Showing posts with label Bill Pertwee MBE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bill Pertwee MBE. Show all posts
Thursday, 13 June 2013
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Still Soldiering On...
GLEN KING talks to Topsham resident and veteran actor, Bill Pertwee MBE aka Chief Air Raid Warden William 'Put that light out!' Hodges from the vintage BBC sitcom ‘Dad’s Army’....
Born in 1926, William Desmond Anthony Pertwee is best remembered for his legendary role as the local greengrocer who rises up through the ranks to become a member of the Home Guard, set in the fictional seaside resort of Walmington-on-Sea during World War II. Each week families across the length and breadth of the country would huddle in front of the ‘telly’ to watch yet another bumbling attempt from the haphazard Platoon unravel as they tried gamely to protect England from invasion by the ‘Jerries’!
The much loved comedy classic ran for 80 episodes from 1968 – 1977. Written by the late, great David Croft and Jimmy Perry, the timeless one-liners created by this talented duo will go down in television history. The unforgettable scene for most is when Ian Lavender, portraying the hapless Private Pike, was being interrogated by a German officer and ordered to give his name; Captain Mainwaring’s (pronounced 'Mannering') quick-fire response; “Don’t tell him Pike,” still makes me chuckle. The endearing Lance-Corporal Jack Jones (the local elderly butcher) played by Clive Dunn OBE is famous for saying; “Don’t panic Mr Mannering” and ‘They don’t like it up ‘em!” Clive now sadly totally blind, lives in Portugal and is one of only a handful of the cast still alive today. “He couldn’t see very well and started bumping into things so eventually they got him a guide dog,” says Bill. “I met up with him and he had a bandage on his forehead so I said, ‘Clive you’ve now got the dog to help so what happened?’ He told me, ‘I tripped over the bloody lead’! Bill’s character, the antagonist ARP Warden, enjoyed wonderful dialogue such as; “now look ‘ere, Napoleon” and “ruddy ‘ooligans”. Although the ARP Warden and local Bank Manager, turned pompous Captain Mainwairing, were arch rivals on screen; (and to be honest at times it was difficult to believe that they were both fighting on the same side), Bill confides that off camera, Arthur Lowe was one of his closest friends. “Arthur had a boat and we had lots of fun and parties.”
Bill a surprisingly sprightly and articulate 85 year old, was born in Amersham, Buckinghamshire and the family constantly travelled around the country as his late father was a salesman. “He was a road surveyor and every six weeks or so would get a call and we had to move on again. I didn’t go to school because there wasn’t the time.” When he and his two brothers eventually settled in a beautiful Old Rectory located in Erith, Kent, Bill attended a Convent School. “At the end of the first term my mother said, ‘we’ve just had a look at your teacher’s notes on how you’re doing and it’s pretty hopeless isn’t it? It says here that he doesn’t take anything in, just looks out of the window picking his nose and pulling funny faces!’
Bill’s first paid work was at the tender age of eight when the resourceful youngster asked a local builder if he could help by moving some bricks and was paid the handsome sum of sixpence. A string of jobs followed including farming and working in Burberrys in London in the sports department. After nine months he went into the stock exchange spending his time writing out copies. “I met a lovely old chap who was always betting and gave me a ‘dead cert’ - I won quite a few bob! He got me into racing and because I was bored at work I started doing impressions of people especially sports commentators. I used to answer the phone and say, ’Good Morning, this is Raymond Glendenning here. We are just waiting for the infantry to come out on the pitch.’ One day a voice said, ‘Who’s that?’ and I replied Mr Pertwee. The caller responded... ‘Take a fortnight’s notice,’ so I was really quite pleased about that.”
In 1954 Bill discovered the world of entertainment when he met his second cousin the late Jon Pertwee for the first time. Famous for playing the lovable character Worzel Gummidge and the third Doctor Who, Jon was a big name on radio. “We got together for half an hour and discussed our family connections as our fathers were first cousins. He invited me to a party and Beryl Reid was there and she said to Jon, ‘I’m doing a revue at the Watergate Theatre to try out some material for a television programme’. I interrupted and said ‘excuse me I could write you some very funny material.’ So she gave me the name of the producer and I sent him one or two pieces. He rang me and said, ‘we’re definitely very keen on one bit you’ve written for Beryl. You will get £2 pounds a week.’ And I said ‘good Lord, that’s marvellous just for writing a few lines.’ Then one Sunday I got a call from the producer saying the chap who was doing my piece had gone down with the flu and couldn’t talk so could I take his place? I rehearsed with Beryl who was very impressed and I did six weeks. They raised my money to £3 for the script and another £5 for the performance.”
