Pte. Godfrey in the papers!

Ridley's war

Chris Hastings of The Telegraph has written a comprehensive article about Arnold Ridley's wartime experiences. Many aspects of Ridley's life were seemingly mirrored through Godfrey's adventures on screen in Dad's Army. Ridley was a fascinating man and lived and fought through both world wars. Take a read of Hasting's article - amongst those whom he discusses Arnold's life with is Nicholas Ridley - Arnold's son, who is planning to visit the battlefield where his father sustained a crippling bayonet wound that troubled him for the remainder of his life. It's a great article and not a little touching. Read it here.

Dad's Marches on!!

New Dad's Army Stage Play tour in 2009

Following the success of the 2008/09 tour, Calibre productions have announced that four more episodes will be adapted for a new tour in 2009. Very little additional information is available at the moment - but as soon as we have it, it'll be on the blog!! Click here to see the announcement on Calibre's site, and for a short video of this year's tour.

The new episodes have yet to be chosen by Calibre - why not have your say?! Which episodes would you like to see on stage? Just click on 'comments' below this post and make your suggestion!

Eric Longworth's obituary

Telegraph publish obituary for Eric Longworth

An obituary for Eric Longworth appeared in the Daily Telegraph on the 22nd September 2008 and is available to read here.

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.

Comedy Connections

New Dad's Army documentary to be screened this evening

The BBC series, 'Comedy Connections' finally concentrates on Dad's Army, and will be screened on BBC1 tonight (Friday 29 August 2008) at 10.30pm. The programme is being repeated tomorrow evening (Saturday 30 August 2008) at 11:10pm on BBC2 and last for forty minues. The following information has been published on BBC's website;

The gentle war time comedy Dad's Army has charmed millions of viewers since its first transmission forty years ago, becoming one of the most popular and best-loved series of all time. Set in wartime Britain, its cast featured many veterans of stage and screen including Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Arnold Ridley and John Laurie. The series created a template for future ensemble sitcoms, and established one of British TV's most successful writing partnerships - Jimmy Perry and David Croft. Neither of the writers gave the show its name: originally called Fighting Tigers, the title Dad's Army was imposed on the show by the BBC's Head of Comedy, Michael Mills. With contributions from writers David Croft and Jimmy Perry, and actors Clive Dunn, Ian Lavender, Frank Williams, Bill Pertwee, Wendy Richard and Pamela Cundell.

Make sure you set your video!! Feel free to send in your comments to us about the programme to james@dadsarmypodcast.com and they'll be read out on a future podcast.

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.