An Evening with Frank Williams

The Vicar has left the Building....

The first event the Dad's Army podcast has co-ordinated with the Dad's Army Appreciation Society took place yesterday evening, in a church hall in Kentish Town. Frank Williams played host to over 70 attendees who braved the driving rain to hear Frank talk about his time in Dad's Army and his wider career.

Frank spent over an hour speaking to the attendees and relished regaling the rapt audience with stories from his time on Dad's Army. He also talked about growing up in the second world war and about his first job within the acting business.

The evening also saw the UK premier of a new documentary about Frank entitled 'Dad's Army and Beyond: The Frank Williams Story' which the audience gobbled up and then asked questions of Frank. Producer Oliver Crocker and Director Mervyn Cumming were also on hand to discuss their experiences of making the documentary. It is hoped that the programme will be made available through the Appreciation Society in the near future - more news on that as it happens.

Episode 41 of the podcast will be a longer than usual podcast and will feature Frank's interview in full. It will also include a five minute interview Frank gave to Radio London early yesterday morning to promote the event.

On a personal note, I was mortified (as was Frank, Oliver and pretty much everyone else there) at how bad the sound was for the first half an hour of the night - which included two screenings of Frank's work. It was almost impossible to make any of the words out at all - as Frazer would have said, it sounded as though the actors were 'mumblin', mumblin'!! At the time though, this was far from a laughing matter. Fortunately, this was a temporary hitch and we able to vastly improve the quality of the sound after the first very awkward half an hour. Many thanks to all the wonderful attendees for being so patient with us - lessons have been learned.

The technical difficulties aside, the food was great, the premier of Oliver's documentary was exceptionally well received and many people came up to me after the event and said how much they enjoyed the evening. You were all so very kind!!

Hope you enjoy the podcast of the evening once I've managed to edit it all together - should be online over on the main podcast page by mid-December.

Come and meet his Reverence!

Vicar and Chips event nears

Frank Williams will be attending an evening wittily (ahem) entitled 'Vicar and Chips' on Saturday 21 November 2009 at a church hall in Kentish Town. The Dad's Army podcast and Dad's Army Appreciations Society are jointly organising the evening.

As the title suggests, the evening will centre on Frank Williams and will feature several clips from his television and film career including some of Franks most recent work for independent production companies.

The highlight of the evening will be the full, un-cut British premier of 'Dad's Army and Beyond: the Frank Williams Story'. Oliver Crocker (producer), Mervyn Cumming (director) and of course Frank will be present and will be interviewed - by me! Poor souls. The DVD will also be on sale to attendees who will of course, have the opportunity to get copies signed by Frank, Oliver and Mervyn.

The details are:

Venue:
Our Lady Help of Christians
4 Lady Margaret Road
Kentish Town
London
NW5 2XT

Time:
6.30pm to 10.00pm

Price:
£7.50 per ticket (includes fish and chip supper)

In order to book you can complete the booking form below and send it off as quickly as possible. Tickets are selling well but are limited - there are however a number still available.

BookingForm

Colin Bean RIP 1927 to 2009

Private Sponge actor passes away

It is with great sadness that I report that Colin Bean passed away on Saturday 20 June 2009. Colin played Private Sponge throughout the whole of nine years Dad's Army was produced and was a keen supporter of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society for many years. An ever-present section leader in the Walmington-on-Sea platoon, Private Sponge was seen in the second rank in most parade scenes. As time moved on, he was given several speaking parts and a little character development. Colin's career was varied, but he will be best remembered for the part he played in Dad's Army.

In later years, Colin regaled audiences with stories about his time filming Dad's Army in the popular 'An Audience with Colin Bean' events, some of which were filmed and can be seen on YouTube.

The story is reported in Wigan Today and can be read here.

Rest in peace Colin, you will be most affectionately remembered.

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.

New podcast online

Episode 34

Episode 34 of the Dad's Army podcast is now on-line and available to listen to or download from the main podcast page.

