NEWS UPDATE: WHITSTABLE BENCH TO BE RESTORED AND THE BRASS PLAQUE TOO!

A VERY GOOD UPDATE, to the story about the Peter and Helen Cushing Bench at Cushing's View in Whitstable. Also news on the brass plaque and the reason why it went missing. I am SO happy to know, it's disappearance was NOT down to an act of vandalism and theft. These details were printed on the Canterbury Council News site today . . . This is good news, thank you Canterbury City Council!

WORK TO RESTORE Peter Cushing’s memorial bench in Whitstable is about to get underway. The city council has commissioned artist Will Glanfield to carry out the project. He originally made the seat, which is located at Cushing’s View on the seafront behind Keam’s Yard car park, in 1990 and will be restoring it using original Jarrah timber. A few weeks ago, a member of the public contacted the council to say the bench’s plaque had gone missing. The council had begun making arrangements for a replacement when Peter Cushing’s former personal assistant, Joyce Broughton, got in touch to say the original plaque had been handed into Whitstable Museum. The council believes the screws had rusted and the plaque had become loose, prompting a member of the public to remove it and hand it in. And when an officer met Joyce at the bench to collect it, the need for the restoration work to the bench itself became clear.

Peter Cushing on the day of the grand opening of Cushing's View on the sea front at Whitstable, Kent.

THE BENCH WILL BE REMOVED in the next week or so and repairs are expected to take around a month. The bench’s dedication plaque will also be reattached. Chairman of the council’s Community Committee, Cllr Neil Baker, said: “We know how important Peter Cushing’s bench is to the people of Whitstable. The last time it was removed for repairs, there were concerns it had been taken away forever, so we want to be clear this is only temporary and that it will be back in a little while, looking better than ever. “It’s particularly good that we’re using the original artist, Will Glanfield, for this project. He will treat the bench with the tender loving care it deserves and we know he’s going to do a great job.”

YOU'LL FIND TODAY'S POST AND AN ARCHIVE OF MOST OF OUR PCASUK WEBSITE POSTS AT THE FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE! IF YOU ENJOY OUR POSTS AND WANT TO COMMENT OR DISCUSS THE WORK AND LIFE OF PETER CUSHING, COME AND JOIN OVER THIRTY THREE THOUSAND OTHERS, AND TAKE PART IN THE OLDEST PETER CUSHING FAN CLUB, NOW ON FACEBOOK BOOK! POSTS ARE UPDATED THERE EVERYDAY! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CLICK HERE  AND THEN CLICK LIKE THERE! YOU'LL BE MOST WELCOME!

PLEASE PUT THE PLAQUE BACK! WHISTABLE CUSHING BENCH STILL WAITING ELEVEN MONTHS ON

ONE OF THE MANY GREAT things about managing the PCASUK facebook fan page and website during the summer months, is the steady stream of photographs and posts from the many of you who have taken a trip to Whitstable, in Kent. As I am sure many of you know, Whitstable was the home of Peter and his wife Helen, for many years. They LOVED the town and it's residents. Peter was extremely fond of the walk way from his sea side front door, along the front to what would one day become, 'Cushing's View'. It was a walk he would take most days, chatting and meeting the public along the way. In 1990, Peter dedicated and donated, a beautiful bench to the spot, where walkers and 'lovers' could sit and take a rest, while taking in the sea air and sights. The bench was installed, along with a brass plaque on it's back rest, 'Presented by Peter and Helen Cushing who love Whitstable and its people very much' . . .

