The newspaper for BBC pensioners – with highlights from Ariel online

Community champion 50 years in local politics Page 6

June 2013 • Issue 3

Broadcast Golders Green engineers Remembering Hippodrome shortfall Just William centenary Page 3 Page 8 Page 9

NEWS • Memories • Classifieds • Your letters • Obituaries • CrosPERO 02 back at the BBC

Television comes Standing room New appointment top in Ofcom media tracker survey only at BBCPA AGM More people get their news from television There was a full house at Friends House, to BBC Pensions than from any other source, according to Euston, on 18 April when 145 members Ofcom’s survey. of the BBC Pensioners’ Association Ian Cutter has recently been appointed as Head of Pension Despite the rise of the internet as a convened for the annual general meeting. Shared Services. Some of you may remember Ian from when dominant player in the media landscape, a After the Association’s formal business large majority of people in the UK still get was concluded (including re-electing he worked at the Pension and Benefits Centre 13 years ago, their news from old-fashioned television. the committee), the meeting heard According to Ofcom’s annual media as a Senior Pensions Administrator. tracker survey, published in May, 72% from Geoff Jones, introduced as the of respondents said TV was their main BBC Pension Scheme’s outgoing an has a myriad of knowledge and administration and service operations source of news. The internet trailed far pensioner-elected trustee, and guest experience to bring to the role, against agreed standards. behind at 10%, with newspapers lagging speaker Steve Hewlett. gained over more than 20 years in the Ian said: ‘It feels good to be back and see even further behind at 7%. Geoff reassured the meeting that while pensions industry. He will report to so many familiar faces within the Centre. In people 65 years and older, an the Scheme’s shortfall – which the BBC is IJoy Moore (CEO) on the delivery of There have been some significant pension overwhelming majority (83%) get their responsible for making good – has stood pension administration to the Scheme changes since I left the BBC. I am very much news from television most of the time. at over £2bn, the Scheme’s assets are at Trustees and the BBC on employer pension looking forward to the challenge of But in the 16- to 34-year-old age their highest ever: £10.2bn. Geoff said the matters. Ian will oversee the delivery of building on and enhancing the service and group, 18% said the internet was their intention for the BBC to make this good high quality, accurate and efficient reputation of the Centre in the future.’ main source for UK and world news. over 11 years was on track, so he remained ‘fairly confident’ that the books would be re-balanced by 2026. For further information he commended the BBC My Pension website, before closing to Bullying is ‘real concern’ at today’s BBC appreciative applause. With the formal meeting over, Steve Sexual harassment is ‘rare’ at today’s BBC, according to the Respect at Work Review, which Hewlett – formerly editor of Panorama and latterly of Radio 4’s The Media Show – was reports no specific examples of this kind of behaviour by current ‘talent’. cautiously optimistic about ‘The Future of the BBC’ and regaled the meeting with a ullying, though, was found to be a However, the cases that were discussed While the unions claim that this pressure thoughtful, witty commentary about the ‘very real concern’, with misuse of tended to feature young, almost exclusively has made managers behave worse, some Corporation’s recent history. Steve said that power often perpetrated by female victims, just setting out on their leaders pointed to a lack of respect from Lord Patten was to be trusted as someone managers or going unchallenged. careers, while the perpetrators were in discontented staff. One said the role who is devoted to the BBC, but a long BThe BBC will be ‘overhauling’ its bullying positions of influence. The victims felt that required a ‘tin hat’, while another spoke interregnum while Mark Thompson was and