Former Heritage Foundation President Sir Norman Wisdom OBE, was honoured on March 6th with the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at his former London Home in Fernhead Road.

Judy and husband Jeff were among a host of well known celebrities who joined in the festivities befitting of such a legendary performer. The plaque was unveiled by the current Foundation President, Robin Gibb CBE, Vice President Mike Read, members of Sir Norman’s family, agent Johnny Mans and Nicholas Parsons OBE.

A tribute luncheon followed at the Marriott Hotel, Regents Park during which, many of Sir Norman’s friends, family and colleagues from the showbiz world relayed their own memories of working with the comic genius. A charity auction was conducted by radio presenter David Hamilton while actress Vicki Michelle MBE presided over the raffle in her own inimitable style. Other celebrities present included; Frazer Hines, Robert Duncan, Eddie Large, Perry Fenwick, Anita Graham and Buddy Greco.

Judy and husband Jeffrey Holland travelled to Eastbourne on 13^th July where they took part in the annual short story writing competition of the Anderida Writers Circle.

Jeffrey is Patron of the group which was formed some twenty years ago. It provides the opportunity for aspiring writers to meet on a regular basis at The Langham Hotel to exchange feedback, share advice and generally hone their skills. Each summer culminates with this prize winning event and which for the past few recent years, has seen Judy and Jeffrey bring the stories to life, reading before a large appreciative audience.

An overcast sky, cool breeze and persistent drizzle heralded Jeff and Judy’s arrival in Buckinghamshire for the annual Heritage Foundation Garden Party held in Great Kingshill on July 18^th. This year’s throng assembled in celebration of the granting of planning permission for the Foundation’s latest project, the building of a permanent memorial to Bomber Command in London’s Green Park scheduled for 2011. As the anxious crowd gazed to the heavens in hope, the clouds parted almost to demand sending temperatures soaring amid blazing sunshine and guests running for shade! In short, it was a typical English summer day.

Following a welcoming drink and delicious buffet lunch served by a local hostelry, Jeff and Judy joined Veterans of Bomber Command for a photocall in the presence of heritage Foundation President Robin Gibb CBE who has spearheaded the fundraising campaign form the outset.

Entertainment for the afternoon came in the shape of comedy from Joe Goodman, with music from rock legend PJ Proby, singing protégé Ellie Dibben and Nicola Sipprell. As in keeping with all Heritage events, funds were boosted with a celebrity auction held under the masterful direction of Mike Read and Goodman with actress Vicki Michelle stepping into her familiar role of drawing the raffle. A presentation was also made to Vicki in recognition of her continued work with the charity and recent award in The Queens Birthday Honours List.

© Jean Havilland

© Doug McKensie

Ten years ago saw the first Dad’s Army Day to be staged in Thetford, Norfolk. Now a tradition, this year saw a whole week of events leading up to the main day itself culminating on the 20^th July. Jeff has attended many such days in the past and this year, he and wife Judy took a detour on the way home from their latest theatre tour venue to take part in the festivities. The celebrations included a stage show, jitterbug dancers, the RAF Honnington Band, access to The Dad’s Army Museum and military vehicles together with those from the Bressingham Collection used in the television series.

One of the highlights of this year’s proceedings was the unveiling of a life size bronze statue of Captain Mainwaring aka Arthur Lowe performed by David Croft outside The Old Anchor Hotel where many of the cast stayed during the filming of the series. Other celebrities taking part over the weekend included Jimmy Perry OBE, Bill Pertwee, Philip Madoc and Pamela Cundell.

© Andrew Ruff

There's nothing quite like the 60's beat for getting a room full of people onto the dance floor and who better to provide it then Frank Allen & The Searchers, who topped the bill at this years Annual Heritage Foundation Ball.

