The second part of the definitive radio documentary, ‘Carry On Forever!’, is broadcast on Radio 2 from 10pm this evening. A surprisingly riveting and enjoyable listen, the archive sound-bites from the likes of Jon Pertwee, Jack Douglas, Kenneth Connor, Peter Butterworth and Bernard Bresslaw merge seamlessly with new memories from Valerie Leon, Jacki Piper, Julian Clary and John Antrobus. You can listen to the programmes at: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00t37n4 until the start of next week.

Pinewood Studios played host to representatives from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for the presentation of a painting left to the home by Peter Rogers. The painting, featuring six Battersea dogs, was bought in auction by Peter in the 1980s and hung in pride of place in his office until his death last year. He had requested that the painting be returned to the home and it will be on permanent display from September. Peter’s niece, Leonora Dossett, was in attendance at the handover and said: “Peter was a big dog lover and always had his German Shepherd with him, so he would be delighted to see Battersea Dogs & Cats Home here at Pinewood Studios. I know he would be thrilled that the Home is going to display the painting.” It had been commissioned to mark the 125th anniversary of the home and, in this year of the 150th anniversary, Peter is still helping the home so close to his heart. Claire Horton, Battersea’s Chief Executive Officer, reflected that: “Peter spent his life in pictures and this painting is a very fitting tribute to him and his love of animals.” You can read more about the home at: www.battersea.org.uk.

It was fitting than that Radio 2 turned a delightful shade of blue from 10 to 11pm as Leslie Phillips presented the first in a series of British Comedy documentaries: Carry On Forever! An affectionate gallop through the history of the series, interviews with surviving cast members Liz Fraser, Anita Harris, Shirley Eaton and Kenneth Cope were complimented by archive material from Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Hattie Jacques, Joan Sims, Charles Hawtrey, Gerald Thomas and Peter Rogers as well as new historical interjections from Robert. Stay tuned for a further 23 hours for the second part! 

A delightful champagne-fueled afternoon in the garden of Leslie Phillips is interrupted by a telephone interview with Richard Dinnick. Researching an epic two-volume history of Big Finish Productions, the first tome is released in the autumn and includes coverage of Robert’s first ‘Doctor Who’ play: ‘Medicinal Purposes’ starring Colin Baker, Maggie Stables, David Tennant…and Leslie Phillips. Then it was off to Hampstead’s New End theatre to attend the final performance of George Layton in Wolf Mankowitz’s ‘The Bespoke Overcoat’. A classic of Jewish community and comradeship through the veil, David Graham, James Barron and Sam Hoye completed an impeccable ensemble cast. George’s gentle observations, brandy-soaked optimist pearls of wisdom, knowing monologues and gentile warmth made for an unforgettable evening.

A Goody Goody Yum Yum Happy birthday to Tim Brooke-Taylor who turns 70 tomorrow.

On Tuesday 20th July, The British Comedy Society is unveiling a blue commemorative plaque in memory of comedian Harry Worth. Close friend and star comedian Jimmy Cricket will do the honours at Harry’s birthplace, 47 Fitzwilliam Street, Hoyland Common. The fun begins at twelve noon and, for the cost of just £5, continues at the Hoyland Common Working Men’s Club where food will be prepared. There will be a pay bar. Please contact John Gatenby at: britishcomedysociety@yahoo.co.uk. The event coincides with the DVD debut of series one of ‘Thirty Minutes Worth’, Harry’s classic I.T.V. series.

Robert will be attending another day of Hammer Films celebration organized by the tireless Don Fearney at Cine Lumiere, South Kensington. The event will run from 10am until 6pm on Saturday 30th October 2010. It will be a perfect pre-Halloween bash, priced at just £15 per ticket. The day will include the launch of a new book: ‘Hammer the Unsung Heroes’ which features a foreword by Barbara Shelley. Barbara will be in attendance to sign the book and other Hammer items. Other guests include Hammer Glamour favourite Vera Day, Peter Cushing’s secretary, Joyce Broughton, and Hammer leading men Damien Thomas and Edward De Souza who will be discussing and screening their new horror anthology film ‘Grave Tales’ alongside co-star Brian Murphy and members of the crew. More guests will be announced nearer the time. To book your place please call Don on 0208 806 6915 or write to him at 25 High Hill Ferry, Bakers Hill, London, E59 HG and tell him Robert sent you!

It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of Alan Hume, one of the true gentlemen of the British film industry.The most skilled of cinematographers, Alan worked on everything from the James Bond series to the Hammer horrors. A veteran of true class, with work alongside Alexander Korda and David Lean under his belt, he forged a fruitful relationship with director Gerald Thomas. Alan was camera operator on the very first Carry On, Carry On Sergeant, and subsequently became a regular director of photography throughout the sixties and seventies. He lit the very last, Carry On Columbus, in 1992. Robert spent many happy hours in his company and recorded the 2003 DVD audio commentary for Carry On Henry with him at Pinewood Studios. Robert’s proudest television appearance is on the 1998 documentary ‘What’s A Carry On?’. For one interview session Robert was lit by the guv’nor himself. As Babara Windsor said at the time: “We all loved Alan. Not only was he gorgeous, he made us look fantastic on camera!” Rest in Peace.

Comedy actress and campaigner Carol Hawkins has launched her official website. Pop along and read about her amazing career from Carry On to Hammer via Ray Cooney and say hello. Visit: www.carolhawkins.co.uk/

The 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Taverners is marked with a stunning Diamond Jubilee Garden Party within the grounds of Westminster Abbey. Robert accompanies Jenny Hanley and joined other guests including Judith Chalmers, Diana Moran, Vicki Michelle and Mike Read. The day of Jenny fun had started with the Lakeland Christmas launch party

Robert accompanies Special Guest Leslie Phillips to the central event in The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund calendar: Carry On Up the London Party, held within the gardens of Chelsea Barracks. The Carry On themed fun and games involved multi-Cleos, a gaggle of nurses and King Henry VIII. The charity doubled its takings from last year, so many congratulations to all involved.