Podcast 35

Locations Tour 2009

Apologies for the long interval since I've last blogged - been really busy at work, home and, you'll be pleased to hear, with loads of Dad's Army related stuff.

Firstly, the 2009 locations tour podcast is now online over at the main podcast page. Make sure you check out Episodes 35a and 35b. Frank Williams was an absolute gem - I really can't get enough of that man. He is so enthusiastic about Dad's to this day, and he is so eloquent and articulate when talking about his memories of filming Dad's Army. What is also clear is his affection for his co-stars. There is no hint of envy or jealousy about the fact that he played such a minor role compared to the regular cast members. What amazes me is how youthful he is on these tours - they are not short events (four hours without a loo stop!) and the terrain is often rough enough to challenge even the fittest of fans, but not only does Frank cope admirably, he positively enjoys himself. Anyway, as always, let me know what you think of this podcast by sending me an e-mail - james@dadsarmypodcast.com If you happen to be based in or live near London then keep an eye out on the blog for a Frank related event in November this year - can't say too much at present as we're still in the early stages of planning, but if its comes off then tickets will be as keenly sought after as Walker's silk parachute-knickers!

Dad's Army podcast on Twitter!

The podcast now has a Twitter page - www.twitter.com/dadsarmypodcast I'm very new to all this interwebby promotion stuff, but realise that the next generation of fans will expect there to be a very strong, online presence (other than the podcast itself), so this is my attempt to get with it. I will try to post all the latest dad's army and podcast news on this page so make sure you keep an eye on it, and post responses! Twitter is one of the easiest modern-day networking sites to use - all you need to do is sign up (takes two minutes) and click on 'follow' and you'll be kept up to date on all things Dad's Army.

And finally.....

Keep you ears peeled for a rather exciting announcement about the future of the podcast very soon. All very mysterious I know, but I should hopefully be able to announce something fairly major that will greatly enhance the enjoyment listeners' get out of the podcast over the few weeks. More soon.

Tour of Locations 2009

Perry and Croft weekend 2009

A set of photos taken on the tour of Dad's Army locations that took place on 9 May 2009 is now available by clicking on the slideshow to the right. The tour was organised by the Dad's Army Appreciation Society and visited several locations on the Ministry of Defence ground at Stanta. The MOD ground is usually a no-go area to members of the public so this specially arranged tour was a real treat. We were accompanied by Frank Williams who shared several of his memories whilst filming at Stanta.

As there was last year, there will be a podcast containing the commentary from Frank, and our tour guide Tony Pritchard of the Appreciation society. What Tony doesn't know about Dad's Army really isn't worth knowing! The recordings will form podcast 35 and be on-line as soon as I have had a chance to edit the numerous anecdotes I managed to record.

Anchor not sunk yet

Dad's Army hotel could be saved

The Anchor Hotel used by many of the cast during location filming has been derelict and due for renovation for some time now. Several fires have been attended by the fire brigade and the boarded up hotel has been a trouble spot for over the last few years.

Well, now it appears that the seemingly inevitable fate of demolition might yet be averted. The Eastern Daily Press published the following article on their website on the 8th August 2008. The report alleges that Breckland Councillors have now decided to enter negotiations to acquire the town centre site.

Nothing further has emerged since the publication of the article, but it would be fantastic to think that this site could still be owned by a Council who has a vested interest in keeping the legacy of Dad's Army a prominent part of Thetford's future.

We'll keep you posted!

With thanks to Ian Sherwood.

Podcast on hiatus!

We'll be back......

This note is to let you know that I will be taking a break from the Dad's Army podcast for the next couple of months. There are two reasons for this; 1) and of course, most importantly, I am about to become father for the first time at some point during the next six weeks and 2) we have builders from hell in refurbishing our bathroom. I sincerely hope that point number 2 is fully delivered before point no 1!!

Never fear though, the podcast will be back - I am just not sure when at this stage. Keep subscribed to the feed though - we may have the odd one two pre-recorded files ready during the hiatus.

Thanks again to you all for your support - keep the feedback coming in and we will catch up on it all when the podcast returns.

In the meantime, the following is a video I found on YouTube that made me smile....and I will update thw blog every now and again.

Warmest regards,

James

Location, Location, Location....

Tour of Dad's Army film locations

On Saturday 10th May 2008, the Dad's Army Appreciation Society (DAAS) organised a tour of locations in and around Thetford that were used in the series . A old red routemaster collected a group of DAAS members and their guests at around 11:00am. We were accompanied by Frank Williams (the Vicar) who was able to entertain us with stories about the cast and crew whilst filming was taking place, and by Harold Snoad who was responsible for suggesting Thetford be used for external shooting all those years ago. Harold was also responsible for finding suitable locations for non-studio bound scenes in series 1 to 4 - unfortunately we only visited one location used during Harold's time on the programme and that was Brandon station, used in The Big Parade.

Other locations visited included;

Elvedon Hall (the tower is pictured above and in the final scenes of Battle of the Giants)

The field where Mainwaring is chased by a dog with a grenade in his mouth in Fallen Idol

The bridge where the fire engine used in Brain vs Brawn was stopped by the Army

The green where the pageant was held in Knights of Madness

The church used for the external Church scenes in Ring Dem Bells and The Captain's Car

The Anchor Hotel which featured in The Man and the Hour and was used as cast and crew accommodation

Both Tony and I from the Dad's Army podcast were invited to come along and we managed to secure a number of recordings with the event organisers and Frank and Harold. You will be able to hear those interviews on episode 21 of the podcast due for release over the next few days.

Pictures taken on the tour were few in number as I was so busy making recordings, but click on the slideshow to your right to see the photos we did manage to take. If you were with us on the tour and took some pictures and would like to see them on this page, then please e-mail them to me at james@dadsarmypodcast.com - we will credit all photographs we recieve.

All slideshow photos taken by James at the Dad's Army Podcast