Staged at The Marriott Hotel, Regents Park, London. the event was a musical extravaganza that Judy, accompanied by husband Jeffrey Holland, thoroughly enjoyed. The entertainment began following a bucks fizz reception and 3 course dinner with music to suit every taste ranging from the country style of Ellie Dibben to the traditional pop of Dave Berry, Elena Canclini and Nicola Sipprell. The amazing Ching stunned the audience with her own inimitable dynamic arrangements of classical solo violin, while Lou Jordan rock and rolled the night away with his tribute to Elvis Presley but the stars of the show were undoubtedly the 60's legends.

"The Summer Ball was great," Judy exclaims. "It was really good fun especially when the Searchers got everyone to their feet and we all had a good old bop!! They were fab!"

Judy and Jeff were at the Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire on Sunday to witness the unveiling of a Blue Plaque in honour of one of Britain’s best loved actors, Sir John Mills. The event was staged by The Heritage Foundation and attracted many high profile celebrities from the film and entertainment industry, in addition to Sir John’s close family and friends.

The unveiling was performed by Sir John’s daughter Juliet Mills with Robin Gibb CBE, President of The Foundation. Having been delayed by traffic, Juliet’s sister Hayley arrived in time to enjoy the rest of the days activities which included a buffet lunch served in a marquee in the grounds of the studios, with entertainment provided by Rick Wakeman, David Benson, Stewart Nicholls and Ellie Dibben. Among those speakers paying tribute to Sir John were Juliet and Hayley Mills, Max Caulfield, Sylvia Syms OBE and Chas McDevitt. For Jeff it was a wonderful day out despite the chill wind which did its best to hamper proceedings and did slightly mar things for Judy. “It was such a cold day and I just couldn’t get warm enough even though we were rather all squashed together in an undersized marquee!!

The most enjoyable part for me was the actual unveiling of the plaque by Juliet Mills who was joined just as the curtain fell, by Hayley. It was very moving to see them both together looking so proud of their dad. I also loved Sylvia Syms speech-she was wonderfully funny.”

Judy accompanied husband Jeffrey on a nostalgic trip down memory lane this week when the couple attended a performance of the 30^th anniversary stage tour of Hi De Hi at The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage. The show is based on the legendary David Croft, Jimmy Perry TV series in which Jeffrey portrayed the role of Maplins holiday camp comedian Spike Dixon and which dominated the world of British sitcom during the 1980’s.

Packed full of fun, songs and opportunities for audience participation, the script brilliantly re creates the perfect atmosphere of a holiday camp throughout the auditorium and Judy makes no secret of the fact that she was one of the first to her feet for a rousing chorus of Sons of the Sea, not to mention Goodnight Campers. “It was great fun,” she says. “And I know it brought back happy memories for Jeff.”

The cast is lead by original Maplins troopers Barry Howard, who effortlessly slips back into his role as former ballroom champion Barry Stuart- Hargreaves and Nikki Kelly, swapping her yellowcoat for ball gowns as Yvonne Stuart-Hargreaves.

Two hundred guests packed The Adelaide Suite of The Marriott Hotel, Regents Park, London last week for one of The Heritage Foundation’s most memorable events to be staged n recent years, a Tribute Luncheon given in honour of Jeffrey himself. Accompanied by wife Judy Buxton, son Sam, daughter Lucy and son-in-law Darren, the event was organised in recognition of Jeff’s contribution to the world of entertainment, not least his iconic character creations throughout the entire Croft, Perry and Lloyd ‘Golden Age of Comedy’. With a guest list that read like the cast of a  Royal Variety Performance, proceedings began with a drinks reception and photo call before the serving of a delicious three course luncheon, followed by a video mintage of Jeffrey’s career and tribute speeches from Jimmy Perry OBE, Vicki Michelle and Charles Garland. But with so much wall to wall talent in the room, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the entertainment provided, in the main by Jeff’s friends and colleagues. Magician Matt Grindley delighted and amazed with his incredible illusions, while pianist Bobby Crush brought guests to their feet with his request medley.

