleggscap. I was being highly complimentary. Remember how much Clegg appreciates idiots. Truly, commenting on either folk from Luton or folk who believe in aliens from outer space, I cannot remember which; it mght have been both: dismsses them all as idiots, to which Clegg responds that everyone has their good points.

I think Cleggscap confuses adulterated with diluted. They are not the same thing. When I add a drop of spring water to Uisge Beatha, the drink of the land in which I live, I am diluting it a smidgeon to make it go further and to bring out the flavour. If I were to ruin the Scotch by adding soda water, ginger ale, or heaven forfend, coke, then I would be adulteraitng it. Same is true of our beloved Summer Wine. A wee leavening of good clean water (not something I would do myself) can be beneficial. But anything else is sacriliege!
Big Unc

This Message Board is a bit like the series itself. Just when you think it is dying it springs back to life with more sheer, unadulterated idiocy which I find totally absorbing.

My response to the gnomeandaway v snowball2 contretemp is to side with snowball (or do I mean screwball). As long as Roy Clarke (not me, contrary to grumpy uncle's vivid imagination) can produce scripts I will watch the result. I always felt the first two series with the original three were the best. But times move on. Let us have Summer Wine in some form rather than none at all.

According to Wikipedia, we have a 2007 Christmas Special, a 2008 New Year Special and Series #29 for 2008 in the can to look forward to. Someone is doing a great deal of work on the Wikpedia pages covering our favourite series. Take a look at: [link] In particular look at the detail being put in about each particular episode.

Back at their earlier posting Famouseccles and Minnie Bannister asked 'can we see Norman Wisdom again and Dora Bryan??how about when Entwhistle first arrived or Billy ??' Virtually all of that is still with the BBC. UKTV seems to only have up to and including Series#19 and not all the Chritmas Specials from those years. Norman Wisdom's first appearance as Billy Ingleton in 'The Man Who Nearly Knew Pavorotti' the 1995 New Year Special, was recently shown on BBC#1.

Last year around about this time UKTV brought out Series #17, 18 and 19. And at Christmas time, four Christmas Specials (1987 to 1990) were aired. So here's hoping for somthing along those lines later this year.

Big Unc

Grumpy

Well done for chiding young Haggis. In my 22/09/07, I was quoting Wikipedia which, I think was trying to say the two drunks were only in Series #23 (2002) the once. You might well be right about 'Welcome to Earth'. I have also seen reference to their having been in 'Crums' the 1988 Christmas Special. But my main interest was in trying to identify Eli Duckett (Danny O'Dea's) final appearance.

Just for Flyinghaggis, from Wikipedia:

Ros Utterthwaite
(Dora Bryan: 2000-2005.) Edie's sister, who has always been more romantically adventurous, to Edie's unending shame. She often speaks of past flings, often with married men. Dora Byran left the series in 2005 to concentrate on stage work, although the door has been left open for her to return.


Big Unc

IMDb website specifies 'The Incredible Ordeal of Norman Clegg', 27 January 2002 (Series #23, Episode #4) as episode with two drunks played by James Casey and Eli Woods.

As I said, same website lists Eli in the cast for first episode, 'A Brief Excursion in the Fast Lane' (Original Air Date: 6 January 2002). I have checked and he was not in the Christmas 2001 Special, 'Potts in Pole Position'. Possibly Danny O'Dea was contracted on an episode basis?

How about, Alan Bell rings the changes and Roy Clarke clerks the scripts?

Back to Danny O'Dea and Eli Duckett, a bit of research on IMDb website indicates his final episode might have been Series 23, Episode #1, 'A Brief Excursion in the Fast Lane' (Original Air Date: 6 January 2002). I have recordings of some of the later episodes in that series and he does not appear.
BigUnc

Now there's a neat juxtaposition. Friday 5th October UKTV Drama is showing 'The Man from Oswestry', Foggy Dewhurst's first appearance in Series #3 and right after UKTV Gold is showing 'The Return of the Warrior', his reappearance in Series #12.

Wikipedia says 'Jaws (01/03/1986)', Series #9, Episode #9. It is not totally clear which was last episode though. I quote:
'Eli has not appeared since the death of O'Dea, though the character has not been explicitly killed off. In the final 2002 episode, Eli was not present. His place of sorts was taken by two drunks, but this turned out to be their only appearance in the series.'

That could imply his last episode was 'Sadly, Madly, Bradley' (03/03/2002), Series #23, Eppisode #9 and that he was not in 'It All Began With an Old Volvo Headlamp' (03/10/2002), Episode #10.

For Ursus, note that UKTV Drama starts Series #1 today and will be continuing into Series #3 at least.

I note that after present series completes this Sunday, on following Sunday (30th), BBC#1 is currently planning on screening 'The Swan Man Of Ilkley' (13 Mar 05), first episode of Series #26. Whole of that series is currently being run on BBC Prime. Anyone know how to get BBC Prime in UK. Does not seem to be on Sky.

