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Now that's what I call a months good viewing! Thank you Powers That Be, we are very grateful.

I must say this close co-operation from the powers that be is a very welcome trend. Long may it continue.

in addition to the good news, BigUnc, it is nice to have confirmation that our ramblings are read by the Powers That Be. I think I am right in saying that apart from a brief communication from the Mighty Jen this is first contact with the alien culture controlling our heros. Who knows? They might have influence in producing the DVDs, which would b a very good thing (hint, hint)

Good idea. I'm all in flavour. It's about time the pilot was added.

Just received notification that latest DVD has been sent to me, estimated delivery 3-5 days, postal strike permitting of course. Let us hope there is some news of the next release soon.

No stutter, Eccles, for some obscure reason after pressing "send" the computer suddenly shunted me back to "preview" so the process got repeated. I hate technology, bring back the quill!!!

Interesting note in Radio Times, in answer to a complaint about missing Elegy to fallen wellies due to incorrect scheduling. "An error in Gold's scheduling system meant our listings had previously fallen out of sync. Gold's spokeswoman asks us to pass on the channel's apologies to Summer Wine fans". I don't feel inclined to accept that apology, I would prefer a public execution of the technician to blame, or, if that isn't harsh enough, at least three hours on the naughty step.

Interesting note in Radio Times, in answer to a complaint about missing Elegy to fallen wellies due to incorrect scheduling. "An error in Gold's scheduling system meant our listings had previously fallen out of sync. Gold's spokeswoman asks us to pass on the channel's apologies to Summer Wine fans". I don't feel inclined to accept that apology, I would prefer a public execution of the technician to blame, or, if that isn't harsh enough, at least three hours on the naughty step.

Calm down, BigUnc. If life was simple and GOLD logical you would have nothing to vent your spleen on and we would be deprived of your erudite vituperation. And look at the mess you have made, spraying figgy roll crumbs all down your weskit. Why don't you try some of the new Jaffa cakes with the fruits of the forest filling? Very tasty and don't make half the crumbs.

A very good day to you all at last. Since the 23rd September I keep getting notification of all these new posts but have not been able to access the site. I just keep getting referred to the same old message. Have managed to get here today having followed a most convuluted route. Only hope I can find it again, should have left a trail of fig roll crumbs to follow.Found one listing of future episodes which seems to show that in November we are back to Series One yet again.
Pixielady, when you come over next time hire a car. You will find it much more convenient, much less confusing and quite possibly cheaper than our public transport system. Here's hoping I can find my way back again. Grumpy

Re your comment regarding Chas and Dave and LOTSW, Big Bro, I think Top Gear is a closer match. You have the tall, loud self opinionated character (Clarkson) in the Foggy role, the small clown, (Hammond) as Compo, and the more or less normal third man (May) as Clegg. Added to that some of the way out antics they get up to and you have a fairly good parallel.

At long last I am back on board. I have been stuck since 5th September without any new posts being added. I keep getting messages that new posts have been added but when I try to access them I just get the same old message. So today I have managed to catch up. I sincerely hope they leave us here and do not transfer us to Gold, I have looked on their site and can't even access their message boards, very sub standard set up altogether.

Have sent Email to uktv advising them of this problem. They have replied that they will look into it and get back.

It seems as though the Powers That Be have adopted a five day week. So far about four messages have been flagged up but not recorded. At first I thought it was my computer and had a quiet word with it via a three pound lump hammer but it seems as though others are having the same problem. We shall have to wait and see what the morrow brings.

Would think so, Eli, they are both the same age, plus I think Frank is a little steadier on his pins than Peter.

Maybe they are just trying to get our hopes up.

Hi BigUnc,
Only direct confirmation I have been able to find is on Juliette Kaplan's website where she states that 6 new episodea have been commissioned with filming starting in August. Nothing about specials or future series. as a matter of interest she expresses great gratitude to all the fans who wrote in complaining about the proposed axing and says it was largely due to that that saved the show. Nice to know we can have some influence. What I want to know is what is this massive rumour regarding Peter Sallis that the secretive CF&C is witholding from us. Could it be he gets remarried to one of the unattached females? Ivy, perhaps, or Marina? Or does he find a publisher for his diaries causing great consternation among his cronies? Come on Famous Three, let us in on the secret.
Grumpy

Aye, welcome back. Glad to see our pin up girl hasn't been abducted by the Thought Police. I could hear BigUnc's screech of approval from down here!!

Was just checking that very thing myself, BigBro. Hopefully it is a result of the former misnumbering and will be corrected nearer the release date.

I fear the worst.

You are quite correct young Eccles, but where is BigUnc? Suddenly he has gone very quiet. Have the Powers That Be gone one stage further than vanishings and have actually begun to drag us, kicking and screaming from our computers? Has BigUncs casual chatting up of Pixielady resulted in him being subjected to figroll deprivation in order to get him to spill the beans regarding our colonial pin up? We may need to set up a martial arts style rescue, remember, Crouching Pensioner.. Hidden Hernia.

Just had confirmation that Series 15 & 16 DVD will be released 26/10/09 The specials include "Welcome to Earth" and "The man who nearly knew Pavorotti"

I think that they are under the impression that "Pixielady" is code for Bin Laden or something similar. They are most likely running her posts through a massive Kray computer trying to break the code. Be careful, young Eccles, with your record of all that time on the naughty step you may well be next. Be afraid....be very afraid.

Hi Pixielady, when you get to Scotland you must indulge in the most famous aspect of Scottish cuisine. No, not the haggis, I refer to the infamous deep fried Mars bar. Widely available from any chippy. I hope you enjoy your trip and find time for a side excursion to Holmefirth on your way to or from Fair Caledonia. Grumpy

Hi Lesley, welcome to the nuthouse. Unfortunately we are all in the same boat as, so far, FOTSW has not been released on DVD or video. Hopefully the recent screening will make such a thing possible, we all have our fingers crossed, but until then we shall just have to wait. Hope you enjoy the correspondance and take an active part.
Grumpy

You were right, BigBro, that was the episode. Cleggy was remembering an Illingsworth, not a character met in FOTSW. As for Scrimshaw not being in WW2, he could have lied about his height couldn't he?

I have been trying to locate a fairly recent episode in which Cleggy is trying to remember the name of one of the Co-Op managers. At the end it turns out he was killed in the war after gaining the MC. Unfortunately I can't remember which episode it was and haven't the time to sift through them all. I was trying to establish if the hero's name was Scrimshaw.

Agree with you BigBro, FOTSW is improving all the time. I do hope it is released as a DVD, possibly including the pilot episode.
Reference your comments regarding the safety worries of clothing, just think what they could do with your present thong obsession. You had better have a cold shower before that dreaded knock on the door and removal to a rehabilitation centre. No fig rolls in there.

Regarding your comments re the young Clegg being very self assured Bigbro, I think you will find that the early series showed Cleggy in a much more positive posture than he later developed. He wasn't quite so timid, even with the ladies. In the very first episode of Series one, Short Back and Palais glide, he didn't even flinch when Compo showed him a picture of a heavily endowed young lady, his only comment being that "that was almost the exact way we carried two rolls of lino".

I noticed that BigBro, I was in the process of thanking you for the link. Obviously I got my thongs in a twist,(brings tears to your eyes when you do that) and was thanking you for the correction. Obviously the Powers That Be felt it was time to flex their censorial muscles and remind us that we are still under scrutiny. Either that or they are jealous of your relationship with PixieLady. Maybe you should offer them a Chorley cake?

You could well be right PixieLady, all these different thongs does terrible things to my mental processes.

Wipe that smile off your face young Eccles, this is serious stuff. First Eli doesn't appear anywhere on the cast list so it is to be assumed he doesn't appear. Secondly the scenes with the trams was filmed at Crich tram museum. The exterior shots of the Co-op building are in fact of the Post Office in Neverthong, the village where Compo is buried. Some scenes were apparently filmed at Beamish Museum in County Durham, and the Hyde Park cinema is actually in Leeds. Other scenes were filmed in Holmfirth to establish continuity.

Another little continuity mishap. In Edie and the automobile Seymour can't drive, but here he is zooming about in a three wheeler. Traces of the older Cleggy are beginning to appear but Compo is still a long way off. Pity there's no Howard or Pearl.

Of course you did my little lopsided buddy. anything that generates inter action is good.

My old Sunday School teacher, of course.

OOOHH He's at it again. Touch of the silver tongues, showers of gifts. He could give Errol Flynn lessons. Pretends to be this harmless, innocent, misunderstood gentle old man when in reality he makes Russell Brand look like a Sunday School teacher. A quick fix of fig rolls, a snort of Horlicks and he's off. A good job Madame Haggis is no longer here to witness his infidelity.

OOOHH He's at it again. Touch of the silver tongues, showers of gifts. He could give Errol Flynn lessons. Pretends to be this harmless, innocent, misunderstood gentle old man when in reality he makes Russell Brand look like a Sunday School teacher. A quick fix of fig rolls, a snort of Horlicks and he's off. A good job Madame Haggis is no longer here to witness his infidelity.

Young Eccles, for Gawd's sake get it right. HE is BigUnc,I am Grumpy Uncle. You can easily tell us apart, he is the one covered in fig roll crumbs. You should have known that by now.

Prego

Thirteen episodes young Eccles, including the pilot which they are not showing.

I agree with you BigBro, it was great seeing the old time buses which were still running in my younger days. Of course there were one or two continuity lapses, Seymour appears as a complete stranger in uncle of the bride with no prior knowledge of Compo and Clegg whereas he is shown here as a workmate. Peter Sallis is a delight as always, and I must say that the photography itself seems to have been enhanced somehow so that even familiar sights seem to have that 1930s feel. Not having seen it before I was quite impressed. Once we get used to the characters I think it will be a good addition to the collection.

