Diary readers are invited to help celebrate the 90th anniversary of the birth of the late, great comedian Frankie Howerd by taking a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane.

Frankie, whose mother Edith worked at the Rowntree chocolate factory, was born during a snowstorm in a two-up, two-down terraced house in York on March 6, 1917.

After a rollercoaster career spanning five decades, the star of the popular TV sitcom Up Pompeii died of a heart attack 15 years ago - but his beloved country house has remained virtually untouched ever since.

Frankie's home was a haven for his famous friends - and is now starring in a magazine packed with family photos, entitled Star Life.

Garden open days at the Edwardian villa, nestled beneath the glorious Mendip Hills in Somerset, have so far raised more than £50,000 for charity.

On top of this, Frankie's former partner and manager, Dennis Heymer, who still lives in the house, is hoping to commemorate Frankie's early life with a special exhibition at next year's garden open days.

As his carer - and the chap who looks after the house and garden - Chris Byrne is interested in hearing from anyone who has memories or anecdotes about Frankie or his family during their time in Yorkshire.

Letters will be displayed at open days and anyone who orders a copy of Frankie Howerd's Star Life will be entered into a free draw to win a private visit for four to the house, including fish and chips on the lawns.

Any memories of Frankie and his family can be sent to LifeTimes Publications, The Maltings, Old Coach Road, Cross, Somerset BS26 2EH.

Write to that address to order a copy of the magazine, too.


Why did they take down wall?

AN INTRIGUING email reaches The Diary from Canada about an article featured in The Press a few weeks ago.

"The other day you had a photograph of the Clifford's Tower wall," writes G Manners, of Cowichan Bay, British Columbia.

"I remember it being taken apart and moved to be part of the Foss embankment in Hungate. The stones were lifted in place using a three-legged derrick."

But the question is: "Who caused the wall to be moved, also who had it erected in the first place?

"At that time my father had a grocery shop in Carmelite Street, our house was in Garden Place, Hungate."

Get in touch with us at the usual address if you can shed any light on the mystery.