John Potts, diners, Daniel Boone, motels, root beer floats and Ruby Tuesday endless fries. The American experience rolls on…and a diet is calling! While back at home the very, very last of the Summer Wine is enjoyed by over five million viewers – more than a million more than the rest of this final series. Fittingly Peter Sallis, the only actor to appear in every episode, had the final line: “Did I lock the door?”

A ‘perilous’ journey to Paterson, New Jersey to pay homage to legendarily comedian Lou Costello who was born there in 1906 and now has a memorial park and statue in his honour. ‘Lou’s on First’ pays tribute to Abbott and Costello’s best-loved routine and the chubby vaudevillian is depicted in baseball gear complete with bat. Wallow in the newly restored DVD release of the complete two-season collection of ‘The Abbott and Costello Show’ for lots of knowing references to New Jersey. These will now always make Robert smile just that little bit broader.

The shamelessly artery-hardening Carnegie Deli for a rousing Corn Beef Hash: the Woody Allen is just too big! Broadway royalty in the shape of Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch starring in the first revival of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’. A magical theatrical event. The British end was kept up with Alexander Hanson’s red-blooded performance as Fredrik Egerman and the whirlwind direction of Sir Trevor Nunn.

The glorious New York, New York and one of the world’s most astounding hotels. Fun times with Jim Dale, the most relentlessly delicious Italian meal ever and drinks into the wee small hours in the Oak Room: a classy little establishment that has played host to Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Onassis and the Beatles.

Robert flew off to the land of “hamburgers and raisins that can sing” as Don McLean has it. He was a man on a mission and it had a little bit to do with baseball!

The British Comedy Society are paying tribute to Kenneth Williams on 5th September. The Dead Comic Society unveiled a blue plaque to the beloved comedy actor in 1994 but the Marlborough House flat has seen been demolished and redeveloped.

The British Comedy Society, Quicksilver Theatre Company, Camden Council and British Land plc have organized a packed day.

At 12.30 actor and writer David Benson will lead a walkabout tour: ‘Footsteps Under the Pavement’. This is free but must be booked direct with Chris Mellor at Camden Council. To check availability please e-mail: walks@camden.gov.uk

David will perform his celebrated one-man show ‘Think No Evil of Us – My Life with Kenneth Williams’ from 3.30pm at the New Diorama Theatre, 15-16 Triton Street, Regents Place, off Osnaburgh Street, London NW1.

The plaque unveiling, reception and refreshments will take place in the foyer of the theatre from 5.30pm.

The ticket price for the show, unveiling and reception is £30. Paid-up Friends of the B.C.S. are entitled to a discount of £3 per ticket for themselves plus a guest. Please express your interest in attending at the Society website: www.britishcomedysociety.com.

One of Robert’s locals, the Green Man in Aylesbury, celebrated its first anniversary under new management. The occasion called for a pint or two; particularly as a plaque on the opposite wall marks Ronnie Barker’s first professional acting engagement. Then it was off to the cinema to marvel at the ridiculous, gory and scantily-clad madness that is ‘Piranha: 3D’. Kelly Brook in and out of a bikini. Christopher Lloyd going marvellously over-the-top. Richard Dreyfuss reprising his ‘Jaws’ role. Oh, you were sold at Kelly Brook weren’t you? 😉

More laughter with Leslie Phillips before Robert donned a 1940s Lance-Corporal uniform for Bob Golding’s 40th birthday bash in St. Albans. The hall, suitably associated with Eric Morecambe, was painstakingly decked out in bunting, war-time nosh of bangers and mash in billy cans was served and live music came from the 78 rpms; as well as tributes to Flanagan and Allen and the Andrews Sisters. And, yes, that was Robert dancing alongside Roger Lloyd-Pack, Francoise Pascal, Paul Cole and ‘Mr Tumble’ – Justin Fletcher, of course.

Giggles and gossip with Liz Fraser. A potential project is in the pipeline.

A fun pub crawl through Ealing with Carry On Teacher alumnus Paul Cole and David Barry and great friends Alan Coles and Henry Holland. A select few: we are looking at H and Meurig and wagging our collective finger; managed to break away from the bar long enough to visit the school location near West Ealing train station. Upon returning to the West End, a final wet of the evening was enjoyed in the Ship & Shovel where Robert bumped in to singer Tony Christie. All together now – “in the avenues and alleyways…”