SINCE 1990, the bench has been used, photographed and adored by the public, tourists and ..fans. It never was damaged, vandalised or abused...until September 2017, when someone removed and stole the brass plaque. I received many enquiring, worried emails and photographs, from visitors to this site. It was PCAS follower David Perry, who managed to find out that it had been stolen, and the good news that it was now in the safe hands of the Whitstable Museum and it's volunteers..to be reinstalled . . .soon. I am very thankful for a message and photograph from another PCAS follower, John Charles this week that sadly shows the plaque still isn't back in place. It's summer, Whitstable like the rest of the UK is enjoying a wonderful season. The town is very busy with tourists and visitors, many ...sitting on that bench! Many taking photographs of it. Personally, I have kept an eye on the development of the repair. I have emailed, telephoned and contacted the museum and local authority, since September last year. I know budgets are tight, tasks are never ending, but . . thank you

CATCHING OUR DAILY POSTS IS EVEN MORE FUN AT OUR PCASUK FACEBOOK FAN PAGE WHERE YOU CAN COMMENT AND JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION WITH ONE OF THE FRIENDLIEST GATHERINGS ON FACEBOOK! COME AND JOIN 33 THOUSAND OTHERS. JUST CLICK HERE AND CLICK LIKE THERE! YOU'LL BE MOST WELCOME! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER CUSHING : 105TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTHDAY PLUS NEW LAST MEETING CLIP!

TODAY IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY... Peter Wilton Cushing was born today, May 26th 1913.... Please join us in celebrating, leaving your comments and sharing our posts, to mark this very special day and help us to . . . keep the memory alive! 

CELEBRATE the ANNIVERSARY of PETER CUSHING'S BIRTHDAY at our PCAS YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND OUR PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

WE ARE SO LUCKY that Peter Cushing has left us such a large and varied body of work, from his appearances on TV, his writing and of course his film work. And if that wasn't enough, the spirit of the man still echos in everything we do here. When alive, Peter Cushing was so loved and respected. His acts of kindness are still remembered by many who met, worked and knew him. They continue to comment, write and share their stories here at our internet platforms. And editing our content here, is a real joy, when it's always received in the spirit of a man who made so many people happy, and left such an impression on everyone he met.

ABOVE A TREAT for PETER'S BIRTHDAY TODAY . .. here is a NEW clip from our PCAS video series, THE LAST MEETING, all made form the rare and candid video footage that was filmed, when Peter and Christopher not only worked together for the last time, but the last time they actually met before Peters passing a short time later. Peter adored Christopher's company, and this was a very special day for him, as he would hear all his favourite stories, and jokes from his best friend... He was very very happy this day. I hope you too, will smile while watching, what was a very special friendship. With love from us all TODAY and every day...Happy Birthday PETER!

PETER WILTON CUSHING was born on the morning of MONDAY 26th May 1913, at 'Ormandy', Godstone Road, Kenley, Surrey, UK...to father George Edward Cushing and mother, Nellie Maria Cushing. Peter's father was a quantity surveyor and Nellie was the daughter of a carpet merchant.

 

PETER WILTON CUSHING ' ...long curls, tied with a pink ribbon'. Aged just two in 1915. Little Peter had an elder brother, David, three years his senior. It appears that mother Nellie had her heart set on having a girl. 'Wanting 'one of each' she had mitigated any disappointment in my arrival by dressing me in girls frocks!', Cushing recalled..'allowing my hair to grow in long curls, tied with a pink ribbon. Eventually, 'father exerted his gentle authority' ... and Peter was more appropriately attired! .....All of that, began so long ago.

 

THE CUSHING FAMILY: from bottom to top, David Cushing, Peter's older brother, Mother: Nellie Maria Cushing, Father George Edward Cushing and a young Peter Cushing at the top of the steps! This photograph was taken in the garden of 'Clearview', an Art Deco house on St James Road, Purley, Surrey, Peter's father, a quantity surveyor built the house in the year this photograph was taken, 1926.

ABOVE: The Cushing house in 1982. BELOW: The house and it's garden have been changed by the time was on the market and for sale just three years ago . . .

ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS, it's no hardship, promoting and remembering a gentleman, who is still so dearly loved..who always gets a positive reaction. The fact that his name always gets a smile when mentioned is part of and proof of an amazing legacy. So, lets blow out the candles, raise a glass, celebrate and remember the smiles AND the frights!..... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PETER CUSHING.