He was then joined by Hi De Hi co star Su Pollard who topped the bill with her show stopping performances of Stairway to Paradise and You’re My World interspersed with some outrageous comedy interludes for which she is so well loved. For Judy there was a great deal of cloak and dagger work in the early stages of the day’s organization as the initial preparations were begun without Jeff’s knowledge! “It wasn’t easy keeping it a secret at the beginning,” she admits. “I was very excited about Jeffrey’s big day and somewhat nervous for him as I wanted it to go smoothly and without a hitch. Well I needn’t have worried, as it had been so beautifully organised in every way that the afternoon just flew by and judging by the comments from many that were there, everybody had enjoyed it immensely and thought it was one of the best Tribute Lunches ever! Jeff was over the moon with it and all the lovely speeches touched his heart. He was really thrilled that he was joined by his children, Sam and Lucy and so many of the Hi De Hi and You Rang M’Lord cast.

It was a fabulous day for both of us and I felt so proud of him as there was a lot of love in that room. We both went home elated and exhausted!”

Whenever the word ‘cult’ comes into connection with television programmes, a convention is never far behind, particularly if the programme or series involved is science fiction. There is something rather comforting in the knowledge that the fans of those retro shows not only remain loyal to their memory but relive their favourite characters existence at a level not even the actors could have envisaged during their creation. For Judy, her first experience of one such convention took place in a Hertfordshire hotel. She received the invitation for the two day event along with fellow cast members Paul Darrow (Kerr Avon),  Brian Croucher (Travis), Peter Tuddenham (Orac and Zen), Josette Simon (Dayna Mellanby), Michael Keating (Vila Restal) and Lindy Alexander (Ralli). Unlike the now popular multi programme conventions, this event was purely for Blakes 7 fans and although Judy did not personally encounter anyone in costume emulating their favourite character, she was impressed by the volume of the crowds. “It was extremely well supported,” she exclaims. “I was only able to be there for one of the days but it was great fun. One fan had bought several costumes from the series including the one I had worn in my episode. He asked me to sign it for him. I remember thinking I hope he hasn’t paid too much for it because there isn’t very much of it!” In addition to the statuary signing of photographs, Judy participated in a ‘Question and Answer’ session which took an unexpected diversion into the world of sitcom when husband Jeffrey was invited to join in!

The courtyard of the Actor’s Church, St Paul’s, Covent Garden was bathed in glorious summer sunshine for the annual Royal Theatrical Fund ‘s Summer Fayre on July 12^th. Hosted by The Royal theatrical Fund and The Grand Order of Water Rats, the event raises money on behalf of both charities for the benefit of members from the entertainment profession and their dependants.

President of The Royal Theatrical Fund Sir Donald Sinden opened proceedings in the presence of the Grand Order of Water Rats King Rat, Tony Sharp and compere for the afternoon, Keith Simmonds. With the grounds packed with stalls and attractions, not forgetting the many celebrities in attendance, Jeffrey and Judy were among those in great demand in the autograph tent where the public were able to buy an autograph book and have it signed by giants of the entertainment world present including, June Whitfield CBE, John Nettles OBE, Victor Spinetti, Rula Lenska and many more.

Musical interludes were provided The Bill Geldard Big Band and Michael Howe, with the party atmosphere greatly enhanced by the seemingly limitless supply of Pimms. Also very popular were Jimmy Perry’s stall where it was possible to obtain a personalised Dad’s Army DVD and Roy Hudd’s theatrical ephemera stall proffering a number of Roy’s theatre mementos accumulated from a lifetime in the business.  Said Judy, “It was a really fun day. Everyone worked so hard but had such a good time while helping to make the event a resounding success.”

Judy and Jeffrey joined a host of celebrity guests at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London this weekend for a Tribute Luncheon given in honour of actor and writer Jeremy Lloyd by The Heritage Foundation. Judy is currently appearing as Michelle of the Resistance in the stage version of Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft’s hit TV sitcom Allo Allo, which is enjoying huge success on tour around the UK.

Husband Jeff stars as the hapless café owner and unlikely sex symbol come war hero Rene Artois while Vicki Michelle reprises her original role of Yvette Carte Blanche. Lloyd is also famed alongside the same wrting partner for the equally successful series Are You Being Served. The event was hosted by The Heritage Foundation Trustee, Ian Freeman with the help of Vicki Michelle. Tribute speeches came from writer Jimmy Perry OBE and actors Vicki Michelle and John D Collins. Following lunch a celebrity auction and raffle were held with proceeds donated to the Bomber Command Memorial Appeal Fund.

