Meet Bernard and Bernard!
Yes our little green milk float of over 30 years is back at the Dukes ready to be supercharged and prepped for a full summer season of adventure. For those of you who have been to a park show (and if you haven't, why not? They're awesome) you'll be familiar with our little electric float nipping from scene to scene as the crowd follow his electric hum. But there may be a few things that you didn't know...
Did you know that Bernard is actually 57 years of age, having previously worked as an actual milk float for Express Dairies in Farmworth before being acquired by the Dukes in 1992 to help operate the park show sound and lighting.
For years Bernard never had a name but following a fundraising effort to pay for it's long overdue repairs and replacement of technical equipment, which was supported by many generous individuals, the Foyle Foundations and non-other than Sir Ian McKellen during his 80th birthday tour which calling into the Dukes in 2019. It made sense to finally give this little green milk float a name during his refurb.
But why is he called Bernard?
Bernard Gladstone, who died in March 2021, had seen every Dukes production in Williamson Park since 1987 and had volunteered at them for decades. He was also the theatre's honorary archivist for more than 40 years.
In honour of his support, The Dukes has named the milk float after him which travels around the park during shows. It carries the essential lighting and sound control panel, so Bernard's presence will be felt there for many summers to come.
After months of work, the newly restored milk float with its special name was unveiled by Bernard's daughter, Karen Chandisingh, who is The Dukes Data and Audience Manager.
"As The Dukes archivist, it was important to dad to retain its history so he would be made up by this tribute. His family are immensely proud of him and it's so nice that his memory lives on in this way."
Bernard looked after the cast and crew in the Williamson Park dressing rooms during The Dukes summer promenade season for 25 years and in 2011, won a Making A Difference Award at Lancashire & Blackpool Tourism Awards for his dedication.
He even had an awardwinning garden packed full of props and memorabilia from Dukes park shows which was filmed by BBC NW Tonight in 2017.
The float, which began life delivering milk for the Express Dairy in Farnworth 54 years ago, was restored following a fundraising effort to pay for its long overdue repairs and the replacement of worn and outdated park show lighting and sound equipment.
The fundraising was supported by many generous individuals, the Foyle Foundation, and proceeds from Sir Ian McKellen's 80th birthday tour which called into The Dukes in 2019.
Refubishment of the electric controllers and batteries began in January 2020 with the help of milk float specialist, Steve's Electrics, based in south Wales. However, when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, all work ceased.
In May, the electrics were eventually completed and repairs to the bodywork, access panels and technical controls could be done while still retaining the character and historic features of the vehicle which has become a familiar sight to park show audiences over the years.
The finishing touch - Bernard's sign - was painted by Rachel Walton-Daniels, a former park show stage manager.
Article by Louise Bryning, originally published on Lancaster Guardian: https://www.lancasterguardian....
Bernard's milk float can be seen throughout this year's park show Alice in Wonderland, from 19th July to 25th August. Marvellous Madness Awaits as you step into the world of Alice in Wonderland – an immersive theatrical experience that will transport you to a wonderland like no other!
