Cpl Peter Holding (R.A.S.C.) appealed on the Ed Stewart
programme on Radio 2 searching for his pal Jimmy Thom with whom he played in
the Chateau Skifflers during the late 1950s. Within days Stewpot had put us in touch.
Peter served in the R.A.S.C. with AFCENT from Apri1 1958 until December 1959.
After demob in Jan 1960 and some casual work in pubs Peter re-established
himself with an agent, re-starting his acting career, under his stage name
Peter Charlton, with 3 summer seasons at the Palace Pier Theatre, Brighton.
Between times he was actor/puppeteer with The Lilliput Marionette Theatre
(touring UK) and puppeteer/stage director with the Uma Puppet Theatre, touring
Malta and Libya. Peter appeared in stage productions with Julia Lockwood &
Barry Sinclair, and rep. seasons in Edinburgh & Guernsey. A very short
season at The Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith and UK tour with the Margate Stage
Company, promised a lot but achieved little so he decided to leave the "legit"
theatre and joined 'The Ken Dodd Show' for three titifulareous months in dear
old Liverpool. That was followed by six months at the Prince of Wales Theatre
in London with Max Bygraves in "Round About Piccadilly". Six months
of "'Hands" and "Gilly Gilly" are enough for even the
strongest, so he left to join BBC TV as an Assistant Floor Manager on a short 3
month contract but stayed for 33 years, most of the time as a
writer/director/producer in Children's programmes. Some may remember a few of
the shows he made: "Play School", "Play Away", "Why
don't you" "We are the champions", "Bitsa". There were
many others, even a short time with "Blue Peter" ! When that nice Mr.
Birt came along, the fun of making TV programmes diminished and he made Peter
an offer he couldn't refuse. It was time to get out of Tellyland and
return to his performing roots. Peter has kept a few balls in the air
over the years, as a puppeteer, band singer and comedian with Old Time Music
Hall companies, as well as song-writing (for children). That is what fills his
life now plus Christian company, "Puppets & Praises" (a sort of
rock & roll band with puppets), with the “Noisy Nativity Show". Peter
is currently writing songs for the Disney Channel in Australia. Sometimes
email brings in surprising work! Why not visit his websites:
www.peterpuppet.co.uk and www.puppetsandpraise.co.uk.
OBITUARY
Les Massey received his “home call” on 22 December
last after a short illness. Those who served with Les at Fontainebleau between
June 1952 and January 1955 will remember him as a considerate and thoughtful
airman. A keen sportsman Les played with distinction in the International
Soccer and Hockey XIs. After his brief service in the RAF Les returned to his
native Leicester. He was an active member of the Association and attended the
UK Reunions until his illness prevented him. Les is survived by his wife Vera
and 2 sons 4 daughters and 6 grandchildren of which he was rightly very proud.
The Association made a donation to Cancer Research in memory of Les.
MERCHANDISE
Having shifted most of the table mats and coasters at the October Reunion there was an expectation that the take up through the last Newsletter would be high so more were ordered. Only one order was received.
The Newsletters Nos 1 ~ 24 on CD at a bargain price of £3.00 did not sell ~ only 2 orders. Come on you guys with computers they are worth it. Remember any small profit on all sales goes to the Association’s funds.
A few ties and blazer badges remain in stock.