Walking..out here..without him

[Douglas Enwright]

This small area with the view by the broken dry stone wall has always been one of my favourite Summer Wine locations,and although many scenes were filmed here,this is the one that I most remember.
It starts with the line “ I used to know the length of the Mississippi” spoken by Truly,and I always say that line in my head when I walk past here,which leads me to remembering the rest of the conversation between Clegg and Truly,and going through it in my head,not always perfectly,before getting to the broken wall and perhaps even climbing onto it.
It’s a very poignant moving scene I think,as after all these years Cleggy is now walking these hills without him for the first time.
It’s a difficult location to find and quite a way out from all the other locations in and around Holmfirth,it’s set apart with no other locations near it as far as I’m aware,you can get by car but the lanes are very narrow and twisty,and on foot it’s a heck of a walk and I wasn’t coming home without any photos of it.
I parked at the free car park next to the Co-op at New Mill,and the location of this area is on Fulstone Hall Lane off White Ley Bank in New Mill,but I wouldn’t recommend going for the following reason.
I’v visited this area and little wall many times,the last time was last September when you could walk straight into it off the lane and it looked pretty much as it did in this scene,apart from a little overgrown.
When I visited last week I noticed that what used to be a small farmhouse type building next to it was now a huge modern house,much bigger,it was incomplete and empty with work still being done on it,the builders vans were there and in all this pretty area was scaffolding and a mixer and bricks and timber,and there was absolutely no access to the area and dry stone wall,it was all fenced off with a big gate and fencing and even barbed wire over the top of the dry stone wall next to the road,as if it was now the private property of this big modern house.
There was a house across the road and the owner was in the driveway,it was more like a farm,and I asked the neighbour if he thought it would be ok if I climbed over to take a photo,he said that would be okay and the property was empty,but if someone did come he would have a word with them for me,I don’t usually climb across fences,I explained what I was doing and he said he remembered the film crews and actors coming here on many occasions to film scenes for Last of the Summer Wine.
Sorry about rambling on,I know this is a section for photos,and they are coming,I had real doubts about whether to post here or the general discussion page,but I didn’t know if photos were allowed there,I do apologise if there is a limit to text with photos and I won’t do it again,I was going to ask an administrator but I didn’t want to be a nui as I had to ask before posting my last thread and the midget word.
So to get into the area the easiest access I could find was to climb over a huge metal gate tied at both ends,but even that wasn’t easy as on the other side was a tree trunk and some rubbish,if there had been anyone in the property I wouldn’t have climbed over.
When I got into this area,apart from it looking like a building site with no access I got such a shock to find that every single bit of the dry stone wall had been taken down and removed,not a stone of it remained,neither the famous broken bit,nor any of the wall that ran down to the road,you could see the fresh flattened area where it had all been,so it looked recently removed,I have never known a dry stone wall removed before,most of them are centuries old and were there for good,my beautiful dry stone wall seen in so many great scenes,and also Hobbo’s Jam roly poly scene,was gone.
But standing in the area,the line came to me again
”I used to know the length of the Mississippi” and I thought of that scene again

Truly : I used to know the length of the Mississippi
Cleggy : Oh that’s very useful,I bet you’re sorry you’ve forgotten that
Truly : I can see you’re keenly interested,I was just using it as an example of how you forget things,don’t you
forget things ?
Cleggy : I can’t remember
Truly : You’re in a picky mood this morning,reminds me strongly of being married,although a sense of fairness
obliges me to admitting you’re prettier
Cleggy : When you realise people die so suddenly it makes you wonder if it’s worth buying new underwear
Truly : Think you might be tempting fate ?
Cleggy : I think we haven’t got the hang of it yet
Truly : Underwear ? Oh I think I’v got the hang of mine,course you miss the weight of the truncheon
Cleggy : I’m talking about him
Being without him
Walking..out here..without him
Truly : We often used to walk without him,he was always hanging behind or on a wall somewhere
Cleggy : It’s sort of comforting,someone walking twenty yards behind you walking on walls,or twenty yards in
front trying to walk across a five bar gate,he never could resist a five bar gate
Truly : He never could resist Nora Batty,I expect that had a tendency to make you climb gates,
Well,get up there,get on with it
Cleggy : It was him that used to climb up walls
What are you doing ?
Truly : Just because we didn’t do it doesn’t mean we can’t do it
Cleggy : What are you looking for ?
Truly : Seeing if anyone’s coming
Cleggy : Well there you go you see,that was him,do you think he cared if anyone was coming,if he wanted to
walk on a wall he walked on a wall
Truly : Alright,I fancy walking on a wall
Cleggy : It’s not you,you’re the wrong size for walls
Truly : You’re the first person who’s ever noticed that
Cleggy: Somebody’s coming
Truly falls off wall down hill
Cleggy: Don’t forget to write

