Dave Wyatt and Dick Bann
recording an interview with Hal Roach at the Park Lane Hilton in
London around 1986.
(photo courtesy of Richard
Bann)
Since the news of
Dave Wyatt's terrible accident came to light, the sons of the
desert have been in discussions to set up an appeal in aid of
poor Dave who was badly injured in a house fire recently.
Lifetime Laurel and Hardy fanatic and the man who found NOW I'LL
TELL ONE Dave lost all of his possessions in the fire which is a
truly traumatic experience alone. I urge you all to read through
this message and do what you can.
On the Saturday morning of the
Ulverston Convention, six of the Sons gathered
together to discuss the David Wyatt situation. They were Roger
Robinson (Saps At Sea), Del Kempster (Live Ghost), John Ullah
(Laughing Gravy), Willie McIntyre (Call of the Cuckoos), Steve
Robinson (Live Ghost), and Chris Coffey (Bacon Grabbers). Just
in case
you have not heard about the fire and David’s injuries, please
see the
Bowler Dessert web page.
We decided how we should proceed in the current circumstances.
Firstly we recognise that some Sons have already launched their
initiatives. These are welcomed and we wish them well, and thank
them
for their efforts. As yet we do not know the extent of David’s
loss
(and his materials are the tools of his livelihood)
Roger has opened a savings account, the “David Wyatt Fire Fund”,
and
this is the proper channel for financial donations.
If you prefer to offer goods, Roger will keep a record of
material
offered by other Sons, as David may not want or need copies of
everything. He will know which tools he does not need.
Chris advised that the Laurel & Hardy Charity Fund (aka Nancy
Wardell’s Charity Fund) cannot contribute as its policy is to
help
only registered charities, and usually only those who have
helped
particular Sons in need. (In fact over the weekend, Chris
received two
more nominations, the Hospice that helped Dougie Rimmer in his
final
days, and the Hospice that was due to take Barbara Cubin before
she
passed away suddenly).
At the evening meal, with all 126 attendees present, Roger
explained
about our meeting and the decisions we had made and why. Willie,
Del,
John and Chris also added a few words. During the meal people
were
invited to put in a message and sign the Get Well book. To start
the
David Wyatt Fire Fund, a collection was circulated and over six
hundred and sixty five pounds was donated.
Further donations from individuals or Tents can be sent to Roger
Robinson, 115 Neil Armstrong Way, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 5UE.
If you need further information, in no particular order, our
emails
are...
UK's Dave Wyatt Badly
Burned In House Fire UPDATED
Progess Updates
(updated May 9th
2009)
I went to see
Dave Wyatt in Hospital yesterday
(8/5/09). It was 12 days since I saw him last - what a
difference these 12 days have made! Although still in the Burns
Unit, he is no longer in an isolated ward with 2 dedicated
carers and under sedation. Instead, he is a small ward of 6 beds
(although he was the only patient there at this time) and now
without the need of constant bedside monitoring. I am delighted
to say that he was propped up in bed, awake, alert and
conversant. Yes it was much more like the Dave
Wyatt we know and love (or
something like that). This was also the first day since being in
hospital (about 4 weeks) that he has been able to eat food by
himself using cutlery. Dave and I talked for about 40 minutes
and during all this time he showed no sign of tiredness. He was
crystal clear in his thinking (I don't think he was before the
fire) and talked about what had happened, his excellent care in
hospital, the wonderful support that Sons of the Desert have
given him (he is now able to read the cards etc that have been
sent to him), the Statute Unveiling, the UK Convention and
discussed a few things in the future. He seems pretty focused on
the important thing in getting himself fit and is philosophical
about any loses that he has suffered. After all this time of
being confined to his bed, he tried to walk today but, not
surprisingly, found that he wasn't able to do so. He will be
having physiotherapy to literally get him back on his feet over
the next week or so. The burns are on his back but appear to be
healing well and
they were not causing Dave any discomfort as such.
It does appear to me that it is not always easy for casual
visitors to turn up at the Burns Unit and visit Dave, so I
strongly
recommend that if you intend to visit Dave at the moment, you
check with the hospital. (Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, 369
Fulham Road,London 020 8746 8000). cards and Get Well messages
can also be
sent to the hospital.
As previously circulated, the Sons at the UK Convention in
Ulverston last week, have set up a Fund to help support and
off-set some of Dave's personal losses that he suffered in the
fire. We don't yet know the extent of what he has lost, but it
is certain that he will have lost some of the film collection
that he has gathered and shared with other Sons at Conventions,
Tent meeting and other events. The Fund stands at £680 at the
moment and we will pass this onto Dave
at the appropriate time. If you wish to make a financial
contribution please send cheques
payable to:- 'Dave
Wyatt Fire Fund' to Roger
Robinson, 115 Neil Armstrong Way, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS95UE
If you have any items that you wish to donate to Dave or access
to rare/unususal footage etc, then please let me know and I will
collate a list and, if need be, arrange to have copies made. My
contact details
roger.robinson5@btinternet.com 01702 526187
Finally, 'Thank You' to everyone who has supported Dave at this
time. He is on the mend - so beware he may be back in
circulation in not too many months!!!