This month, Paul Carpenter from the Dad’s Army Appreciation Society joins me for the whole episode and previews the premier event on the Society’s calendar, the 2009 Perry and Croft Day which is due to be held on Sunday 10 May at at Bressingham Steam Museum. Paul announces which stars will be appearing (subject to work commitments and good health) and provides an insight into what it takes to put on such an event.

We then discuss the first episode of Dad’s Army I ever saw, Don’t forget the Diver – an absolute classic series 4 episode from 1970.

Episode 35 of the podcast will feature a number of interviews with the stars of Dad’s Army - I hope to be talking to several of the cast and crew at Bressingham.

Take a listen to episodes 20 and 21 of the podcast to hear coverage of last years event.

As always, we’d love to hear from you so please send in your feedback to james@dadsarmypodcast.com.

New podcast on-line

Frank Williams stars in Episode 33

Episode 33 of the Dad’s Army podcast is now on-line and available to listen to over at the main podcast page or on iTunes. This month we are joined by none other than Frank Williams himself – the Reverend Timothy Farthing, to discuss the often controversial film interpretation of Dad’s Army.

The entire podcast team were present for this one – and Frank shares his experiences of being part of the production and talks about his many talented co-stars. The film has always divided fan opinion – some believing the series made a seamless transfer from TV to the silver screen whilst others believe it a travesty of the telly series. Why not have your say? E-mail us at james@dadsarmypodcast.com but above all, enjoy the podcast.

New Dad's Army podcast now on-line

Episode 31

The first Dad's Army podcast of 2009 is now on-line and available at www.dadsarmy.podomatic.com.

This edition of the podcast is a little different from the usual format – Paul Carpenter from the Dad’s Army Appreciation Society brings you a review (featuring several wonderful clips) from the recently recovered audio versions of the 1968 Christmas Night with the Stars sketch and the off-air recording of series 2’s A Stripe for Frazer. Thanks to Paul for putting together such a fantastic piece of audio and giving all you lucky podcast listeners the opportunity to hear what is in effect, brand new Dad’s Army.

If that wasn’t enough, Clare returns to the podcast and reviews the classic Christmas Special, My Brother and I.

Podcast 32 will be the long promised feedback episode and as I have yet to record it, you have a great opportunity to get your comments on the show. I am particularly interested to hear what episode of Dad's Army you would like us to review and chat about in the future. Send in your thoughts to me at james@dadsarmypodcast.com or click on 'comments' at the foot of this posting.

Latest news

Dad’s Army: Oddities and Rarities

The British Film Institute in London is joining in the 40th Anniversary Celebrations on Monday 22 December 2008 by screening a number of rarely seen pieces of footage including home movies, interviews and rumour has it, a brand new colourised version of season three’s Room at the Bottom. The evening promises to be one to remember. Tickets are under a tenner each but are selling like hot cakes – be quick to nab one at http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/dads_army_oddities_and_rarities_0

Podcast 29

The latest Dad’s Army podcast is now on line and available to download or listen to at www.dadsarmy.podomatic.com This episode is another live commentary, this time of season five’s The King was in his Counting House. This alternate format is developing and this time around we go through the vast amount of feedback we’ve received over the last few weeks. The commentary version of the podcast is not a permanent format – episode 30 will return to the tried and tested format and will cover all the latest Dad’s Army news and events of last few months. As always, feel free to contact me at james@dadsarmypodcast.com, comments are always welcome and are usually read out on a future podcast.

New podcast imminent (updated 18 September 2008)

Episode 27

The first new episode of the Dad's Army podcast for over a month will be on-line this evening. In a last minute change to the content, Paul Carpenter and Tony Tarran take over the featured episode segment and provide inside information on Is There Honey Still For Tea?

In addition, there is my review of the recent Jonathan Ross and Comedy Connections programmes that formed part of the 40th anniversary celebrations.

You will be able to listen to the new podcast at http://www.dadsarmy.podomatic.com/, through iTunes or on our myspace page.

