Spike An Intimate Memoir, page 35
Eric thought I should say something too but I did not want to. I had something else in mind. I had called Myra Secombe to ask if she had a recording of Harry singing “Guide me, O thou great Redeemer”. She was aware of Spike’s joke and was delighted to let me have it. David, Harry’s son, agreed to explain the story before it was played. As Harry’s wonderful voice rang out with “bread of heaven” I said to Eric, “It’s taken me nearly thirty-six years to get one over on Spike. He would have loved every minute of it and he’d say, ‘Those two bloody stubborn northerners are having the last laugh’.” That was what he always called us.
The church was filled with sunflowers, his favourite. As we left after the service the sun was shining and the church bells were ringing. I said to Spike, “At Johnny’s funeral you said it didn’t get any better than that. Well, the same goes for you.”
Spike, I miss you, you old sod.
About the Author
Norma Farnes was born in Yorkshire in 1934. After her media introduction as a Researcher at Tyne Tees Television in Newcastle, working for Jack Clarke, she moved to London and went on to become an agent and manager. In the late Sixties her love of the theatre inevitably led to her becoming an “Angel” investing in such shows as Hair, Oh! Calcutta!, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita among others.
She needed all her forthrightness and the experience honed by working with journalists and TV Executives to weather the stormy days at Orme Court.
She lives with Jack Clarke, her partner for twenty-five years, in London, Yorkshire, Sheekeys and The Ivy.
Norma Farnes, Spike An Intimate Memoir