Following the terrible fire at Dave's house before
Easter, he is in the burns unit of the Chelsea and Westminster
Hopspital - just in case any of you were not yet aware of this
awful news. I had permission to visit him today which I did and
thought I would let you know how he is doing...
He is an isolated ward by himself with 2 carers. He is on
ventilation and sedation - the latter to give his skin time to
heal. Although he had wires and bits coming from him I was able
to talk to Dave and it was brilliant to get the response I did.
His eyes lit up and smiled at seeing me (now that doesn't happen
too often when people see me!) and he squeezed my hand. I passed
on the best wishes of all Sons everywhere, in the UK, Europe and
USA because I know from the responses that everyone is thinking
of him. He was visibly moved when I said this and smiled when I
said some things to amuse him (such as I should have brought him
hard boiled eggs and nuts). It was all going in all right and
although he cannot speak as such, he was attempting to reply and
I understood some of the words by the shape of his mouth. I also
asked him to a do a thumbs up if he understood what I was saying
and he did so. I told him about the Statue Unveiling, the new
Museum and the upcoming Convention in Ulverston next weekend. I
told him that I know Sons will rally round to help him in anyway
possible but for the time being his concentration should be in
getting himself better. He acknowledged this. Our 'conversation'
was probably only about 10 minutes and I could see getting very
tired so it was time to depart. I am certain that as he closed
his eyes he will be content in knowing that the Sons of the
Desert will be there when he needs them.
He is obviously not up to having regular visitors and think the
hospital will let us know when this is more appropriate. At the
moment he is in the right place to receive the care and
attention that he needs. He is on the mend.......but it will
take time
David Wyatt, who
put on the Stan Laurel Centenary film programs at the National
Film Theatre in London and who discovered that both Stan and
Ollie are in "Now I'll Tell One" has been injured in a serious
fire at his home.
This
happened almost two weeks ago and the news is only just now
filtering through. He is in intensive care at the Chelsea &
Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH.
Telephone: 208 746 8000. I spoke to a nurse who has been
taking care of him. He said he's "doing okay." He's on a
ventilator and is sedated, though not unconscious. So far
there appear to be no signs of permanent damage to his
lungs. He can understand what is said to him so please let
him know that you called.
Laurel and Hardy
Statue Finally Revealed In Ulverston
Graham Ibbeson and
Eric Woods with the statue
It all began
as a dream for the late Laurel and Hardy museum curator Bill
Cubin, but 17 years later, thanks to the funds raised by the
'sons of the desert' the Laurel and Hardy statue has now been
erected in Stan Laurel's home town of Ulverston in Cumbria.
Comedy legend Ken Dodd performed the unveiling ceremony and a
great day was had by over 2000 fans from all over the world.
Press and television coverage was full on and I was lucky enough
to be given a place in the press area right at the front so
here's some extended and exclusive footage from the day which
you didn't see on the news. The sun was shining in Ulverston and
Bill Cubin would have been very proud of this
moment which left us all with a lump in our throats. A big thank
you to Eric Woods for taking the bull by the horns and leading
the campaign to raise the funds needed to make this possible.
Sculptor
Graham Ibbeson did a wonderful job creating the statue.
Laurel and Hardy
Centenary Cinema Event in Falkirk, Scotland
On Sunday
August 23rd from 6pm, to celebrate 74 years since the release of
BONNIE SCOTLAND, you are invited to join us for a special
big screen showing of this hilarious full length feature film.
The main feature will be preceded by PUTTING PANTS ON PHILIP and
THICKER THAN WATER. To make this event even more special we are
holding it at Falkirk Town Hall cinema, near the home of Laurel
and Hardy's Larbert born co-star James Finlayson. A plaque has
been erected in the town hall in memory of Finlayson.
WILLIE McINTYRE WILL BE THERE WITH HIS MEMORABILIA STALL
DEAN McKEOWN WILL BE ON HAND TO SIGN COPIES OF HIS CHARLIE HALL
BOOK
Russell Babidge from the
UK has developed a smahing website called The Laurel and Hardy
Archive which offers downloads of thousands of previously unseen
stills. The McCabe-Kilgore-Bann "Laurel & Hardy" book
affectionately known as 'the bible' has also been updated by
Russell. It contains thousands of photographs from Richard
Feiner's archive and is available to buy as a beautiful 4 part
set.
"In the very final part of these books (Laurel
and Hardy - Behind the Scenes - Vol 4 Special) each film will
have a small sypnosis which will cover every possible angle,
with the up-to-date finds and with behind the scenes pictures
and a time line, this will be done after the 3 books are
complete. I would imagine this may take 6 months to a year to
complete. This book will be the dictionary of the 'Bible' so to
speak."
