Bulletin 14.11.08.

New forum There is a new forum at http://grayworld.netforums.us, with some great drawings. Attack on statue The statue of Stan Laurel in Bishop Auckland was vandalised on 4th or 5th November, albeit not seriously. Tony Hillman writes, "Someone, no doubt a mindless yob, used a marker pen to draw a moustache and beard on Stan's face and put a rude word on his hat. The council was well and truly on the ball and had Stan cleaned and back to his usual self by 8.00am on 6th November." The Shields Gazette (07.11.08.) wrote, "There was nothing fine about the mess caused by vandals during an attack on a statue of Stan Laurel. The bronze figure created by South Shields artist Bob Olley was unveiled just just 10 weeks ago. Tony Hillman, Grand Sheik of the Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society, said he failed to find anything funny about the attack. He said: 'I think it is absolutely disgraceful that such a well-loved character has been targeted, especially after the trouble and expense that the council has gone to.' " Jitterbugs' end 21st December sees the very last meeting of the Jitterbugs Tent in Holland. Grand Sheik Hans Ligtenberg writes, "After more than 18 years and over 300 film shows I have decided to get off my camel and to go by foot for the rest of the trip. Although many have asked to continue, and asked if someone else would take over the tent, no one has come forward to do so. I have come to my choice after my marriage broke up and I met someone else with whom I am so happy. My band is taking more and more shows and to put time in the organisation of the tent is impossible. Also I would like to stand along the sideline and enjoy what others are doing. I have pulled the wagon long enough. Thank you all for the trip of a lifetime and I hope to see you all somewhere again." Willie McIntyre says, "It is a pleasure to have known Hans for all these years and he has done some phenomenal things for the Sons of the Desert. It is sad to learn that the Jitterbugs are closing down, but Hans has certainly earned a rest and he will enjoy his retirement. Good luck in all you do, Hans!" New Year Chase in USA Charley Chase fans have long been frustrated by the scarcity of films available on DVD. It seems that the long wait is almost over, because in January a very generous 4-DVD package will be released in the USA. With the curious title Becoming Charley Chase, the set contains a wide range of his films at both Mack Sennett and Hal Roach studios whilst the fourth disc contains films that he directed for other comedians. There are a number of rare films, new musical scores, a new documentary and a booklet. This package is being released by All Day Entertainment, who released the 4-disc Harry Langdon - Lost & Found last year, a real treasure trove. I can't wait to see more of the films of the very talented but largely neglected Charley Chase. Roll on January. For more information use this link: http://www.charley-chase.com. Roger Robinson Porky? John Burton and Dean Carroll spotted an article in the Manchester Evening News (05.11.08.) about the return of Pinky and Perky to TV screens. The article read, "New series producer Ruth Fielding admits that she was concerned about how modern day viewers would take to the porcine duo. 'Like Laurel and Hardy, Morecambe and Wise, and Ant and Dec, Pinky and Perky are a classic double act,' she explains."  John says, "I'm not sure about Ant and Dec being described as a 'classic' double act, though!" Dirty Work Tent Any Sons interested in subscribing to our newsletter Jessop's Journal can join our tent as a "bronze" member for an annual fee of £7.00. This cost includes four quarterly issues along with other Dirty Work Tent membership stuff. More details can be found at http://www.stanandollie.co.uk. Gary Winstanley, 62 Baker Street, Wigan, WN3 5HQ Christmas with the Brats The Brats Tent's Christmas Meeting at the New Crown Inn will be on Monday 8th December, starting at 7.30pm. This will be followed on Monday 22nd December by the Brats' Christmas Party with food and cocktails, starting at 7.30pm.