BigUnc

It was the inscrutable Flyinghaggis who back early July propagated this theory that Series#17 had been distributed on DVD. I have searched all possible outlets and can find no source for this in UK. To my knowledge only Series#1 to #6 have so far been retailed on DVD in UK. It is possible Series#17 is available on DVD in US but that would be wrong format for us.

Following up on last, during that week from 22nd September on, UKTV Drama will show all first series and start second series. Possibly not strictly speaking 'early episodes', during same week UKTV Gold will be starting Series#11 which is, of course, a Seymour series.

BigUnc

Welcome aboard, Ursus. Watch out for weekend 22 and 23 September when UKTV Drama will be broadcasting first three episodes of Series#1 (at 17.40 and 18.20 on the Saturday and 12.20 (a repeat) and 18.20 on the Sunday). You can get full details on Radio Times website. I expect they will continue with the other three episodes on the following days but there is no sign of the Comedy Playhouse Pilot. Don't do me much good. Apart from some Christmas Specials I have recordings of all first nineteen series so I am desperate for a move onto Series #20.

Big Unc

Just checked my DVD recordings. Last appearance by Keith Clifford as Billy Hardcastle was in "Plenty of Room in the Back", broadcast 30 April 2006, ninth and last episode of Series 27 (05 March 2006 to 30 April 2006). BBC is unlikely to repeat that series, certainly as a series, per se, in the near future. BBC #1 repeats tend to come out on an ad hoc basis. Last one I recall was the 1995 New Year Special (first broadcast 1st January 1995), "The Man Who Nearly Knew Pavarotti" with Norman Wisdom.as Billy Ingleton.

Thanks for that input gnomesandaway. Just wish some reference had been made to Billy Hardcastle in current series. Definitely thought this character very much had Roy Clark's special input.
Note that UKTV Drama starts Series #17 again and UKTV Gold starts Series #14, both on first Monday in September. Who knows, maybe we'll progress to Series #20 before long. Until recently I had no idea that BBC had an interest in UKTV.
Don't know where information is coming from but Wikipedia is currently telling us that following current series we have the following to look forward to:
2007 Christmas Special
2008 New Year Special
Series 29 (2008)

Now, this is a worry!

Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August, not a single episode on either UKTV Drama or UKTV Gold. All we have got is the new "Elegy for Small Creature and Clandestine Trackbike" on BBC#1 on the Sunday. Is UKTV pulling out of LOSW transmissions? Or should we look on bright side and anticipate a big Autumn splurge moving the story on into Series#20 and beyond!

For Wrinkled:

I consulted my nephew what is married to a Spaniard and he came up with (in Spanish):
Literal translation of 'Last of the Summer Wine', 'El ultimo vino del verano'.
He went on to suggest that to the humble continental mind. it might be better to start with (as more poetic): 'Last drops of the vine harvest' which translates to, "Las gotas de la cosecha" .

So moving to Italian, as I have already said, the literal translation is 'Ultimo del vino di estate'. but if we go to 'Last drops of the vine harvest' we get 'Ultime gocce della raccolta della vite', 'Last drops of the summer wine harvest' gives us 'Ultime gocce della raccolta del vino di estate' or we could go to, 'Fruits of the last drops of the wine harvest of the summer' which gives, 'Frutte di ultime gocce della raccolta del vino di estate'. Play around with variations using: [link]

The Email address you posted got edited out. It is not for me to worry about why you want this translation. I trust though that it in association with some seduction along the lines Compo employed on Nora Batty.

On a general note, I do not want to worry folk but on Monday 13th August we are reduced to a single episode Of LOSW throughout UKTV (at 18.20 on UKTV Drama from memeory)

BigUnc

So, we got "What Happened to the Horse" after all and a great episode it was. I think we can anticipate the missed, casualty of the golf, episode, "Variations on a Theme of Road Rage", next Sunday, 5th August.

Wrinkled, I think the site to which you referred, 'a web site which listed "all" episodes with a short summary of plot' is
[link]
That does not designate 'A Merry Heatwave' as a Chrismas Special but , in a way, it was the very first. Other useful sites:
[link]
[link]
[link]

Wikipedia is particularly authorative. It is interesting that many sites note Billy Hardcastle's departure but none can explain it. I suspect a BBC economy drive. I have a feeling that Dora Bryan (Aunt Ros) might also have been written out. I cannot recall if she was in 2006 Christmas Special (and it is more than my life's worth to interrupt someon'e television at this moment to check my DVD recording.

BigUnc

"I Do Not Believe It!" Not a LOSW line, I know, but it does to express my sentiments.

BBC#1 has now changed back to 'What Happened to the Horse' on Sunday, 29th July, at 18.05 and 'Variations on a Theme of Road Rage' on 5th August (at 19.05?). Just watch both and we can decide which was episode #2 and which episode#3 in the fullness of time. I suspect BBC#1 realised that this would be necessary to harmonise what was being transmitted with the hard copy of Radio Times.