harassment policies as a result of they had nowhere ‘safe and confidential’ to of ‘quiet rioting’. still in post and before the appointment of the findings. go to make their complaints. There was also a widespread belief that George Entwistle had led to unnecessary Over 900 people – including senior Discussion of broader abuses of power people skills in managers were held in tensions that sapped the authority of leaders, producers, presenters, engineers, were added to the review’s scope on the lower regard than other attributes such as both DGs. runners, technicians and contract staff – chose advice of Dinah Rose QC, who had expert editorial judgement or technical knowhow. He likened the BBC to a ship laden with to take part in the process which sought to input to the project. ‘We do not do enough to ensure that good ballast which heels in the wind, but comes discover what current employees think about Instances of rudeness, victimisation and people management is not a lottery but a back again. The ballast in the BBC’s case is the way they are treated, as well as how verbal abuse were shared by all levels of central and integral part of being an employee the enormous amount of affection and complaints are handled. staff, with examples heard of managers at the BBC,’ says the report. respect in which the public holds the They took part in group and one-to-one bullying staff and staff bullying contract Some of the managers who took part felt Corporation. However, if any of the ballast sessions and provided letter, voicemail and workers. ‘It is not pervasive or endemic in the DQF label should be dropped as it was is lost, then there is the risk of keeling email evidence. Representations were also today’s BBC,’ the report states, ‘but it is visible, ‘hugely tarnished’. over, from which the BBC may not be able made by former staff, union reps and frequent and consistent enough to be a very The requirement to ‘do more with less’ to recover. union members. real concern.’ had also meant that effective conversations Looking towards Charter renewal, he felt In the foreword, the BBC Management The report also made references to the about people’s performances often went by that the BBC should make more use of Board says the report makes ‘difficult and ‘highly-pressurised’ live broadcasting the wayside, while appraisals were judged as independent production and did not agree uncomfortable reading’ at times. environment, which was often cited as inconsistent, ineffective and not trusted. with services such as iPlayer being freely ‘Nevertheless, we believe that this is an an excuse for ‘confrontational, rude and The management board vows to make available, because this was unfairly important piece of work, and we wanted abusive’ behaviour. improvements to change the BBC’s culture. competitive with the commercial sector. to tackle it with the openness, transparency The review identified a ‘strong The new Director General, Tony Hall, says: After rousing applause, he stayed on in and integrity that people expect from undercurrent of fear’ among staff to complain ‘We need to be honest about our general discussion with members. the BBC.’ about bullying. Some reckoned it would be shortcomings and single minded in Meanwhile, George Auckland demonstrated ‘career suicide’ to escalate such an issue, while addressing them. the electronic version of the Memory Bank, Sexual harassment others worried that they would be labelled as ‘I want zero tolerance of bullying and a as will be found on the ‘Members Only’ While triggered by the Jimmy Savile scandal, troublemakers or victims. culture where people feel able to raise page of the BBCPA’s website. the review suggested that sexual harassment concerns and have the confidence that they A longer version of this report is to be within the Corporation is now far from DQF will be dealt with appropriately.’ found on the website: www.bbcpa.org.uk commonplace, with 37 formal complaints The cuts programme was often cited by Hugh Sheppard made over the past six years. those who took part as ‘a cause of strain on teams and individuals’.