**UPDATED 18 SEPTEMBER 2008**

Episode 27 is now on-line. Have you not listened to it yet?!

Dad's Army Podcast round-up

New podcast coming soon

Despite my earlier message about my taking a break from producing podcasts (Podcast on Hiatus on Friday 8 August), I am planning to record a new episode at some point over the next week or two. Work on our bathroom has finally finished (barring torpedoes) and my wife has just over a month to go if she delivers according to schedule - so I should have plenty of time to record a short podcast over the next few days. Once again, it is likely that James will join me (yes I know it's confusing having two James' on the show) and we'll be discussing one of the first episodes of Dad's Army I ever saw - series four's Don't Forget the Diver. Please feel free to send in your thoughts about this episode to james@dadsarmypodcast.com

Podcast tops the chart!!

Yes, thanks to all our listeners out there, the Dad's Army Podcast was number one in podOmatic's Television and Film category for twenty four hours after podcast 26 was uploaded a few weeks ago. This really is a milestone for the podcast and I would like to thank everyone who has supported the podcast by listening to the show, and especially to those who get involved in sending in feedback and MP3s to us. The increase in listeners is probably due in part to the coverage Dad's Army attracted over it's 40th anniversary - but whatever the reason, it's great to see the numbers increase significantly. Thank you!

Series one poll results

The podcast's poll for your favourite episode from series has now closed - and the very first episode, The Man and The Hour has come top of your list with 31% of the vote. The Showing up of Corporal Jones was second, attracting 23% of your vote. Watch out for the next poll coming soon - which will ask you to vote for your favourite episode from series two.

New Dad's Army Podcast now on-line

Episode 23

Episode 23 of the podcast is now on-line and available to listen to or download from our main site.

This week James and Tony discuss Croft and Perry Day 2008, interview the delightful Pamela Cundell who played Mrs Fox in the series and talk about the BBC’s plans to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the show. Our featured episode this week is series four’s The Test.

The sound quality is not so good in this podcast I'm afraid - mainly because I am in the middle of decorating my office at home - it's floor-boarded and therefore very echoey. I also forgot to covert our conversation about the 40th anniversary show into stereo. Hope this doesn't spoil your enjoyment too much.

I am still experiencing problems with the upgrade of the podcast player - when listening to the show the sound occassionally drops a few seconds or sometimes just stops playing altogether. In addition, the last 30 seconds or so do not play. The best way to get around this is to listen to the show on iTunes (or another podcatcher) where these problems do not occur. Hopefully podomatic will sort this rather irritating problem soon.

We’ll be back with podcast 24 in three weeks or so when we’ll be discussing The Two and Half Feathers – feel free to let us have your comments on this episode and we’ll include them in the show. Enjoy the podcast.

TTFN,

James

Dad's Army Podcast round-up

Favourite Character Poll re-opened

Due to popular demand, I have re-opened the Favourite Character poll last week. As regular blog-readers will know, the original six-week survey attracted 85 votes and put Walker fairly and squarely in first place. I was then inundated with e-mails (well, I received five) from readers expressing their disappointment that they did not get an opportunity to vote. So, the poll will now stay open for the foreseeable future - it will be interesting to see how the results develop over the next few months.

Podcast 23

Episode 23 of the Dad's Army podcast is scheduled for release on the 21st June 2008. The break between 22 and 23 has been longer than usual - mainly due to boring tasks that I just haven't been able to put off any longer - the main one was to redecorate my office. You will be pleased to know that unlike Mainwaring, I do not have a paper door. Anyway, Episode 23 sees the return of Tony to the podcast when we will be discussing The Test. If you have any comments on this episode you would like us to discuss then please e-mail them to me at james@dadsarmypodcast.com by Friday 13th June 2008 - MP3 recordings would be even better. We also discuss Bressingham 2008 and Tony interviews Mrs Fox - yes, Mrs Fox is coming to the podcast! I am actually quite scared.... You can hear a brief preview of Pamela's interview right now by heading over to the main podcast page.


