LAST OF THE SUMMER
WINE
Exclusive sound archive!
Memories of vintage
years…on location with the cast and crew of the much-loved
BBC
series – the world’s longest-running TV comedy.
Listen online to interviews originally recorded by Mike Wallbank for local
hospital
radio stations: 8 Towns Radio at
and * Radio Starlion, Stepping
If you
already have a Music Player or Media Player installed on your computer,
just select the interview you would like to listen to, by clicking on
the actor’s name
next to the icon:
The audio file (.mp3) of the
interview you have selected will usually download and
start to play within a few seconds. This will take
slightly longer if you are using
a ‘dial-up’ (non-broadband) internet
connection.
If you
don’t already have a player installed, you can download one for free
from the Realplayer website.
In June 1990, Mike was invited to meet Bill Owen, one of the original
members
of the Summer Wine cast at his valley home – a bungalow in a
lovely spot, just
a short walk from the centre of Holmfirth. It was here that
he stayed each summer
while filming was taking place in the surrounding area.
A Londoner born and bred, Bill fell in love with the
interest in the life of the local community. Later he was
delighted to receive the
coveted title of Honorary Yorkshireman.
Bill
Owen (Compo) – Memories of the likeable old rascal in woolly hat and
wellies who rejoices in his carefree lifestyle.
Several interviews were recorded on location in June 1992, during precious moments
of free time for members of the cast filming scenes in the beautiful
Pennine
countryside at Cartworth Moor, high above Holmfirth:
Peter
Sallis (Norman Clegg) – A few thoughts from another character who has
featured in every episode since the series began in 1973 – Cleggy, the ‘quiet one’
of the original trio.
Robert
Fyfe (Howard) – On screen, Howard is known for his love of cycling,
escaping into
the countryside with his not-so-secret lady friend Marina. Off-screen,
Robert reveals
a love of canals and country walks.
Juliette Kaplan (
that well known
‘60s pop song aptly describes Juliette’s view of
she has played
since 1984. She also reveals one of her favourite Howard mishaps,
involving a Christmas tree!
‘Mic’ at the ready! Sarah Thomas (Glenda)
and Juliette Kaplan (
find time for a chat during a break between ‘takes’
on a location shoot at Cartworth Moor,
in the heart of Summer Wine Country
Photo: Malcolm Howarth
Thora Hird (Edie) – The national treasure who joined the
Summer Wine cast,
initially as a guest, tells how she first learned the posh voice that
Edie puts on in her
efforts to impress the other ladies.
Gordon
Wharmby (Wesley) – Hear how the now sadly-missed Summer Wine
actor shared Wesley’s love of fine craftsmanship and all things
mechanical.
Sarah
Thomas (Glenda) – The youngest member of the ladies’
coffee morning
is also the
most trusting when it comes to men folk – especially her beloved husband
Barry. The girl
still has a lot to learn!
Stephen
Lewis (Smiler) – Magic moments of laughter with the man
who makes
millions happy
by being miserable – including memories of Stephen’s other famous
character,
Inspector ‘Blakey’ in On The Buses!
Alan
JW Bell – Behind the scenes, on location
with the long-serving BBC
producer, who has directed every episode of
Summer Wine since the early 1980s.
And now… we are
delighted to include an extra-special treat for fans who have
followed the
series from its very early days and those who are still catching up…
a vintage 1985
interview with that much-loved veteran actor Joe Gladwin, who
played Wally
Batty.
Joe was staying at the Huddersfield Hotel, in
the centre of
few days while filming was taking place.
And it was here, by special invitation that
Mike was lucky enough to chat with
Joe as he relaxed after another busy day out
on location…
Joe
Gladwin (Wally
Batty)
– How could a timid little man like Wally
escape
from under the thumb of the formidable Nora? A
young fan of the series had gone
as far as suggesting the perfect swap! Joe
also reveals his love of the breathtaking
scenery which provided a perfect setting for
the programme.
More recently, the pantomime season at the
Plaza Theatre in
in December 2000 gave Mike a chance to catch
up with another Summer Wine
‘original’ from the cast of ’73…
Kathy
Staff (Nora
Batty)
– the lady renowned for her wrinkled
stockings and
formidable sweeping brush… fond memories
of those doorstep skirmishes with Compo -
and a wonderful comic partnership which
endured for over a quarter of a century.
(* Radio Starlion,
This exclusive sound archive is
dedicated to all members of the cast, present and past
including the sadly-missed Bill Owen,
Thora Hird, Gordon Wharmby and Joe Gladwin
who have brought, and continue to bring,
joy and laughter into millions of homes
with their timeless, gentle comedy.
IMPORTANT
COPYRIGHT NOTICE Mike
Wallbank and Summer Wine Online are delighted to make these interviews
available completely free of charge. However, the audio files on this page
remain the property of Mike Wallbank. We are
happy for you to download the files for PERSONAL use only, but they must not
be published in any other form. Other fan websites are welcome to
link to this page but must not publish the files themselves. Thank
you! MW 2006