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Final curtain for Dad's Army star, Colin
Wigan actor Colin Bean's funeral had all the hallmarks of a first night production.
He took his last curtain call at Wigan Crematorium where 200 people turned up to award him his final round of applause.
But the "production" was not without hitches as Colin took his final bow.
He made his 'entrance' five minutes late on one of the hottest days of the year. It was a fitting farewell for Dad's Army's Private Sponge who died aged 83.
Seeing him off was his sister-in-law Shirley Bean, nephew Ian Bean and nieces Janet Edge and Jill Duncan.
Said Ian: "My uncle was one of the best – and he loved his little bit of fame, especially as a Dad's Army character. He would have been very proud to see his obituary recorded by The Times newspaper and also a report of his death in a German magazine."
Held up by traffic, Colin's great friend John Slater finally got to tell the mourners how he met Mr Bean in 1971 and they set up Bridgeman Productions and then the Bijou Theatre.
Said John: "I know he will be remembered for his Private Sponge role but, in addition, he was a brilliant actor and had appeared in hundreds of plays. When we had our company, we performed all over the place. If a place didn't have a theatrical back drop, Colin would build one."
The Rector of Wigan, Rev Ray Hutchinson, paid tribute recalling that in one Dad's Army episode, Colin was called upon to drive a truck.
He said: "He told the producer that he had never driven, so they got together and pushed the truck, with Colin turning in an authentic driving performance."
A letter was read out from Ron Stephen who had performed with Colin during their war service in Japan.
Because of the distances involved, no member of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society was able to be present.
Margaret Farrington, head of Wickham Hall Care Home in Springfield, where Colin spent his last days said: "What a great man with a marvellous sense of fun.
"Soon after he arrived, he called our domestic ladies Fluffy Florry and Dusty Doris. He never let his terrible arthritis get him down."
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