 

[Douglas Enwright]

As a footnote,this is a photo I took when I visited in September,you could walk straight onto the grassy area from the lane,and all of the dry stone wall was there,including the part that runs right up to the lane,although there was less of the broken wall than I remember.
I couldn’t climb the wall for Truly and Cleggy,but I did climb a five bar gate in honour of Compo.
And by the way,the length of the Mississippi is 2,340 miles.
Love to you all,
Chuffer x

 

[Eithne]

I enjoyed your post Chuffer, and the tale of your bittersweet adventure. Losing all of them was enough, to lose the stone wall and the very place they were seems too much for words. I have been burning leaves all afternoon and I read your tale sitting on my front porch watching the smoke, the sunlight on the water further on and the birds coming to the feeder, it seemed a fitting moment of reflection. Those of us who will never have the opportunity to stand and reflect in those places depend on your descriptions. Those little moments like that were among my favorite parts of Summer Wine too.
Thanks

 

[Graham]

Excellent post again Chuffer. How sad some pratt wanted that wall gone. Maybe used the stone to renovate the building. I bet the owner had no idea of its significance.

 

[maltrab]

Same spot they used in a couple of the Cooper & Walsh promo video's, but be careful Chuffer walking that lane as mrs Cornwall-Harris lived around the corner and she won't see you if the sun is in her eyes

 

[Douglas Enwright]

I enjoyed your post Chuffer, and the tale of your bittersweet adventure. Losing all of them was enough, to lose the stone wall and the very place they were seems too much for words. I have been burning leaves all afternoon and I read your tale sitting on my front porch watching the smoke, the sunlight on the water further on and the birds coming to the feeder, it seemed a fitting moment of reflection. Those of us who will never have the opportunity to stand and reflect in those places depend on your descriptions. Those little moments like that were among my favorite parts of Summer Wine too.
Thanks

What a lovely post Eithne,thank you so much x

 

[Douglas Enwright]

Excellent post again Chuffer. How sad some pratt wanted that wall gone. Maybe used the stone to renovate the building. I bet the owner had no idea of its significance.

That’s what I thought Graham,it was a really modern looking rebuild on the house and I thought to myself they have no idea what they’ve just dismantled and fenced off,probably didn’t even know it was ever filmed there,unlike their elderly neighbour across the road who remembers them coming and filming there,let alone knowing the significance of what was filmed there,so beautifully put by Eithne,I was watching one of those Summer Wino’s short films on YouTube and they were talking to the owner of what was Seymour’s cottage and she said she had no idea what is was when she bought it or for ages after,to me it would have been a major selling point.
I often think there isn’t enough made of the filming locations of this world famous hugely popular show,either in Holmfirth,or in other places like Slaithwaite or Marsden,every time I walk past Auntie Wainwright’s,now just a normal house,I scream to myself in my head,Why isn’t there a plaque here saying “THIS WAS AUNTIE WAINWRGHTS”

 

[Douglas Enwright]

Same spot they used in a couple of the Cooper & Walsh promo video's, but be careful Chuffer walking that lane as mrs Cornwall-Harris lived around the corner and she won't see you if the sun is in her eyes

True maltrab,I remember watching those and wished they had made a series,especially considering some of the rubbish they did commission,they would have had a ready made audience,I remember Barry and Glenda sliding down the hill on trays on that spot too,the lanes are very narrow and twisty,dangerous enough without Mrs Cornwall-Harris,if it’s the lady I’m thinking of she was the well to do lady that nearly ran Seymour over when he doffed his cap at her.

 

[captain clutterbuck]

,Why isn’t there a plaque here saying “THIS WAS AUNTIE WAINWRGHTS”

IF its good enough for Stan then why not Auntie and other landmarks from filming . We underplay iconic series that appear on TV and very few acknowledgements are made other than some specialist sites that highlight filming locations and dare I say it even cemeteries where celebrities are buried . As you say Chuffer its a plus if you are selling a house or building so why not include it in the Estate Agent blurb . I do have to provide a counter argument to identifying properties , specifically domestic homes , by putting up plaques or identifying them publicly .

The series a House through time focused a couple of series ago on a house in Newcastle and the subsequent intrusion the current owners at the time experienced was sufficiently intense that they put it up for sale pretty much after the series ended . Everyone and their dog wanted a picture outside the house . I undertake Heritage walks and the one around the area of the house attracted a record 230 participants there weren't enough guides to offer a reasonable level of interaction with each group. So there are definitely several pros and cons to consider however elements of the shows that are not privately owned would benefit from being identified and offered due recognition.

