From Newsletter no 91, reports from the GSPS Convention held in Brighton in October 1997)
Further down the page are the recollections of Mike Coveney and Andrew Clayden. First though, a word from the organiser:
In the midst of all the business and chaos of setting up Son of Weekend called Fred, I now realise that the assistance of several folk was invaluable in keeping things going smoothly. So, before we get into the full report, let me put on record my own grovelling appreciation for the help of Mike Barfield, Terry Freedman, The “Brighton Mob” for their sterling work at our Reception and with wall displays, to Angharad (for saying sensible things at the right time). George Brown, Graeme Foot and to Bob Bray and the Steam Count for attending to Marjorie Graham on her Friday evening arrival.
Chris Smith
Those of us who have been fortunate enough to attend all four Goon Show Conventions have, I suspect, gradually learned how to cope! Time is limited; there are so many people one would like to have a good long talk with, so much going on, so many facets of the Goon Show legacy to savour. It is necessary to relax and let things happen.
This time round, our Organiser-in-Chief Maxine performed the impossible – that is, getting Harry and Spike together to chat to us. We were carefully rehearsed, so that Spike was made to feel at ease as a mark of respect for his advancing years, Harry knowing what to expect from his previous visit to Bournemouth. Spike’s memory was helped by kindly interventions from Harry, and both enjoyed remembering moments from Army and early Goon Show days.
Both of our star guests spend so much time surrounded by media ‘hype’ that they surely appreciated our forbearance over photos / TV / hand shaking etc. It would have been nice to have them on stage, as this would have given better vision all round. However, they must have felt waves of genuine affection that wreathed the room with a happy atmosphere. On leaving, Harry and Spike were each presented with a splendid painting of themselves by our own Tim Leatherbarrow.
Graham Stark was billed to appear on Friday night, but cancelled, giving less than 48 hours notice. Marjorie Graham generously stepped in and filled the space with excellent recollections of her work in TV, especially on the Fred series, illustrated with candid camera shots of those happy pioneering days. Her off-the-cuff chat gave great pleasure and was warmly applauded.
Saturday was such a beautiful day we could adjourn to the Palace Pier (opposite our Hotel), get down on the end of it and start a Concert Party. Especially as air-conditioning was not one of the Royal Albion Hotel’s strong points.
The first session was by the Sussex Mob, with rustic words and song, after which I was invited to speak “for about five minutes” on the early days of the GSPS.
Kind remarks after my short talk have persuaded me to accept an enormous fee to chronicle the first twenty-five years in the Newsletter (GRAMS: Intake of breath, sinister dramatic chords). A video memoir of that great character from North-West Goonery, Paul Geraghty followed; he is still sadly missed by many for his infectious enthusiasm for things Goon. Then that valuable time for chat – lunch (it was twenty to one, of course).
Marjorie returned in the afternoon to back up John P. Hamilton in his further memoirs, mostly concerning TV days. Perhaps we should have pressed him a bit more on his work on the Goon Show, but it was good to have John with us again, he having already given generously of his time.
However, the Show itself came right into focus with a first rate talk by Ted Kendall, the restoration expert. He was clear and to the point, and much appreciated by those interested in the technical side of things. He suggested writing to the BBC requesting further releases of remastered Shows would be helpful as they were dragging their feet about this. A full video of The Whistling Spy Enigma, though of course a later production, gave real insight into the manner of presentation at the microphone. The TV documentary Heroes of Comedy: The Goons looked well on the large screen. Including nostalgic shots of Dennis Main at Bournemouth, supplied to Channel 4 by our own video Crew, Mr. & Mrs Mike Waring (GRAMS: Cheers, whistles, etc).
A very personal message from Max Geldray followed, sensitively filmed by one of the leading Herns. Max spoke thoughtfully and kindly, and his great regard for GSPS was apparent; one noted the latest newsletter on his desk! For me this was another weekend high spot.
So Saturday, ending at 1:30 am, saw us retiring to lay awake for some time, thinking of all we had seen and heard. And in the case of the Organisers Maxine and Chris, a sedative. Breakfast on Sunday produced a buzz of conversation on all tables, and the lights kept going out, as they had done all the time. Could Mike Bentine have explained this? Time did not allow the planned Walk Backwards for Christmas on the beach, but there was plenty of Phantom Head Shaving in the knock-out competition.
Our AGM clocked up 4 minutes longer than usual! But a chance for Bill, our Chairman, to express perfectly thanks to all who had worked so hard to plan and execute this Convention. The good news is that Maxine has agreed to become new Secretary, for which post there could hardly be a better choice.