Comments on individual podcast episodes

There have been problems for listeners when leaving comments over on the main podcast page (see the 'Special Announcement' blog posting of 28th May 2008) which have now, I am reliably informed, been rectified. All previous comments that mysteriously disappeared have now returned! So please get scribbling and leave your comments by clicking 'Leave a comment' or 'comments' under the play button for each episode.

New Dad's Army podcast on-line

Episode 22

Episode 22 of the Dad's Army podcast is now on-line and available to download from http://www.dadsarmy.podomatic.com/

This week sees the second and final of the Croft and Perry Weekend Specials and features speeches made by Pamela Cundell, Harold Snoad, Michael Knowles, Jimmy Perry and David Croft at the Dad’s Army Appreciation Society’s annual members meal.

The cover-art this week is of David and Ann Croft at the event – with me at the same table! If you like the sound of the event and would like to attend in future years, then you will need to join the Appreciation Society to be in with a chance of getting a ticket. Joining is ludicrously cheap – take a look at www.dadsarmy.co.uk for details.

We’ll be back in two or three weeks time with a ‘regular’ episode of the podcast and Tony and I will be discussing ‘The Test’. Feel free to send us your comments on this episode and we’ll read out your e-mails, or play your MP3s during the show. Contact us at james@dadsarmypodcast.com

Special Announcement

Dad's Army Podcast site 'upgrades'

Hello everyone.

Just a quick message for those of you who are wondering what's happened to the main podcast site ! Well, I'll try to explain.

PodOmatic, the company who hosts this podcast in cyber world, ‘upgraded’ their site last weekend. Now there may be very few noticeable differences to listeners, but there are a whole host of changes been made in the way podcast hosts maintain their pages. ‘Glitches’ podOmatic all them – I call them something altogether more rude!!

Anyway, the two main differences you’ll notice are;

1) All your past comments have disappeared. I have however, been informed that this is purely temporary. In fact, I can still see them when I log into the site to update it. I just can’t publish them – neither can listeners leave new comments for the time being.

2) The podcast player that opens when you hit ‘Play’ has changed. It looks flashier, but unfortunately misses the first few seconds off from each episode. Similarly, some episodes drop off half way through. These problems I am also assured are temporary. In the meantime, the best way to listen to the podcasts maybe through iTunes or Myspace.

Now I have already uploaded Episode 22 to the podOmatic server and it is still due to be made available to listen to this weekend however - I have described just two of the changes you’ll see – there are hundreds of changes for me in the way I publish episodes! So if I have difficulty, please bear with me. Episode 22 is a cracker so I hope any problems you experience will be worth it.

If these problems do not rectify themselves, then I will look for an alternative host – so thank you for you patience. Hopefully things will be back to the ‘smooth, well-oiled machine’ you are used to very soon.

Special Edition of the Dad's Army Podcast now online

Frank Williams and Harold Snoad join DAAS members on locations tour

As mentioned in my last posting (Location, Location, Location...) we at the podcast were lucky enough to attend a guided tour of locations used whilst filming Dad's Army all those years ago.

Accompanied by my trusty MP3 recorder, I managed to speak to Frank and Harold as they recounted their memories of filming. The Dad's Army Appreciation Society were also on hand and jammed-packed full of Dad's Army trivia which the attendees lapped up.

Click on the cover-art above to be redirected to Episode 21 of the Dad's Army podcast. Please feel free to let me know what you think of this podcast, especially as it's the first massive departure from our regular format - my e-mail address is james@dadsarmypodcast.com Feedback is always welcome, be it positive or negative. Alternatively, you can leave your comments on this blog by clicking on the 'comments' tag at the foot of each posting.

In a fortnight's time, Episode 22 will be on-line and will feature the speeches and interviews made at the DAAS members meal. It will be the most star-laden podcast yet and will include discussions with David Croft, Jimmy Perry, Michael Knowles, Pamela Cundell, Harold Snoad - and a University Professor who lectures in Dad's Army!!

