Nostalgia by Michael Eagleton

As promised last week, another column featuring the late Eddie Price from Berwick Farm, one of Marlow’s best known and best loved “characters”. Ponies and traps were Eddie’s specialities and he was a familiar face at shows and events all over the country, and was winner of many awards.

His most famous cart, sign-written “E.Price”, and his favourite horse “Regency Cream Boy” were lent to Benny Hill for use in the video to accompany Benny’s Number One chart hit in November 1971 - “Ernie, The Fastest Milkman In The West”.

In case this was before your time you can find video and song on You-Tube.

They don’t write stuff like that these days! Of course, when the song was penned, “Ernie” was never needed to be designated with a surname but the video featuring Eddie’s cart resulted in him being rechristened Ernie Price.

Also featured as Ernie’s rival, for the affections of the widow Sue, was the dastardly baker, Two Ton Ted from Teddington, played by Benny’s long time colleague in the TV shows, Henry McGee.

It is very appropriate that Eddie’s great-great nephew John Henry White continues the pony and trap tradition and can often be seen around town holding the reins of some fine horses, pulling some brilliantly decorated outfits.

Just like Eddie he is building up an array of show awards. John Henry was featured in the Marlow Free Press a few years back in a superb baker’s cart pictured outside The Two Brewers.

A new article on him might be a thought for a future edition of the Marlow Free Press!

Eddie Price died in 1989 and his funeral procession will always be remembered, horse drawn naturally, rather than petrol driven.

Contact Michael on michael@jazzfans.co or 01628 486571