SUMMER WINE
FRIENDSHIPS

SATURDAY 27TH MAY 12PM

The Holmfirth Tavern

7 Norridge Bottom, Holmfirth, HD9 7BB 

Andrew Bray first met Bill Owen in 1972 when he was just 11 years old. He was walking through Holmfirth when a man asked him directions to the Harden Moss Hotel. A few days later Andrew was fishing at Perseverance Dam when the same man walked past and called out to him “your directions were spot on”. They got talking and the man said they were doing some filming and his producer wanted to film a fishing scene and would they be able to borrow his fishing rod?! They would be at The Elephant and Castle pub on Saturday to return it. Andrew said yes and gave them his fishing rod! A lady walking past said to him “do you know who that was?” Andrew didn’t. “It’s Bill Owen” she said, “he’s a famous actor.” Andrew went home to be told off by his Mum for lending a stranger his fishing rod! The rod was dutifully returned and this was the beginning of an enduring friendship between Andrew and Bill, ending when Andrew helped arrange Bill’s funeral in Holmfirth.

 

Andrew has only been fishing three times in his life and likes to say the first time he tried it he “caught Bill”! Andrew has many entertaining stories relating to his friendship with Bill and other members of the cast and crew over the years. He’ll also talk about the history of Holmfirth and Bamforth’s - known for their pioneering work in cinema and the famous saucy seaside postcard. 

This intimate talk will take place at The Holmfirth Tavern at 12 noon on Saturday 27th May and is free to attend – no booking required.