By this time Bill had been well and truly bitten by the acting bug and went on to do a summer show at Gorleston near Yarmouth. “I had to talk very loudly to be heard over the noise of the waves crashing against the sea-wall,” he reminisces. There followed a number of jobs in variety shows, a pantomime and comedy radio. During his illustrious acting career he also appeared in two Carry On films.
Eventually he was contacted by Bill Worsley who produced Midday Music Hall for the BBC. “I did three programmes for Charlie Chester and then one called ‘Beyond our Ken’ with Kenneth Horne and Kenneth Williams.” After a few more summer shows he received an unexpected call from an agent regarding a new and exciting television show written by Messrs. Croft and Perry. “Mr Perry couldn’t make the meeting, but David did and he was absolutely charming and said there is a part of an air raid warden. They hadn’t really sorted everything out but he told me it would probably just be a couple of lines to start with and the money was about £8 pounds a week.” Initially the show was called the ‘Fighting Tigers’ but Michael Mills, the Head of Light Entertainment did not like it. Bill takes up the story... “Michael telephoned David Croft and said ‘I’ve got it! ‘Dad’s Army,’ I did just two lines and it was away from there.” And the rest as they say is history!
A keen railway enthusiast and the vice-president of the ‘Railway Ramblers’, Bill moved to Topsham from Surrey three years ago. “I came down to see some friends for four days and rather liked the place as it was chummy and so forth. When I returned home I thought I would love to go down there again and that was it; I was hooked. I think that Exmouth is a wonderful place and Topsham certainly.” The move also meant he was closer to his son Jonathan and two teenage grandchildren who live in Cornwall. Upgrading from Grockle to local, Bill has embraced the community spirit by getting actively involved in events such as giving talks at Topsham Library about his book, ‘Dad’s Army, The Making of a Television Legend’ and judging the 22nd Festival of Winter Ales in Exeter.
Awarded an HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_British_Empire" \o "Order of the British Empire"MBE in the Queen's 2007 Birthday Honours list for his services to charity he still continues to work tirelessly to help good causes. Today we meet at Station House, the Head Quarters of Devon in Sight which provides support and equipment to the visually impaired people across the County, conveniently located around the corner from his home. Bill’s close association with the charity developed following a ribbon cutting ceremony he carried out in July last year to officially open the newly refurbished and larger Resource Centre. He has now been invited to be Vice Patron of the charity, a role he will take up with energy and vigour as he uses his influence and fame wherever he can to ‘open doors’ and fundraise for those less fortunate. “I was asked to help Children’s Hospice (SW). The charity was being charged rent for their place in Cornwall which was an absolute dump so I went to see the Council and managed to get it for free for them,” he laments with a shake of his head. “I also spent some time with a couple of people from the charity to go round collecting money from businesses. We popped into one company in Plymouth and the chap agreed to speak with me and then just handed over a substantial cheque for several thousand pounds.”
I personally have had the privilege of working with this outstanding gentleman on a number of occasions at charity events including the 170th anniversary of Exeter hearing specialist Broom Reid & Harris which raised funds for ‘Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’. I watched spellbound as he held the audience captive with his lively anecdotes. “I was in a cab on the way to catch the train back to Exeter after filming in London and just wanted to quietly read the newspaper to relax and unwind,” he tells them. “The taxi driver, however, was a lifelong fan of Dad’s Army and didn’t stop talking for the whole journey. He told me he had all the books and videos ... as I was getting out of the car at the station he said, ‘course you won’t be making any more now though... ‘cos you’re all dead!’
Yet the extraordinary Bill Pertwee still marches on... at the 90th anniversary of The Royal British Legion held at Exmouth Pavilions he was the special celebrity guest and helped to raise much needed funds for The Poppy Appeal. Proudly wearing his trademark Air Warden’s tin hat (which is armour plated and weighs a tonne) with the original hand painted ‘W’ on the front, he was instantly recognisable. Although leaning heavily on a stick for support whilst awaiting a long overdue operation for an old injury to his foot, he walked with quiet dignity down the aisle towards the stage. Accompanied by the sentimental and emotional Dad’s Army theme tune “Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler” the audience started to applaud as they got to their feet to give this legend a much deserved standing ovation.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Devon sight charity announces the appointment of two high profile patrons
Award winning Devon in Sight based in Topsham which supports the visually impaired people across the County, announces that they have newly elected Lady Devon as Patron and veteran actor Bill Pertwee MBE of Dad’s Army fame as Vice Patron of the charity.
Established in 1925 the organisation (formerly known as Devon County Association for the Blind) has had an exciting year of changes. This includes the appointment of a Director of Services and team members; a new charity name; the opening of their new Resource Centre and the launch of their mobile road shows which commence on 19th November at Paignton Library.
