“Summer Wine Decanted” is the title of the book based on my YouTube series. It is the story of the BBC TV sitcom Last of the Summer Wine from its humble start to becoming a world-wide favourite and the longest running situation comedy in the world.
It has biographies of the actors and covers every major character and many of the regular and occasional supporting characters appearing in the show’s 37 year run.
There is also an in-depth Trivia section, covering details you might find interesting, things you missed when you watched the show and behind-the-scenes secrets.
In August 1914, Lord Kitchener, the war minister, began a recruiting campaign calling for men aged between 19 and 30 to join the British Army.
Harry Williams, my Grandfather, was born in 1896 and volunteered for the army before his 19th birthday. Men could volunteer at age 18 but were not allowed to serve abroad until they were 19 years old. This did not deter Harry!
It is not an encyclopaedic record, but it is a true account of his army exploits. Despite his claim to be uneducated, his writing has a colourful style, punctuated by his unique humour and descriptive narrative of the often pitiful conditions he and his comrades were subjected to.
The Grimsby Evening Telegraph described it as “a very emotional and sentimental read”
He recounts the challenge of telling his parents he had joined the Army, especially as his mother who was strongly against military service. Harry describes the early days of training, and the difficulties faced by new recruits adapting to harsh conditions and learning the unforgiving realities of military life.
Harry’s story provides a powerful and insightful portrayal of the realities of war, highlighting the courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie of the soldiers who fought on the Western Front.
This is the story of the BBC TV sitcom Last of the Summer Wine from its humble start to becoming a world-wide favourite and the longest running situation comedy in the world.
The year 2023 marks 50 years since the pilot and first series were broadcast.
This book is based on my series of YouTube videos, with some additional details and updates. It has biographies of the actors and covers every major character and many of the regular and occasional supporting characters appearing in the show’s 37 year run.
There is also an in-depth Trivia section, covering details you might find interesting, things you missed when you watched the show and behind-the-scenes secrets.
