A fond farewell to Tony Hoare: the guv’nor.

Robert was among the guests at the eager-awaited Heritage Foundation salute to the 40th birthday of Dad’s Army. Beloved surviving cast (Clive Dunn, Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee, Pam Cundell, Frank Williams, Philip Madoc), the writers (Jimmy Perry and David Croft) and behind-the-scenes talent (Harold Snoad, Mrs Michael Mills: Valerie Leon) and wartime-flavoured auction and entertainment, proved a fitting event in aid of of the Bomber Command Appeal. Later Robert joined up with Liz Fraser (who, fittingly, had played Pike’s mum in Dad’s Army: the Movie) and Roy and Debbie Hudd for Ken Dodd’s Laughter Show at the Palladium. A copper-bottom variety production with everybody from Comedy Legend Bernie Clifton to twinkle-lipped Joan Hinde, it was staged to raise money for Brinsworth House; a place very close to Robert’s heart. Here’s to next year.

Robert attended the National Theatre Denis Norden platform on the Cottesloe stage to launch the writing guru’s latest collection of memoirs, Clips from a Life. The great man was interviewed by Barry Cryer and Robert enjoyed an extended audience with the great and the good in the Green Room afterwards. Thank you, Sarahs!

The fourth annual ‘Best of British Comedy’ luncheon in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund was held at B.A.F.T.A. Robert, who has served on the committee from the outset, enjoyed the company of George Layton, Liz Fraser, Valerie Leon, Barry Cryer, Amanda Barrie, Hattie Hayridge and Sanjeev Bhaskar. Rufus Hound proved a perfect master of ceremonies and the highlight of the cabaret was on-fire ventriloquist Paul Zordin. Here’s to next year!

The 4th birthday of Soho club Zebrandos, was celebrated with an invitation-only ‘Best of British’ party. The sweetest moment was the continual screening of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels throughout the evening with Robert’s dear friend, Vera Day, being on screen when he walked in…having just enjoyed a lengthy lunch with her!

Robert journeyed to Retford in Nottinghamshire to guest at the second Telly Nation convention. Held in the historic hotel, Ye Olde Bell, it was a fun weekend spent in the company of old friends (Valerie Leon) and new (Cheryl Hall and Phil Rose), while all being held in aid of the very worthwhile charity S.T.E.P.S.

Robert travelled down to Brighton for the second Carry On convention at the New Madeira Hotel. Headliners were Bernard Cribbins, Kenneth Cope, Margaret Nolan and Albert Moses. Laughs, autographs and a quick gin ‘n’ tonic were fitted in before a hasty departure and further laughs with Bernard en route home to the home counties. Many thanks to Brett Trimble, Paul Stephen and the gang for splendid organisation.

After a long but enjoyable process of putting the production together, Robert settled down to record seven audio commentaries for the Madman DVD release of the classic 1970s situation comedy ‘Mind Your Language’. With writer Vince Powell, the ever stunning Francoise Pascal and fellow stars George Camiller, Ricardo Montez and Albert Moses it proved to be a hilarious and enlightening reunion. Thanks to engineer extraordinaire Andre Jacquemin, production assistant Henry Holland and everyone at Redwood Studios for making the day run so smoothly. The only downer on the day was that Arsenal lost to Fulham during the evenings pub-based fun!

The Heritage Foundation Garden Party at the home of chairman David Graham in a slightly damp but enjoyable Buckinghamshire. Familiar faces Liz Fraser, Philip Madoc, Vicki Michelle and Nina Baden-Semper mingled with friends of the foundation in an attempt to raise money and awareness for a permanent tribute to Bomber Command. A spitfire flyover bought gasps of amazement.

A grand day at Earls Court 2’s London Film and Comic Con marred only by the absence of Graeme Garden. Sadly, Graeme was severely delayed on a flight back from Menorca and couldn’t attend the signing. But Tim and Bill enjoyed the experience, being interviewed on stage by Robert and interacting with the weird and wonderful citizens of the LFCC. As usual the most surreal moments happened in the Green Room: thanks to the likes of Claudia Black, Christopher Lloyd, Margot Kidder and Peter Davison. Here’s to the next Showmasters event.