Issue No. 43
February 2005
Roger Writes Hello Gang! Many of you may wonder why a person of my many years works with Dundee Gang Show! And yes, I may look an “old man” (which I am!), but I am “young at heart”. You see, I am like Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up! I have been connected with Dundee Gang Show since 1966 and, for 31 years, I produced, directed and wrote 31 Dundee Shows. I then decided to retire and let someone younger take over the production-which is where Ged comes into the story. As for my retirement…well, that didn’t just happen! Deep down, my heart has always been with the Gang and I would have been “lost” without “doing something” for the show. Wise young Ged decided to make the most of my creative talents and asked me to help him out whilst I quietly worked away in the background. So, I continued writing and directing the Cub sketch every year. Then, I was again persuaded to write more sketches and comedy items, then asked once more to return to co-direct some of the big musical items in the show, working alongside Ged. So, here I am back again among you all doing exactly that and, do you know what, I am enjoying every minute of it! To many of you the name Ralph Reader may mean absolutely nothing. But Scouting and Gang Show have a lot to thank him for. If it wasn’t for Ralph, Gang Shows would not exist today. He was the man who had the vision to realize that entertainment and Scouting could, together, raise a great deal of money for the Scout Association-as the Dundee Gang Show does in this present day. I was privileged to meet Ralph on four occasions and I found him an unassuming, charismatic and friendly person who made you feel you had known him all your life. On one occasion I was invited to his home in London where I spent a very pleasant afternoon in his company. Two things I recall from that visit was
being shown the Big Red Book he was presented with when he was featured on TV’s “This is Your Life” and a full Red Indian Chief’s ceremonial headdress given to him from the Boy Scout Association of America. Happy memories! But, Gang, I can assure you that you will have memories of YOUR time in Scouting and Gang Show. I’ll end with a poem I wrote for the Gazette in the 1980’s G- is the guys, these great little youngsters! A- is the adults, the show’s merry fun stars! N- is nostalgia that makes your heart warm. G- is the girls who are showing their form! S- is the scenery that bring colour and glitz. H- is the helpers making sure everything fits. O- is the orchestra to make a wonderful sound. W- is the wings where the cast will be found. Put all this together and whaddya know? It’s the recipe for a successful Gang Show! Cheers, Roger
In this Issue
Producer’s Spot Quick Quotes Look-A-Likes Our Survey Said… Plus much more!