I note timeliness of Wrinkled's point on Series#4. Tomorrow, 'Green Fingers' goes out tomorrow on UKTV Drama followed by 'Bandit of Stoke-on Trent'. 'A Merry Heatwave' is missed out. But as I said earlier, it is a Christmas Special. Incidentally, UKTV really should note that not all 'Christmas Specials' have a Christmas theme in case that is their rationale for holding them back for Christmas season. And I still want to know how 'The Loxley Lozenge' keeps breaching their Christmas Special policy (though it must be admitted, it does not have a Christmas theme).

Big Unc

'Ultimo del vino di estate' but that strikes me as merely literal and not idiomatic.

Not sure on how many of Christmas Specials BBC has released to UKTV. Last Christmas UKTV broadcast four up to and including 1990 (between Series#12 and #13). UKTV has broadcast all regular series up to and including Series#19 of 1998. However, not long ago BBC put out 'The Man Who Nearly Knew Pavarotti', the 1994 Christmas Special between Series #15 and #16. UKTV do only seem to put out Christmas Specials around Christmas except the dreaded 'Loxley Lozenge' which I do not think they realsie was a Chrismas Special.

BigUnc

'A Merry Heatwave' I have always designated as Series#4, Episode#7. It was first broadcast 1st January 1978 (a clue there). But then, 'The Bandit from Stoke-on Trent' was transmiitted just three days later on 4th January 1978. In other words, it looks to me as if 'The Bandit from Stoke-on Trent' was Series#4, Episode#7 (and not #8) and that 'A Merry Heatwave' was the 1977 Christmas Special, and there has been several contributions on the failure of UKTV (Drama or Gold) to broadcast Christmas Specials. Having said all that and strained the old brain cells, I have just checked the BBC Series#3 and #4 DVD and indeed confirmed that 'A Merry Heatwave' is indeed designated a Christmas Special. It is not strictly part of Series#4.

Don't know if UKTV still monitor the Message Boards. If you go back to near beginning of this message board you will see a July 2006 contribution by 'Richard' of UKTV.

Can't help you on Italian. Having a Spanish niece in law I could get you a good Spanish translation. However, since 'Last of the Summer Wine' is highly idiomatic and only really meaningful to the English speaking peoples, I don't think it would translate successfully into any foreign language. I mean, do you think any any other language speakers in the world even understand and appreciate the programmes themselves. And that's me in trouble with the PC of this world.

BigUnc

What about Scotland?

BBC is catching up with situation and broadcasting episodes in correct order. Missed Episode#2, 'Variations on a Theme of Road Rage' will go out next Sunday, 29th July, at 18.05. Episode #3, 'What Happened to the Horse', will be broacast on 5th August (at 19.05?).

Like many, very much miss Billy Hardcastle. Was beginning to see him as the third partner with Clegg and Truely. Felt Roy Clarke had a great sympathy with the character and gave him some great lines.

Roy Clarke is, of course, getting on and nearing 80 (born 1930). Feel continuation of show is in his and Peter Sallis hands. Lose either and that is it.

Big Unc

Following up on my last, this morning www.radiotimes.com is calling for last Sunday's missed episode, 'Variations on a Theme of Road Rage,' to be broadcast on Sunday 5th August at 19.05. I can see a future Trivia Question. Why was Series#28, episode #3 broadcast before episode #2, (or there will be endless argument over which is episode#2 and which episode#3). Of such is the kingdom of the anorak.

Big Unc

Can't agree with itschad about the golf: glorious game and a superb championship. However, have pointed out to BBC that they could have postponed some of the terrible drivel which followed the news broadcast and retained LOSW (admittedly a bit on the late side but DVD recorders can be programmed to record a particular programme not just at a particular time). Also pointed out that revised time of transmission should have been broadcast. Best advice is to track www.radiotimes.com and set up LOSW as a Personal Programme. For next Sunday Episode #3, 'What Happened to the Horse' is still being promulgated. Hopefully, that will be amended to Episode#2, 'Variations on a Theme of Road Rage' but watch this space. What we will have to watch out for is the dreaded Beeb sneaking it out unexpectedly late on a weekday.

For Flyinghaggis: where did you get your information about Series #17 being published on DVD? I have researched all UK sources and have found no reference.

Big Unc

All episodes mentioned except 'Getting Sam Home' are from Series #5 (1979). They will be on UKTV Drama around 3rd/4th August. 'Getting Sam Home' is 1983 Christmas Special. As I have said before, the only Christmas Special we seem to get is 'The Loxley Lozenge' (1984) repeatedly.

Cleggscap is quite correct. Michael Bates was in the original January 1973 Comedy Playhouse pilot and Series #1 and #2. He sadly died shortly thereafter.

UKTV Drama along with UKTV Gold have been pretty good about screening the many LOSW episodes. Over last year or so I have seen everything from the 'Of Fish and Funerals' Pilot (1973) right through to the 1998 Series #19 (by which time Truly has entered the fray).

Where they have fallen down slightly is with the Specials. Over last Christmas they did catch up with four (Christmas 1987 to 1990) but apart from that all we seem to get is the Christmas 1984 Special, The Loxley Lozenge repeatedly. So please, can we have a few more of the missing specials and it will be great to move on to Series#20