Once More With Ealing
July 12th 2009
The Haven, Ealing
Special guests: Laraine Humphrys, Fenella Fielding and Anita Harris.
Event organised by Brett Tremble and Paul Stephen
In 2009 we found ourselves back in Ealing. This time at the Haven Bar.
On a beautiful Summer's day, it was quite refreshing to step indoors for a couple of hours, in the company of Carry On fans, and three wonderful Carry On ladies.
After the usual Carry On quiz, with some terrific prizes for the winners, we were introduced to a panel of truly delightful actresses. All of whom had appeared in two Carry On films each, although one of them had also been in the 1973 TV Christmas special.
On a beautiful Summer's day, it was quite refreshing to step indoors for a couple of hours, in the company of Carry On fans, and three wonderful Carry On ladies.
After the usual Carry On quiz, with some terrific prizes for the winners, we were introduced to a panel of truly delightful actresses. All of whom had appeared in two Carry On films each, although one of them had also been in the 1973 TV Christmas special.
In 1961, Fenella Fielding made her Carry On debut, in Carry On Regardless, as the aptly named (but then again who wasn't) Mrs Panting, but it was five years later when she cemented her name in Carry On legend, as Valeria in Carry On Screaming.
It was an honour and a joy to spend time with Fenella, something which we got to do again nine years later. As you would expect, her many stories of working on these films were wonderful to hear. Made all the more glorious when told with that ever-so sultry voice.
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Fenella with Kenneth Connor in Carry On Regardless
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Fenella having a quick "smoke", as Valeria in Carry On Screaming
Sadly, Fenella passed away in 2018, not so long after her second visit to The Whippit Inn. It only goes to make these memories of spending time together all the more precious.
Thank you Fenella.
Laraine as beauty contestant Eileen Denby in this publicity shot for Carry On Girls, with Bernard Bresslaw, Sid James and Kenneth Connor.
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Our next special guest had been meant to join us the previous year, in Brighton, but was unable to get to that celebration. Never ones to give up, we invited her to come along to Ealing, and thankfully she could.
Laraine Humphrys made three appearances in Carry On productions. The films Carry On Girls and Carry On Dick, and the 1973 Television Christmas Special..... all in the space of just twelve months. Hearing her memories of working with Sid James, Kenneth Williams, and the whole gang was such great fun. Laraine could feel how much love the fans had for the films and those who made them. It was quite an emotional day. |
As the Birds of Paradise in Carry On Dick (L to R) Eva Reuber-Staier, Laraine, Penny Irving, and Linda Hooks.
Anita as Nurse Clarke in Carry On Doctor, with Jim Dale as Dr. Kilmore
With Paul Stephen, admiring the Carry On quiz prizes....
....and presenting the top prize to the winner, Steve
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Last, but certainly not least, we welcomed pop star and actress, Anita Harris to our afternoon of fun and frolics.
Anita appeared in Follow That Camel and Carry On Doctor, creating two wonderful roles that are still remembered today. Working with American guest actor Phil Silvers, was just one of the many memories that Anita shared with us. Her part in "Doctor" saw her working with most of the core team of actors, as well as guest star Frankie Howerd, and she had kind words to say about each and every one of them. Towards the end of the afternoon, Anita very kindly agreed to present the prizes for the Carry On quiz which was held earlier in the day. These great prizes included a framed Joan Sims autograph, a Bernard Bresslaw bobble-head doll, and a Collectors' set of Royal Mail Carry On postage stamps. And being such a lovely day, the celebrations spilled outside into the delightful pub garden, where everybody shared their own memories, over a drink or two. |
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