Bressingham is coming.......

Croft and Perry Day, Sunday 11th May 2008

The year's highest-profile Dad's Army event is taking place at Bressingham Steam Museum next Sunday.

This year will be particularly special as it's the programme's 40th anniversary. Guests invited include Jimmy Perry, David Croft, Harold Snoad, Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee, Pamela Cundell, Eric Longworth, Michael Knowles and John Clegg. There will a whole host of other stars there too from many other Perry and Croft programmes.

I have included few pictures of previous Bressingham events in this posting - my usual podcast co-presenter Tony is pictured with Jones' van. There is also a picture of a house in Nether Row - the road was used in many episodes taken in Thetford town centre.

If you are planning on coming to Bressingham then please come up and say hello - if we're not roaming the museum looking for interviews then we'll be in or aound the DAAS tent.

There is special mini-podcast previewing the event with Tony Pritchard, one of the day's organisers available on the main podcast page. This brief podcast gives you a little bit of history about the event and offers an insight into how much planning goes into putting on a really spectacular day.

For more information about the event, hop over to either the Dad's Army Appreciation Society's page, or the Bressingham Steam Museum site.

Look forward to seeing you there!

New Dad's Army Podcast on-line

Episode 19

Episode 19 of the Dad's Army podcast is now available to listen to or download from the main Dad's Army Podcast page.

Lots of news this week about the programmes 40th anniversary and the events that are being held to celebrate the milestone. There's the Appreciation Society' Croft and Perry Day at Bressingham Steam Museum on the 11th May, and Thetford Council are planning an whole weekend of celebration. We talk about what in store for those who pay Thetford a visit on either the 26th or the 27th July. Check out www.dadsarmy.co.uk or www.explorethetford.co.uk for more info on both events.

Paul Carpenter of the Dad’s Army Appreciation Society joins us once again, this time to discuss the season five story, Time on my Hands.

We will be back at the weekend (3rd or 4th May) with a special podcast previewing the Bressingham event. As always, please send your feedback to james@dadsarmypodcast.com

New Dad's Army Podcast

Episode 18 now on-line

Episode 18 of the podcast is now available to listen to on-line or to download from www.dadsarmy.podomatic.com

This fortnight James brings you a round up of the recent goings-on in the world of Dad’s Army, sifts through the Podcast’s mailbag and introduces a new voice to the show. Don’t forget to nominate your favourite Dad’s Army episode before 9th May and be in with a chance of winning the bumper prize draw. This week’s featured episode is season one’s The Enemy Within the Gates - just the fourth episode of Dad's Army to be made.

We'll be back in three weeks time with podcast 19 - when amongst other things, we'll bring you a preview of the upcoming Croft and Perry Day (being held at Bressingham Steam Museum on 11th May 2008 and organised by the Dad's Army Appreciation Society). In the meantime, please get in touch with us at james@dadsarmypodcast.com

Enjoy the podcast.

Purveyor of essential supplies on-line

James Beck on MySpace


I recently discovered a comprehensive tribute on the MySpace 'social networking' site to James Beck and his career. The page is maintained and updated regularly and has a number of really interesting features about the actor. Katie, the site owner, chronicles Beck's career - which extends vastly beyond Dad's Army. I recommend that any James Beck fans heads on over to www.myspace.com/jamesbeck29 to take a look.



More Time on Your Hands?!

Due to a technical glitch (okay, a cock-up on my part) our discussion about Time on My Hands (see blog entry 24 March 2008) for Episode 19 of the podcast is going to be re-recorded. For this feature, I will be joined once again by Paul Carpenter of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society. Paul is a fountain of knowledge of all things Dad's Army, so if you have any questions about this episode that you would like me to put to him, please e-mail them to me at james@dadsarmypodcast.com We are due to record next Tuesday (one week from today) so please let me have your questions, or indeed any other comments you may have about this episode before the 15th. You can listen to the latest podcast by clicking on the badge below, and Podcast number 18 will be on-line some point over this coming weekend.