The final event on the programme was the ‘Mystery Guest’. All was revealed by the arrival of the original Bluebottle, in full uniform of East Finchley Troop – he did not have to wait for audience applause.
A delightful character with a clear and active mind,well informed on Goon matters, who spent many years on the stage himself. He had no hang ups at being the butt of recollections by Peter on chat shows, who coded him as a genius. There was a fee involved. The presence of Bluebottle was a perfect end to the programme.
I stayed on an extra day at Brighton, and walked alone through the now-empty rooms where it all happened. I like this strange atmosphere that pervades any theatre when the Show is over. I still haven’t got it right though. I still didn’t relax enough, and I still wasn’t able to meet all the folks I wanted to.
Perhaps next time…?
Mike Coveney, Co-Founder and Editor (Retired)
A FUNNY WAY TO GET A HAIRCUT
(VAGUE RECOLLECTIONS FROM ‘SON OF WEEKEND CALLED FRED”)
The chance of a visit from those two sons of fun, Milligan and Secombe from Finchley, made it too good an offer to miss. So after 14 years or so of being the faceless printer of the all-leather GSPS Newsletter, I wrenched a cheque from my Moth Collection and bravely ventured out from obscurity into the full glare of Beautiful Brighton and joined the thronging massed ranks of other members for “The Son of Weekend Called Fred” held in the Royal Albion Hotel on the 17th-19th October I997.
Those of you familiar with the parking facilities in Brighton will understand my joy when I successfully parked up in Burgess Hill and checked into my lonely, solitary room (boo! hoo! – my first weekend away without my wife and family). First port of call: the hotel bar (surprise, surprise) whereupon I met our esteemed Editor Smith and several other fools, who up until then, had only been names on a page. Among them, Tim Leatherbarrow, who is responsible for the excellent cartoons that grace these hallowed pages.
After a stroll on the pier with Cod and Chips (a more delightful couple you couldn’t wish to meet), back into the conference room for a most interesting talk from Ted Kendall (Expert Restorer of all things Goon) with additions from John P. Hamilton.
Chancing upon Steve and Kim King (my old muckers from The Tony Hancock Appreciation Society) we all took a stroll into town to spend money… ooh, lovely money ! Arriving back in time for a splendid dinner with some charming table guests (the cheques in the post). We took our places for the evenings main event: Chris Smith Buying A Drink!!, no no that’s wrong. It was the “will they? Won’t they?” appearance of Spike and Harry, who for the next hour or so, kept us all entertained with an interesting interview/chat with the weekends’ organiser: Maxine Ventham (take a well deserved bow Madam). Alas, for me, sitting the other end of the room to Eccles and Neddie with no microphone and me, with a perforated ear drum and a hairy piece of liquorice, I couldn’t hear much of what was said. However, I have it on very good authority that my name is Clapham Junction and in that order.
Bidding our honoured guests farewell, the evening continued with rare Video screenings and a rare Raffle (anybody want some Mrs Merton Coasters?) Following a late night stroll and a kip in my lonely bed (everyone say aahh!), I awoke next morning to a hearty breakfast where we all took guesses as to who that mornings Mystery Guests would be. Eric Sykes, Mrs Merton, (complete with her Coasters) or even.. wait for it … Prince Charles … who it was rumoured was in the area.
The Sussex Mobs’ presentation of The Phantom Head Shaver of Brighton began the mornings entertainment. Oh, how we laughed as hapless victim after hapless victim proceeded to don skull cap, covered with shaving foam whilst being shaved by A. N. Other hapless volunteer. Well at least it was funny until I spied young Smithers having a whispered word with the M.C., whereupon I heard my name being called as the next victim/willing participant.
Bravely going forth where no printer has gone before, I pulled the skull cap completely over my face in a vain effort to preserve my anonymity. Alas my efforts were in vain and I didn’t win. However, the actual appearance of that mornings’ Mystery Guest more than compensated for not winning. It was none other than Ruxton Hayward – the original inspiration for Bluebottle who kept us all enthralled with his showbiz stories for a couple of minutes, but then went on for a further 30 before clearing the stage for the shortest AGM I’ve ever witnessed and highly deserved mutual thanks to all concerned.
If, like me, you’ve held back from attending the various GSPS type functions held over the years, then come out from beneath your shell, cast aside your inhibitions and jump. knee-first, into the fun. After all what have you got to lose, apart from your hair?
(recalled by the famous Andrew Clayden)
Various 1990s quality video and audio recordings can be found on Encyclopaedia Goonicus.
The Goon Show Preservation Society 