Dennis Heymer - goodbye....

It is with a sad heart that we hear of the passing away of Dennis Heymer, Frankie's lifelong partner. He died peacefully at home on Friday 15 May, in the arms of Chris Byrne. News appeared today 19 May 2009.

Rather than rehash the news for you, here is a lovley link to today's Telegraph and one to BBC News which, in turn, has links to local papers.

Again apologies for lack of updates as work is keeping me busy overseas for the next part of the year....

Peter Rodgers "Carry On" - goodbye....

I have loved "Carry On" films from the beginning starting with Carry on Sergeant right through to the bitter end. Peter Rodgers, THE man responsible for this run of extraordinary films, died today at the grand old age of 95.

He attended last years' Golden Ammiversary and was keen on seeing the next film "Carry on London" into production.

Frankie starred in a few "Carry On" films - and people are always surprised to find it was just a few. At least we have the DVDs - and hopefully the Blu-ray discs one day soon!

Abba 'n Queen at Wavering Down - June 15 2008

The Wurzel's fest last year was fantastic - to top it this year Wavering Down hosted a double tribute band special on Father's Day on Sunday June 15, 2008. We were there to report....

Proceeds are for charity and full details may be found here....

Other news is that The Frankie Howerd OBE Trust is in fulls wing and you can download details of the Trust's aims and backers.

Help local charities by buying FH photos....

The annual list for open days at wavering Down has been added to the site. See Open days 2008.

Frankie Howerd fans now have a chance to own a collection of wonderful old family photographs of the Carry On star and his beloved country home in Somerset.

Wavering Down House, nestled beneath the Mendip Hills, has remained virtually untouched since the late, great comedian died of a heart attack 15 years ago.

Frankie’s home was a country retreat for his famous friends, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Princess Margaret, Zsa Zsa Gabor and June Whitfield.

The Edwardian villa is still packed with 4,000 items of memorabilia, ranging from Bette Davis’s gift of a teapot to a portrait of Frankie commissioned by the Queen Mother.

The Frankie Howerd OBE Trust image library has been set up by Chris Byrne, who has raised more than £50,000 for charity by holding garden open days at the house. 

You can buy photos of this most theatrical of houses  (plus many old photos from Frankie’s family album) for £10 or less by logging on to RedStock Images at www.redstockimages.com.
Fifty per cent of all sales will go to charities supported by the Frankie Howerd OBE Trust.

*You can also read all about the comedian's life at Wavering Down House in Frankie Howerd's Star Life magazine. To order, please go to www.lifetimespublications.com. Or send your name, address and telephone number with a cheque (made payable to RedPR) for £6.99, including p&p, to: LifeTimes Publications, The Maltings, Old Coach Road, Cross, Somerset, UK, BS26 2EH

I have just joined redstock and bought my first image - it's really easy (use Paypal or credit card) to buy credits and choose the size of photo you require. You can select ones you'd like to "put aside" in a lightbox (saved area with preview facility) which is also useful. The photo below of Frankie with the horse was a purchase from RedStock.

2007 Open days at Wavering Down - a look back

Last year was a very busy time for the Village of Cross and Wavering Down. Chris and Dennis have gone from strength to strength, adding extra days to the planned "ordinary" open days. Please remember that the events are for local charities so please give generously.

The events for 2007 are now available here for you to plan this summer's outings! Have a look at the garden page and keep an eye on this site. As I receive information from the very kind NIgel Lincoln, I will put the information up ASAP - together with any advance booking details.

www.retrosellers.com - a fantastic site for nostalgia and retro - lots of articles on your favourites stars from Kenneth Cope to Alan Simpson - 60's bands - you will absolutely love it (or money back!!).

Open day review 17 June 2007 - Wurzels and whistles

Yours truly finally persuaded a friend to drive me from the Smoke to beautiful Somerset. Full details of a great day out, with cider, songs and very good company......