19.09.24.
New Grand Sheik and 30th Anniversary for Ghosts
After 30 years of being the founder and Grand Sheik of the Live Ghost Tent of London, Del Kempster has stood down. Vice Sheik Steve Trodd (right of picture above) has agreed to be the Grand Sheik. Del has had some health issues over the last few years and not been able to attend meetings - he lives in Wisbech.
Steve had willingly and efficiently organised quarterly meetings at The Cinema Museum in London.
On Saturday 14th September, we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the tent. There were about 40 people, including founding members Jim Hutchinson, Steve Robinson, Gareth Evans and myself. It was a memorable event and I am certain that under Steve's guidance, wisdom and love of Laurel & Hardy, that the Live Ghosts will be haunting in London for many years in the future!
Roger Robinson
Came to see our friends in the Live Ghost Tent of London. What a great meeting to celebrate their 30th University. Fantastic venue, Laurel and Hardy films on a big screen and good company. Hope to be back soon.
Mark Johnson on Facebook
The Perry Winkle
Roger Robinson was on good form at the Laurel and HarDay in Wigan, and was glad to chat to anyone about The Perry Winkle. It has lost none of its charm and the latest issue can be obtained from Roger at roger.robinson5@btinternet.com. Highly recommended.
2026 International Convention
Just an update to let you know that we are progressing nicely with the convention prep. I'll be signing the hotel contract and paying deposit in October. Since every convention is self sustaining, just an optimistic reminder that we would welcome any voluntary donations to help build the war chest for future deposits, such as the buses and the Harbor cruise ship. (Registration won't begin before next summer, reccomember?)
Donors will be listed in the program. Those interested in a donation by cash, check, or PayPal please PM me or email me for details. (P.S, "those not interested, do not answer!") I'm delighted to say, I've had a couple already!
Only 21 months away! It may seem like a while, but the time will fly and our SOD family will be together again!
2025 European Convention
Plans for the convention are being finalised and details are expected shortly. Meanwhile the organisers have intimated they would like to hear from anyone…
If a tent wants to send any gadget for the goody bags
If a conventioneer wants to entertain the others SOD at the hotel of Saturday evening (about 10 minutes each) acting, playing music or something.
If a conventioneer wrote a book about L&H and wants to participate at the author’s panel.
If a conventioneer wants to host the peewee contest and other games.
If a conventioneer wants to sell L&H related materials at the hotel,
Contact Ale at testedure258@libero.it
A provisory program is in the last ITJ and at www.ifiglideldeserto.it
See also here
Laurel and HarDay
Gary Winstanley says, “We have just sent the proceeds (£300) of last week's raffle to the British Heart Foundation.
Thanks to everyone who bought tickets and donated prizes.
Hats Off to Charlie Hall
I was fascinated by the “Making of "Hats Off to Charile Hall" video.
It shows the amazing amount of work, joint effort, travel, and no doubt expense, that goes into these Dirty Work productions.
I really enjoyed both videos, and the enthusiasm of Gary, his crew, and those who contributed. Thank you both.
Dave Williamson
Bowler Dessert spotted
I spotted these in a (charity) shop window in Morningside in Edinburgh.
Fred Terris
The Laurel & Hardy Digest
A pre-owned copy of The Laurel & Hardy Digest has been spotted for sale on eBay for £99 plus postage!
Night Owls Tent of Oldham
Bonnie Scotland Tent
The films on show in August were Way Out West – for obvious reasons, Men O’War, Our Wife and Big Business. Apart from the obvious Christmas connections, Fin appeared in them all. He would have been 137 that month.
Another co-star, Dinah the mule had appeared in many Hal Roach films throughout the 1930s, and she finally got a screen credit in Way Out West.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 26 September.
Janice Hawton
...and finally