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

Tony Baker RIP

I have today received some very sad news. Tony Baker died on 6th January 2012 at the age of 92. Tony was the train driver on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway in Kent, England, when Laurel and Hardy visited on Friday 21st March 1947. Laurel and Hardy were there to reopen the section to Dungeness that had been closed to the public during the Second World War. The event was captured on newsreel film and shown to cinemagoers the following week. Most fans will be familiar with this clip and some out-takes which clearly capture the fun of the day - at one stage Ollie and Tony Baker do a hat exchanged. Tony often talked with great love and fondness about this occasion and remained a Laurel and Hardy fan for the rest of his life. He kept in touch with a few Sons of the Desert and everyone who met him knows what a thoroughly lovely chap he was and he had a wicked sense of humour. Up until very recently he was still sending occasional emails. I spoke to to his wife, Esme, tonight. Tony and Esme did not have any children but Esme has been supported by friends and family. I have told her that on behalf of the Sons of the Desert we send her all our love and she was so pleased to know this. Roger Robinson  20th January 2012