Comedy Writing Duo Galton and Simpson Honoured in Milford

Published on: 4 Jun, 2013
Updated on: 7 Jun, 2013

Creators of the iconic TV series Steptoe and Son and writers for such greats as Tony Hancock and Frankie Howerd, comedy writing duo Ray Galton and Alan Simpson were honoured by the British Comedy Society (BCS) on Saturday (June 1) with a plaque unveiling at Milford Hospital.

They met there in 1948, where as young lads they were being treated for TB.

Alan Simpson, Paul Merton and Ray Galton. Story by Jan Wharam. Pictures by Paul Osborne.

Fan, friend and fellow funny man Paul Merton unveiled the plaque and joined Ray, Alan, their producer Beryl Vertue and writer and comedian Barry Cryer at a reception after the ceremony in the nearby Refectory pub.

After lunch, BBC presenter David Fitzgerald introduced the celebrities and biographer James Hogg asked the two men about their writing careers and the actors and comedians they had worked with, while Paul, Barry and Beryl reminisced about their early lives in comedy.

The new plaque at Milford Hospital.

Ray and Alan and their friends had the audience in stitches during the afternoon with their tales of stars of the era, such as Harry H Corbett, Sid James and Eric Sykes, and the guests then had the opportunity of bidding for or winning some iconic prizes, such as signed copies of original Galton and Simpson scripts.

All the profits from the day went to Age UK, the pair’s chosen charity.

The next BCS event will be a plaque unveiling in London in September to honour the wonderfully funny and much missed genius Kenny Everett. Watch the press for details or contact John Gatenby on britishcomedysociety@yahoo.co.uk