Please send your editorial contributions, or comments/feedback, to: Prospero, BBC Pension and Prospero is provided free of charge to retired BBC Benefits Centre, Broadcasting House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ. employees, or to their spouses and dependants. Email: prospero@bbc.co.uk Prospero provides a source of news on former Please make sure that any digital pictures you send are colleagues, developments at the BBC and pension scanned at 300 dpi. issues, plus classified adverts. To advertise in Prospero, please see page 12. The next issue of Prospero will appear in To view Ariel online, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/ariel. August 2013. The copy deadline is 5 July 2013.

PROSPERO JUNE 2013 back at the bbc 03 BBC to train broadcast engineers to meet critical shortfall

In ten years’ time, the BBC would struggle to deliver something as technically complex as the London Olympics – that’s unless it addresses a critical skills shortage in broadcast engineering now.

t’s a stark assessment by John Linwood, ‘We have an ageing workforce of very skilled Focus on Connect Clubs chief technology officer, who in April people and we’re starting to get to the This month we are focusing on some of announced an apprenticeship scheme point where a number of them are going our Connect Clubs. As a retired Club that will train up a new generation of to start retiring in the next few years,’ the Member you can access any of our activity Iengineers for the UK media industry’s future. Technology leader warns. groups. It’s never too late to start a new The BBC technology apprenticeship ‘It isn’t just the BBC which has this problem; hobby. Connect Clubs are the perfect scheme, the first of its kind since 1994, will all broadcasters have this problem today.’ way to meet new friends or catch up recruit the first intake of 20 apprentices in In total, 100 apprentices will be with old colleagues with similar interests. September for the three-year training trained over eight years to meet growing For more information about the full range programme that will get them a university industry demand. of activities on offer see our website degree but none of the associated debt. Some www.bbcclub.com/connect of the apprentices will be offered BBC jobs after they graduate. We have an ageing a way of giving back to the wider broadcast Here are a few examples of what the The scheme – the first ever to lead to an community. The BBC also benefits from it. Club can offer: externally recognised honours degree – will workforce of very It’s in the BBC’s interests to have a healthy BBC Club Prospero involve a mixture of classroom study, broadcast industry in the UK.’ The Prospero Society is open to BBC delivered by institutions such as the skilled people. He argues that many engineers trained by Club members who have officially retired Universities of Salford and Birmingham City, the BBC will return to the broadcaster over from the BBC and their spouses. Its and on-the-job training with the BBC and its the course of their careers, whether as staff, purpose is to promote activities to alleviate partners. The likes of Channel 4, ITV, Red Bee Linwood will not reveal the cost of the freelancers or casual workers. It was the case the wrench that can occur on retirement, Media and Arqiva have come on board for scheme, which will pay the apprentices a with the Olympics, he points out. when one is deprived of the day-to-day the scheme. basic wage, only that the BBC will share On the subject of women, who are contact of work. A regular newsletter Linwood told Ariel that the BBC has a long that cost with the government’s Employer traditionally underrepresented in engineering, keeps members informed of our activities. tradition of training up broadcast engineers – Ownership Skills pilot. Partner broadcasters Linwood says there will be no quota to recruit Activities, which include lunches, coach but it has recently identified a gap that could will pick up some of the expense, when the a certain number for the new apprenticeship trips, theatre trips and a traditional affect programme making and outside trainees spend time with them. scheme. However, he points to the BBC’s Christmas lunch - all are at subsidised broadcasts in the years to come. But why should the BBC shoulder most ongoing programme to raise the profile of prices for Prospero Society members. It was apparent at the Olympics, he says, of the burden? women in engineering. Photography Club that many of the broadcaster’s engineers are Linwood uses the public-service The technology chief’s hope is that the The Photography Club is open to both now in their fifties. argument. ‘We are publicly funded and this is scheme will encourage more young people to novice and experienced photographers consider broadcast engineering as an exciting (and anyone in between!) and the group is career, as exciting as working for Google or run in an open style which encourages Facebook. The new media giants have lured everybody to contribute and suggest ideas. many talented graduates and young people We hold an annual end-of-year exhibition away with the promise of ‘sexy’ jobs, he says, where all members get the chance to which partly explains the impending shortfall. display at least one photo. ‘Most 20-year-olds think they are going to be billionaires by the time they are 23 and they Rambling Club want to go and invent the next generation of Rambles (usually circular) are between six Facebook,’ Linwood admits. This scheme will and 12 miles, and take place every third not turn its graduates into millionaires, but it Sunday in the home counties. Lunch will will give a lucky group of talented young be at a local pub, or bring your own. We people a shot at well-paid, steady work – and organise the occasional weekends and that’s no small thing in today’s economy. weeks away in more challenging terrain. We also hold barbecues and some walks which are suitable for members’ young families. Wine & Beer devised and compiled by Jim Palm Crospero 173 devised and compiled by Jim Palm The Ariel Wine & Beer Society’s sole aim is to teach its members and their guests 1 Complete the square by using the clues; these apply only to words about wine, beer and related topics in a fun running across. Then take these words in numerical order and and interesting way. We run regular informal 2 3 extract the letters indicated by a dot. If your answers are correct, evening tastings and events. Our tasting these letters will spell out the name of a BBC programme. events are run by both speakers from the 4 5 Please send your answers in an envelope marked ‘Crospero’ to trade or by a member. Whether you are a The Editor, Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, beginner or know your chardonnay from 6 7 Broadcasting House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ by Friday 12 July. your chenin, they aim to be of interest to all. Each tasting covers a different country, area 8 CLUES or grape, or follows a specific theme. 1. Throw out (5); 2. Cereals (4); 3. Seep slowly (4); 4. Attack on London (5) Events are normally held on the second 9 10 5. Instruction (5); 6. Master of ceremonies (5); 7. The view before you (5) Wednesday evening of each month in, or close to a BBC London building and can 11 8. Bandleader of yore (3); 9. Wireless (5); 10. Antelope (5) 11. Exchange rate transaction (3); 12. Be persuasive (5); 13. Type of hat (5) cater for between 25 and 30 people. In addition to tasting events, trips are 12 13 14. Subtle emanation (4); 15. Ploy (4); 16. Payment for postage (5) 17. Plunder (5); 18. Moral significance (5) organised when opportunities present.

