I think he was brilliant. He (John) got his character so spot on. The nuances perfected. Absolutely top tier actor. Strangely I was watching him the other day in Serenade For.... episode and realised how excellent he was. Truly missed.
I think it was a nice touch Ivy going to the funeral, and pulling out a photo of Sid and a simple smile as she went to the funeral.
Wasn't a huge event - was meant to be a simple touch - but showed respect they had for Sid. I liked it...
I too noticed in Mending Stuart's Leg, the real public seemed to be about, getting on with their business, while the filming went on.
Would never have happened as the series progressed.
HOWEVER, have a look at the beginning of the 1973...
There was a policeman near the road crossing in Stuart's leg, when the trio and Sid were carrying the ladder to the cafe. I wonder if he might have been a real policeman, there for crowd or traffic control?