Meet the stars at a special show

Jul 5 2002 By Brigid Shaw, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Meet the Stars of Summer Wine

FANS of Last of the Summer Wine are being offered the chance to meet its stars over a meal and a glass of wine at a special 30th anniversary celebration.

A dinner and auction, with entertainment, will be held at Holmfirth Civic Hall on Thursday, August 22, and it is open to everybody.

Holme Valley Business Association is organising the event after hosting a similar and hugely successful dinner to mark the 25th anniversary of the world's longest- running TV comedy.

Andrew Bray, of Andrew's Greengrocers, a member of the association, said celebrities from the programme, along with local dignitaries, would be at the event.

There will also be a commemorative presentation to the cast on the night.

Mr Bray said: "People are still talking about the last celebration five years ago, when Summer Wine producer Alan Bell said it was certainly on a par with anything they could do in the West End of London.

"It was a really memorable evening - and this one promises to be even better. There has already been an enthusiastic response from Tom Owen and other members of the cast who are looking forward to the celebration.

"But it is not only about Summer Wine.

"It will also be a showcase for the town of Holmfirth, where the series has been filmed all these years.

"Local bands, choirs and young people's groups will be showing just what we can do in the valley," added Mr Bray.

"We will be raising money for the Kirklees Mayor's Charity Appeal, as well as other local causes."