14 15 For general Connect Club enquiries, please Solutions to Crospero 172: Buccaneer, Bora, Knap, Roget, Wedge, email [email protected] or call BBC Club 16 17 Omens, Essen, Ems, Factotums, Soh, Abase, Avast, Lochs, Melee, on 0208 752 6666. Brio, Tare, Eddystone. The series was Bang Goes the Theory. Got a question or comment? 18 The winner was Derek Page of Bristol. Email us at [email protected] or call 020 875 26666.

PROSPERO JUNE 2013 04 LETTERS Horseshoes Goodbye TVC In 1943, during the Second World War, Broadcasting House, showing on TV News a British warship captured a German an aerial view of the new structure from Ron Cole sent in this photograph, showing a group of BBC staff (past and present) from submarine. When the submarine’s crew a helicopter from a southern aspect; Post Production and Information and Archives who met up in the BBC Club Bar at Television was rescued, the German captain mentioned clearly horseshoe shaped and seeming Centre last month to say goodbye to TVC and reflect on 1,000 great memories. to a British officer that both the submarine to be upside down. and the warship had the same lucky symbol, Since the opening of New Broadcasting a horseshoe. ‘Yes’, said the officer, ‘but House what has happened? your horseshoe is upside down, and all of Well, the Jimmy Savile scandel – three your luck has drained out.’ The German Director Generals in as many weeks; captain stumbled off into captivity, Television Centre sold off; and Charlotte mumbling words to the effect of ‘Sod it! Green goes to Classic FM. It is now an Nobody told me!’ appropriate time to ask:‘Are we all doomed, Now, zoom forward 70 years to 2013. Captain Mainwaring?’ The BBC announced the opening of New Dave Wells Radio Cumbria appeal

