Many strings to Robert Hardy’s bow

The following letters are in response to a TV Guide editorial asking readers to name an actor who had made a lasting impression on them (and also asking readers to name their standout Coro Street character). Marianne Hepple wins a free six-month subscription to TV Guide for her letter.

Of those paid tribute to in TV Guide’s Final Curtain (Jan 6-12), the actor who made the most lasting impression on me was Robert Hardy (below). He was not just a joy to watch but also, with his evident relish of the English language, a pleasure to listen to. Hardy had much more than acting talent and looks to recommend him, being highly intelligent, very musical (he played the violin from childhood) and extremely well-read. Not so well known is that Hardy was an authority on the longbow and medieval warfare, as well as later military history. When the wreck of Henry VIII’s flagship Mary Rose was raised from the sea off the Isle of Wight in 1982, he was summoned to examine and conserve the many longbows recovered. His definitive 1976 book Longbow: A Social And Military History has been revised and reprinted many times. He filled his 91 years with many accomplishments and could, at least, be unofficially considered an English national treasure. Marianne Hepple

(Auckland) Two women have made a lasting impression on me, as forerunners on our national TV screens in the early years. They were always beautifully presented and had perfect diction. They are, of course, Marama Martin and Alma Johnson. They will be remembered along with another favourite presenter of mine, Angela D’Audney. Thank you for the opportunity to put their names on the honour roll.

Barbara Perry (Hokitika)

On our way to New Zealand in the early 80s, some fellow travellers in Singapore showed us a video featuring John Clarke in his Fred Dagg persona. From that moment we were hooked. Whenever I see a gumboot, I smile and think of John.

Judy (Nelson)

My favourite character in Coronation Street was Ena Sharples. Next was Elsie Tanner. When the two of them met it was like dynamite. Ena would say to Elsie, “You have had more different men than I’ve had hot dinners. I remember Elsie Tanner coming to New Plymouth. She was in the city mall on a stage and spoke to the crowds. It was a big thing in those days. Hilda Ogden was good too. Made you laugh at times. A Allridge (New Plymouth)