Celebrity guests included Robin and Dwina Gibb CBE Jean Fergusson, Juliette Kaplan, Anne Charleston, Frank Williams and Burt Kwouk.

Judy and Jeff swapped the frantic goings on at Café Rene in war torn France this week for the more sedate and laid back approach of Captain Mainwaring’s Home Guard of Walmington on Sea or to put it another way, they took time out from their current stage tour of Allo Allo to attend the 40^th birthday celebrations for Dad’s Army, given by The Heritage Foundation at The Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

Not surprisingly for such a momentous occasion, the ballroom was packed with celebrity guests and fans of the iconic TV series, all enjoying a sumptuous 3 course luncheon followed by a charity auction and raffle in aid of The Bomber Command Memorial Fund. As in the past for such events, husband Jeffrey contributed one of his now famous original caricatures, this time of John Le Mesurier  AKA Sergeant Wilson. Judy was particularly delighted that Jeff was successful in his bid to win one of the auction items, a piece of sheet music, ‘We’re Going to Hang Out the Washing on the Siegfried Line’. “It has a lot of sentimental value for Jeff,” she explains. “It was the song he performed in his first audition with David Croft and he feels sure it was his performance of that which won him his first role for Croft and Perry in the stage musical version of Dad’s Army.”

Guests of honour at the party included; David Croft OBE, Jimmy Perry OBE and cast members from the series Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee OBE, Pamela Cundell, Frank Williams and Clive Dunn OBE who flew in especially from Portugal where he now lives, entertaining everyone with some hysterical anecdotes from his career. Jimmy Perry and Bill Pertwee also contributed to the speeches.

There was a real buzz around the Ballroom at the Grosvenor House Hotel, on London’s Park Lane this week as Judy and Jeff joined the star studded guest list of a Tribute Luncheon given by The Heritage Foundation in honour of one of Britain’s most popular comedy actresses, Vicki Michelle. The event staged on April 27^th attracted many celebrity colleagues in addition to friends and family of the actress and began with a drinks reception prior to a delicious 3 course gourmet luncheon.

Hosted by actor and comedian Roger Kitter, those present enjoyed a video montage of Vicki’s career highlights followed by tribute speeches from Roger Kitter, Allo Allo writer Jeremy Lloyd and actor Fraser Hines with Vicki leading an entertaining Q and A session alongside many of her colleagues from the cast of Allo Allo including; Arthur Bostrom, Kim Hartman, John D Collins, Nicholas Frankau and Robin Parkinson.

A celebrity auction hilariously conducted by Roger Kitter and Bobby Davro helped raise funds for the EABF and a favourite charity of Vicki’s, The Dream Factory. One of the items for auction, a caricature of Carmen Silvera was drawn and donated by Judy’s husband Jeffrey Holland.

For Judy and Jeff it was a thoroughly enjoyable day out and a great precursor to their forthcoming UK stage tour of Allo Allo in which they are to play opposite Vicki Michele who will reprise her original role of Yvette as Michelle of the Resistance.   

It was a proud Judy who accompanied husband Jeff to a lunch party at the Richmond Gate Hotel on the 17^th July in a celebration to mark his 40 years in showbusiness. Jeff made his professional debut on his 21^st birthday at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham as Frank Mullins the Judges Clerk in Henry Cecil’s No Fear or Favour.

Many distinguished guests from the entertainment industry were also present to help make the party go with a swing, among them:-  Paul Elliott, Ray Cooney, David Croft, Jimmy Perry, Dirk Maggs, The Simmonds Brothers, Carolyn Lyster, Trevor Bannister and Raymond Bower who had appeared with Jeff in his debut production and who presented Jeff with a copy of the play in book form to commemorate the occasion. Completing the VIP list was Jeff’s daughter Lucy.