 

[Douglas Enwright]

IF its good enough for Stan then why not Auntie and other landmarks from filming . We underplay iconic series that appear on TV and very few acknowledgements are made other than some specialist sites that highlight filming locations and dare I say it even cemeteries where celebrities are buried . As you say Chuffer its a plus if you are selling a house or building so why not include it in the Estate Agent blurb . I do have to provide a counter argument to identifying properties , specifically domestic homes , by putting up plaques or identifying them publicly .

The series a House through time focused a couple of series ago on a house in Newcastle and the subsequent intrusion the current owners at the time experienced was sufficiently intense that they put it up for sale pretty much after the series ended . Everyone and their dog wanted a picture outside the house . I undertake Heritage walks and the one around the area of the house attracted a record 230 participants there weren't enough guides to offer a reasonable level of interaction with each group. So there are definitely several pros and cons to consider however elements of the shows that are not privately owned would benefit from being identified and offered due recognition.

View attachment 4693

Well said captain,I agree,when people are buying houses they should know the history and the possible intrusion to them,the owner of Seymours said they didn’t realise till they saw it on tv and recognised their house,and people kept coming up the long drive,I’m always acutely aware of any intrusion if and when I take a photo,when I went past Edie and Wesley’s before Christmas I almost didn’t take a photo,but decided to take one from a distance and zoom in,but I still felt uncomfortable,I went to take a look at Cleggy and Howards first houses behind the church clock but you can get,there’s a gate and a sign saying residents only,it’s the same reason I won’t now go to their second houses behind the white horse,it’s marked private road and it’s very narrow and private and a dead end and you are right up to the houses,I’v been for a quick look and felt uncomfortable but won’t take a photo,if people know the history and don’t mind then yes a plaque would be great,but as you say private houses are a different thing,my point really is that you can walk around Slaithwaite and Marsden and Holmfirth and there not even a mention,not even a little brass plaque saying We filmed here,on the permanent benches they regularly filmed on like the ones at Butterley lane and the one where they filmed The glory hole where they filmed a lot,people love to go and visit these places and reminisce,especially if it means a lot to them like our beloved show.

 

[Eithne]

Here it seems that unless someone chooses to turn a site like that into a museum it ends up neglected and in disrepair. Quite often, even residential locations might have very strict rules about not altering the appearance or layout of the structure or attached property, making it difficult for anyone to want to live there. Not very many people want to become curators to their own homes. There are many once iconic, supposedly well-loved at the time places I remember fondly from my own childhood that are now left to rot. (Anyone remember Dogpatch USA?) I can see how owning a home that is going to be besieged would be very unappealing. I would think that legally it would HAVE to be disclosed.
Unfortunately, not everyone is as respectful as Chuffer is about paying his respects to these places. If I were a homeowner in that situation, I would appreciate the curtesy. The point is well taken though, if they aren't going to establish plaques or commemorative benches or other places for people to go then they are going to continue to pop up in places they may not be welcome.
I don't understand what makes some people think they have the right to do as they wish without any regard, as if fandom gives them a degree of ownership, not just of places, but of the people themselves. Not long ago there was a ball player and for health reasons he announced he was going to have to leave the team and stop playing. He was booed off the field. These were supposed to be his fans. Some people remind you fan is short for fanatic. It ruins things for those who do want to respect both the past and the present.
I hear Yorkshire is under siege again due to the new All Creatures series.

 

[Marianna]

A vocal few who post on the Holmfirth Community Facebook site blame most of the ills besetting the town on LOTSW fans. I'd enjoy seeing the iconic settings marked with plaques, but I don't even want to imagine the outcry from the anti-LOTSW folks. They're blood brothers to those who view public parks and playgrounds as "attractive nuisances".

 

[maltrab]

True maltrab,I remember watching those and wished they had made a series,especially considering some of the rubbish they did commission,they would have had a ready made audience,I remember Barry and Glenda sliding down the hill on trays on that spot too,the lanes are very narrow and twisty,dangerous enough without Mrs Cornwall-Harris,if it’s the lady I’m thinking of she was the well to do lady that nearly ran Seymour over when he doffed his cap at her.

