Cartoonist Bill Tidy MBE unveils Plaque

commemorating

Bruce Bairnsfather

On Saturday, 10th September 2005 a plaque commemorating Capt. Bruce Bairnsfather, sponsored by The Old Bill Newsletter, was unveiled by the cartoonist Bill Tidy, MBE, at Victoria Spa Lodge, Bishopton, in front of a large gathering of Bairnsfather enthusiasts and collectors, and in the presence of BB’s daughter, Barbara Littlejohn, and his granddaughters Janet Farella and Margaret Nelson—who had flown over from America especially to be here for the event.

Among the enthusiasts at Bishopton were BB’s biographers, Tonie and Valmai Holt, and one of his most dedicated fans, Graham Meiklejohn from New Zealand—making his fourth trip to the UK in less than two years, and here for just a week, so he could be present to witness this latest tribute to BB.

In 1918 Bruce Bairnsfather wrote “Warwickshire is my county, and I love everything belonging to it.” He must have been looking down on his county for an hour or two on 10th September, as the rain (which had earlier looked set to drown out the whole event) held off, and the unveiling ceremony went off without a hitch.

Bill Tidy arrived shortly before 10.30am, and was soon chatting with Bairnsfather enthusiasts and posing for photographs with Rick Sperinck’s life-size model of Old Bill,  in the room which had once been BB’s studio. The Editor introduced Bill to BB’s daughter, Barbara Littlejohn, and he spent some time talking to her about her father’s work.

As 11am approached a crowd gathered outside the house, and the official unveiling ceremony began. The Editor said a few brief words, and then handed over to Bill Tidy, who told the gathering what an honour it was for him to be paying this tribute to BB and unveiling the plaque.

With the plaque unveiled it was time for photographs, and Bill Tidy was joined by the Editor and BB’s daughter as enthusiasts and the local press snapped away.

Back inside, Paul and Dreen Tozer had laid on a magnificent buffet, which was much enjoyed and greatly appreciated by all present. As enthusiasts ‘caught up’ with fellow collectors, the plaque was a major subject of discussion. Everyone seemed very impressed with the design and finish, and felt it was very much in keeping with the character of the property.

During the Reception at Victoria Spa Lodge Bill Tidy was in great demand, and no-one seeking an autograph or sketch was disappointed.

Shortly before 1pm everyone departed for Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Old Bill Newsletter Reunion in the Lecture Hall at The Shakespeare Institute, Mason Croft. The main event of the afternoon was the Old Bill’s Double Competition, which took place at 2pm, but there was also the ever-popular ‘live’ Old Bill’s Emporium, and wall-to-wall displays, put together by the Editor. These exhibits covered the entire Hall, and featured a vast amount of Bairnsfather material on the following themes:

Bruce Bairnsfather and Bishopton in Peace-Time 1904-1914; Bruce Bairnsfather and Bishopton in War-Time 1914-1918; Bruce Bairnsfather—A Photo Gallery 1915-1918  and Old Bill on Stage and Screen, 1916-1918.

At around 4.30pm a recording of Bairnsfatherland, the sketch written by BB and Basil Macdonald Hastings in 1916 for Albert De Courville’s revue Flying Colours, was played. A hushed audience heard the voice of Old Bill, as portrayed by John Humphries, the first actor ever to play the part. A rare treat for everyone in the Lecture Hall, accompanied by the bonus of a life-size image of John Humphries in a scene from Bairnsfatherland, which was projected on to a screen during the playing of the recording, to set the scene and give the audience a ‘feel’ for the original performance.

The Old Bill Newsletter Reunion 2005 concluded with the Reunion Dinner at The Garrick Inn, Stratford, attended by nearly thirty enthusiasts. An excellent meal was enjoyed by everyone—the perfect end to a truly memorable and very special day.