Laurel and Hardy and the Sons of the Desert are at the heart of Bowler Dessert magazine and Bowler Dessert Online

Bulletin 20.09.11.

Gary Russeth Recently I sent out an email to my Sons email list that Gary Russeth, Grand Sheik of the Berth Marks Tent, Harlem, Georgia, was going to have a major operation. I learned today [17th September] that the surgeon removed a major tumor that was subsequently found to be cancerous. Gary is still in the hospital trying to deal with this difficult medical situation and will begin getting chemotherapy treatments soon. May I ask that all Sons continue with prayers that Gary will overcome this medical situation. They don't come any more dedicated to our Sons of the Desert organization than Gary. And please consider letting Gary know that you're thinking about him by sending a card to: Gary "Oliver" Russeth, 415 E. Boundary Street, Harlem, GA 30814, USA. Above is a picture I took at last year's Oliver Hardy Festival in Harlem, Georgia. It shows Gary (left), Gary's wife, Jean, and Dennis "Stan" Moriarty during the Berth Marks Tent meeting. Gino Dercola Movie Night magazine I'm starting a free silent comedy magazine. The magazine is called Movie Night (after the Charley Chase film) and is devoted to silent and early sound comedy (roughly 1910s-1940s), with occasional offshoots into music hall and vaudeville. There will be Laurel and Hardy bits and pieces, but it's especially focused on some of the more forgotten areas of the famous comedians, and other overlooked films and stars that often don't get written about. I'm sure some Sons would find it of interest, though. There's a piece on Stan Laurel's Monsieur Don't Care and the Taxi Boys films in the first issue, as well as Buster Keaton and Harry Langdon. It's my first time running something like this so it's on a quite small scale to start with; I've decided to send it as a pdf via email to save on paper, printing and postage costs, meaning it can be free. I'm hopeful that the magazine will keep getting bigger and better, with contributions from readers like Bowler Dessert has, and if there's enough interest after the first few issues I might look into having it printed properly. If anyone wants to subscribe, all they need to do is drop me a line [click here], and I'll add them to the mailing list. The first issue is ready to send now. Matthew Ross Way Out West Tent Above is a photo from the local paper The Express and Star advertising our new venue, The Wheatsheaf Public House, High Street, West Bromwich. We will be hosting our meetings on the last Wednesday of each month starting at 8.00pm. Phil Ruston Royal engagement for Laurel and Hardy Sailors Beware Tent #262 are keen supporters of Hyde Theatre Royal and the fight to save, restore and reopen the theatre. During Heritage weekend, Ulver-Stan and Georgia-Babe entertained the visitors with vintage slapstick and had the crowd singing and dancing to some classic tunes. Honolulu Baby, Lonesome Pine and Dixie were heard ringing out around the theatre. This fitted perfectly with the occasion as many Hydonians will have watched the Boys' films at the venue in days gone by. Tameside Radio covered the event and the Boys were booked for a Radio bash later in the year. Visit http://www.hydetheatreroyal.co.uk for more about the theatre. Stuart Green Wordsearch Fred Gittings sent us the Wordsearch above. Jim Campbell RIP Jim Campbell from Falkirk, once a regular attendee at Blockheads meetings, passed away on Wednesday 14th September after a long illness. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Charlie Lewis Christine Craig The Blockheads Tent resumed their meetings on 11th September with the news that Christine Craig has just undergone triple bypass heart surgery. We all wish her a speedy recovery. Lay off the chocs, Martin. They're not for you. Charlie Lewis Car Nick Mason is the drummer of Pink Floyd. If you click on http://www.pinkfloydz.com a video stream of Nick Mason's car collection will start. It lasts three minutes and you have to wait until the last thirty seconds before something of interest appears. From the description of the car, it was purportedly used by Laurel and Hardy. The presenter states that it was owned by Mack Sennett and used by Laurel and Hardy, but perhaps it was not. John Burton Item spotted by Dave Carlin