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

New Grand Sheik of Laughing Gravy (Tingley) Tent

At our thirtieth anniversary meeting on 14th November, I handed over the reigns to our new Grand Sheik, David Bulmer, who lives at 46 Churchfield Grove, Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 0LL. Tel 0113 2823632. After thirty years as Grand Sheik and with me now being eighty and a full-time carer for Glenis, it was time for some younger person to lead the tent. I shall, of course, be on the sidelines to guide him and will always be a Son of the Desert! We had a great celebration buffet, which was attended by the Lady Mayor and Mayoress of Morley and there were forty-five of us at the meet, with guests. A two-page coverage was given in the local press (Yorkshire Evening Post), which put the Boys back in the spotlight. Everyone, including Glenis (whom we managed to get there in a wheelchair), enjoyed themselves and, although running late, we managed to show the full version of Laughing Gravy. Meetings are still held on the second Monday in September till April, except on Bank Holidays, at Tingley Working Men's Club at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Graham McKenna Ed: It came as a surprise, Graham, to learn that you are stepping down as Grand Sheik, but you have certainly earned a rest! Thirty years is a long reign and you have done very well to keep things going so successfully for all that time. I hope you enjoy your retirement, but I am sure you will, as you say, keep an active interest in tent happenings.