Romy Baskerville, 1941-2012

[William the White]

Romy Baskerville, a fab actress and director on stage, screen and radio, died on 12 January at 2.45pm.

I know a number of posters on this site, especially those involved in Tripe n Trotters will remember Romy with real affection.

She and I were partners for ten years and she and our daughter were both fanatical Wanderers fans. The productions of hers at the Octagon that I most enjoyed were Ibsen’s ‘Hedda Gabler’ and ‘Enemy of the People’ and Shakespeare’s ‘Comedy of Errors’. Her last role was in the West End in Billy Elliot. Wherever she worked everyone soon learned she was a fan of Bolton Wanderers.

Below is her contribution to the ‘Farewell to Burnden’ issue of Tripe n Trotters...

THEATRE OF STEAMS

A bleak Saturday afternoon in late 1974. I have cast my lot in with a Wanderers supporting revolutionary socialist, and it’s a case of love me, love my football club. So, my first match ever. Into the Church Inn first for a compulsory couple of pints. I’m pretty well the only woman; middle class southern girl, adapting and hoping to be adopted. We stride down Thynne Street and over the bridge; a tributary joining the neap tide sweeping its way down the Manchester Road. Then up the stone steps, over the top onto Burnden Terrace – and there it is, my first ever sight of the pitch. I battle to find a place where I can see past male shoulders. Adrenaline rises. It’s two minutes to three! Then I realise: I should have gone before I left the pub. Trying to follow instructions, I burrow my way through a forest of bodies, find a tunnel and dive down against the tide of last minute arrivals, and find myself in a gloomy cavern, standing outside what has to be the smelliest place in the world. The Gents. Thousands of gallons of Tetleys transformed into the eye-watering, breath-taking pungency of male pee. I quail at the thought of what the Ladies might be like and nearly turn back, but needs must when the Tetleys drives. So in I go, and struggle with the layers of clothing, gloves and programme gripped between my teeth against the danger of the swimming floor. No loo seat, just cold porcelain. Sweet relief, then out into sweet air. Out to the green and the steam and the white and the navy... and the love. And the biggest and most exciting theatre I had ever been in,

Everyone that knew Romy loved her.

Our daughter and I went to the victory against Liverpool. We both knew they won it for Romy.

[bobo the clown]

Tremendous read Will.

I feel I missed out.

Best to you & yours.

[thebish]

I never had the pleasure of meeting her - but RIP Romy - and peace to those who feel the hurt that comes with parting...

[Prufrock]

My thoughts, William.

Great read, a sad loss.

[TANGODANCER]

Condolences WTW.

[Montreal Wanderer]

My condolences too, WtW. I'm afraid I did not know her work but looked her up - I may well have seen her but it didn't register. I see your daughter listed first in her interests Super John so BWFC is clearly a family affair.

[clapton is god]

Sincere condolences, WtW.

[ratbert]

My word. I remember that piece she wrote.

Sorry about the news, Will.

[Bruce Rioja]

Sincere condolences, Les.

I hope your memories are all fond and joyous.

[Gary the Enfield]

Sincere condolences, Will.

[mummywhycantieatcrayons]

That's terrible news, William.

I particularly enjoyed this line:

"I have cast my lot in with a Wanderers supporting revolutionary socialist, and it’s a case of love me, love my football club."

My girlfriend is an actress and knew of her and was sad to hear the news.

[sluffy]

Sorry to hear about your sad loss.

I was stunned when looking her details up that I found that I had met her once.

About 20 years or so ago the RSC toured and played at Staines Leisure Centre. I was a manager at the local council back then and was invited to the so called VIP lounge after the show to have a drink (or three!) with the cast.

I can't recall what we chatted about - the usual pleasantries I guess but she was a delight to be with and certainly contributed to a wonderful evening for me.

I'm truly saddened by you and your daughter’s tragic loss.

May she rest in peace.

[Wandering Willy]

Sorry to hear of your loss WTW.

[Dujon]

My sympathies are with you and your daughter, William. If your quoted passage of her writing is indicative of Romy as a person the world has lost a little bit of its sparkle. All the best, old chap, and remember that whilst you as a father need to be strong for your daughter there is no shame in leaning on her shoulder from time to time.

[Hoboh]

Deepest sympathies WTW take heart you never really lose anyone they are always with you.

[2399]

I am Sorry for you and your Daughters Loss.

Rest in Peace

[Zulus Thousand of em]

I'm very sorry to hear that Will. You have my sympathy. I didn't know her but I'm guessing that you were a lucky man to have met her.

RIP Romy.

[Worthy4England]

Heartfelt sympathies Will.

[CAPSLOCK]

Will, she lived on New Lane, didn't she?

Whereabouts

Only know cos she wrote a letter to the BEN moaning about something or other...was years back

[William the White]

Will, she lived on New Lane, didn't she?

Whereabouts

Only know cos she wrote a letter to the BEN moaning about something or other...was years back

Yes, she lived in New Lane in her last period in Bolton... She lived in Halliwell from 1972-82, the Black Country from 82-88, and New Lane from then until about 98...

Do you have an exhaustive list of 'moaning letters to the BEN about something or other', because that seems so extraordinary that there might be a movie in it... Which, given our climate, might be called something like 'Rain Man'...