Search Results for: Derek Threadgall

President of the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society. historyproject.org.ukBirth / background: He was born in 1962, in Maidstone, Kent, UK, and has lived there most of his life. historyproject.org.ukHow he got involved and what the Society does:The Tony Hancock Appreciation Society (THAS) was founded in 1976, several years after Tony Hancock’s death (1968). Its purpose includes collecting Hancock’s works, increasing availability of his shows (radio and TV), building an archive, and supporting the preservation and promotion of his legacy. historyproject.org.ukUnder Gibbons’ leadership, the Society has built a large audio archive (over 1,000 items) plus a substantial video collection. Many of these were missing or only partially held in public archives. historyproject.org.uk+2BBC+2Key projects & activities:Worked with the BBC and other partners to restore, release, and make available the surviving radio and TV episodes of Hancock’s Half Hour. historyproject.org.uk+1Co-author of Tony Hancock: Inside His Life In Words And Pictures (with Lucy Hancock, Tim Elms, and Kevin McNally) which uses both the family archive and the Society’s materials. British Comedy GuideInvolved in public events, podcasting (THAS have a podcast Very Nearly An Armful), launching exhibitions (e.g. in collaboration with Riverside Studios), and outreach to younger audiences. historyproject.org.uk+1Philosophy / motivations:From interviews, Gibbons emphasises that beyond merely preserving material, the Society wants to keep Tony Hancock’s legacy alive for new generations, ensuring his comedic work is accessible. historyproject.org.ukAlso, the efforts include recovering “lost” or missing episodes / sketches, working with collectors, restoring audio and video, etc. historyproject.org.uk+2The Guardian+2If you want, I can put together a more complete timeline of his life (education, earlier career) or list all the major contributions he’s made through the Society. Do you want that?

David Charles Prowse, MBE (born 1 July 1935) is an English bodybuilder, weightlifter and character actor in British film and television. Worldwide, he is best known for physically portraying Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy.Dave Prowse MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to Charity and Road Safety) is better known as Darth Vader in the original 'Star Wars' trilogy, 'Star Wars' (1977), 'The Empire Strikes Back'(1980) and 'Return of the Jedi' (1983). Born into a working class family in Bristol, as a teenager, Dave had a passion for bodybuilding and weightlifting during which time he was friends with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferigno (the Incredible Hulk).Before Darth Vader, in 1970, Dave was the 'Green Cross Code Man' a children's role model created by the National Road Safety Committee. Having pursued an acting career in movies from the late 1960s, including movies, 'Casino Royale' (1967) and 'A Clockwork Orange'' (1971) followed by several Hammer Films, as Frankenstein's Monster - naturally,Dave was on hand to beef up Christopher Reeve for his role in 'Superman' (1978). This interview is revealing as Dave recounts his  Darth Vader experiences including ,the controversy of his voice being dubbed by James Earl Jones and  his fragile relationship with George Lucas.  

Full name: Christopher (“Chris”) Strachan. historyproject.org.uk+2Electric Palace Harwich+2Date of birth: 25 April 1939. historyproject.org.ukPlace of birth: Aberdeen, Scotland. nationaljazzarchive.org.uk+1Moved during childhood: his family moved to London when he was 12. Eventually moved to Harwich in 1973. nationaljazzarchive.org.uk+1Education / Early LifeChildhood in Aberdeen, then London from age ~12. Accents, early schooling reflect that move. nationaljazzarchive.org.uk+1Developed interest in jazz and music early: at school in Kilburn in late-1950s he set up a jazz band. nationaljazzarchive.org.ukProfessional career: He was trained and worked in medicine. He became a general practitioner (GP) and surgeon. Specifically, he worked in plastic surgery in Sheffield before moving to Harwich for a combined GP / surgery post. historyproject.org.ukInvolvement with the Harwich Electric PalaceThis is perhaps the role for which Chris Strachan is best known in local / preservation / community heritage circles.The Electric Palace is a vintage cinema in Harwich, built 1911. It had closed in 1956, then was left derelict. It was listed (protected) in 1972, but was deteriorating. historyproject.org.uk+2Electric Palace Harwich+2Chris Strachan, together with retired architect Andrew Carden, was instrumental in rescuing the building in the 1970s. Electric Palace Harwich+1In 1975, Chris (as secretary) and the Trust (formed to restore the Electric Palace) obtained a lease from the council and started work to halt further decay, then repair damage. Electric Palace Harwich+1In 1981, on the 70th anniversary of its original opening, the Electric Palace re-opened. After that, Andrew retired and Chris became Chairman of the Trust, a position he held for over 30 years. Electric Palace Harwich+1Besides overseeing the restoration and preservation work, Chris also worked (with volunteers and his wife Celia) to raise funds, recruit expertise, and promote the cinema, especially putting on film showings, jazz concerts, etc. Electric Palace Harwich+2nationaljazzarchive.org.uk+2Other Roles / Civic LifeHigh Steward of Harwich: Chris Strachan was the High Steward (a ceremonial role) of Harwich. He held this until stepping down, paving the way for Sue Daish to become the 34th High Steward. harwichtowncouncil.co.uk+2harwichandmanningtreestandard.co.uk+2Music: He has been active as an amateur musician, especially in jazz. He plays brass instruments — trumpet, as well as other horns, flute etc. He helped in promoting live music at the Electric Palace. nationaljazzarchive.org.uk+2Electric Palace Harwich+2Later Years & LegacyChris Strachan passed away on 7 May 2024. His death was noted by the Electric Palace Trust, and in local sources. Electric Palace HarwichHis legacy: Preserving the Electric Palace — avoiding its demolition, ensuring its restoration, continued use as cinema / performance venue — is seen as his major contribution. His long tenure and continuous work with volunteers and community are frequently praised. Electric Palace Harwich+1In addition he wrote about local cinema history: e.g. he is the author of The Harwich Electric Palace (original version in 1979, followed by a later edition with updates) recounting the story of the cinema from its opening, through decline, restoration, and more recent years. electricpalaceharwich.savoysystems.co.uk+1