Service of celebration for David Croft OBE

Several members of the museum team were able to travel to London to attend the service.This is a report by a member of the museum team.


On a warm sunny day (Thursday 15th March) we gathered on the steps of St Martin in the Fields


Church. So many familiar faces were around us. so many well-loved characters represented there.

At 11.00pm the door were opened and we were admitted to find our reserved seats. We were very

fortunate in having places in the Gallery which gave us a grandstand view of the proceedings.

The service of Celebration for the life of David Croft was just that. Some glorious hymns —

Onward Christian Soldiers and I Vow to thee my Country amongst them and tributes from Jimmy

Perry. Jeremy Lloyd and Mark Thompson (DG of the BBC) were by turns funny, evocative and

achingly sad.

The music was led by the Choir and by Rick Wakeman with tributes sung by Sandra Browne Hart

(Dido's Lament) and Su Pollard (Follow your Heart).

Ian Lavender read The Last Word". the final paragraph of David's autobiography You Have Been

Watching, a moment's silence held and then the whole congregation burst into spontaneous

applause which seemed to last for ever.

The band (Premier Brass) played the recessional music. The Dad's Army Theme followed by The

British Grenadiers.

We took our leave, feeling by turns sad and uplifted but most of all glad to have been present and

honoured to have known such an outstandingly talented and charming man.

Museum re opens

We are pleased to confirm that the museum will reopen on April 7th at 10am.We are expecting the 20000th visitor to the museum on this day,it could be you !

Mini Mainwarings

Our limited edition Mini Mainwarings are looking just fabulous! These very special little men are all cast individually by sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn from his original maquette in cold cast resin. Numbers are limited to 80, one for each episode made - which one is your favourite? Each statue comes in it's own stunning box, held safely within museum grade foam. To secure your statue (and maybe your favourite  episode?) please contact Corinne Fulford on info@dadsarmythetford.org.uk or 07802 701911. You will need to place a deposit of £75 - total price is £450. You can pay in full or by instalments - whatever suits you best.

Philip Madoc

We were all saddened to hear the new that Philip Madoc passed away today (March 5th).To read the story of this great actor please follow this link to the BBC news story.

The museum was delighted that Philip was able to attend the unveiling of the Captain Mainwaring statue on June 19th 2010.The picture below was taken the day after as members of the cast were getting reading to travel to Bressingham for Croft & Perry Day.Our thoughts are with his family & friends.We will all remember with great laughter his role as the U boat captain in the classic episode,The Deadly Attachment.