It's about time we had an explanation for this form of censorship. By a very long stretch of the imagination I suppose our lapse into Latin in the past could be excused. But to the best of my knowledge Pixie never ventured down that path, could it be that she was getting too enthusiastic? Maybe she is regarded as a cult leader, ready to raise an army of zimmer framed warriors fired up on Sanatogen to hobble on the BBC demanding newer episodes of LOSW? If so then I shall embellish our banner with our motto "Too old to die young" and stand by her side at the barricades. As they say "Crouching pensioner, hidden hernia"

Just to show us they are still out there...watching....and waiting.

You go for it, BigBro, you were quiet for so long that it does this old heart good just to see you get into your stride again.I think PixieLady has got you champing at the bit again, you always had a touch of the Errol Flynns where the fair sex is concerned. Well, the fair sex and fig rolls to be strictly accurate.
I was considering the past few months. We started off very down in the mouth with the strong likelyhood of LOSW being axed. Since then we have managed to save it for another year at least, there is at least one DVD on the horizon and First of the Summer Wine is about to be broadcast. All in all, things are improving, and I like to think we have done our bit to make it so.

Could be that the input from the colonies has added strength to our cause.If so, God Bless America!! Once again you have come to our aid in the endless fight against tyrannical oppression. Together we shall fight them on the beaches, in the streets and in the fields, on the landing grounds, we shall never...... Damned cigar has gone out again!

Interesting thoughts there BigBro, but the insect in the ungeunt regarding publicity is that by publicising the thread they would also be publicising LOSW which, as we know, they are somewhat reluctant to do. I mean, they might even have to show some more up to date episodes. How could they stand such heresy?
I agree with you about young Eccles, it gets difficult to shut him up at times, although I have found that the threat of the naughty step is quite effective.
With regard to the forthcoming DVD I just hope that they follow it up with another fairly quickly as they did just recently. Maybe they will also release First of the Summer Wine on DVD as well now that they are going to show it at long last.

Aman to that, young Eccles. Ten years seem to have flown by, I don't know about global warming but I swear that time is accelerating. I blame decimal currency, things haven't been right since we adopted the Continental system.

Hi PixieLady,
Glad to know you are still maintaining a British presence out in the colonies. Keep up the good work. When you have a moment log on to www.juliettekaplan.com she has a lot of photos and comments which I think you will find interesting and you can send her an Email.
Lotsa love,
Grumpy

Just had a look at Juliet Kaplan's website. she says that they are starting filming in August and that the reason the show was reinstated was because of everyone writing in and complaining about the possibility of it's being axed. Goes to show we can make a difference. Grey power rules!!

Not an article, BigUnc, just a small news item. Find it on bottom left of page 12 under the "Who do they do?" section below the photograph of Culshaw and Stephenson. It just reads "Meanwhile, outgoing BBC comedy commissioning controller Lucy Lumsden has ordered six new episodes of Last of the Summer Wine."

Just got the latest Radio Times which confirms that a further six episodes of LOSW have been commissioned. Let's hope the Beeb let Roy Clarke write them his way and don't try to interfere.

Could this great news mean that FOSW will also be released on DVD? Even better does this mean that all our whinging over the past few years has actually been noted? At least we now have something to look forward to on both fronts. Happy days.

At long last some definite news, and good news at that. Let us hope that it improves on this last series and that Roy Clarke gets the chance to develop the characters a bit more. Now all we need is a few more DVDs. Hope springs eternal.

Hi BigUnc,
Glad you are back, was begining to think you had succumbed to a surfeit of Chorley cakes. Peter Sallis appeared in Episode 1 of Kingdom and was established as Gloria's father, so he might still put in an appearance in future issues. His performance proved he is still a good character actor and deserved a lot more screen time than he was given in this series of LOSW. I get the feeling that Russ Abbott was pitchforked in without consultation to Roy Clarke and the scripts had to be written without giving him a chance to form the character. If they do film another series next year let us hope he can come up with some new ideas. At least the last episode spared us the golf captain and repo man.

Gave the computer a serious talking to and eventually managed to connect to the link. Very good news, providing the BBC stick to their word and are not just stringing Alan Bell along. Typical of them to reduce Truly and Clegg's pay as they are not on screen so much. But at least it looks as though we shall get another season filmed next year, which no doubt means it won't be screened until 2011.

CFC, my computor is throwing one of it's periodic tantrums and won't connect me to your link. Can you give us a precis of it's content please. If it's good news I want to hear it.

Saw the first episode of the new series of "Kingdom" the other day which had Peter Sallis in a major supporting role. It showed what a good actor he is and fully capable of handling long stretches of dialogue thus deserving far more space than the grudging two minutes currently allocated in LOSW. Cleggy and Truly must be repositioned to a larger more central role if LOSW is to survive, otherwise it will be like this thread and gradually die off.

Where have all the regulars gone? We haven't heard from BigUnc, Cleggscap, Wrinkly etc. for quite some time now. Are you still there?

Hi IndyBrit,
Beer varies in colour dependant on type and brewery. Bitter is usually fairly light as is lager (not that any of our heroes would drink lager, regarding it as strange foreign rubbish), brown ale is darker and is sometimes mixed with bitter, and stout is very dark. Mugs with handles and straight glasses are a matter of individual preference.
Grumpy

Oh dear, after last weeks improvement tonight's show seems to have slipped back again. I think one of the problems is that in the old trio no one member took dominance over the others, everyone got an even break, here, once again, we have the Russ Abbott show which is now beginning to affect all the characters, not just Alvin and Entwhistle. Clegg and Truly appeared for less than a minute, Tom and Auntie Wainwright haven't appeared for quite a while, the situation between the golf captain and the repo man ran it's course some time ago and is no longer amusing and Pearl and Nelly seem to be about to set up home together. Not good.

There appears to be changes afoot on the website. Today I had to log in, something that hasn't been done since the changeover to Alibi. Does this mean we are being monitored more closely? And, if we are, could the organisers take note AND LET US HAVE SOME MORE UP TO DATE EPISODES AND NOT THE SAME OLD GO AROUND, PLEASE. And a re-run of First of the Summer Wine would be nice as well.

Well, they are now removing all my posts so I bid you farewell.

I don't know why the overseers are removing innocuous posts. First IndyBrit, who was only saying how he used his video recorder to play English tapes in America, and then mine asking why IndyBrit was vanished. What's going on?

Another recruit from the colonies!! Welcome to the family IndyBrit, we hope you will enjoy and contribute to our meanderings about our favourite show. You and Pixielady will have to start organising trips over here to Holmfirth. I believe LOSW has quite a following in the States, might be profitable.

I think last nights episode was an improvement. Not quite such a one man show as hitherto, although I still wish Truly and Clegg had a bit more space, but at least they have now interacted with Hobbo for the first time. Not quite so much of the golf captain and repo man which is also a good thing. Still can't get used to Pearl being nice though, doesn't seem right somehow. Let's hope the improvement continues.

CF&C,
Have just been re-reading your last post. Now,as I recall you had quite a long spell in hospital some months ago, if you have received bad news arising from that then I think I can speak for all of us and offer you all our sympathy. If on the other hand you are just railing against the restrictions imposed by advancing years and infirmity, well, we can all empathise with that. No one is arguing against your God given right to rant, but, we have all been cyber friends for some years now and I hate to see it reduced to personal abuse. Rant on by all means, good buddy, but I would esteem it as a personal favour if it could be confined to the show and not develop into a handbags at dawn situation. Grumpy.

Hi Pixielady,
Glad you enjoyed your stay here. I appreciate that the video system is different in America but surely DVDs would work over there? And as a matter of interest has First of the Summer Wine ever been shown in the US? We are still waiting for that to be repeated or put onto DVD. Hope you can come back soon. Grumpy

It seems as though the thought police are back. In addition to CF&C getting vanished I replied to BigUnc saying that he(CF&C) had been vanished although his post was inoffensive and had my own post removed.

There is much to commend within the last three posts and I agree with many of the comments. With regard to BigUnc's suggestion for a new Cleggy type I think David Jason could revive the show. He would bring in the fans who support him as The Famous Three suggests, as an imported Southerner his presence could inspire much North-South dialogue and his sense of comedy is far superior to that of Russ Abbott. Combined with Alvin and Billy Hardcastle this would make a trio worth watching. I also agree with BigUnc regarding Roy Clarke, I don't think his writing is at fault but he must be getting really pushed for new ideas. as I have said in an earlier post it is a pity we cannot contact him direct with suggested scenarios. I know The Famous Three said he sent him a script, and more power to your elbow for doing so, but a suggestion of an idea might, in my opinion, be better. I do agree with CF&C regarding the cafe, some new blood there would be a very good idea and Compo and Truly could appear there and be given a larger part than they have been getting so far this series. Maybe the new owners could install internet access. That could give rise to some interesting ideas. The golf captain and the repo man should revert to their earlier roles, at the moment they contribute nothing to the show. Howard and Marina seem to be drifting apart, Marina might be showing her age, (aren't we all),but she is still an essential character and I can't really see Carol Vorderman as a replacement. Apart from anything else she is a great game show host but can she act? And she is way outside the age group. All of this is pure pie in the sky, however. The important thing is has a new series been commissioned? Mark, you are the closest contributer to the area. do you know if there has been any filming or if the locals know anything? Let us know if you can, please.

Behave yourselves you two. Kiss and make up or you will both have to go to the naughty step.