BBC Radio Carlisle opened in 1973. After stations in percentage weekly reach in the the rush of new stations in 1967/8 and country. In 1982 BBC Radio Furness opened 1970/1 and before those of the early 1980s, in Barrow as an opt-out from the countywide Carlisle was unusual in coming on the air service, renamed BBC Radio Cumbria. in the mid-1970s. The reason was that the The 40th anniversary weekend, 23-24 Conservatives, who came into power in 1970, November, will be marked by celebrations Colour copying confessions would not allow the Corporation to open in Carlisle, though the detail is yet to additional stations, as the new Government be determined. Following the recent photo supplied by placed in the car window. Anyone with one was committed to starting commercial local I’ve been asked by the station to compile John Nestor of the EPD Management course of these stickers was saluted as a VIP as they radio. Of the 20 BBC Local Radio stations at a list of as many former staff and freelancers at Wood Norton, I am reminded that there entered TVC gates and let in without much that time, three were in the North East yet as possible. So if you worked at BBC Radios are two other great sites that may interest of a check. there were none in the North West north of Carlisle, Cumbria or Furness, please get readers. One is ex-BBC.net and the other, TV Sport, for whom I was then working Blackburn. So, after negotiations, BBC Radio in touch with me, Nigel Holmes, at www.vtoldboys.com. on Grandstand and other programmes, had a Durham was closed in 1972 and a new station [email protected] or Woodside, The VT Old Boys site contains Engineering couple of these, one of which was used by opened in Carlisle in 1973. It immediately Gt. Corby, Carlisle, CA4 8LL, or telephone Training Centre pictures of various courses production team members when priority proved to be one of the most successful 01228 560617. similar to John’s and is also a wonderful dictated and which were therefore moved reminder of times at TV Centre and from vehicle to vehicle. This is a time, of elsewhere, including video clips and excerpts course, before colour printing and copying from the VT Christmas tapes. More of these became generally available, but there was a can also be found on YouTube. brand new Xerox site located between TVC The closure of BBC Seventy Years One of the funnier sections on VT Old and Kensington House where Sport was Boys is a section entitled ‘confessions’ – based - you know where I’m going, Television Centre Before The Masts usually of near disasters or disasters – and I don’t you? As a former cameraman who worked About 15/20 years ago, Prospero kindly believe it would be useful and interesting for Suffice it to say that for the princely sum there for over 45 years, I am deeply published a letter from me, seeking you to run a series of confessions in the of £5, I was able to supply myself with a saddened by the closure of BBC contributions from any of your readers who pages of Prospero which would undoubtedly duplicate A sticker that I then used Television Centre. But as a BBC licence had an interest in the Research Department raise a chuckle or two. successfully on every occasion that I required fee payer, I am furious. section originally known as Field Strength, To start the ball rolling, and to cleanse my entry to TVC, and for many months became There is no rational reason for the closure, subsequently Service Planning. own soul, I must confess to accessing and well known to the commissionaires, who yet the senior bureaucrats of BBC Its previous Head, RA Rowden, had left me using the ‘Holy Grail’ of the Horse Shoe car must have thought that I was some TV Management have squandered astronomical with a lot of material describing the work of park at TV Centre with regular ease during bigwig as opposed to a humble Sports PA. amounts of public money to achieve it. The the early engineers, from 1922 to 1961, and my time in BBC Sport in the 1980s. On my transfer from BBC Sport to BBC creation of an ill-designed, substitute studio suggested I should add a narrative of For those who don’t know, the Horse Shoe Manchester, I duly donated the pass to two centre at Salford has cost about £800 million; subsequent activities to produce an ‘up-to- car park was at the front of TV Centre and other Sports PAs, who no doubt continued plus the cost of staff relocation and date’ history. was used by senior management, controllers, this trail of access at a whim, until they redundancies; plus the continuing cost of On taking early retirement, I did start on etc. It was accessed by displaying a red car themselves departed to ITV years later! hiring space in studios the BBC doesn’t own. what has proved to be a spasmodic process. sticker with a large A (I believe) that was Paul Colbert A reported £1 billion has been spent on However, following a modest award from the moving the news operation from a virtually Royal Television Society, this ‘history’ has now brand-new newsroom at TV Centre, to a been published under the not very witty title much larger, but less photogenic newsroom of Seventy Years Before the Masts. It deals with our The tragedy of the unwanted! at Broadcasting House. And there is the work until the end of the century, makes some further cost of adapting studios at Elstree as a remarks about subsequent broadcasting First of all I acknowledge and thank the the emission of IDs, first in the World temporary home for BBC productions, until developments, and finally suggests a future for BBC Pensioners’ Association for their efforts Service and then adopted throughout they move back again, in 2015. Against all terrestrial broadcasting. It is very parochial, of of trying to resolve the issue of pensioner the Corporation, I fully understand the this, the BBC has sold Television Centre for the little interest to anyone who has never heard access to the BBC premises (Prospero, April). reasons for increased safety. However, giveaway sum of £200 million. of Kingswood Warren, or of the work of the However, as a long serving World Service what I fail to understand is the lack of On The One Show, Michael Grade estimated Research Department that existed in the last member of staff for 30 years, and retired effort and mainly understanding by the the cost of modernising Television Centre century. It will not appear in The Times literary almost two decades ago, I bitterly regret current senior and policy managers to at £200 million, a tiny fraction of the sum supplement, and is certainly of no attraction that in spite of being issued an access card resist negating, but worse, leaving in the spent on moving out! to conventional book publishers. However, it’s no longer valid! Being the initiator, oblivion, staff like myself, who modestly It may be too late to stop this act of Amazon Kindle have published it, and the (as the Chair of the then ABS World Service contributed to build and preserve the architectural and cultural vandalism, but money involved to get the book through that Committee and proudly representing noble BBC name, not only in this country surely we licence fee payers, who own the channel is less than it would cost to send out all their members for seven years, and but mainly abroad! BBC but were never consulted, should be individual copies, but I will gladly send a free, before that, for another six as vice-chair), I sincerely hope for, and appeal to, the demanding an inquiry into this pointless personally-bound volume to anyone who was together with the late and most missed new DG, Lord Hall, to look into this sad squandering of our money. on Field Strength Section in 1953. Gerard Mansell, then World Service situation and make it good. Roger Bunce Ron Sandell Director, of the idea and pioneer of Gilberto Ferraz

