Have you gone raving mad?

It was Dave that first introduced me to Tony Hancock (on the telly, not in person- obvs!). Funny chap, I thought - good hat!

And the more episodes I watched, the more I warmed to this miserable character with the fantastic lugubrious facial expressions. And when you add Sid James and Hattie Jacques to the mix, it’s destined to be a favourite - and for me, it really is! I joined the Hancock appreciation society last year, I love him so much. They bring out a monthly newsletter for about 10 quid a month with interesting facts on various Hancock’s Half Hour episodes and behind the scenes tittle-tattle. Unfortunately have had to stop it for the time being to save on money, but I’m eagerly waiting for the day I can start it back up again. It’s like being a kid; ordering a monthly subscription of The Dandy and waiting for it to drop on the mat Sunday morning.  

The Cosmopolitan for the middle-aged…with slightly less glamour!

 SOOO, you can imagine my absolute delight when over 10 years ago I found dusty neglected Hancock VHS cassettes in the loft of our old family house. My dad apparently was a massive fan too - and I had no idea!

Feelings of joy and huge regret came over me after learning this. It was another thing that could have been shared between us, but instead robbed from us both. That’s pub, band, husband and now Hancock added to the list of subjects I can’t talk to Dad about.

Just like I can’t talk to Mum about the twins. It’s hard not being able to share such special moments with your departed loved ones; I’ll instead, give a nod to my dad every time I watch an episode. I listen to Hancock most nights, as weirdly enough it’s the only thing that helps me fall asleep. Soon as I hear the opening theme tune ‘Da da da dum-dee-dum…H-H-H-Hancock’s Half Hour’ I feel a wave of tiredness wash over me. Who needs a local anaesthetic when you’ve got Hancock sending you to sleep - I never ever make it through a whole episode!

Dave’s very sweet; never complains about listening to it every night either. You’d think after about 100 “stop messing about”’s, he’d have the right ‘ump. It’s probably become his bedtime story now too.

Well here’s to the old boy (Hancock, not Dave!) who would’ve been 100 this year!

Let us all raise a glass and say a few - WAIT!.... Are you raising your glass? You haven’t got a cup? Well go and grab some water or something. Stone me - hurry up! I’m taking up lines here....

Back now? Comfortable? Right! All together now - a 1, 2, 3:

“CHEERS!”🍺

P.S. For obsessed Hancock fans - did you know you can actually buy the book Lady Don’t Fall Backwards? A superb fan followed everything that was said in that one episode and put a story together - same cover; same title. You can buy it on eBay.

P.P.S. If you’re an obsessed fan, you probably already knew that!