I think we have a carbon copy of LOSW already on our screens. Roy Clarke established the trio of a self opinionated "authority" figure full of his own importance, a small "clown" type comedian and a normal (more or less) third man. All three would be involved in over the top outlandish adventures. In other words Top Gear! For Foggy read Clarkson, Compo Hammond and Clegg Maye. No wrinkled stockings and a script lacking Roy Clarke's bite but the basics are there. And an added bonus of no Russ Abbott, on the subject of which it is interesting to note that on last weeks Points of View there were several comments echoing those expressed on this forum. We are not alone.

Good post, Famous Three, and I agree with much of what you say. the main problem seems to be re-establishing the trio. As we know from Roy Clarke himself the original idea was to have an authority figure, a clown and a reasonably normal character in between. Foggy had at least two things going for him, his famous war stories and his money making ideas, Hobbo only has one rather silly subject of being 007.Also he is taking up too much screen time and becoming rather boring. Entwhistle is, as you say, a good supporting figure but is too laconic to take a major position. A good strong third man is needed. (Come back Billy Hardcastle, you are desperately wanted) A good idea to have Ivy retire and sell the cafe to another couple, but I haven't a clue as to who would be good in the part. The golf captain and the repo man should go, they contribute nothing to the series. Maybe a new venue should be introduced, an over sixties club where the older members of the cast could interact verbally without having to be too active but could have a bit more screen time. As for Roy Clarke himself, he is irreplaceable, I don't think anyone, however well intentioned, could write like him. I think his problem is running out of inspiration. It's a pity we can't contact him direct and feed him some ideas. In the meantime we can but hope.

She is right. Having seen a couple of these programme commissioners on TV they don't look old enough to be let out on their own.Hopefully she is also right in that LOSW still has a while to go, but Roy Clarke is going to have to do some inspired writing otherwise even the older viewers are going to think again.

Last Sunday I noticed that Abbott, Murphy and Kwouk had taken over top billing. Peter Sallis and Frank Thornton were relegated to the ranks of the supporting cast. If it goes on like this they will soon be listed as making Guest Appearances. This is very bad form, especially for Peter who has taken a major part in every episode of both First and Last Summer Wines. I also see in Radio Times that next Sunday's episode is still flogging the "Nelly is my mother" angle. It is with great reluctance that I feel the time has come to say goodbye.

It certainly seems as though a lot of the supporting characters are now being given more prominence. The captain, the repo man and Nellie too. Next weeks show has Hobbo still trying to insist she is his mother, a story that was done to death last week. We need more Clegg and Truly and a lot less of Hobbo, he just isn't right.

Well, at least we got Clegg and Truly out of Clegg's front room if only briefly. However, has anyone noticed there has been no direct contact between Hobbo, Clegg and Truly? Despite their activities being curtailed by age and infirmity Clegg and Truly should still be central to the action and would stop LOSW subsiding into the Russ Abbott show.

Hi Pixielady, nice to hear from you again, hope you enjoy your visit. Have been checking the back numbers and there appears to be several locations where the trio sit on benches overlooking the town. I should think that there are a number of seats on high ground giving good views but you will have to climb to get there. Best bet is to enquire at the information office and see what they say.

That will make a big slump in the sale of fig rolls. I foresee panic in the pastry industry, job losses, shareholders throwing themselves off the Forth Bridge, and questions asked in Parliament.

Totally agree, BigBro, we seem to have lost the trio. It needs a strong third character, a Billy Hardcastle. Billy, Hobbo and Alvin might just do it. Entwhistle as a character is too laconic to take third man. And I realise we can't expect Truly and Clegg to go galloping about as they used to, but we could certainly do with more dialogue from them, and a bit more venom from Pearl, Nellie seems to be having a detrimental calming effect on her. Can't have that.

OK, there has been a deafening silence about the new series. I don't know what the rest of you think but I must confess to a feeling that it's lost it's way. Russ Abbott is a very funny comedian but looks like becoming a one trick pony with his character. Personally I don't think it is strong enough to carry the lead position which it seems it is likely to do, as next week's episode again centres around Hobbo. I appreciate the need for change, the loss of Norah and the frailty of Clegg and Truly limits what can be done, but the whole direction seems to be changing. Howard, Marina and Pearl are no longer the characters they were, Clegg and Truly have been relegated to a cameo appearance and Entwhistle and Alvin appear to be spear carriers to Hobbo. Not good, and if audiences fall off as a result then the bean counters at the Beeb will have every excuse to wield the axe. We can but hope that things will improve.

And about time too!! Let's hope that there is news of a new DVD release soon as well. You never know GOLD might even start wearing out another series.

With apologies to the composer of "The British Grenadiers"


Some talk of DelBoy Trotter,
And some of Vic Meldrew,
The Vicaress of Dibley,
And all the AdFab crew.
But of all TV's fun heroes
There's none that can outshine
Compo, Truly and old Clegg
And the cast of Summer Wine!

Hope it doesn't, there's no known antidote although a poultice made from ground up Pontefract and Kendal Mint cakes is said to alleviate the pain somewhat.

Hi PixieLady, sad news re your enquiry about the Haggis a.k.a. Madame Pudden. she hasn't surfaced for some time. Some say she got lost during the forum's transition from Drama to Alibi, others that she wasted away during the Great Fig Roll Famine. Whatever, the wistful mating call of the Haggis is no longer heard echoing through the misty glens of Caledonia.

Hi Virginia, welcome to the forum. We are always glad to see new members. As you will see, if you read the back postings, we too have our problems with seeing episodes of our favourite program.The first fourteen series are now available on DVD and we are stoically waiting for the next release, which hopefully will be in our lifetime. In the meantime we hope you enjoy whichever episodes you can find. Stay in touch.

Anniversary of Foggy's death. I always hoped he would make a reappearance even if it was for only one episode to clarify if he did get married to the post lady.

They will most likely blame the non production of more DVDs on this new breakfast cereal, Kredit Krunch. I also think this will be the ultimate excuse to axe the series. I trust everyone has been sending off their letters to the BBC?
Can't match up to your score of ten, BigUnc, can only manage eight. But then I'm the strong, silent type.

Hi Robert, welcome to the thread and thank you for sorting out that particular problem. It is always good to have explicit proof, as you point out, Wikipedia is not always reliable but no one can argue with the Radio Times.

You can tell what the programme commissioners are like by the crap that we are subjected to. "Celebrity" everything, it wouldn't be so bad if some of the people were celebrities instead of jumped up wannabes. "Reality" shows that are anything but real, and everything presented by posturing, screeching, gender challenged individuals. What chance do our heros stand when their future is in the hands of individuals who consider this sort of rubbish entertainment?

Thanks for that, Mark. It seems as though the BBC is trying to kill off LOSW by stealth. First the rumour that provoked a strong response, then the long delay in showing the series whilst at the same time denying the rumour, and now a vague promise that another series MAY be commissioned IF the viewing figures justify it. And who decides what the viewing figures are?

Merry Christmas Father Christmas was first broadcast on 28th December 1986. Why does Norman Clegg buy ladies elastic stockings? was first broadcast on 4th January 1986. Is it possible that the series was repeated hence the announcement? I can think of no other explanation given the fact that there is nearly 12 months between the two dates.

Item on BBC news this morning. Bicycle polo is becoming very popular. Foggy would be pleased that his foresight has come to fruitition. (Walking stiff can make you famous) Wonder if a three man surfboard is in the offing.

Entirely agree. Only watched the first episode and haven't bothered since. Not worth the effort. Both Roger Lloyd Pack and Clive Swift seem to carry trends from Only Fools and Horses and the Vicar of Dibley, and Keeping Up Appearances respectively, but whereas those appearances were successful their transition to this series is an unmitigated disaster.

Let's hope that is correct, BigUnc, we certainly need something to look forward to. I would like to hear from Mark, who is more or less on the spot near Holmsfirth, what the word is in the town and if there has been anything about future filming. I have a feeling that the new series "The Old Guys" is an attempt to wean us off LOSW.

Glad you have come out from hibernation, BigUnc, it's a sure sign that spring can't be far away. I received an Email from Juliette Kaplan replying to an enquiry I made some time ago re the continuance of LOSW. She has been in panto and has only just got round to catching up with her correspondance. In it she repeats that the series has been axed and again urges everyone to write to the BBC to try to persuade them to have a change of heart. I trust that everyone did write at the time, but if not then now is the time.

The pilot was shown as one of he Comedy Playhouse shows on 4th January 1973. The series proper commenced on 12th November 1973. To the best of my knowledge the pilot was never shown in sequence with the series.

Hi Porgie, welcome to the thread, hope you will become a regular contributor. Sorry to give you bad news but to the best of my knowledge the pilot has never been issued on DVD or video. It is sometimes re-run on satellite and your best bet would be to try to catch and record it that way. The only other way would be to try to find someone who has recorded it and see if they could download it onto a CD for you.

Right, now that the site organisers have finished their drunken orgies and reopened our lines of communication back to business. First and foremost a Happy New Year to all the Winos out there, I trust it will bring good health and happiness to us all. Second, I wrote to the BBC Complaints Dept. and, a few days later received a very polite answer from Ciaran McConnell of that department. In this she categorically states that the tales of the demise of LOSW are false and that they fully expect to commission a new series after the present one is broadcast. She refered me to the following website, [link]
which is the statement issued on the 18th December denying that the series is to be axed.
So, on the face of it we have been reprieved. But, as Truly would say, they could be lying. Don't drop your guard.