Martin Pallett Director of Services says “We are very privileged to have not one but two high profile Patrons to support the services that we provide to the visually impaired people of Devon. Lady Devon’s late mother-in-law used the services of this charity for many years and so she has a close association and understanding of the valued works we carry out for the local community. Bill who moved to Topsham three years ago has embraced the local community and is very pro-active in his charity works.”
Lady Devon and The High Sheriff of Devon, The Hon. Mrs Sarah Lopes attended the opening of the newly refurbished Resource Centre on 14th July which attracted over 100 visitors. 85 year old Topsham resident celebrity Bill aka Captain Mainwaring’s arch rival, Chief Air Raid Warden 'Put that light out!' Hodges’ from the vintage Dad’s Army television programme cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the centre.
Bill Pertwee MBE says “I was delighted to be asked to be Vice Patron of Devon in Sight. I think it is terrific that this centre which is such a valuable resource to so many people is based in our local community.”
Gwyn Dickinson MBE Chair of says “We are a long established charity with a rich history and receive support from so many throughout the county. This year has seen a series of changes to help us move with the times and improve the services we provide including the showcasing of the latest equipment on the market and a series of unusual workshops and interesting activities. The appointment of the new well known Patrons will help to further raise our profile and the valued works we carry out particularly by the dedicated team and our volunteers. It will further help the charity go from strength to strength.”
For further information please visit www.devoninsight.org.uk
Local Veteran Actor Opens Launch of Sight Charity Roadshow
Award winning Devon in Sight based at Station House in Topsham supporting the visually impaired people across the County; launch the first of their countywide road shows at Paignton Library. Special celebrity guest Bill Pertwee MBE who lives in Topsham and better known as Chief Air Warden ‘put that light out’ Hodges from Dad’s Army fame, carried out the ribbon cutting ceremony in his first official appearance as the newly elected Vice Patron of the charity.
Bill Pertwee MBE says “I was delighted to carry out my first official duty as Vice Patron of the charity at the opening of the first of their Devon Road Shows. I wish them every success for future campaigns.”
Gwyn Dickinson MBE Chair of Trustees for Devon in Sight says “I am really pleased that the first of the road shows was opened by our newly elected Vice Patron and prestigious actor Bill Pertwee. I am particularly grateful to Keith Woolgar who has given a huge amount of time as a volunteer to organising this with support from varied members of the Topsham team. I do regard this as experimental in helping us to explore how we want to develop as a genuinely County wide charity for the future. We will be evaluating the Day as we start to consider how future road shows can be developed across the County, but initial feedback is that it was a resounding success.”
The charity was joined by 16 other companies, charities and organisations providing support and services to people with sight difficulties. These include Action for Blind people; Guide Dogs for the Blind and RNIB Transcription Service.
The day attracted 250 visitors and was organised by volunteer Keith Woolgar who has been visually impaired since birth and is supported with a guide dog. People from the local community were able to find out what support, advice and equipment is available for people with all kinds of different sight loss. The Road Show was of interest to visually impaired people themselves, their friends & family and those working with them.
Devon in Sight provides a range of support to visually impaired people across Devon including information & advice, demonstrating equipment, providing volunteer visitors, low vision support, grants and is linked with approximately twenty clubs across the County.
Martin Pallett, Director of Services Devon in Sight says “To have 250 attendees surpassed all my expectations. The day was very well organised and this was down to many people including Keith as the Road Show Organiser, Cherrie Crook, other members of the team and not least the volunteers who I think were incredible and without whom we simply could not have managed. It will be important that we learn from the Day and develop future road shows in the light of this. This was an excellent start to our outreach programme as we continue to look outwards across the whole of Devon and reach more and more visually impaired people.”
Photos courtesy of Mark Campbell - www.onthemarkphotography.co.uk
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
DEVON IN SIGHT REMEMBERS THE PAST AND LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH OPEN AGM EVENT
The annual AGM event for Topsham based Devon in Sight is taking place on Monday 17th October at Exmouth Pavilions from 12 noon onwards. Admission is free with all welcome and visitors can enjoy a complimentary light buffet with pre-booking essential. For the past 85 years the charity formerly known as The Devon County Association for the Blind has enjoyed a long and rich history. The modern day charity has seen a lot of exciting changes over the past 12 months, including a new name, logo and website and has a lot to shout about. Highlight of the year was the official opening of the newly refurbished Resource Centre in July by local celebrity Bill Pertwee MBE of Dad’s Army fame.
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| Bill Pertwee MBE at the grand opening of the newly refurbished Resource Centre |
The new name Devon in Sight was chosen earlier this year following a competition with the members and the aim of this new working title is to raise awareness of the Charity.
