I AM researching the links that Branksome, Parkstone and Poole has to Dad's Army.

The source of the links is David Sharland, who later took the name Croft. He was one of the co-writers and was born in Sandbanks to a showbusiness family.

In order to provide some stability in the young life of David he was to spend much time with Mrs Emma Drury of 5 Khyber Road in Parkstone, who he regarded as his grandmother.

Living close by in Albert Road was Mr Yeatman, funeral director and living next door was the long term verger at St Aldhelm's Church, Branksome, Arthur Courage. He could be seen regularly in the area wearing his robes and flat cap and is said to be the inspiration for the verger in the programme. Yeatman was the name given to the verger in Dad's Army.

Before David Croft joined the Dorset Regiment at Blandford Forum, he was the ARP Warden for Khyber Road and surrounding area and worked with his brother, Reginald, temporarily at Poole Borough Council.

Any photographs or memories that your readers can share would be much appreciated.

I can be contacted at ianwgray@sky.com or at 20 Layton Road, Parkstone, BH12 2BL.

IAN GRAY

Layton Road, Parkstone, Poole