Have just checked the Huddersfield Examiner's website after reading Harbottle's post, and there are several related stories regarding the future of Holmfirth's business and the town's reaction to the news. Despite the BBC's prevaricating it seems to have been decided to axe the show. So, at the risk of being vanished again, I repeat, get those letters in the post, and not just yours, get every member of your family to write one as well.I doubt if we will get anywhere but we have got to try.

A revolutionary? Me? Some sort of cover up? Just because I'm fitting armour plating and stealth technology to the zimmer frame doesn't mean I'm planning anything. Don't need to. They will be assimilated. Resistance is futile. We are Borg. (Big Old Rough Grumpy)

The disparity between the dates worries me, young Eccles, the BBC's announcement on the 18th saying no, the show hadn't been axed and Juliette's on the 22nd emphatically saying yes. One of them must be wrong, let us hope it is Juliette.

They are at it again. Earlier I posted that I had written my letters and added some urges for everyone else to do the same and surprise, surprise... it got vanished. No foreign language, no reason to be vanished except plain, unvarnished censorship. Are the powers that be that worried?

As I said, Juliette Kaplan's entry was dated 22/12/08 and the tone indicates that it was fairly new news to her so it would appear to be a recent decision. Wikipedia quotes Alan Bell as saying that discussion about not doing another series was under way but no decision had then been made, so it looks as though this is the result. If this is for economic reasons I can think of a lot of other programmes they could do away with before considering LOSW, but somehow I believe it is more to do with spotty faced young yuppy types who want to engage with the "yoof" demographic.

Further to my previous comments regarding what foreign language comments had been left or removed. Have just checked and they are now all gone. This could be further proof that our comments are actually being read, if this be so then PLEASE JEN LET US KNOW WHEN WE ARE GOING TO SEE SOME UPDATED EPISODES! RSVP

Ah, some distance from me then.

Whereabouts in the East Midlands, Eccles?

Have you checked the previous posts recently? Harbottle's Finnish is still there but his Spanish has been vanished, as has my French and BigUnc's post has been left but the Gaelic part has been removed, yet Eccles' Gaelic remains!!

Big Uncs been vanished again, he must have really upset Mighty Jen somehow.

How do you say "Please can we have some new episodes" in Gaelic BigUnc?

Weird!! Have just posted my last and found that Eccles post and mine have been reinstated! No sign of BigUnc's though, maybe it translated as something very rude.

My previous post was correct Eccles. Both my comment and yours have been vanished. Let us hope they take equal note of our requests.

We've been down this road before,you will be next Eccles. It's a wonder they let my comment stay. Obviously the Mighty Jen only understands English. Let us hope that one of her New Year resolutions is to let us have newer LOSW episodes.

Gesundheit!

Me too from Play.com so at least there will be something decent to watch over Christmas!!

Have now watched the scene and concur with the general feeling of "frogface".
With reference to WOWs comments re the cafe. Apparently it was originally a paint shop, but is now a genuine cafe whose exterior is as we see it. All the internal scenes are of course studio shots. When Auntie's shop was first used it was a shop whose exterior was as we see it. When the crew went back to include it in a later series they found it had been sold and converted into a dwelling. They therefore built the exterior and bolt it onto the front of the house when it is needed.

Haven't yet had chance to review the episode but remember Peter Sallis commenting that some mild profanities were used in the early shows but were quickly phased out. I am quite sure that neither Roy Clarke, any of the actors or the production team would have allowed the high velocity expletive suggested by Dave H067072. With respect Dave I fear you are mistaken. Will comment further when had a chance to look at it again.

Wecome to the thread, Harbottle, it is always nice to hear a new voice. You are quite right when you say there is not many of the old guard left and I noticed that Peter Sallis, when commenting on Nora's demise, expressed some doubts as to whether the series would continue. From his tone it seems that nothing has yet been decided. It is to be hoped that his doubts are unfounded. In the meantime still no further news of future DVD releases, we must step up the pressure.

Very sad news. Another stalwart gone. LOSW won't be the same without her, and what will Alvin do now? But I bet there was a tatty little angel wearing wellies, three days growth, with ratty wings and holes in his nightshirt waiting to greet her at the Pearly Gates with a big grin on his face. Thank you for all the fun, Kathy.God bless.

Interesting cast list too. No Auntie, Pearl, Ivy, Tom or Marina. And who the devil is Stella? I might just be having a senior moment but for the life of me I cannot recall her in any previous episode. But still, it's a great start to the New Year.

By this time last year we knew the composition of the next DVD to be released and were being given advanced notice of another. We are still waiting to know what the content of series 13/14 will be and there is nothing further forecast. Does this mean we are entering yet another period barren of LOSW releases? We members of the Geriatric Armoured Brigade (Compo's Own) must continue to pressurise the powers that be to release more episodes both to TV and to DVD. Aux armes,mes amies!

Anyone else been having trouble getting to the message boards? I have been unable to access them for two days now. In the end I had to go to UKTVGold and try to access the site through them, but their message boards were also inaccessable. I got here eventually by logging on to LOSW on Gold, finding Eccles last message and clicking onto that to get relayed here. Talk about a tortuous route! Anyone know what the problem is?

Couldn't agree with you more, young Eccles, we can only hope that the constant repitition will eventually wear the tapes out and they will be forced to use some newer ones. But don't hold your breath.

Another oddity, (I love this stuff), Wesley's shed is, as we know, bounded on one side by the river and on the other side by buildings. And yet in "There are gypsies at the bottom of our garden" when Wesley asks where he is to get a mini bus, Foggy says they should improvise and nods in the direction of the buildings where a semi derelict ambulance is to be seen sitting in a green field. Where they are standing and the direction in which Foggy is nodding is exactly where, on another occasion, Eli scoops up a bucket of water from a pool at the side of a building to put out what he assumes is a fire in the shed.

Think it was BigUnc, I saw the first few words on the line up section and think he was replying to my enquiry about Compo's statue. Why he got vanished I don't know.

Have been on the internet trying to find out if the proposed statue to Compo ever reached fruition. As far as I can find planning permission had been granted and work was supposed to have commenced back in 2004 but I can find no further reference to it. Does anybody know? The artist's sketch looked rather good, Compo standing against a typical dry stone wall.

The Midlands Mafia strikes again!!

Instead of "sticky", BigUnc, maybe you should have described it as "Moyest"

Just noticed something about this forum, previously on Drama the whole thread was available to browse through, all 26 pages of it. Here only the last 25 messages are recorded, anything prior has gone.

Another little oddity. In "From Wellies to Wetsuit" Wally takes Foggy, Compo And Clegg back to his house whilst discussing making waterskis for Compo. Norah is in a basement cleaning the window when Wally, Clegg and Foggy pass by, followed shortly by Compo in his flippers. The oddity is (A) the only house in the block which is reached by going down steps is Compo's. (B) The steps lead only to the front door, so what happened to Wally, Clegg and Foggy?

Welcome back, Cleggscap, to you and young Eccles I can only quote the illustrious Compo from "Wind Power" who said "If you want a report from me you will have to have something easier to spell". In seriousness I trust you both recover soon.
Well, with the return of Cleggscap the muster is nearly complete, only Madame Pudden is still AWOL. I fear the mating call of the airborne haggis will no longer be heard throughout the land.

We never saw the actual house where Blamire lodged, only the street. Marina's mother was mentioned in "A landlady for Smiler", and she had to have lived with Marina because if Marina lived on her own there would have been no need for her and Howard to go sneaking around the countryside.
On a slightly different note, there were plans and funds raised to erect a statue of Compo in Holmfirth, does anyone know what is happening about this project? Mark, you are our local eyes and ears on LOSW, have you heard anything?

I think you will find that the listing on Amazon is what a customer thinks will be on the discs, not an official documentation.

Quite correct young Eccles, homework marked tick VG. Another house oddity is that of Marina's. In "Stop that bath" her house is depicted as being out in the country, and yet, only two episodes later in "Concerto for solo bicycle" it is in the middle of town.

We saw the interior of the house where Foggy lived in"The kink in Foggy's niblick" and the exterior in "Walking stiff can make you famous". Seymour always lived in the isolated house in the country.
With regard to the name "Dr. Kildare" applied to Syd this was a reference to the popular television series of the same name, not Syd's surname.
The one house we never saw was that of Blamire.

No doubt it is part of some EU inspired directive. Keep the elderly mentally active by confusing the issue in the most inept manner or some such nonsense. Either that or Mark and Jen fancy having a laugh at our expense.

Ah but Paddington, despite his Peruvian ancestry, has Yorkshire connections! Living in Doncaster at the time Jeremy Clarkson's mother was much taken by the Paddington stories and made little figures of him for Jeremy and his sister. In order to make the figures stand up she put him in Wellington boots. This was the start of the Paddington we know today. The figures became so popular that she founded a business, Gabrielle Designs to make them, a company that lasted from 1968 until 1998. When he first left school Jeremy acted as a travelling salesman for the company selling Paddingtons.

Some more oddities for the collection. To the best of my knowledge Syd and Ivy have never been identified with a surname, and neither have Marina and, more recently, Alvin. Howard and Pearl's surname is Sibshaw, although for the life of me I can't recall in which episode this occured but I am sure BigUnc can enlighten me.Again, I think I am correct in saying that Entwhistle has never been identified with a first name?

Cleggy was, and is, one of life's great commentators. His wit can be quite acerbic for one so mild mannered. I would love to read his memoirs if they ever got published.