COMMENTS
I received both books
this morning and may I say how delighted I am. The wait was sure
worth it. Your time and effort is appreciated an I look forward
too the remaining volumes.
Best wishes (N)
The book arrived today,
thank you for the service. As big fan of L&H I'm happy with it.
I can't wait for the other books.
All the best (C)
I received my book yesterday and I must say I am very impressed.
The still photographs in the book are of excellent quality like
they was only took yesterday!! Looking forward to purchasing
volume 1 and 3 when they are available. Keep me posted regarding
that if you can. Thanks again.
Cheers from (J)
Today i have received the laurel and hardy book. This book is
the best l & h book in book collection. You did just a great job
in putting this book together. I can’t wait to get the next book
then it comes out. Thanks again,
Your pal, (G)
2009 continues to be the year of rare Laurel and Hardy finds,
"Food
For Kings & Riley" is a one reel comedy produced by
Thomas Edison. Released August 11, 1915.
Rob Stone reports on his blog that details of the film and
Hardy's participation in it were uncovered by Steve Massa. Rob
says he is hoping to find another review of the film, however
the still picture (below) proves Hardy's appearance in it. A DVD
of "Food For Kings & Riley" is seemingly an impossibility at
this point in time.
"It is with great
sadness that I must share the news that Our Gang’s Shirley Jean
Rickert Measures passed away in her sleep on Friday, February 6
at the age of 82. She had had long-term health issues and had
been in a nursing home facility for more than a year. However,
this did not prevent her from being upbeat and sharp as the
proverbial tack whenever we spoke. She had visited the One Good
Turn Tent on more than one occasion and had allowed us to call
her and chat as part of our Sweet 16 anniversary celebration
this past June. Always good for a story, she didn’t pull any
punches about her time in Hollywood or since.
If you would like to send condolences to her daughter, Melody
Kennedy, the address is 35D Coachman Square, Clifton Park , NY
12065 or via email at babewhodances@ aol.com
Melody says there will be no memorial service, but she wanted to
spread the word because the Sons had been so good to Shirley
over the years. You can also check out Shirley’s website at:
http://www.measuresup.com
She will be missed."
Carol Rugh
Shirley in Tiny Sanford’s arms during BARGAIN DAY
Shirley about 4 years ago when I stopped to visit her in
Saratoga.
Hello. I hope at last
I can answer some questions. The move has been a nightmare. The
original plan was to move to a warehouse on the outskirts of
town which offered lots of room and free parking. I have been
ready to sign the lease for months and planned to move in
September but the landlord and local supermarket who own the
land have messed me about such a lot I have had to give up the
project. I tried to make it work, I had meeting after meeting
but just couldn't get an agreement. Lots of promises have been
made but not kept. Just as I decided we could not go there a
room became vacant in the local cinema which is suitable and I
am on my way to the solicitors to finalize the contract and hope
to move and be open at the end of March.
After everything
moving so slowly for so long, this has happened very quickly and
it seems almost like fate. I have not been able to say anything
because I have not known what to say. I have been so upset about
everything going wrong but now I am hoping we can look forward
to a long and happy future. I think everyone will love the new
site, how fitting is that, the stage area of the old cinema
right in the centre of town. I hope everyone will now understand
the difficult position I have been in. By the way if anyone
would like to help with the move all offers will be gratefully
received.
Richard Bann
has reported on the
Laurel and Hardy Forum that the official Laurel and Hardy
website which is located at
http://www.laurel-and-hardy.comis
to be re-launched.
Richard Bann writes:
"The
re-launch of the official site is imminent, and very soon I
will become actively involved again. When I have the exact
date I will let you know".
Laurel and Hardy buff LucySouthward of the UK
has recently introduced a new 2009 calendar featuring her
artwork of Laurel and Hardy. Lucy’s work is outstanding. She
can be reached at:
"With about 3
months to the unveiling [Sun 19th April] we are still short of
the total funds required to pay for the Laurel & Hardy statue
in Ulverston. We need a little over £3,000 more. We owe
the cash to Graham Ibbeson who has been ever so patient
waiting for the balance of the money, we've paid him £46,000
to date. It is our wish to be able to pay-off the statue prior
to the unveiling, but in truth, we are GIVING the statue to
the people of Ulverston and in law, we don't actually own it
yet. So, please do your best, we've all worked hard and long
on this project, we're so close now, please just one last push
and we'll do it. Whatever you can raise in the coming weeks
will help, if we all do just a little more, we'll be there"!
If you
want a receipt for your donation, send the cheque to me,
[payable to the L&H Statue Appeal] if not, pay it into any TSB
branch giving the following a/c details:-
Account title - The
Laurel and Hardy Statue Appeal
a/c number 14890760
sort code 77 56
14
Bank Lloyds
TSB Bank, Union Street, Ulverston , Cumbria LA12 7HR
IBAN
GB54LOYD
Let's look forward to
a sunny day in Ulverston when we can see the results of all of
our efforts!
