Woke up a pessimist worrying that the day wouldn't go that well without Joan Sims etc but how wrong could I be. I had a great day!
As I once again pulled into the car park of Pinewood I saw my buddy Tinny (Martin Allen) also just arriving. So on greeting him, glad to see him again we entered Pinewood together. With a happy greeting from Morris Bright and Rob Ross, Rob told me someone was looking for me and took me to her who happened to be fellow CarryOnliner Mel. Was good to be able to put a face to the name. On introducing her to Tinny it was down to business...The Memorabilia table. Trying to squeeze in amongst the hungry collectors like myself I managed to spend almost a weeks wages within 15 ins. There was some great stuff on sale. Scripts, posters, Key rings, t-shirts, Videos, Screaming mouse mats and my fave items drink coasters.
After scurrying around the sales table we made our way to join the queue for lunch. While scanning the room we spotted a free space on the stair so sat there where we were joined by Sheryl, Neil and Julian. Also CarryOnliners.
After a bite to eat and a natter we were moved into the Theatre. With a welcome form Rob and Morris we watched 'Carry On Loving'. A fave of mine. We watched it in the presence of Jacki Piper who surprisingly hadn't seen the film before. It was so good to watch it in the presence of one of it's stars and to watch it with people who enjoy it as much as myself was just great. The best film viewing I have ever had. After lots of laughing Jacki took the stage with a interview from Rob, and Morris on the floor taking questions form the fans. She talked fondly of her times at Pinewood and her friendship with the lovely Hattie. And the fun on and off set. Some great memories she has. And was great to have her share them with us.
After a quick Break and a dash to the loos like the scene from Convenience we all filed back into the theatre, where the auction took place. Trying hard not to scratch the itch on my head with fear of it being mistaken for a bid, the auction was a bit out of my price range in some cases. Such as Peter Butterworth's autograph going for near £300.
With everything sold and the welcome presence of Patsy Rowlands. (a fave of mine especially in 'Girls'), and quick few words from her on stage we went on to watch a short compilation of the six films our next guest wrote the scripts for; Norman Hudis. Being Valentines weekend the short film had the theme of love. Afterwards we welcomed Norman on stage where he also was interviewed by Rob and took questions from the fans. "A genius" as I quote Peter Rogers once calling him and how right he was. It took a whole team of genius's to create the magic of the 'Carry Ons' the script writers the actors the producer, director. And what a great job they did. And how nice it is to have the opportunity to hear these people talk about their experiences making these classic Films and thank them for the laughter. Norman talked about the 'Carry On' never made 'Again Nurse'. And 'Columbus'. Once he had finished we were shown a short viewing of a recording of the first Pinewood event featuring some familiar faces and impressions from the fans.
Then came the main guest Leslie Phillips. Entering saying "Hello" in his usual way. He said a brief few words on stage then we all moved out to the ballroom to grab a table claim our places and make our way in the queue for the many autographs. The best queue I have ever been in. The queue to meet Leslie and it was worth the few minute of waiting. Fumbling around setting my camera up and trying to decide what I wanted signing it was my turn. I opted to pay for the publicity shot of him as I didn't have a still of my own so Leslie kindly signed that for me and then the best part a nice hug from the man himself for a photo of him and I. And he may be a old man now but old or not he's still as sexy as his younger days. "Ding Dong". 
After queuing to get Norman, Jacki's and once again the lovely Patsy's autograph I finally sat down to eat my dinner with very little appetite due to the excitement and nerves throughout the day. Had great company throughout dinner sat with fellow CarryOnliners and meeting one or two other friendly people on our table one of whom used to write to Kenneth Williams regularly.
After an enjoyable dinner and autograph hunting we were once again introduced to the man himself Peter Rogers. Great to see him once again. He told us in a jokingly manner of his misfortune of his fall in a toilet. And said some kind words about Leslie Phillips. We watched a short films showing various comedy films starring Leslie and then Peter Rogers introduced a evening with Leslie Phillips. Leslie talked happily and proudly and about his work past and present. Taking questions from the fans. After a brief presentation sadly he had to rush off as he had to do some radio the next day. What a great man. So glad to have meet him. Certainly a screen legend in my eyes!
With a lovely announcement from Peter Rogers inviting all at 'loving' to a free B-B-Q later in the year at Pinewood. Which I most certainly do my best to come to.
After collecting yet another autograph from Peter Rogers. It was time to put my coat on. Fellow CarryOnliner Neil White presenting Peter with a small gift from a few of us for his birthday. I made my way to the bar with the rest of the guys. Was pleased to have the Lovely Audrey Skinner (assistant to Peter) come up to me as she recognised my face. A lovely lady. A star in herself.
  After a lot of laughter and typical 'Carry On' humour it was sadly time to go home. With saying goodbye to my friends and Peter, Pasty, Audrey and greeting Peter's dog Heidi I sadly left Pinewood once again with a bag of goodies memorabilia and a big grin on my face!. Eagerly awaiting the summer.

Pinewood a place full of memories and laughter. I love it!

"CARRY ON PINEWOOD!!!!"