Wecome back, CF and C, for a while we thought we had lost you. Glad you are still with us.
With reference to your comments about the forum one big problem is that our favorite program is being cut back even further with the creation of this new channel. It was available on both Drama and Gold, but now is reduced only to Gold. All the more reason to keep this thread alive to bring our views to the outside world, but I take your point that the bulk must be concerned with LOSW.With regard to the exraneous material, BigUnc has now informed us that the Great Fig Roll Famine is now over, (although I, personally, am scouring the supermarkets trying to find this new breakfast cereal everyone is talking about, Kredit Krunch)
What might be interesting would be to compile a listing of some of the LOSW oddities over the years. We have mentioned Nora's sister and Compo's wartime service. How about the odd location of Weley's shed? This is shown at the top of the lane, about 200 yards from their house and yet Edie could stand at the kitchen door and, without shouting, summon Wesley who would appear within seconds, not even breathing heavily although he must have sprinted like a scalded cat to make it in that time.

Must admit I didn't think much to Cannon and Ball, maybe it's me but they didn't seem to fit in somehow.

Still no word from Cleggscap, Compo Clegg and Foggy or Madame Pudden. Hope they haven't been permanently lost. You will have to send the ghillies out to beat the highlands, BigUnc, to try to flush out the tartan miniskirted haggis.

On the subject of oddities, in early episodes we are given the distinct impression on several occasions that Compo's wartime service was spent around Aldershot, and yet in the Milenium show he was involved in the retreat from Dunkirk.

In " the kink in Foggy's niblick" the reference to Oliver was made by Clegg responding to a comment by Foggy that certain items in the attic belonged to him. Clegg picked up a box marked "COD" and asked "Corporal Oliver Dewhurst?" The reference was obviously to the label, at all other times Foggy is referred to as Walter.

Mark, if you refer back to the correspondance commencing Tuesday 30th September on page 24 all will become clear.

In answer to your question young Slippery, have just been to the Gold site and attempted to post a message and was refered straight back here. So it looks as though this is the permanent thread while Gold is acting as a sort of repeater station. Quite weird. However it could be handy if any of the gang try to access the Gold site, at least they should end up where they belong.

Just checked the Gold site, and it appears that our posts are duplicated there but not recorded. Interesting to note also that we are identified there by name as soon as we arrive. Don't know whether to be worried or gratified.

So where are Wrinkly, Compo, Clegg and Foggy, Cleggscap, Slippery, Mark and Madame Pudden? Late on parade again. We shall have to put them on a 252. I suggest sentence of one hour on the naughty step.

Reporting in, BigUnc. Tried this morning but there appeared to be some problem, gave up after the eleventy fifth attempt. Not a bad site once the teething problems are overcome. Wonder how long it will be before some pursed lipped busybody queries our existance on this board. Never mind, let's hope the rest of the gang soon join us, including those who have been absent for some time.

Don't have a go at him, Eccles, he is still suffering the long term effects of FRD (Fig Roll Deprivation) it will take a little while for his system to reaclimatise.

O mighty Jen, ensconced above,
Hear us now express our love.
Of Summer Wine.
Play new editions, please, we beg
Of Foggy, Compo and old Clegg
In Summer Wine.
Don't start again from Series One,
It's seen so much it's no more fun.
Poor Summer Wine.
If you do then let us view
All the series, specials too
Of Summer Wine.
When this is done we'll cease our badger,
Constant carp, complaint and nadger.
Our Summer Whine!

Now I had thought that this ringing in my ears was due to old age, I realise now that it is Caledonian tintinnabulation borne south on the autumn wind as the end of the Great Fig Roll Famine is celebrated.

I have noticed this business of staying logged on as well. I have just had a look at the site to see what has been posted and note that not only have I a sign in the top left saying "Welcome Grumpy Uncle" but I can immediately transmit this message without signing in. Maybe another miracle, that's two in two days, maybe tom orrow will bring the answer that mankind has been asking all this time. "When can we have some new repeats?"
With regard to the delectable Madame Pudden it is my sad fear that she is a victim of the Great Fig Roll Famine that is cutting such a swathe through the Highlands at this time.

Had similar problems with my first contribution today, BigUnc, had to retype the (censored) thing three times and go back and forth tapping "preview", ending up with a blank screen and tapping backspace to get back to square one. Every time I tried to contact UKTV to report the problem I got told I had a "broken link".
One thing has sprung from all this, our posts are being read by a Higher Being, (the Almight Jen), so it is possible that our requests are being seen even if they are not being acted upon. One more reason to carry on the good fight.Grey Power!! (Or as my barberess insists on calling it, platinum blonde)

By the Powers!! Amessage from on high! I always thought God might be a female! While we still have this tenuous link, O mighty Jen, can you answer the question always asked by us mere mortals? When can we expect more up to date repeats?
I remain your very 'umble servent, (bow, bow, scrape,scrape) Grumpy.

Well it looks as though the end is nigh for our fun and games. next Tuesday Drama ceases to exist, being replaced by Alibi which will be a crime channel and will doubtless establish their own message boards, leaving our deathless prose to gurgle away down the wastepipe. Which begs the question, what do we do? I have had a look at Gold and there is very little correspondance on LOSW, certainly nothing like the monolith we have created here. So, do we transfer en masse and continue our offensive?Or do we quietly fade away? If the former then "Cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war!" and I'll see you at the barricades. If the latter then I would like to thank you all for your friendship, humour, and hours of fun that I have had with you discussing our favourite program. God Bless, and keep the faith. Grumpy.

Just received the DVD of Series 11and 12. As we expected it consists of what we refer to as Series 10 and 11, thus neatly winding up the Michael Aldridge connection, with the exception of his brief appearance in "Return of the Warrior" of course. Two Christmas specials are included, "Crums" (1988) and "What's Santa brought for Nora then?" (1989) Still no news on what is included for the next release, and no advance notice of any further goodies in the offing. Still, we live in hope.

Clegg might be appeased,( or even mushy appeased), if you refered to it as Battyberg cake, BigUnc.

After much deliberation I think I have solved BigUnc's problem. In order to preserve his avuncular plumpness and at the same time his affiliation to LOSW he will have to resort to a diet of Norah butties.

Would Kendal Mint cake be acceptable? With Norah's famous onion gravy, of course!

Can you send him some of your cakes, Eccles? I'm afeared he won't survive the Great Fig Roll Famine of '08 else. If we are not careful he will be reduced to haggisburgers and God help us all then.

You will have to convert to jammy dodgers, BigBro, can't have you wasting away. But where is the rest of the gang? Aren't they going to come out to play? Incidently have heard a rumour that Peter Sallis will be taking more of a back seat, obviously due to failing health, and only appearing occasionally. Can anyone confirm this?

No, my slippery friend, we haven't been silenced. Think of it as a period of quiet contemplation of the recent series and of girding one's loins for the long fight ahead to (a) make sure that LOSW continues to grace our screens for as long as possible, and (b) fight to persuade the powers-that-be to at least give us some more up to date repeats. We shall fight them on the beaches and in the hills. We shall fight them on the landing grounds and in the hedgerows. We shall NEVER surrender... Damn it, my cigars gone out.

Quite right, BigUnc, excerpt was from "Wheelies" but no sign of Foggy. Pity that there has never been a program detailing what was supposed to have happened to other members of the cast. We never knew whether Blamire married the ex NAAFI girl from Oswestry, or if Foggy and the post lady did get married, or if Seymour's teaching job was a success. Would be interesting to know.

Agree with you about Peter, he seemed quite unsteady on the path through the heather and by the canal. It was nice seeing the three of them out in the hills again though, like old times. Can only assume that the 27th was either supposed to be the date that Compo died or the date he was buried. If my memory serves that was not clarified in the actual episode. Also of course Compo was supposed to have celebrated the millenium in France (Last Post and Pigeon) which would have made it 8 years not 10. Strange.

That's the trouble with all these repeats, you lose track of who is where. Pity though, I think it could have been hilarious. Not too sure about Russ Abbott, I know he is very talented but I keep getting this impression of his inarticulate, red headed Scotsman. Not very LOSW but I am sure Madame Haggis will be pleased!

Personally I would sooner see Billy Hardcastle back than Cannon and Ball. How about Arkwright and Granville having a day out and getting involved with Auntie? That could be interesting.

Reference the Airborne Caledonian Pudden I think she has got her tartan miniskirt tangled in her Zimmer frame. Unusual for a female to be so quiet for so long. Wasn't Norah's sister in Australia? I seem to remember that when Kathy went back to Crossroads Norah was supposed to be visiting her sister in Oz, that was shortly after the death of Compo.

Hey FamousEck, when we go to the pub after the show for God's sake don't suggest a game of darts. BigUnc would put Eli in the shade.

You keep hitting the wrong keys, BigUnc, should have gone to Specsavers.

Have just noticed in Radio Times that Clive Swift (Keeping up appearances) and Roger Lloyd Pack (Only fools and horses) will be in a new BBC sitcom called The Old Guys next year. They will play the parts of two elderly singletons who refuse to act their age and spend most of their time lusting after their neighbour. Sound familiar? Is it possible that, given the increasing age and infirmity of Our Heroes, this is being advanced as a possible replacement?

Wrinkly, referring back to your comments re the background laughter in LOSW, Roy Clarke stated in the anniversary show that he objected to canned laughter and that which is heard on the broadcast is the actual reaction of the studio audience when the show is previewed. According to Peter Sallis one of the biggest problems was trying to judge how much of a pause to leave to allow for the laugh whilst filming. It says much for their professionalism that they so rarely got it wrong. Maybe we should all get together and attend one of these previews, could make a great night out. As long as we can keep BigUnc off the Talisker until the show is over.

Secret communications? My Big brother is getting very sneaky. The lengths he will go to for that Talisker! Mummy and Daddy will make him sit on the naughty step for that.