One of the
great Sons of the Desert passed away in his sleep on January 3,
2009. Chuck Huck, 72, of Warrenville, Illinois founded the
Chicago Bacon Grabbers tent in the early days of the Sons. He
was an avid film collector and loved to entertain cinema buffs
in his home. He also enjoyed corresponding with his many friends
by email over the years and followed Sons activities with a
passion. Chuck served in the military intelligence division of
the US Army in Korea and after the war was a magazine editor in
industrial trades for more than 30 years. He was a frustrated
Chicago Bears (professional football) fan. He is survived by his
wife of 40 years, Nancy and two Sons. To say he will be missed
is putting it mildly.
A memorial service is
set for 11 a.m. Saturday in Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main
St.,
Wheaton.
New 'Drivers License Sketch' footage surfaces from Milwaukee
Ross Owen of the
Laurel and Hardy Forum reports...
In a remarkable moment of fate, Laurel and Hardy Forum
moderator and grand sheik of the One Good Turn tent in Germany,
Kay Becker found this amazing rare color footage of
Laurel and Hardy online just hours after it was posted on
internet video site youtube.
The never before seen
footage was shot at
the Riverside theatre in Milwaukee in 1940. I've spoken to the
owner of the clip, 62 year old Robert Wilson from Milwaukee, who
tells us that the footage,
which shows a clip of
the boys performing their Driver's License sketch, was recorded
by his father in 1940.
Mr Wilson said that
his father shot this
film at the Riverside Theatre in Milwaukee WI two years
after color film came out. Mr Wilson said, "I wish I had the whole show but this
is all I have.
When color film first came out it was VERY expensive to process".
Thanks to
L&H forum member and Grand Sheik of the Blotto tent in NJ, Irv Hyatt, we now have even more info about the
clip.
Irv told us... The footage was taken between October
11 through October 16th in 1940. Milwaukee was the third city in
their "Hellaballou" tour.
The male-female dance couple are
The Fredricos
The Fredricos only
appeared in this particular week's shows. They were a
classical dance team, added to "pad" out the show and not
with the tour beyond Milwaukee.
The DL
Examiner is James C Morton.
James C Morton was in
all the shows that week. He also appeared in several
Laurel and Hardy films
often playing a
bartender, as in Way Out West, Pick a Star
and Our Relations, plus he was in The Bohemian
Girl,Fra Diavolo and Pack Up Your Troubles.
The singer is
Maxine Conrad.
Maxine Conrad sang popular numbers from the "big bands" of the
day. These numbers changed somewhat during the tour, based on
time needed for the show.
The dance troupe are The
Danny Dare
Girls
The Danny Dare
Girls appeared on stage only during this tour, and the
dance number is The Three Musketeers number that Stan's daughter
Lois appeared in a few weeks later. The dance number costumes
are the same costume that Lois was photographed in that
had appeared in a recent Intra Tent Journal article on the tours
(written by Irv). The girls are doing a number called "The Three
Musketeers", and you get to see the fencing in one segment of
this clip.
In the opening clip, there is a young girl doing "cartwheels" in
front of the Danny Dare Girls. Her dress is different from the
dancers behind her. She is wearing a sequined black (or dark
green) dress. This is Darlene Garner. Born Lee Watts, out of Ohama, Nebraska, Darlene won an amateur contest several years
prior at the State theater in Ohama, which led her to Hollywood,
where she did a job of "stunt doubling" for Mary Beth Hughes, in
scenes from the John Barrymore film "The Great Profile". Joining
the Danny Dare Girls, she had been a part of the dancers during
rehersals for the L&H tours. Her talent won her a feature spot
in the revue, which you see a peice of in this film. For the
real info hounds, she was five foot one inch tall, 112 pounds,
and had recently graduated from Los Angeles' High School.
Darlene Garner
click image to enlarge
click image to enlarge
The Riverside in
Milwaukee was 4 shows per day, majority sell-out. The theater
management had bragged that the boys had broken all house
records.
The next city,
(Chicago), had another classical dance team, Gonzalez and
Christina, for the last time. The show went back to the original
cast after Chicago. The boys did play Milwaukee again in 1942,
but during that tour, the boys had a changing cast, most playing
with them for only a few cities. The cast seen here was not part
of that tour.
