Today is a sad day for those of us who like a giggle, with the passing of Ken Dodd aged 90.
He made several visits to Grantham, including the Meres which he always took by storm.
And there was a strong link with the town. His favourite scriptwriter John Pye was a local lad, who also ran the greetings card shop In Touch, next door to the Granada.
On those An Audience With shows on TV, John and his wife Jennifer were always in the audience.
Here are some local memories of one of the funniest men who ever was.
Visit of Ken Dodd to open Play Inn in 1973
Ken at the Westgate Hall in 1983
Comedienne Ken Dodd with fans at the Westgate Hall in 1983
Comedienne Ken Dodd with fans at the Westgate Hall in 1983. They include Trevor Green, Linda Pattison, Audry Richardson, Andrea LAngham, Val Langham.
Kenn Dodd & local legend Trevor Leeson
As you say he was a proper comedian of the first order, gave a show you could take your Grandmother to see. Sadly comedians of his ilk are now too few and far between.
I remember the Play Inn bought many an L P from that shop, what ever happend to it, didn’t the owners have another shop somewhere called Play Inn 2? I have many happy memories of also going into the Record Shop in Wide Westgate and being served by Madge, a lovely woman.