Well, I've been reading the above reports as they have filtered in and it's quite obvious that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend.
This was a Meet that I have wanted to do for some time and for many reasons, but primarily it was so that forum members could get to meet my pal Bernie, who appeared in the film. I've known Bernie for getting on for nearly a quarter of a century and we've been good friends ever since we first met. He certainly has some fascinating stories to tell, not only about his time on the set and behind the scenes with Spring & Port Wine, but from his other showbiz exploits over the years. It was marvellous to hear him regaling stories to all of us. Stories about having worked with Tommy Cooper, and Freddie Starr to name just a couple. To have him and his lovely wife Pauline join us for the whole Meet was simply the icing on the cake for everyone.
Saturday saw an early start for many of us as we made the long trek to Lancashire. I stopped off along the way to show mega Fred Dibnah fan, John Steed, the house where Fred built the ornate chimney for his mother c1955, and also one of the famous chimneys that Fred worked on in the 80s - Swan Lane. Following parking up at the hotel and a quick meet up with Bernie to finalise plans for the Meet the following day, we found ourselves in our first Bolton pub of the weekend. A couple or 4 pints later it was time to check in at the hotel and then a quick wash and brush up later, we were heading South in taxis for an evening in nearby Manchester.
Sunday saw another fresh start with an awful breakfast in Wetherspoons. Thankfully it was all good from here on in and soon it was time to meet the rest of the squad, along with Bernie & Pauline in front of another one of Fred Dibnah's workplaces - Bolton Town Hall.
With the Meet now underway, we had a casual stroll through the town, following in the Landrover tracks of Arthur Gasket & Florence Crompton. Following on we visited the site of the crash when Arthur rolls into the car in front, and then it was on to the final resting place of the great man himself, ,Fred Dibnah. I've been here a few times over the years and it's always poignant, but to visit it with a group of fellow fans was something special. From here it was on to Fred's house. In true 43tv Meet fashion, we not only got to see Fred's house, but were also invited to have a wander around Freds workshop garden. A real treat for all of the squad. The final destination of the morning tour saw us at Gorse Steps, where Daisy Crompton falls as she runs away from home.
Then it was back into town for a liquid lunch at The Old Man & Scythe.
The afternoon saw us all head off in cars to more iconic locations, including Queens Park, The Crompton House and Prestolee Locks. The latter and final location being possibly the most thought provoking one of the day as so little has changed here in the 53 that have passed since filming.
All too soon the Meet drew to a close and we bid farewell to our wonderful guests, Bernie & Pauline Smidowicz, who were given a huge round of applause as they drove away.
Back to the hotel for the rest of us and back into taxis to Manchester for our evening meal.
Sadly, it was the Manchester Derby on that particular day so the streets were full of the idiot factor who wanted nothing more than to hear themselves shout. So, it was decided that we head back to the hotel for a few quiet drinks. The time just flew by and before we knew it, it was 2.15am and Sam & I were still hurling single malt dowe our necks like it was going out of fashion!
A well earned nights kip and it was time for the farewell breakfast before heading home, reflecting on yet another hugely successful Meet as we caned the M6.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended. You all made the event the great weekend that it was. Special thanks as ever to those who drove around an area they had never driven around before. They were The Saint, D.C Burtonshaw & Peter Picard.
Thanks to both Stan & The Saint who treated me to an evening meal on Saturday and Sunday evening. Very much appreciated lads. thankyou.
Thanks to Dirty Epic, John Steed, Brown Granada, Windy Miller, Vienna & Charles Bronson who also furnished me with bottles of scotch, cider & Guinness in appreciation. Very much enjoyed lads - thanks!
Thanks to each and every one of you for making Bernie and Pauline so welcome on Sunday. It was great to see them both feel at home within the group.
Last but by no means least, a huge thank you to Bernie & Pauline themselves. As always it was a delight to be in your company throughout. An absolute privilege to be able to call you good family friends.
I have spoken with Bernie a few times since the Meet and he has also been reading all of your reports and he wants me to pass on his sincere regards to each of you.
This year has been an exhausting one so far for me. Not only planning and running 2 great 43tv forum Meets, but also other forum work such as the Randall & Hopkirk locations section. So, I'll be putting the maps away for a while and taking a break.
I'll leave you with a lovely reminder of that wonderful moment when Bernie recreated his part from the film for us all. Just click the arrow on the photo for the second picture.
Gene.