The only performers not in the clip were
Lew Parker, Syd Gold (aka
Sid Gould), and Carlton Kelsey. The Laurel and Hardy theme song
(the cuckoo song) was played to introduce Laurel and Hardy. Each
city's orchestra used this music, which started before the boy's
came out on stage. The applause was reported to be
"show-stopping" each time it started up.
click image to enlarge
COMMENTS ABOUT THIS FOOTAGE
*******************************
This is the find of the century: Brad Farrell
(USA)
*******************************
I've seldom seen a
film clip speed through the Internet that fast! Every Laurel &
Hardy fan with a computer seems to know about it!: Scott
McGillivray (USA)
*******************************
Well, blow me down with an anchovy!: Bill Treacy
(USA)
*******************************
WOW!!! Absolutely
fantastic!!: Michael Ehret (Germany)
*******************************
This video is an amazing
find!: Amy
McCloughan (Northern Ireland)
It is TWICE the fun when TWO Tents get together for a very
special Sons of the Desert event.
That is precisely what Saps At Sea and Laughing Gravy Tents are
doing again next summer.
SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER
Sons can arrive in Southend during the day and enjoy the
facilities of our seaside town by themselves – beach, Pier,
arcades, bowling, food, shops, pubs and so on and so forth…..
At 6pm until midnight at the Clarence Hall in Central Southend
enjoy non-stop live entertainment at TWICE TWO SATURDAY .
Already booked for this extravaganza:-
•Gary & Rob – Laurel and Hardy lookalikes and amazing close-up
magic
•TAGS – The talented 4 lads with a blend of harmony singing,
comedy, music & more
•You’re Darn Tootin’ Band – Dave Dearle with his Hot Jazz band
and special guest Eileen Ford
•Alexander the Great – Southend’s own 10 year old in his tribute
to his hero, Oliver Hardy
•Vincent Byrne – Birmingham’s young Pianist accompanying Laurel
& Hardy on the Big Screen
+ Sons Entertain + Surprises+ Cold Buffet
SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER
Sons can stay overnight in Southend and on Sunday indulge in all
or part of a rather unusual OLLYMPIC SUNDAY. Let me explain.
After our breakfast, we will meet at Southend Central Station
and get a train to Pottsville, I mean Leigh. Here we will take
to ‘Them Thar Hills’ with a Sunday Morning Walk to the site of
the 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike Course at the historic ruins of
Hadleigh Castle. There are some great views of Leigh Marshes,
the Thames Estuary, Canvey Island and the Kent coast. On our
return route we will descend the ‘Music Box Steps’ to Old Leigh.
The walk is about 2 miles with some slopes and steps without
rushing will take about 2 hours. Back at Old Leigh, for those
who may be thirsty and hungry, there are several old pubs or you
can return by train to Southend.
The afternoon is at your own leisure to do whatever you wish in
Old Leigh or Southend.
At 5.30pm we have a special RARITIES & FAVOURITES FILM SHOW at
the Saps At Sea new venue, the Military & Naval Club, Royal
Terrace, which overlooks the Pier. Sons who are making a weekend
of their visit are welcome to join us for our September Saps
meeting.
All Sons of the Desert are cordially invited to join us for all
or part of the weekend. This is a relatively cheap weekend and
an opportunity to enjoy great entertainment and the company of
fellow Sons. I am happy to arrange with information including
recommended hotels, B & B’s, travel advice & maps. If you were
at the ‘Double Whoopee’ event last year, then you will know what
fun awaits you and if you weren’t there then why not join us in
Southend for the Sons Fun at the TWICE TWO Weekend.
Tickets for the TWICE TWO SATURDAY are just £12... Please
contact as below.
Tickets will be sent out from 1st March 2009 but can be booked
now.
OLLYMPIC SUNDAY is FREE & RARITIES & FAVOURITES FILM SHOW is
FREE (for visitors). They do not need to be booked, but please
advise if you intend to participate in the Walk.
Rogerrrrrrrrrrrrr
CONTACT
Roger Robinson
115 Neil Armstrong Way
Leigh-on-Sea
Essex
SS9 5UE
As you may have seen on Bowler Online, I have volunteered to
collate and deliver any memorabilia that UK Sons may like
to donate. I will be at the Statue Unveling in Bishop Auckland
on 30/8/08 and also at the Laurel and Harday on 6/9/08 so Sons
can personally give items to me on those occasions. Items can be
also be posted to me. I will take all donated items personally
to the Netherlands (date to be arranged, but logically this will
be in 2 or 3 months time).
If you can put
this information on your Websites it will be much appreciated.
Doug Rimmer passed
away on Sunday 1st June in his local hospice. He had
been fighting cancer for some time. We thought he was winning
the battle, but this awful disease came back with a vengeance
and took our friend away. He was a founder
member of The Live Ghost tent of London and a tent officer. He
was also an early member of the
Helpmates tent of Medway,
Kent. He attended
his first international convention at Hollywood 80 and then
became a familiar friendly face at many subsequent conventions. Words
can not convey
how we feel, but here are some of the comments from Sons of the
Desert around the world.
I
am sure that Dougie's
friends will not mind their words being repeated here.
Tributes
This is such tragic
news and quite a shock because it happened so quickly. Dougie
never had a bad word to say about anybody and he was extremely
well liked by everybody. He was so proud to be aSon of the
Desert and this is a very sad day for all in our society. I can't
believe Iwill never see him again. At least the suffering is
over and he is now with his great friend Happy Harry - and
perhaps a few others.
