Raising a Glass to Wendy Richard

This past Sunday we had a great knees-up at NYC's own Queen Vic, Swing 46, in honor of Wendy Richard, who passed away last month. In attendance were a fabulous crowd of Easties from far and wide, including a surprisingly large group of hearty souls who came all the way from WETA-ville (the Washington DC area). We came, we ate, we drank, we laughed, we cried, we had a chin wag, and we raised a glass to the unforgettable Wendy Richard & Pauline Fowler.

As we gave our toast, we were graced by a lovely message from Wendy's husband, John, by way of Judy (who wore a veddy proper British hat just for the occassion). Judy helped lead the successful drive to save EE on WETA. She was also lucky enough to meet Wendy a few years ago at her local pub in London, and afterwards they kept in touch. Judy emailed John to let him know about our brunch, and he sent a message for her to read to us. He spoke of how much Wendy appreciated her fans in the US, and had even spoken up on our behalf (to the BBC heads) after the current episodes were cancelled here, and that she appreciated every card and letter she got.

We were sincerely touched that John would take the time, especially at this difficult time, to offer us this greeting.

After the toast, we watched 'EE Revealed:Goodbye Pauline' as well as the tribute to Wendy that was broadcast in the UK the night she passed away. In addition, because of the turn in the storyline that took place last Friday night's episodes on PBS (where it was Christmas 2002), we also watched the 'EE Revealed: Jamie Mitchell' special. And to cheer everyone up before we departed, we watched a clip of Grant & Phil channeling their inner Chippendale, (ie; 'Kung Fu Fighting') on the big screen. (YouTube does not do this gem justice - this clip begs to be viewed on a big screen, in a room full of squealing Easties). And to round off the afternoon, we all passed around a big Easter card to send across the pond, to cheer John & Enda Bardon.

Thanks to all the Easties who came on Sunday. It was truly a terrific crew! Thank yous also have to go out to Jan in California & Christine in Arkansas for providing me with the DVDs for us to screen. And as always, a big, big THANK YOU to Judith at Swing 46, on Manhattan's famed Restaurant Row, for allowing us to make her club our very own Queen Vic!