Gwyn Dickinson MBE Chair of Trustees says “The name change, new logo and website are just the start of some exciting changes for the future of this well established and valued charity. The expansion into the newly refurbished centre means that we can now grow and improve the range of services and support we provide and “taster” days such a bowls and a guided walk around Topsham."
Devon in Sight is moving forward at a fast pace and among the services offered is the provision of a low vision clinic at the recently refurbished Topsham Resource Centre. Members of the team here are also on hand to assist people to choose the best equipment on the market today for their individual needs.
The Charity also offers a volunteer visiting service in Torbay and Mid-Devon to support visually impaired people to live independent lives.
Martin Pallett, Director of Services says: “This is a really important day for the charity and we are keen for as many people as possible to join us. On the day we will be discussing exciting future plans and how people can get more involved to help and support us. Also there will be a feedback session where any issues or concerns about visual impairment can be answered. In addition we want to build stronger links with the local community and businesses as well as providers of training so we are inviting everyone to come along and be part of the exciting changes and developments at Devon in Sight.”
If you wish to attend the event on the 17th October or wish to find out more about the Charity please call: 01392 876666 www.devoninsight.org.uk
COME AND JOIN IN THE CELEBRATIONS AS WE HELP BROOM REID & HARRIS MARK 170 YEARS
SUPPORTED BY:
Independent hearing specialist Broom Reid & Harris - one of Exeter's longest established businesses celebrates 170 years with an exciting public exhibition at The Rougemont Exeter/Thistle Hotel, Queen Street on Monday 17 October from 10 am – 6.30 pm.
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| Queen Street - Image courtesy of The Isca Collection, Exeter |
Join us at this very special anniversary event in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Learn about Broom Reid & Harris' rich and interesting history; try out the latest cutting edge hearing technology and meet the famous ‘Put that ruddy light out!” Hodges Bill Pertwee MBE from the classic British Sitcom, Dad’s Army who is joining in the celebrations at this landmark event.
Established in 1841 as a Victorian Pharmacy on Queen Street, Broom Reid & Harris were there at the beginning of the pioneering launch of hearing care. Witnessing the progression from cumbersome ear trumpets right through to modern day ultra-discreet and intelligent hearing systems, we want to celebrate this landmark milestone and enable the people of Exeter to get a rare glimpse into just how far hearing technology has developed.
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| Image courtesy of The Isca Collection, Exeter |
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| Experience the advanced hearing technology |
The day promises to provide some interesting background into the well known Exeter business with an insight into the exciting development of hearing care. There will be fascinating artefacts to view such as a wonderfully preserved Victorian medicine book, handwritten recipes to treat the ailments of the day as well as exhibition stands from world leading manufacturers showcasing the latest innovations and advances in hearing technology. Global experts in their field they lead the way in areas such as separating speech from background noise and restoring the subtler sounds that give us the beginning and endings of words in a way that's comfortable and practical for use in everyday life.
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| BR&H staff serving in the shop - Image courtesy of The Isca Collection, Exeter |
Celebrity guest star Bill Pertwee MBE better known as Captain Mainwaring’s arch rival, Chief Air Raid Warden “put that light out Hodges” from the vintage Dad’s Army sitcomwill be joining us from 12 noon. During the afternoon's entertainment he will be recounting some of his memories from the classic series and why he loves living in Devon. He will also draw the charity raffle prizes being held in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The charity train and provide dogs that help people with very severe hearing difficulties by alerting them to important sounds and danger signals in the home, work place and public buildings. BR&H has seen firsthand the difference these dogs make but there's a huge shortage of trained dogs and want to help. You will have the chance to meet one of these working dogs and there are some great prizes to be won to raise funds for this very worthy charity.
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| Local celebrity Bill Pertwee MBE will be joining in the day's events |
Everyone's welcome to join us - it's not every day you're 170 years old! It promises to be a unique and wonderful occasion and even if you don’t have hearing difficulties yourself you will benefit from the day. It can be very frustrating when a friend, family member or work colleague isn't hearing as well as they should. Maybe they have the TV on louder; say 'huh?' a lot; need things repeating more often or experience difficulties where there are a lot of people talking. Come along and find out more about how you can help them by getting some informal advice in a non-threatening environment supported by Exeter FM.
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| The Rougemont Exeter/ Thistle Hotel |
Monday 17 October 2011 – 10 am – 6.30 pm
@ The Rougemont Exeter /Thistle Hotel – Queen Street, Exeter
ADMISSION FREE:
Spaces for Devon Cream Teas are limited with reserved tables for the entertainment. Pre-booking is essential
For more information or to book your place please contact BR&H:
T: 01392 436714
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