Del Kempster, The Live Ghost tent,
London
Dougie was one of the
sweetest persons I've
ever met. He always had that elfish twinkle in his eyes. He
started a tradition several years ago of giving me some type of
"pig"
item at each
convention because of the Bacon Grabbers connection. (I think
I'm the only person in the states with a pig purse, thanks to
Dougie. Don't
let it ever be said that you can't
make a purse out of a sow's
ear -- I have proof it's
possible.) Truly, truly will miss him so much.
Marcia
Opal,
Bacon Grabbers tent, Chicago.
I am absolutely
stunned! I am typing this with tears in my eyes at the loss of
such a gentle soul. Please extend my condolences to the family.
Carol Rugh, One Good Turn tent, Connecticut
It's
VERY sad news. The last time I saw Dougie was at the last
Convention I attended which was Nashville. It's
hard to imagine a person SO full of life not being there
anymore. I always looked forward to hearing from him at
Christmas time. We shared the same love of roller coasters and
he'd
always report to me on which coaster he had conquered during the
summer. But more than that. he reported on his family and what
he did during the year and that alone made up for not seeing him
at the conventions that I had missed during the past few years.
It's always the gentle souls that touch everyone's heart. Dougie
was certainly one of those souls.
Jack Roth, NY Founding
tent
Sad news indeed,
another great Son moves on to the great Oasis in the other
place, he was a great character, we will all miss him. Add his
name to the list of friends who have moved on, we enjoyed their
company and now have our memories. Dougie was a great guy, such
good company, a sad loss.
Eric Woods, Come Clean tent,
Lancashire
I have sent the word
out to the Brothers in New Jersey who are calling me in shock
and sorrow over the loss of our dear friend and honorary member
of the Flying Deuces. I included you in the roster as I thought
you would understand the fortitude and positive attitude that
Doug carried with him. I share your sadness in losing such a
wonderful young man.
Alan Hembrough, Flying Deuces tent,
New
Jersey
We will all cherish
knowing Dougie and enjoying his company at the Laurel & Hardy
events over many years.
Roger Robinson, Saps At Sea tent,
Essex
I
am just dazed and
heartbroken by this news. Certain people brought a family
feeling to the Sons and made it extra
special. Dougie
and people like him are the reason I'm in it.
Dave Greim,
Way Out West tent, California
I am deeply saddened
by the news. I last saw him at the last convention
and how sad he was that Happy Harry
wasn't
with him. He was a great guy always very friendly and a true Son
.... I feel he will be taken
under
Harry's
wing and be in a
far better place. It is another sad loss to the Sons and I wish
that I could
attend the
funeral;
I will be there
in spirit.
Bill Winfield, Cyprus
Can't
find
the
right
words to
say
- How we will
miss our Dougie - the world will be a sadder place now he is
no
longer
with us.
Jean
& Jim Stevens,
The
Live
Ghost tent,
London
Such
very
sad
news. Dougie was such a lovely guy & I always thought that
he & Happy Harry
were a bit of
a
double act too! We'll
all miss him but he has left us with many happy memories,
God bless him.
Gareth
Evans, The
Live
Ghost
tent,
London
Dougie
was a real
friend
to everyone in the Sons. He always
had a big smile
and
a
friendly comment for
anyone he met.
It's
hard to believe
he is gone,
but we can rest
assured that
he & Happy Harry
are now probably
the new official
greeters at the gates of Heaven. Let's
all
raise a pint and
toast - Dougie! .
Bugsy,
Flying Deuces
tent New
Jersey
I
am
a
bit numb after the news.
We all should grieve with a bit of a smile on our faces,
because after
spending
a
few
moments with Dougie, that is how he left us.
No more moments
with Dougie as he has left
us
for
the last
time,
but those moments
will live forever!
Dennis
Turcheck,
Ohio
Dougie Rimmer
was one of the
nicest,
kindest
people anyone
could or had the pleasure to meet. Roy and I
met him
along with Happy
Harry on our Convention
to
England. I sat
down with Harry,
at
a
Pub where we
were
all
gathered
and
felt
like I had met my
long lost friends.
I wrote to Harry until he died and I
also
wrote
on the internet
with
Dougie. We will
miss
Dougie
like we miss Harry and hopefully,
they are starting
our
Club
in Heaven
where
we can
all
meet
and continue
the happiness
we knew when we were with them. Love
always
to both
of
you,
Dougie and Harry.
Sheran
and
Roy
Rioux, Florida
It is
amazing
what
a group
the
Sons has become. More than
just
a
bunch of guys who watch
Laurel & Hardy,
we have
become family.
We expect
to see each other every couple of years like at family reunions.
Losing Dougie Rimmer is like losing a
cast member from the Roach studio
- an empty
place is now where he used
to
be.