COME AND JOIN US AT OUR PCAS YOUTUBE CHANNEL! JUST CLICK HERE!

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IF YOU LIKE what you see here at our website, you'll  love our daily themed posts at our PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.  Just click that blue LINK and click LIKE when you get there, and help us reach all lovers of Peter Cushing's work AND Help Keep The Memory Alive!

UPDATE ON MISSING WHITSTABLE CUSHING BENCH PLAQUE

UPDATE: 8:39AM GMT. 24. 09. 2017: MISSING WHITSTABLE CUSHING BENCH PLAQUE: The is new is..it's GOOD NEWS! First, MANY THANKS to DAVID PERRY, who took the time to send us a message at our PETER CUSHING APPRECIATION SOCIETY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE yesterday, following some inquiries he made... I'll let him tell you the story, in his own words... Again, on behalf of all of us...Thank You David!

' I visited the Whitstable Visitor Information Centre in the hope they may have news about the plaque. The lovely couple I spoke to there had no idea it had gone missing and were quite horrified by the thought someone might have stolen it. They suggested I ask at the local museum. The extremely helpful volunteers, headed by Peter Banbury, were able to put me in the picture and even showed me the plaque presently in their care. They had several theories about how it "went missing" in the first place, but the important thing is it's now in the care of people who will look after it until it can be returned to it's proper place. And lets hope that will be soon.'  . . .

To quote, Peter Cushing as Dr Aber Perry in his film, 'At The Earth's Core'  . . .

'Well Done, David!'  - Marcus

As ever, as soon as I get more news, will keep you all posted ;) Marcus

IF YOU LIKE what you see here at our website, you'll  love our daily themed posts at our PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.  Just click that blue LINK and click LIKE when you get there, and help us . . Keep The Memory Alive!. The Peter Cushing Appreciation Society website, facebook fan page and youtube channel are managed, edited and written by Marcus Brooks, PCAS coordinator since 1979. PCAS is based in the UK and USA      

NEWS: MYSTERY OF MISSING BRASS PLAQUE IN WHITSTABLE

Over the years, many of you have sent us photographs of your visits to what was Peter and Helen Cushing's home town of Whitstable in Kent. I see many many photographs of the 'love bench' that Peter donated to the town, dedicated from both he and his late wife. Only yesterday (Monday 18th September), a good friend to the PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE Becky Jarrett, made a trip to Whitstable and thought she would walk along to 'Cushing's View' at the sea front and sit on the 'Cushing Bench' and take in the sun and sights. She was upset to discover that the brass dedication plate has vanished from the bench ....

You'll find LOTS of features about the 'Cushing's Love Seat'

here at the website, but here is a interesting one! CLICK HERE! 

For over 25 years, the bench has sat there, in all weathers, offering a place to sit and admire the view, that Peter Cushing visited on his daily walks along the front. Visitors from around the world, visit Whitstable, many knowing the town's connection with Peter and Helen, and visit Cushing's View and the bench. Never has the bench been defaced, carved into, vandalized or damaged. Just over two years ago, the bench vanished... no warning.. while it was given a coat of varnish and some TLC. It returned, looking better than ever. I am hoping, the plaque has been removed for some maintenance too... If you have any news or information about its where-abouts, please let us know here . . . thank you Becky for letting us know ;) Marcus

IF YOU LIKE what you see here at our website, you'll  love our daily themed posts at our PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.  Just click that blue LINK and click LIKE when you get there, and help us . . Keep The Memory Alive!. The Peter Cushing Appreciation Society website, facebook fan page and youtube channel are managed, edited and written by Marcus Brooks, PCAS coordinator since 1979. PCAS is based in the UK and USA    

#SILENTBUTDEADLYWEDNESDAY! WIN THAT TARDIS!!