No shortage of figgy rolls down here in the Midlands, BigUnc, will have to send Red Cross parcels to you if things get desperate. In the meantime beware of the evil bands of reivers prowling about looking to rob unsuspecting senior citizens of their fruity treats. Like the famous Eck I can't make head nor tail of the previous few posts. Wrinklie's initial post, your reply and what appears to be a subsequent Wrinklism all appear to have been subjected to the cruel attentions of the thought police. You haven't been speaking Latin again have you?

Welcome back, Famous Three, wondered why you hadn't come out to play, didn't realise you were remaking Carry On Nurse. Hope you are better now.

Suddenly everyone is acting out of character. Howard chasing after Pearl instead of Marina? Barry being positive? We seem to have entered the Twilight Zone.

Re the magic 500, Famous Ecc, I shall defer to the rest of the board, unless Wrinkley is putting up the Glenlivet as a prize.

What did you expect,BigUnc? It must be at least three weeks since they showed the first series, that's a long time. And you know their motto, "When in doubt start all over again". Reference the cafe, quite right, first time it has appeared, but note still no exterior shots. Familiar scenery becoming very scarce, so far only one exterior view of Auntie's shop, none of the cafe, none of the usual pubs and only one or two of the exterior of Cleggy's. the only locating shot that has consistantly appeared is Norah's house. Note also that Tom and the policemen are missing from next Sunday's cast.

Mark, with reference to your comment regarding the more senior members of the cast being unable to participate in a very active scenario, I agree that at their age leaping about on the moors would be too much to expect. But at the same time much of the humour of the series has derived from the dialogue, remember Clegg's ramblings about Hitler being a member of the Ovalteenies, and a Yorkshireman being the first to discover America? That sort of humour doesn't require much activity. Maybe a Lancastrian should be introduced, possibly doing missionary work, which could spark some inter county commentary.

Once again they are playing ducks and drakes with the cast, this time no Auntie Wainwright , no Tom and no policemen and very little of Ivy, Norah and Marina. Again few, if any, familiar location shots. Reasonably amusing episode if a bit spasmodic. Shirley Ann Field wears well, I reckon BigUnc is still recumbent in a darkened room with a wet towel on his head. There is still something lacking in this series, personaly I think Billy Hardcastle needs to return, he and Alvin could revitalise the show.

I was communicating in stereo actually. Really getting into all this electronic gadgetry now.

That Talisker is getting to you, BigUnc, switch over to Lucozade.

That Talisker is getting to you, BigUnc, switch over to Lucozade.

Definitely a senior moment, BigBro, one among too many these days. Agree with your comments re both episode and Cope. A pity, but as I said before ROY Clarke must be finding things an up hill struggle trying to work out (a) what characters he can use, (b) what they are capable of physically, and (c) where he can put them. Not an easy task, so I think we should forgive him the odd sub standard piece. And keep your lust buds under control, what with that and chasing after Wrinkly Wandsworth's Talisker you'll do yourself a permanent. Not to mention Madame Pudden getting on your case because you are lusting after another woman!

So, no Tom this time, still no Ivy and again very little of Norah Batty. There were outside shots of Auntie's shop and Pearl and Howard's house but very few other familiar locations. It seems increasingly clear that LOSW is having to operate under budgetry constraints, using lots of outside shots of the open countryside which don't have to be paid for, while the actors seem to be having to take it in turns to appear. It must make life difficult for poor old Roger Clarke trying to create comedy situations with limited resources.

Have you had a look at the message boards on Gold? The only comments about LOSW are people wanting it removed. And the way it is laid out is pathetic. If this does transpire what are we going to do? Move over there or stay here and set up a resistance movement? They are a funny lot on Gold, very militant, seem to be mainly soap fans.

Just seen the latest cast list for next week's episode and still no Ivy, it looks as though you are right, Mark. It is to be hoped that Jane does not have to give up as she has done so much to help make the progamme a success. I am sure we all wish her a speedy return to health. Back to the subject of this website. It appears to falling to pieces, it is still on a very slow go slow, it has taken me over 5 minutes to get through, the first time I typed this and pressed preview it gave up after a while and the screen went blank, the second time it got through to actually previewing but there was no button to post and this is my third attempt. Will the webmasters or thought police, whoever monitors and oversees our scribblings please put another 50p in the meter.

You may well be right, young Eccles, however they did take Morecombe and Wise at one time, didn't they? Maybe they could cut one of the Delia Smith's "500 different ways to boil water" series to make room for it. Incidently, is anyone else having problems accessing this site? This afternoon it has taken ages to get any response and the whole set up seems to be working in slow motion, very slow motion. I was blaming my computer, Mildred, but now I am not sure it was her fault.

There is something strange going on with this current series. Last night's episode, no Ivy, no Pearl, very little of Norah, no cafe, no outside views of Auntie's shop. In fact the only familiar outside location was Glenda and Barry's house, no outside shots of Clegg's, none of the usual pubs, in fact few, if any, shots of Holmforth at all. Could this be due to budgetry restraints? If so it must put a hell of a strain on Roy Clarke trying to come up with new ideas, being fair to all the established characters who seem to be taking it in turn to appear, and limited as to location. We know the BBC is reorganising and we know that some of the residents are demanding higher payments for the use of their properties, it will be a pity if this lethal combination sounds the death knell for our favourite programme. Maybe one of the other corporations might make a bid for it.

I think we should move to re-register LOSW as a soap. That way we should not have similar problems to last weeks as they never dare mess about with soaps. With reference to my bibulous brother's comments re first episode shown on BBC2, I cannot be sure, but I am certain it has never been shown on ITV or Channels four and five if that's any help.

Glenmorangie is nice, but I prefer Chivas Regal.

Stop thinking about that Talisker, BigUnc, and concentrate on your typing.

Well Gnomey I hope those happy memories keep you watching. Your earlier post was a little despondant and we can't afford to lose any support during these turbulent times. The last episode may not have been to your liking but let's face it, it was better than no LOSW at all. It's even brought Madam Pudden back into circulation from her Hebridean eyrie.

Well Gnomey I hope those happy memories keep you watching. Your earlier post was a little despondant and we can't afford to lose any support during these turbulent times. The last episode may not have been to your liking but let's face it, it was better than no LOSW at all. It's even brought Madam Pudden back into circulation from her Hebridean eyrie.

Perhaps the absence of the cafe plus the absence of Auntie's shop has something to do with the owner's demands for higher payment for the use of their properties. It is possible that these extra costs will limit the number of times these venues can be used. Russ Abbott will make an interesting addition to the ranks, but I can't help wishing that it was Billy Hardcastle returning instead. Still, whether you thought the episode was good or bad at least it has brought people out to play again, the thread was becoming quite threadbare!

Quite an unusual episode. No Nora, no Ivy, no Marina, no Tom, no Auntie and no BBC 1, thanks to the eternal bonk bonk of Wombleden. And not all that much of Cleggy, Truly and Pearl. Still, nice to see some of the minor characters take a more positive role, some of the ideas for modern policing should be adopted by the real force, loved the empty can method of tagging.

You are very fortunate, Mark812, a lot of us here envy you. Keep an eye on things and let us know anything interesting that happens.

Intersting to note that the scenes with Auntie's emporium were all internal shots. Maybe this is evidence of the problems encountered with residents demanding higher payments for use of their properties. We shall have to see if this continues in later episodes. Bad luck if the news about Smiler is correct. I am sure I speak for all members of this thread in wishing him a speedy recovery, and thanking him for all the hours of pleasure he has given us. May he get fit soon and make a welcome return.

Just had an inspiration. Phoned the Holmfirth Tourist Information Centre and they informed me that LOSW have been filming since 8th June and are scheduled to continue until 6th July! So it looks as though we should have our fix next year at least.

Unbridled optimism possibly, BigBro, but I always regard the glass as being half full, not half empty. As you say, we will wait and see. Back with Smiler, it is my understanding that Billy Hardcastle left volountarily due to prior commitments and, as I postulated, possibly Smiler couldn't make the first shooting schedule for the same reason. However, I am sure he will make a reappearance later on. In the meantime does anyone know if filming is taking place in Holmforth this year?

There were reports last year that there had been problems with some of the locations for the show, the owners of the various properties demanding a considerable increase in their recompense. It is possible that the set dressers had to find alternative methods of continuity and for this reason couldn't fit in Auntie, Smiler and her shop into the first episode. Why Smiler isn't listed in next week's offering is unknown, there is nothing on the net of him being ill, or of leaving the show. Maybe he was absent through other commitments. With reference to the implication of eleven episodes maybe we are going to get the "special" as well?

Couldn't agree with you more, BigUnc.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm getting a severe case of deja vue. I think that this constant repitition has been going on for so long that the planners now regard it as a tradition. Oh look, it's July, time to start from episode 1 again! We do love these quaint old customs, mustn't let them fade away.

Things are looking up! A foreign utterance and you haven't been vanished, could it be that the overseers are on their annual holiday?

Er.......Could you repeat that, BigUnc?

Don't see why, famouseck, they can cut off the program but I can't see them silencing us. Not unless they spend a lot of time vanishing everyone who comes out to play anyway. Can you imagine anyone trying to silence BigUnc? You would hear the explosion in Australia!

Anyone else out there feel like screaming with frustration? How many more times must we implore the "planners" to screen some more recent episodes? Hopefully by now the discs/tapes must be wearing out through the constant repitition and maybe, just maybe, they will be adventerous enough to try a new one.

At long last, great news. It looks as though the much advertised "special" isn't going to materialise though. Or maybe it will appear this Christmas?