Thanks
to memories, pictures
and videos we can relive the fun we have all had.
Bill
Oates,
Flying
Elephants
tent,
Indiana
I first
met Dougie Rimmer
in Hollywood
'80
(or was it Detroit
'82).
We became
good friends however
at the
first
UK convention
in '84. I still remember playing pool with him
for hours downstairs at the Cumbria Grand
Hotel.
We corresponded at least once or twice a year for every year via
letter (and who could forget
his Xmas
message
every year that came with his Xmas card). When he finally
had e-mail
we
wrote
back and
forth
all the
time. In fact my
wife Tammi wrote to him at least once a week up until recently.
When he told
her/us
that he'd
had
a
relapse we both
were shocked and alarmed because prior to then his spirits were
high
and all
he was talking
about
was
Amsterdam
and our post-convention
trip around Europe. I had the privilege
of
having both
Dougie
and Happy Harry
stay
at my house
after
the
Columbus
'04
convention
along
with 3
members
of
the Swiss
Miss tent
(Peter,
Archana
& Gerard)
plus Gary from
the NM Busy Bodies tent. Yes,
I
did have
a house
full.
Prior to
all
of us coming to my house
we all
went
to
Niagara
Falls and
then
we stopped
at the
Corning
Glass
Works in Corning NY. Dougie was so worried about Happy Harry.
This of
course
wasn't
needed because
Harry ran circles
around
the
6 of us. Two
years
later
before the Georgia Convention I
again had
the
honor of
Dougie coming over
and staying
at my house
about
a week before it
was time to drive
to the
convention.
I
don't
think he quite
got
over
the fact that
Happy
Harry
was not going to
be at
this
convention
(remember
at
this
time
Harry was
still
alive).
I
took
him to a place in north western
NJ that's
known
by everyone
in this area
called
"Hot
Dog Johnnies.
Whenever the 3 of
us
(Tammi,
Gary
and me)
asked
him
where
he'd
like to eat the
response was always the same
-
"Hot
Dog Johnnies".
Between hot dogs
and
Pennsylvania
style birch beer he was
in
heaven.
When it was time to drive to
the
convention I don't
think
we went by
any
candy,
snack,
or souvenir store
without him mentioning that he'd
like to go in. This also applied to Harley-Davidson motorcycle
dealerships. My wife Tammi first met Dougie and Happy Harry at
Nashville
'02.
Tammi and Dougie immediately hit it off and soon after the
convention is when they started e-mailing back and forth. Both
Tammi and I will miss him both at conventions and at getting his
email messages.
Glenn
Campbell,
NY
Founding Tent
I
want
to
add
my thoughts to the long list of Sons paying tribute to our dear
Dougie Rimmer. Yes,
he was
simply
one
of the nicest,
sweetest people one could ever meet. The more one got to know
him,
the more caring
and
honest he seemed to become.
He was simply
what we should all strive to be in our lives.
Money mattered
very
little to him. It was friendship he treasured the most. He
couldn't
do enough for his friends. I had
the
pleasure to room with him in Georgia and was expecting to share
a room with him again in Amsterdam.
A bunch of us were
also
planning an extended Europe trip afterwards,
and his death
(although somewhat
anticipated) came
as quite a shock. Prior to the Georgia convention,
Dougie and I took
a two-day trip upstate
New York to a little lake I used to visit as a kid. He wanted to
see the Catskill Mountains that Ira Schprintzen
was always raving about,
and I wanted to
see the lake again
after
45 years. The lake wasn't
all that
much,
and I was a bit
concerned he might be disappointed. But Dougie could find
tremendous joy in a butterfly
or a chipmunk. We simply enjoyed the peacefulness of the place,
toasted the memory of Ira, and had a wonderful trip. When it was
time to leave the little cabin we rented, he insisted that we
had to make the beds. I told him, "But Dougie, they won't know
we slept in them." But that was Dougie. He couldn't leave things
unkempt. I'll remember that wonderful trip always. Dougie also
had a wonderful time spending July
forth with us (myself and Glenn and Tammi Campbell). He was
quite an Americafile -- and was thrilled to see firsthand how we
celebrate our independence from Great Britain. The whole time he
was here he kept saying how his stomach was so upset. Who knew
it was the start of such an ordeal for him? So, on my road trip
from Albuquerque to Pennsylvania I drove right through Columbus,
Ohio. It was all
very strange,
since the
last
time I drove that
route was when I drove Dougie and Happy Harry back from
Pennsylvania to the Columbus Airport (to fly home to England).
Now, within a year they are both gone. Which only proves that
we
should
all treasure each other and the times we have together. But
there,
I've
just described our Dougie
again.
We're
really
going to miss him.
Gary
Logsted,
Busy
Bodies
tent,
Albuquerque
I was
just going
through some of the emails I have shared with Doug in the past.