PROSPERO JUNE 2013 LETTERS 05

Where Eagles Dare Access to CONTACTS

Ian Reed’s memories of the Northern Dance window. The first item to be recorded that BBC premises Visiting Scheme Orchestra (Prospero, April), and mention day was the theme tune from the film The BBC Pensioners’ Association would like If you would like a visit or information on of the ‘W-Scheme’ (where musical items Where Eagles Dare. to update the information published in the how to become a volunteer visitor, please were recorded onto a 5” tape spool, one Suddenly, out of the LSU10, came the March edition of Prospero about casual ring 0845 712 5529. You will be charged reel per item, in one take with no editing) big, bold, deep brass opening, and the access (including bringing guests) to BBC at the local rate. prompted a distinct memory of recording staccato snare drum riff... it was electrifyingly premises – where this is still possible. Queries the Northern Ireland Orchestra at some time different! I opened the cubicle door, so Retired staff should contact Dianne Walker For benefit and pension payroll queries, in 1969 or 1970. that people going past in the corridor could at Corporate Security by ringing 0208 008 call the Service Line on 029 2032 2811 As a junior Tech Op, I would spend hear it. 3271 or by emailing corporatesecurity2@ or email [email protected] orchestra days in recording channel U1 (U2?), Soon, all around the building, people were bbc.co.uk. Try to allow time for checks to Prospero with a mono feed coming up from Studio 1, tuning into Studio 1 on the ring main, and be made. To add or delete a name from the distribution and the’W’ spools loaded onto a BTR2, marvelling at this magnificent new sound The Association is still trying to clarify the list, ring the Service Line on 029 2032 2811. waiting for the talkback signal to press the coming from ‘our’ orchestra, who never position in W12, where BBC Club access is Prospero is provided free of charge to retired record button. It was hardly exciting stuff – looked back for the rest of the time I was in apparently being denied to two out of the BBC employees. On request, we will also for years the NIO’s musical repertoire was Belfast. And, as professional musicians, they three locations in what remains of the BBC send it to spouses or dependants who want to keep in touch with the BBC. Prospero is confined to ‘traditional Irish’ fiddle-de-jig were as much at home playing ‘Eagles’ in one campus. The gym is accessible. But the other also available on audio disc for those with music... ‘The Irish Washerwoman’ was a take as ‘Washerwoman’. areas are the far side of security desks and sight impairment. To register, please ring typical example. Somewhere I have a ‘pirate’ copy of that only those with staff passes are allowed in. the Service Line. And then one day the NIO got a new Musical performance as a memory of a wonderful, Retired staff who still pay their monthly BBC Club Director – someone may remember his name magic moment. I must dig it out. BBC Club subscriptions seem unable to The BBC Club in London has a retired – and he decided to throw all that out of the Graeme Aldous gain access. category membership costing £30 a year We would be interested to hear from or £39 a year for family membership. retired staff across the country about whether Pre-1997 life members are not affected. the access procedures we negotiated are Regional clubs may have different In the frame actually working and that the welcoming arrangements. Please call BBC Club Superficial so-long spirit of the agreement with BBC Security London administration office on 020 8752 When I was a junior member of a camera is being honoured. If there are other 6666 or email [email protected] to TVC crew we spent many hours discussing anomalies we will try to look into them. Benevolent Fund Following the recent BBC transmission exactly how shots should be framed. The Please write to us using the address given This is funded by voluntary contributions of a programme called Goodbye TVC, senior cameraman would be watching in our advert below. from the BBC and its purpose is to protect which featured Michael Grade and several carefully to make sure that all his crew had David Allen the welfare of staff, pensioners and their families. Grants are made at the discretion celebrities, a certain amount of verbal matching shots with the correct amount of the Trustees. They may provide feedback reveals that many viewers feel very of headroom. assistance in cases of unforeseen financial let down by the relatively superficial view How depressing, therefore, to see 4 by JKG Imray/Nobbs hardship, for which help from other sources which was portrayed. 