Maybe if both Policemen were Chefs, could paint houses,auctioneers and they had a quiz show half way through the show, it would of been snapped up

 

[Douglas Enwright]

Here it seems that unless someone chooses to turn a site like that into a museum it ends up neglected and in disrepair. Quite often, even residential locations might have very strict rules about not altering the appearance or layout of the structure or attached property, making it difficult for anyone to want to live there. Not very many people want to become curators to their own homes. There are many once iconic, supposedly well-loved at the time places I remember fondly from my own childhood that are now left to rot. (Anyone remember Dogpatch USA?) I can see how owning a home that is going to be besieged would be very unappealing. I would think that legally it would HAVE to be disclosed.
Unfortunately, not everyone is as respectful as Chuffer is about paying his respects to these places. If I were a homeowner in that situation, I would appreciate the curtesy. The point is well taken though, if they aren't going to establish plaques or commemorative benches or other places for people to go then they are going to continue to pop up in places they may not be welcome.
I don't understand what makes some people think they have the right to do as they wish without any regard, as if fandom gives them a degree of ownership, not just of places, but of the people themselves. Not long ago there was a ball player and for health reasons he announced he was going to have to leave the team and stop playing. He was booed off the field. These were supposed to be his fans. Some people remind you fan is short for fanatic. It ruins things for those who do want to respect both the past and the present.
I hear Yorkshire is under siege again due to the new All Creatures series.

Very good post Eithne and I agree with the sentiments of it,I went for a walk recently up a hill in the Peak District called Kinder Scout,and I set off from a small village called Hayfield,in this village there is a terraced house and it has a prominent blue plaque next to the door saying Arthur Lowe was born and lived here,he’s a very famous actor and part of British tv comedy history in Dad’s Army,Rick Blackman who is Christopher Beeny’s son and loves all British classic comedy posted a photo of himself posing by that front door,and they must get people all the time,it must be difficult owning a house or a location where filming took place,such as Aunties shop,or Edie’s house,or other locations,and like you say not everyone is thoughtful or respectful,the owners of this new property in New Mill probably had no idea about the significance of the wall or that small area of field.

 

[Douglas Enwright]

A vocal few who post on the Holmfirth Community Facebook site blame most of the ills besetting the town on LOTSW fans. I'd enjoy seeing the iconic settings marked with plaques, but I don't even want to imagine the outcry from the anti-LOTSW folks. They're blood brothers to those who view public parks and playgrounds as "attractive nuisances".

I’v read exactly that before Marianna,that there is what seems a majority in Holmfirth who resent and dislike the connection the town has with Last of the asummer Wine,and I really don’t understand it.

 

[Marianna]

I’v read exactly that before Marianna,that there is what seems a majority in Holmfirth who resent and dislike the connection the town has with Last of the asummer Wine,and I really don’t understand it.

I don't think that they're a majority — just a very loud minority. After a few visits because of LOTSW, my primary purpose now is to connect with the people, the local history, and the landscape.

 

[Douglas Enwright]

I don't think that they're a majority — just a very loud minority. After a few visits because of LOTSW, my primary purpose now is to connect with the people, the local history, and the landscape.

You’re right,and it’s lovely that you do that.

 

[captain clutterbuck]

In certain circumstances I find it almost an insult and lack of due reverence when people and places which have appeared in iconic shows or have written critical tomes and music don't receive any recognition . I was privileged to visit New York a few years back toured the sites went to Katz's Deli and the guide book mentioned [correctly or otherwise] that George Gershwin had an apartment in that vicinity plus I knew he was born in Snediker Avenue .

I searched the area where they guide book stated he lived , not a jot to say he even existed so I hopped the subway to Snediker Avenue and again at that time nothing so one of the world's greatest composers appears to largely have been totally forgotten in the context of where he composed all those great pieces and where as a child that talent was nurtured .

Is this atypical in the US or do you recognise shows and places where notable stars and series were filmed and I was just unlucky to select George as my quest. I am aware of the Hollywood tours of the stars homes.

 

[Eithne]

I am sorry to say that in my experience this is normal in America. There may be a star on the Walk of Fame in California, handprints outside a Chinese restaurant (We had the Beach Boys handprints outside a Peaches record store in St. Louis but it went out of business and the cement was taken away) You might find a historical landmark plaque after quite a bit of looking but unless it makes money (Graceland) or somebody sacrifices their personal time and finances out of admiration for something themselves, you aren’t going to find much in the way of reverence for the past overall. Again, this is just my experience, and different parts of the country may be different.

 

[BruceC]

I don't think that they're a majority — just a very loud minority.

Sadly they in most cases are the ones that get the attention.... I know they do here in Aussie..

Remember the show finished a long time ago, with zero chance of being re-run.. Also theres only a small %age of people who are still fans of it.

The person who is building the new place mentioned in the first post may never have heard of the show or not realizing the significance... not defending it but as time goes on and the show fades into memories it will disappear more like 100's of shows in the past and will happen in the future...