I must admit it is a little
hard
to
see
the computer
screen because I'm
a little teared up. This particular poem of his is one of my favorites
because it always brings a smile to my face.
He was simply one
REALLY SPECIAL person.
Kat
White,
Dancing Cuckoos tent, Michigan
.
PINK SOCKS: BY DOUGLAS W RIMMER
I WASH
MY CLOTHES WITHOUT A CARE
I PUT
MY
SHEETS
WITH UNDERWEAR
I
DIDN'T
KNOW THE COLOUR WOULD RUN
NOW
MY LAUNDRY
IS EVERY COLOUR UNDER THE SUN
BUT WORST
OF ALL I'VE
GOT PINK SOCKS
AND
MY NIECE THINKS IT'S
FUNNY
I ASKED
HER NOT TO TELL THE WORLD I EVEN
OFFERED HER MONEY
BUT
HER UNCLE DOUG IN BRIGHT PINK SOCKS IS JUST
TOO GOOD TO HIDE.
SO
NOW
THE WHOLE
WORLD KNOWS MY FATE EVEN
SAINT
PETER AT THE GOLDEN GATE
BUT
THEY ARE
CLEAN AND I DON'T
CARE
GOOD
JOB
SHE DIDN'T SEE MY UNDERWEAR.
"Sorry, we are on our way to meet up with Stan and
Ollie!"
Henry
Sorenson's 2008 ITJ Index is now available. It is a wonderful
review of all the ITJ has done over a 34 year period and
contains a complete listing of the articles and their authors
organised by subject matter. It also features many other
listings and facts, valuable for those conducting research on
Laurel and Hardy and the sons. The index is 29 pages in length
and will be sent to anyone requesting it for $10 which covers
printing, handling and postage expenses.
Make a check payable to the ITJ and send to: ITJ, 2230 Country
Club Drive, Huntington Valley, PA, 19006, USA.
Almost 300 Sons
of the Desert from throughout the world attended the Amsterdam
Convention in the Netherlands from July 9-13, 2008. It was a marvelous gathering featuring songs, banquets, films,
memorabilia sales, sightseeing trips and more. Intra-Tent
Journal summer issue number 129 describes it all.
What a great
job accomplished by the Perfect Day tent! They were everywhere
doing everything. The Convention was held at the Avifauna Hotel
and Bird Park in the town of Alphen aan den Rijn. The famous
Rhine River was not far away. It was a great place for a
convention. The bird park featured many breeds of exotic birds
from throughout the world. There were some exotic breeds of Sons
that also came from throughout the world.
Some pre-Convention
tours took place on Monday and Tuesday before the Convention, on
July 11 and 12. We saw much of this beautiful country including
agricultural growing areas, dairy farms, those wonderful Dutch
wind mills, modern wind turbines, canals, boats, and an ancient
ship yard. We saw the cities of Volendam and Rotterdam and the
ladies visited the Delftware Plant. Porcelain never looked so
good and was so expensive. It did rain a bit during those days
but it didn’t dampen our spirits one bit.
Congratulations to
Sacramento, California in the USA where the next Convention will
be held in June of 2010.
The opening
dinner was on Wednesday evening, July 9th. The
Fardouze Honolulu Dancers entertained. Naturally their opening
number was “Honolulu Baby.” Other great numbers followed. A
throw-back group from the 1960’s titled The WannaBeatles
followed. The traditional Parade of Tents never really came off
but was held later in the Convention.
On Thursday the
10th, we boarded coaches and headed to the Tuschinski
Theatre in Amsterdam for a tour and lecture on the history of
this great edifice. Following that we boarded canal boats and
floated through this beautiful city. Venice, Italy has nothing
on the canals of Amsterdam. We passed the Anne Frank House that
was visited by many at the Convention.
That afternoon some
Sons visited the “red light district” of the city. (We think
they only looked.) That evening back at the hotel, we viewed an
illustrated lecture by the UK’s A. J. Marriot on the life of
Stan Laurel. On Friday the 11th
the traditional “pee wee” and golf competitions were held with
many participants trying their luck. The
Grand Council was held later that morning.
In the afternoon we sailed on canal
boats to the lovely city of Leiden. That evening we had a
magnificent buffet banquet followed by an open air film show
including popcorn. On Saturday the
12th, we saw a magnificent show at the Tushinski
Theatre followed that night by a final banquet.
Highlights of the
convention included impressionists Jamie McKenna and Bill Levy
as Laurel and Hardy. They literally “stole” the Convention. No
better team has ever existed since the real Stan and Babe. The
convention also featured the lovely Jean Darling of “Our Gang”
fame.
We said our final
goodbyes on Sunday the 13th at a high tea. It is
always hard to leave when you’ve greeted so many long time
friends and met so many new ones in the Sons. The greatest
accomplishment of all the Conventions has been to bring us
closer together in our love for Laurel and Hardy. We look
forward to Sacramento, 2010.