On the subject of disappearances, both Big Unc and I suffered this fate some days ago after some backchat in various foreign languages. Browsing back through this thread I found that in 2007 BigUnc indulged in quite a few posts translating "Last of the Summer Wine" into Italian and Spanish without the indignity of being vanished. So when and why did the Thought Police change their policy?

We'll find out tomorrow, I don't think they work on sundays.

You are right CF&C, the DVD release is getting confusing, but I must disagree with you about stopping after Compo's demise. Although he left a hole that could not be replaced there were some excellent episodes with Alvin and Billy Hardcastle that are worth watching again. I just wish they would release them as quickly as they release some of the crap that they consider worthy of note.

If you recall they started advertising Series 11&12 before 9&10 was released, hopefully they will do the same with 13&14 as September approaches.

I just tried some fake german and they vanished that. Obviously they just vanish anything they cannopt understand. Gives you a nice feeling to know that all those taxes spent on education have not been wasted doesn't it?

Not just history and classical languages, young Eccles, but also a sense of humour and common or garden courtesy. Calm down, Bigunc, you will blow a gasket if you are not careful.

Maybe they were scared off by Eccles threats to form a Save the Uncles Liberation Front. Grey Power!!

To the organisers, webmasters or controllers of these threads. A friend of mine, BigUnc, and myself have been subjected to having our comments summarily removed on numerous occasions recently. As these comments were neither obscene, subversive or in any way offensive would you please have the courtesy of informing us why this should be? This is supposed to be a land of free speech and I fail to see the harm of light hearted banter between friends with a common interest or any reason as to why such exchanges should be subject to draconian censorship. The common courtesy of a reply would be much appreciated.

My comments have also been vanished. Either the Thought Police dissapprove of Latin or they have got some weird problems with Uncles. What the hell is going on?

Ah, the low two as opposed to the high five!

Perhaps your good lady has run out of vanishing cream, BigUnc.

Cleggscap, after you have clicked on to the message boards click on to "Jump to the most recent post", that takes you to the last entry. I think they are trying to make it up to me for vanishing previous posts. Now they have duplicated my last one. Is it possible they have put us in the hands of someone on work experience?

Your posts are vanishing again Big Unc, someone up there has got it in for you. I'm not sure whether we are in the Twilight Zone or the X files at this rate.

Your posts are vanishing again Big Unc, someone up there has got it in for you. I'm not sure whether we are in the Twilight Zone or the X files at this rate.

It does also say that the artwork is subject to change. I think we can only wait and see.

Not yesterday, young Eccles, a couple of days ago Both Big Unc and I were disappeared for some reason. I suppose something we said annoyed the Thought Police, or you could be right about the longest thread title.

Hi Uncle W., welcome to the ranks. Always nice to get new recruits. With reference to your query regarding First of the Summer Wine the answer is no, but if you read back over previous entries on this thread you will see that we are actively campaigning for either it's re-showing or release on DVD. Add your weight to the effort.

Perhaps we should write to Roy Clarke c/o the BBC and see if he could clarify the situation?

That's a shame, I was really getting my hopes up.

Compo, Clegg and Foggy, the dates shown on the DVD's are the dates on which they were recorded, not the actual transmission dates. Transmission was usually the year following filming.

Series 9 was transmitted in 1986. The only episode broadcast in 1987 was the special "Big Day at Dream Acres". series 10 was broadcast in 1988, series 11 in1989 and series 12 in 1990.
Finally, some good news (hopefully) TV.com states that LOSW (returning series) will be broadcast next Sunday on BBC1 at 5.45. I shall wait until that is confirmed in the Radio Times but keep your fingers crossed everyone.

At least you saw my original comments, BigUnc, I was begining to think I had dreamt the whole sequence. For the life of me I can't see the harm to the general public of a cross dressing haggis. Apart from the obvious, that is.

My post of 5.36 Friday the 9th was edited. This morning I posted a comment about this. It was removed within a very short space of time. I then posted a further comment listing the original and speculating as to why my secondary comments had been deleted. This also was removed vey abruptly. As to why I have no idea, however, if any correspondence concerning me receives no reponse please don't think it is ill manners on my behalf, obviously some one in authority has taken umbrage.

I saw that you had been vanished, Big unc, but I put it down to that new strange creature that is stalking the glens and moors of fair Caledonia, the haggis. Apparently it lures it's prey with a bagpipe rendition of the LOSW theme accompanied by the fragrant scent of tatties and neeps. Have a care, brother, no man is safe now.

My dear madam Pudden. You are quite right, I would never put the boot in on a lady. I was encouraging my Big Bro so to do. You shouldn't wear those tartan mini skirts, from here, south of the border, it is easy to mistake it for a kilt. However that is no excuse for not realising that your inattention to our masculine ramblings was merely a female trait, and not the aberations of a little dillop. You are excused the naughty step, and may have some supper.

Grumpy uncle (Grumpy Honest!!)

It is even more complicated, BigBro, they have also made Series13&14 available for preorder notification. When you click on that and scroll down it shows Series 11&12 with Seymour listed as the third man!! My head is begining to hurt.

You tell him BigBro, put the boot in and banjo him. He is always doing this, not paying attention. I think he should sit on the naughty step for two hours then go straight to bed without any supper.

Have just had a look at the UKTVGold message boards. There is no equivalent to this thread dealing exclusively with LOSW, just a couple of rather negative comments, but they seem even grumpier than us about repeats in general. So I would think even if Gold does take up the slack as BigBro posited the results will be the same as Drama, an endless merry go round of the same episodes.

Hey BigUnc, do you think there may be a possibility of the powers that be using this break to sort out some NEWER episodes for us? Or am I just abandoning myself to an orgy of wishful thinking?

That is a very cryptic comment, Spelt001, could you elaborate as to source? Is this going to be permanent or just a break before starting a new series?

Thanks for that info, C,F&C, have managed to locate The Moonbather on Abe Books and am looking forward to it's arrival. Once again many thanks.

Hi Cleggscap, only got the ISBN number for the first one, the relevant page is missing for the second. It is 0 586 05903 2, that is the one about Getting Sam Home. It's a good read and I have had many a chuckle over it, must have read it seven or eight times but I still laugh.

I have in my possession two LOSW paperbacks written by Roy Clarke, the first is simply titled Last of the Summer Wine and was first published in 1974 and then reprinted in 1983. It is the story of Getting Sam home and follows the script completely with some additional scenes and action. The second is titled Summer Wine chronicles, Gala Week, and is a story, featuring Seymour as the third man, which centres around Compo deciding to present Norah Batty with a live peacock instead of a singing telegram on her birthday. the action then goes on to the town's gala day with all it's subsequent mayhem.
I managed to acquire these at a jumble sale, and since then have been scouring all the second hand book shops to see if any more were published. Does anyone know if there were any others? Any info would be gratefully received.

Although still listed as 9&10 the DVD consists of episodes 1-6 of series 9 on disc 1, episodes 7-12 on disc 2, and Uncle of the bride, Merry Christmas Father Christmas and Big Day at Dream Acres on disc 3. Think you are right about Trade Decription Act, C,F & C.

Hi Porgie,welcome to the thread. With reference to your query, the only major character whose death has been addressed was Compo. All of the others passed unremarked although they were often refered to. They include Michael Bates (Blamire), Michael Aldridge (Seymour), Joe Gladwin (Wally), Gordon Wharmby (Wesley), Dame Thora Hird (Edie) and Danny O' Dea (Eli). It remains to be seen whether Brian Wilde (Foggy) will be acknowledged in some way.

Not guilty, Famous Three, apart from anything else I wouldn't know how. I have enough trouble logging on, not being an electronic whizzkid. I totally agree with you that we should be thankful that another DVD is being released, I just wish they would speed things up. Incidently it is strange that the BBC shop only lists Series 1&2, 3&4 and 5&6. You would think that they of all people would carry the full range of what is available.

I admire your concise analysis, Big Unc, and admit that it is very logical. However you have overlooked one thing, to wit we are dealing with the inept and illogical bean counters who program such things. Judging by their present scheduling they will most likely just re-issue Series 1&2 sometime in the distant future in the hope that most of the existing fans will be long dead and it will therefore seem new and bright. All we can do is hope and pray that SOMETHING is released before we all collapse into a dribbling, twitching, semi comatose state in some hospice.

We can but try.

I entirely agree that it would be great to see "First of the Summer Wine" on DVD, my little airborne Caledonian pudding, but I think that I am correct in saying that neither Bill Owen or Brian Wilde had any part in that venture, only Peter Sallis. By the same token Brian Wilde wasn't in "Of funerals and fish" either. So it is highly unlikely that the Beeb will act on your suggestion, even if they did read the posts on this thread, which is also highly unlikely, more's the pity.

Another sad day for all LOSW fans with the news of the death of Brian Wilde. Although not part of the original trio I think most people would agree that the episodes including Foggy Dewhurst became the defining image of the series. Thanks for all the hours of enjoyment, Foggy. RIP

You are entitled to your opinions, Gnomeandaway, and to express them, and I will uphold your right to do so even though I think you are wrong. But, I do urge you to reconsider and not to dismiss LOSW out of hand purely in the case of one, in your opinion, disappointment. You cannot please all of the people all of the time and you do admit that you have been an avid fan, at least until the last series. Let us hope that the new series, if and whenever it is aired, will rekindle your enthusiasm. And if the BBC schedule team ever read these posts, MAKE IT SOON.

Does anyone know when the new series of LOSW is likely to appear on our screens? Each week I eagerly grab the Radio Times in anticipation only to be disappointed again. The so called Christmas Special is obviously a thing of the past, although it was apparently filmed, and, if LOSW is going to continue it will soon be time to start filming again and still no sign. It is begining to look as though the programme has been quietly dumped.

