Upstairs Downstairs

I loved U/D and watched it faithfully on PBS in the states, along with Fawlty Towers and A Fine Romance.  I'm still addicted to BBC America and PBS, especially Masterpiece, to get my British TV "fix."  Cranford begins in one week.  I can't wait!

U/D was one of the best programmes ever made. The acting by the regular cast was outstanding and I learnt alot about the first World War from the episodes that covered those four years. I often start watching them again when I want a bit of escapism. The U/D website is excellent and has an amusing section called 'goofs' and there were many of those!

I have got myself slightly involved because there was a section on 'breaching the fourth wall', i.e looking straight at the camera, and the chap who runs the site said that Pauline Collins (Sarah) was the only one to ever do this. But Ruby also did it and smiled when Mrs Bridges informed her she would be cooking some meal or other.. He now wants me to find the episode.... and I have promised I will, but I haven't the foggiest where to start.

I never watched Tenko, Lyn, the first time round but have been watching it on UKtvGold...it's brilliant...great acting here too.

A few months ago, Simon Williams ( aka James Bellamy) was filming an episode of Midsomer Murders entitled " Midsomer Life", yet to be shown, so he'll be back on our screens, but how long he might last in Midsomer is anyone's guess!

Sue---WW1. I'd also learnt a lot from WW1 with connection to my Grandad who'd lied about his age so he could join his mates in The Manchester Regiment. For his trouble, he spent months fighting at the Battle of the Somme; his paybook showing his wages as £1 per week. Fortunately, unlike the incredible amount of other gallant soldiers, he survived.

I have a lovely officer's military pocket watch from this time that still ticks away quite happily. Made in 1910.

Another far further back relation didn't survive---a Lt. Cavalry Commander for King Charles killed at the Battle of Newark during the English Civil War, in the mid-1600s.

Yes, Peter....Ron would probably make a first class Butler and keep the staff firmly in their place, in between closeting himself in the pantry and having a few large ones!

Paul,That is so interesting about your Grandad. U/D dealt brilliantly with the Great War, and Edward (Christopher Beeny) gave a most moving portrayal of his experiences on the Somme and said later that played the part for his father who had been seriously wounded in that battle and on the dreadful stories that he had told Christopher about his experiences, especially about what happened to one of his friends.

As for having a forebear in the English Civil War....how did you manage to find that out? I have been dabbling in the Ancestors website and all my family hail from Ireland but I cannot make any headway at all...in fact when I key in my father's name and birthplace and age it comes back to say 'no match has been found'.  My dear dad definitely existed!