We were walking downhill on our way from the top entrance to the park and the children's playground, down to the cafe in the converted stables with the large doors in a small courtyard.
Map and events at Stephens House and Gardens, London.
Bus stop Holmwood Gardens. Bused to and from North Finchley. Bus numbers 643 and 653.
You can watch Spike Milligan on YouTube.
Spike Milligan was a zany comedian, one of a team or group of comedians. He met comedian and singer Harry Secombe during World War II. They entertained the troops.
Secombe's Story, About Meeting Spike
The story, told by comedian Harry Secombe, is that Secombe was at the top of a hill with a group guarding a cannons, one of which had come loose. Secombe came hurtling down the hill and shouted to Spike, 'Have you seen a cannon!'
Spike replied, 'What colour?'
However, another version of the story reverses their roles.
Writing Comedy In the Pub
In postwar Britain they met in the pub. Spike lived upstairs. They formed a group, wrote down their gags, and got to perform on radio, on the popular programme team, 'Crazy Gang' which was renamed the Goon Show which led to Monty Python.
Spike's Gravestone
The other memorable light hearted story connected with Spike is that he wanted on his gravestone,
I told you I was ill.
The cemetery authorities would not allow anything so irreverent. So Spike's executors engraved the words in Gaelic.
In theory you could sit on the bench and be photographed alongside Spike. Why didn't I think of that?
Places to See
1 Spike Statue on the bench near the Stables Cafe, Stephens House & Gardens, 17 East End Road, Finchley, London N3 3QE. Tel 020 8346 7812.
2 Plaque showing Spike and others on the outside wall of the Grafton Arms, Westminster, where Spike was barman and met up with comedy writing and performing buddies. Memorabilia of the foursome (Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe, Michael Bentine and Peter Sellars) are on the pub walls.
3 Spike's grave, Parish Church of St Thomas the Martyr, Winchelsea, East Sussex, England TN26 4EB. The church is off the High |Street.
Websites Addresses
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Useful Websites About Spike Milligan
Books about or by Spike Milligan
Wiki on Spike
Britannica on Spike
IMDB on Spike
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