Talk:List of Peter Simple's characters

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[edit] Tony Blair and "Tiger" Nidgett

Lovers of oratory have often remarked on the abiding influence on Tony Blair of Gen Sir Frederick ("Tiger") Nidgett, supreme orator, veteran war hero and creator of the Royal Army Tailoring Corps. The Prime Minister's historic speech at the Labour Party conference at Bournemouth, in which he dramatically transformed an initially unfavourable audience into an ecstatic one, had unmistakable echoes of his old mentor.

"Yes, I think I can claim some of the credit for Tony's success," the old warrior mused, as he shared some of his thoughts with me the other day in the "war room" at Tailoringdene, his rhododendron-infested home near Godalming. "End Column"

It is rather difficult discussing the principle involved here with Dubiouscod, who is not a registered Wikipedian. But the point is that to simply say 'resembles Tony Blair' will not do; someone stumbling on this list who is not familiar with Peter Simple may think that Nidgett is somehow based on Blair, which is not the case. It can indeed be said that Blair resembles Nidgett in his fatuity; but not vice versa. Nor does Blair resemble Nidgett in any other way whatever. It is necessary to balance being funny with being accurate as Wikipedia does try to act as an encyclopaedia. Otherwise, we are all guilty.--Smerus 14:22, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

(I thought I was registered.) Thanks for adding things and you're right: "anticipates" is often much better. Nidgett's fatuity is the essential thing about him, as it is about Blair. And in The Stretchford Chronicles (p 285) it's Neville Dreadberg who writes those plays. Better to check on Google or in Simple's books before adding more. Dubiouscod 18:10, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

The thing is I'm in St. Petersburg at the moment and relying on memory, feeling pretty sure that you would correct me. When I get back to London next week I will trawl through the books, if there are any characters left by then. I can't recall the name of the hermit in Sadcake Park - do put him in if you have a moment. Best regards --Smerus 19:27, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

Viswaswami. I've divided them into major and minor characters. Dr Acula, Grimgerda Craggs (the militant anti-smoking matron) et al all deserve a place, but they'll crowd Alderman Foodbotham if it's a single list, and that would never do. And I hope MW approves of this! Dubiouscod 17:31, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] From major to minor

It's hard to know sometimes where they might fall, but I think Barstow and Mutcliffe wouldn't be known by many casual or late-comer fans. Also, it's maybe more appropriate to put PS among his own minor characters. Dubiouscod 00:03, 25 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Life imitating art?

E.S. Canister (1886-1980) — litterateur who was "the first to leave a rusting bedstead on the summit of Scafell Pike". His later works include "Vandalised Grand Piano and Two Tons of Toffee Papers on Ben Nevis" (1920) and "Four Tons of Miscellaneous Litter on the Sierra Nevada" (1927). Inspiration for the Friends of Litter.

Piano found on Britain's highest mountain

Scottish Press Association

Wednesday May 17, 2006

A musical mystery today surrounded Britain's highest mountain after a piano was discovered near its summit.

Volunteers clearing stones from the 4,418ft peak were astonished when they discovered the musical instrument on Ben Nevis. An appeal has now been launched to find out how and why the piano came to be within 200 metres of the top of the mountain.

The piano was recovered at the weekend by 15 volunteers from the John Muir Trust, the conservation charity which owns part of Ben Nevis.

[A] biscuit wrapper with a best before date of December 1986 was found under the piano, giving a clue as to when it was taken there, but not why.

The Guardian