#SILENTBUTDEADLYWEDNESDAY! I think just about EVERY Doctor Who fan at sometime, has wanted one. I remember as a kid, using my wardrobe as a #TARDIS. Everything was going well with me and my sister and the game...until my re-enacting of a meteor storm, toppled the wardrobe, where it fell forward, onto its door...with us inside! ...Don't try this at home, kids IF ONLY that whiz, Jason Onion and this #TARDIS had been around back then! It would have saved me a nose-bleed and my Sis, a black eye! NOW, Jason has made it so YOU don't have to go through such embarrassing shenanigans. You could be the owner of your VERY OWN TARDIS! WATCH the video and ALL will be revealed 🙂 Great work Jason!

IF YOU LIKE what you see here at our website, you'll  love our daily themed posts at our PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.  Just click that blue LINK and click LIKE when you get there, and help us . . Keep The Memory Alive!. The Peter Cushing Appreciation Society website, facebook fan page and youtube channel are managed, edited and written by Marcus Brooks, PCAS coordinator since 1979. PCAS is based in the UK and USA   

#TOOCOOLTUESDAY: THE MODEL PERFECTIONIST : NO SMALL TIME HOBBY

#TOOCOOLTUESDAY! I have made this #BANNER using a series of promotional photographs that were commissioned by the #HAMMERFILMS  press office, during the publicity campaign of their fourth #FRANKENSTEIN film with Cushing, 'Frankenstein Created Woman' with Susan Denberg. It's true, while the good Baron was very great at making 'Monsters', Cushing was quite an accomplished and expert model maker. 

EVERYTHING FROM his model soldiers, used in his #WARGAME past-time, model aircraft, ships, boats, houses and theater's . . . particularly theaters. After Cushing's death all of his model work, was auctioned to help pay his DEATH TAX bill..a REAL horror story... of the eight or nine that still existed, displayed and fully functional in the attic studio workshop at his Whitstable home, some are now in the 'eat you heart out collectors' MEGA COLLECTION, of huge Cushing fan and director, Guillermo del Toro Gómez. Each of the theaters, consisted of a proscenium arch, scenery, tabs, curtains, actors, props and a fully operational lighting system, complete with lightning board. 

I HAVE LABELLED  the photographs, with close up images, so you can see the amazing eye for detail and authenticity that Cushing really had. Take a look at the handmade GOBO light, with different colored gels and working selection motor. The lighting positioned at the rear of the set in photograph C, a shows that colored lighting gel, was positioned over the lamps, so that the light source on the model stage, depicted daylight! I have no idea just how much the theaters sold for, but from his telephone bidding on the day, it's known their was huge interest in the theaters, and the 'lolly' that went under the hammer, was big bucks.

IF YOU LIKE what you see here at our website, you'll  love our daily themed posts at our PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.  Just click that blue LINK and click LIKE when you get there, and help us . . Keep The Memory Alive!. The Peter Cushing Appreciation Society website, facebook fan page and youtube channel are managed, edited and written by Marcus Brooks, PCAS coordinator since 1979. PCAS is based in the UK and USA    

#CHRISTOPHERLEESATURDAYS! HOW I REMEMBER PETER

#CHRISTOPHERLEESATURDAY: Beloved is how Christopher Lee describes his old friend, Peter Cushing in this clip from 1996. This was only two years since Peter's passing and was one of the first times that Lee spoke about his feelings in public ...

#CHRISTOPHERLEESATURDAY! Here is a requested pic for Sammy Watts of the UK.. a pic of Christopher and Birgit Lee out on the town. I will say this for Lee, old age didn't hold him back from traveling. Just up to a few weeks before his passing, he was all over Europe, going to charity events, film festivals and galleries. It's great to see them both so happy here . . 

IF YOU LIKE what you see here at our website, you'll  love our daily themed posts at our PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.  Just click that blue LINK and click LIKE when you get there, and help us . . Keep The Memory Alive!. The Peter Cushing Appreciation Society website, facebook fan page and youtube channel are managed, edited and written by Marcus Brooks, PCAS coordinator since 1979. PCAS is based in the UK and USA.