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The Postcard
A postcard bearing no publisher's name that was posted in West London on Tuesday the 23rd. April 1907 to:
Miss Ayers,
'Elmlea',
Sutton-at-Hone,
Nr. Darenth,
Kent.
The message on the divided back of the card was as follows:
"Thank you very much
for your card.
I have just heard from
your mother that she
is unable to come
tomorrow, I am so
disappointed.
I will go home and see
her and start after an early
dinner, so I hope to see you
about 2 o'clock.
Best love,
Em".
James Hayter
So what else happened on the day that Em posted the card?
Well, the 23rd. April 1907 marked the birth of Henry James Goodenough Hayter, better known as James Hayter. He was a British television and film actor.
James is best remembered for his roles as Friar Tuck in the film 'The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men' (1952) and as Samuel Pickwick in the film 'The Pickwick Papers' (1952). His rotund appearance and fruity voice made him a natural choice for such roles.
James Hayter - The Early Years
James was born in Lonavala, India, and brought up in Scotland.
A pupil of Dollar Academy, he became a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His film career began in 1936 in Sensation, but was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Royal Armoured Corps.
His 1946 television series 'Pinwright's Progress', shown on the BBC, is recognised as the first real example of the half-hour situation comedy format in the history of British television.
In the film 'Oliver!', he played Mr Jessop, the bookshop owner. He appeared in scenes when Dodger steals a gentleman's wallet outside the bookshop, and also when Oliver is in court charged with the robbery. Hayter was the Ministry doorman in the film 'Passport to Pimlico' (1949).
James Hayter - The Later Years
Hayter's later career included roles in TV series such as 'The Forsyte Saga' (1967) and 'The Onedin Line'.
Hayter also appeared in the long-lasting BBC department store sitcom 'Are You Being Served?' as Mr Tebbs in 1978.
He was also the original narrator of the UK television advertisements for Mr Kipling cakes. In fact, these ads led to his departure from 'Are You Being Served?'; the cake company paid him a significant bonus to withdraw from the series, as they felt his reputation lent an air of dignity to their advertisements.
Death of James Hayter
James died in Spain on the 27th. March 1983, aged 75.
“Who can blame an actor in his seventies
for accepting money for staying at home?
I, now 78, would jump at the chance!”
This was written by Frank Thornton (Captain Peacock) in a letter to one of Hayter’s eight children after her father’s death.