'Allo 'Allo to Jeffrey Holland

Way back in 1984, I attended a Laurel and Hardy Convention in Ulverston where I met actor Jeffrey Holland, star of the TV series, Hi-de-Hi. When I learned that he would be appearing in Southend in November I arranged to meet him. The show was 'Allo 'Allo and Jeff played the role of René, the French café owner. Jeff's pretty wife Judy played Michelle from the Resistance, and the lovely Vicki Michelle was in her usual role as Yvette, the sexy waitress. Roger Robinson and Jim Bunkle expressed a keen interest in joining me so I bought three tickets and we arrived at the Palace Theatre in time to meet Jeff at 6.00pm on 11th November. Roger immediately presented him with The Perry Winkle, Bowler Dessert and a Laurel and Hardy baseball cap to prove our dedication to the Sons of the Desert. The conversation immediately proved how keen Jeff is and how knowledgeable he is on matters concerning the Sons. He has been a member since around 1982. When Jeff had to leave us to prepare for the show we took the advice of Stan Laurel and crossed the road to enjoy a meal of good old fish and chips, returning to take our seats at 7.30. Before this, and in time for the meal, we were joined by the Saps' official photographer, Trevor Bell. The show was a great laugh with many references to a giant sausage and very suggestive demonstrations of what can be done to hide it from the Germans. The girls in the cast pleased the men in the audience with their sexy attire and cavorting with "René". This must be a fun role for Jeff to play night after night. After the show both Jeff and Judy joined us in the bar and remained with us for an hour and a half. Both were thoroughly nice people, happy to give and obtain autographs, pose for photographs, and discuss Laurel and Hardy until we just ran out of time. Just another example of the pleasure we all gain by being a Son of the Desert. Dave Dearle Jeffrey Holland (left) with Dave Dearle