Hi Wrinkly, "A Merry Heatwave" was on DVD on Series 3&4. Believe it is still available at Amazon.

A thud on the doormat heralded the arrival of Series 7&8. On with the leather jacket with the club logo on the back, (Too old to die young), fired up the old zimmer frame and down to the town for a quick burn up round the local Co-op with the rest of the local chapter of Hell's Granpas. Back home for a gourmet meal of baked beans en crout flambe, and an evening spent lounging in front of the TV in my white tuxedo and Snoopy slippers watching "Getting Sam Home" while sipping a snifter of camomile tea ( stirred not shaken ). What a perfect day.

Can't have you transferring your allegiences like that, famouseccles, you had better spend a couple of hours sitting on the naughty step considering the consequences of your actions, we can't afford to lose any followers.

A stray thought. BigUnc, as performers get a payment for repeats could it be that repeating all these early episodes which contain so many friends who have now shuffled off this mortal coil represent a saving for the powers that be, instead of having to pay those that are still with us? Possibly an uncharitable thought but I must confess to a growing sense of cynicism in my old age.

Terry, that was Come in Sunray Major, episode 2 in Series 12 first broadcast in 1990.

It's all very well to encourage Lucifer to watch the later episodes, Cleggscap, we would all relish the chance to see some of them on UKTVDrama if only the (censored),(censored) people could summon up the energy to reach just that bit further for another video, instead of re-cycling the same old two or three which we have been subjected to for the last two years.

Do try to keep up, young Haggis, your end of term report has now been marked "Must pay more attention." Do it again and you will be kept in during playtime.

Amazon uk are taking advanced orders for 7&8 and have advertised the release date as 03/03/08. Maybe they know something the Beeb doesn't, which is not surprising as the staff there now appear to have barely left school. Fingers and all other appendages will now be crossed in hope that Amazon is right.

Jack 296 was not winding you up, Big Unc, I saw the programme on TV Gold with a man signing in the bottom left hand corner, most distracting. With reference to Bubbles' information regarding Series 5&6 I checked the website and "All mod conned" was advertised, but when I sent for it the one I received was the version without it. I have returned it and asked for the version as advertised but so far have not received any reply. Let us hope it will surface in March.

Pity you didn't find that schedule before your major investment with Amazon Big Unc, but never mind, it's still good news we are going to get Getting Sam Home. It's funny that they have been repeating a lot of these episodes recently. Maybe when the DVD comes out they might start showing some from a new series, at least that will be a novelty for a while.

If your new Scottish constitution enables you to throw your money about in such reckless profusion, BigUnc, I shall have to consider moving north of the border.

You are so right, Bubbles, but I fear you are throwing snowballs at the moon, the most we can expect are re-runs of the politically correct, multicultural, health and safety and human righted programmes that are the blight of the airways at present. Entertainment, it would seem, is now as extinct as the dinosaurs.

At least it proves someone does read these comments, BigUnc, pity they don't react to them though. I am getting to the stage where I can recite the dialogue along with the boys, they have been repeated so much.

Some days ago I posted this thread detailing a website that was petitioning for all episodes of LOSW to be released on DVD. It has apparently been deleted, could it be that the organisers of this site are trying to suppress any such motion?

At last the web team have finished their extended Christmas break and re-opened the message boards. Have seen the program schedule up to the 11th January and still no sign of the promised "Christmas" special. Has anyone out there got any more definite news of when this might be expected? Happy New Year to all the regulars on this thread, let us hope it will be more beneficial to all us LOSW fans.

Heartily endorse your sentiments regarding TV Gold/Drama, Bubbles, but some good news for you, DVD Series 5-6 contains three Christmas Specials,
Small tune on a penny wassail (1978), And a Dewhurst up a fir tree (1979), and Whoops! (1981). Hope you enjoy.

Mary Krimble and all that Yuletide crap. (Scrooge was right, you know.)

Sorry to disapoint, Bubbles 7, for a lot of the time over the holiday period UKGold isn't showing any LOSW, and when they are they have moved it to early morning prior to 9 o'clock. UK Drama are still rehashing the same old episodes, we have the giant plastic carrot,Compo trying to get into Norah's bedroom, the one with the metal detector etc. They seem to be obsessed with the current "celebrity" syndrome. Maybe they should combine them all into "Get my celebrity big brother out of this strictly come dancing circus." Even then it would be nice if they could actually find some "celebrities" that we had even heard of.

Just got the Radio Times Christmas Edition and it looks bleak for us LOSW fans. No Christmas Special during the holiday period and UKTV Drama and UKTV Gold are just ploughing through the same old repeats they have been showing for the past twelve months. The least they could have done would have been to put on one of the old Christmas numbers on Christmas Day.

In answer to Roxymusic100, I think you will find that UKTVDrama and UKTVGold frequently exchange tapes. LOSW used to be on Gold,(inmy opinion it's proper place) and if you check Gold's schedule you will find that tonight, for example, they are showing an evening of New Tricks and Jonathan Creek, programmes that should be on Drama. Basically it means that they can recycle the same tired old episodes and not bother with new material. If you check the other LOSW message board (which has been in operation for some time with some 132 entries) you will read some of the comments LOSW fans have about this recycling process. The fact that you have been allocated a completely new slot answers your question. ie They don't really care, the easy option is best,...for them.

Have heard a rumour that LOSW will be one of the programs to be cut under the new BBC financial iniative. So far have been unable to confirm the truth of this. Has anyone else heard anything?

Champagne, BigUnc, or at the very least a sparkling elderflower.

Water into Summer Wine, BigUnc? Hasn't that been done before somewhere? Please don't make it sodawater, otherwise we shall have to change the name to Last of the Summer Spritzers.

Cleggscap has a point with regard to Roy Clarke finding it difficult to keep on producing new scenarios for the series. I don't know whether Roy views this messageboard, ( perhaps he does under the codename of BigUnc?) but it might be worth while suggesting a few ideas for him. For example, Clegg confined to bed with flu or some other minor ailment and Howard trying to install Marina as his nurse. Or Auntie Wainright getting involved with computers and trying to sell her junk on Ebay. Iam sure that, given the idea, Roy could apply his unique sense of the ridiculous and turn out another masterpiece. What other ideas can we come up with?

You are naughty, young Haggis, you haven't been following the threads. Your school report has been marked "Can do better".
Big Unc., you said in your post of 22/09/07 that the two drunks only appeared the once, but i think you will find that they also appeared in "Welcome to Earth" the 1993 Christmas Special.

Young Cleggscap, regret to say Danny O Dea died in 2002. His character seems to have been quietly forgotten.

Young Cleggscap, regret to say Danny O Dea died in 2002. His character seems to have been quietly forgotten.

Ursus, welcome to the message board. If you go back through the earlier messages you will see that the first six series of LOTSW are available on DVD. They can be obtained either through the BBC shop or from your local video store. The program has always been produced in colour.

Totally agree with Flying Haggis, the thing that annoys me is some of the crap that they do put onto DVD. Surely LOSW should stand higher in the ratings than some of that rubbish.

At last we have found out what happened to Billy Hardcastle. He has moved to Coronation St., or, rather, Keith Clifford has. I suppose the schedule would have been too much to cope with, let alone the contractual difficulties. Still a pity, he'll be missed.

Understand your apprehension, BigUnc, why is it not possible for a representative of UKTV to reply to some of the points that are made on these messageboards? At least we would then know what to expect from the future. Anyone got any ideas, apart from mustering the Queen's Own Pensioners to march on Broadcasting House?

Hey up Cleggscap, not a question of bedtimes. Just frustration of dealing with recalcitrant electrical gadgetry that seems to have a mind of it's own. I now fully understand Basil Fawlty thrashing his car and have every sympathy with him. I think my laptop must be a teenager, it exhibits all the signs. Bring back the quill!!

Some good news for a change. Filming is currently underway for the 2008 series, so we do have something to look forward to. Now all we have to do is persuade the Beeb to release a few more sets which include the Christmas specials, and , maybe, The First of the Summer Wine?

Some good news for a change. Filming is currently underway for the 2008 series, so we do have something to look forward to. Now all we have to do is persuade the Beeb to release a few more sets which include the Christmas specials, and , maybe, The First of the Summer Wine?

What Happened to Billy Hardcastle? sounds like a LOSW title. It will be a pity if he has been written out. Truly, Alvin and Billy would have been the natural team to carry on should anything, God Forbid, happen to poor old Peter Sallis. Does anyone know if a further series has been commissioned? The current series was filmed last year and I don't know if there has been any filming done recently. I sincerely hope the young, spotty faced executive oiks at the Beeb have not got their wish to cancel approved.

Still no sign of Billy Hardcastle. Have checked internet and he would appear to be still with us. Anyone know why he has been dropped? Or was he just too young? I would hate to think that reverse ageism is creeping in.

I think they might be listening! The 7th, 8th and 9th April we have back to back episodes in sequence of series 1-4. In addition series 5 & 6 are now available on DVD and includes the Christmas Specials of 1978, 1979 and 1981. Let us hope that this policy continues, in the meantime thank you very much.

While we are on the subject, how about rerunning First of the Summer Wine? To the best of my knowledge this series has never been repeated. Wouldn't it be nice to see the whole sequence from First to Last.

Other channels run back to back episodes of other series, why can't we have a LOTSW day or better still week, with the whole run being shown in sequence? Surely this is not beyond the capabilities of the program planners, although it would mean they have to earn their money for once.

I totally agree with Badger (7th July 2006), it is now March 2007 and the same episodes are still being shown. For Pete's sake find some different episodes, why can't you show them all, in sequence?