What the Hell ever Happens in Marlborough?

Take a look at this fantastic 1969 edition of the BBC’s Omnibus: “What the hell ever happens in Marlborough?”

Aside from some of the highly un pc views voiced in the film, and the fact that actually these days quite a LOT happens in Marlborough for a town of its size, you can’t help noticing that in many ways not a huge amount has changed.

Claire Perry’s 55% share of the vote in the recent general election suggests that the Conservatives of Marlborough remain “as solid....and as permanent as the town hall itself.”  The buildings on the High Street have changed very little in the last 40 years, and yes, we all seem keen for Marlborough to retain its character.

The amateur dramatic society of the time are rehearsing in this film, just as Marlborough Players are rehearsing now for “Entertaining Mr Sloane”. We still have a Town Crier, in the shape of Alf Johnson.

There are some really entertaining statements made, such as “The town hall sits, like an elegant public convenience at the end of the high street, just daring for the lorry traffic to hit it” (the presenter) and “If we were to ...go up the High Street in the nude, I mean a lot of sex maniacs would look around and follow us....” (A local lass).

Take a look, there are some wonderful characters, and some really cool 60s teens dancing in the town hall. Was Sarah Morrison the ex MP Charles Morrison’s wife? Didn’t Thomas Free used to be mayor? Was the lady who won the raffle related to him? Does anyone recognise anyone?