The Prisoner And Me - Me And The Prisoner

    There was once a time I used to collect any newpaper and magazine cuttings to do with Patrick McGoohan, 'the Prisoner, ' and of course Portmeirion. Even if it were only remotely connected, I'd cut it out and stick it in an 'ESCAPE' file. But I don't do it any more. I suppose it was important for me to do it at the time. It became second nature, until the reason for doing it became it's own reason.
   I was in the cellar the other week looking for one item in one of my files, I suddenly thought why did I bother to collect this 'stuff?' When 'the Prisoner' was being screened on Channel 4, or Bravo, I would cut out the section in the TV Guide for each of the 17 epiosdes. Why? I know what 'the Prisoner' series is all about. It was something fans like myself did at the time, it seemed important, now it seems rediculous.
   And this goes for videoing television series like 'Telly Adicts' or 'TV Heaven,' or 'Master Mind' just because 'the Prisoner' is someone's specialist subject. Or if a television programme like 'Good Morning,' or 'Antiques Roadshow' which comes from Portmeirion. It's all in the archive, and I wouldn't get rid of any of it. and it was ages since I've really added to the archive, from the newspapers, magazines, and video from the television, until THEPRIS6NER-09 came along.
   Mind you I did recently have a clear out of some of the Patrick McGoohan films I'd recorded, keeping just one or two of those which I like, 'Hell Drivers,' 'Ice station Zebra,' 'All Night Long' and of course 'Columbo's - Identity Crisis.'
   I suppose there comes a time when you stop such activities, I used to wear a Number 6 badge, or small 'Prisoner' enamel badge all the time, but I don't do it any more. I can't recall the last time I wore a 'Prisoner' 'T' shirt or sweat shirt. They have become an 'inactive' part of the archive, unlike my piped blazers, which I do still wear in the summer months, and the jacket from my 'Arrival' suit, the exact same style as that worn by McGoohan. The trousers long since worn out, but the jacket is as good today as it was when Morag bought it for me as a present for having given up smoking. The jacket worn with a pair of black jeans, still Prisoneresque, and trendy as it happens.

I'll be seeing you