h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

What a year

Ronnie Corbett
http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35934024

The Two Ronnies will always be remembered mostly for 'Four Candles' (and quite rightly), but this piece from the first series has always been a favourite of mine, especially when they get to Blaze Away, around 4m 25s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZqZgmpq1nw

the thing about their songs and those routines is that the timing is absolutely impeccable. And they really do the thing, in this case the marching, with dignity even while they're poking gentle fun at it.

Comedy genius.
When I was a kid I hated Corbett's monologues. As an adult I realised how funny they are, it's always a treat to catch one on TV.

And apart from the occasional ad-lib they were completely scripted, even though he made them look so very off-the-cuff. Genius.

That was lovely. I was laughing and crying all at once. On the phone to my mother this evening.she had been watching a 2 Ronnies and we had a little giggle - I asked her if she had any 'o's

Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderclap_Newman

I always liked that song, especially the middle section http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8zmkzshUvE

Victoria Wood
http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/apr/20/victoria-wood-dies-aged-62-comedian

This makes me more sad than I have words for.

Good heavens. What on earth is going on?

I haven't seen loads of her work because mostly I was over here without access to much British TV. But whenever I've seen her I've been knocked sideways about how flipping astute she is. Was. (hate writing that)

Her songs, the monologues, the off the cuff comments. Everything. And as I've said all over the place since I heard the news, she is (was) probably one of the best raconteurs I've ever seen.

Even if she did come from the wrong side of the Penines.

I watched 'Housewife, 49' again last night. Her and David Threlfall are so good as husband and wife. I vaguely remember seeing Talent when it was first broadcast, late 70s. Even then you could tell she and Julie Walters had, er, talent,

This is getting too repetitive.

Choppers (aka Ada)
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-36103383
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgzEBLa3PPk

Prince
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36106778

David Swift
http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/apr/18/david-swift-obituary

it's getting boring now.

I'm looking very nervously at several favourite celebs, including Tom Baker.

But not Brian Blessed. Death's afraid of Brian Blessed.

Tony Cozier
http://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/36254041

I have a piece of BBC headed notepaper in a box here at Fort Gosho, signed by all the TMS commentators and summarisers (and scorer) during the 'Legover' test match, in 1990 I think. Sadly, most of them are now pushing up the daisies: Johnners, Jenkers, Bearders, The Alderman, The Boil, Fiery Fred (what a beautiful signature he had), and now Tony Cozier too (I may have forgotten somebody). Aggers is still going, and I really need to get both Blowers and Backers to sign it, although I've no idea how without a trip back to Blighty, which I can't really afford this year.

Burt Kwouk
http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-36370997

Yeah, he played Cato, but his list of credits is longer than the day. The bloke was a legend.

Aww.

Muhammad Ali
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-16011175

Much more than a boxer.

Dave Swarbrick
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jun/03/dave-swarbrick-dies-at-75-fiddler-fairport-convention

I'll be honest - I was never a fan of the Fairports at the time, but looking back I wish I had been, given the musicians who came out of the early iterations of the band and what the band did for folk rock. I bought a Steeleye Span LP and a Pentangle LP, so I ought to have bought some Fairport Convention too, really.

Gordon Murray
http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-36670186

Strictly speaking, I was a little too old for Camberwick Green and Trumpton, but I watched them anyway because my younger sister did and because I was fascinated by the animation.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it