3 archive footage shown 16 by 9 with is not available. Telephone: 029 2032 3772 Undoubtedly, celebrities are the very ‘face’ absolutely no consideration for the In the estate of Julian Kenneth George Prospero Society of broadcasting which has helped to spread resulting mis-framed shots, often with Imray (formerly Nobbs) who died around Prospero Society is the only section of the the splendid reputation of the BBC heads disappearing out of the top of the 26 April 2013: if anyone knew Mr Imray BBC Club run by and for retired BBC staff worldwide. However, like an iceberg, they frame. Do these producers or directors not or knows of any of his family members, and their spouses. Its aim is to enable BBC represent only the tip that can be seen above see how bad it looks? If they are so please contact Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors, pensioners to meet on a social basis for the surface. As a result the holistic truth insensitive to the visual image, one 17-21 Victoria Street, Windsor, Berkshire theatre visits, luncheons, coach outings of the golden age of TV broadcasting wonders if they should be working in a SL4 1HE. Tel: Alison Courtenay on 01753 etc. Prospero is supported by BBC Club remains incomplete. visual medium. 271640 or email: funds so as to make events affordable. The It has been suggested that those one-time Rod Litherland [email protected] only conditions (apart from paying a small established TV staff, plus writers and annual subscription) are that you must be a BBC pensioner and a member of the scriptwriters of course, may appreciate an BBC Club. For an application form write opportunity to redress the balance by telling to: Graham Snaith, 67 Newberries Avenue, some of their own unique stories of what it Radlett, Herts WD7 7EL. was like to work for the BBC, particularly Telephone: 01923 855177 within the well-equipped studios of the Mobile: 07736 169612 iconic TVC building, when it was at the Email: [email protected] peak of its fame for making supremely BBC products well-crafted programmes. BBC retired staff who can provide proof In the light of recent media muckraking, of identity as a BBC pensioner are entitled this is absolutely NOT an invitation for to a 30% discount off the RRP of most exposé or scandal. On the contrary it is products in the following BBC shops (some hoped to restore perhaps a little dignity, exclusions apply): pride, good character and humour to the BBC Sussex Shop, 40-42 Queens Road, reputation of Auntie Beeb, to whom so Brighton BN1 3XB. Tel: 01273 320413 BBC Birmingham Shop, BBC Birmingham, many of us owe a lifetime debt of The Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1AY. exceptional training leading to remarkable, Tel: 0121 6321372 colourful careers. BBC Shop, 9 St Nicholas Place, Leicester ALL crew members are welcome to LE1 5LB. Tel: 0116 2016612 contribute their memories of working at/ BBC Merseyside Shop, 57 Hanover Street, from TVC during the peak production years Liverpool, L1 3DS. Tel: 0151 794 0908 between 1960 and 1995. These may be short BBC Kent Shop, The Great Hall, Mount single stories, a simple string of impressions Pleasant Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 or a description of any of the vital processes 1QQ. Tel: 01892 530915 involved, however small or humble. These The shops can offer a select mail order offerings will then be collected, sorted and service in the UK only; please call your local shop to discuss your requirements. edited into an anthology for publication. A Other ways to order a wider range website has been created, for all interested of BBC products (quoting your pension parties to upload their tales. Please type the number when ordering): By phone: 08700 following address into your web browser 777 001 8.30am-6pm weekdays. By post: and then follow the instructions in the BBC Shop, PO Box 308, Sittingbourne, second section: Kent ME9 8LW. www.tvctales.com/index.html BBC PA Les McCallum For details of how to join the Pensioners’ Association, see the adjacent panel.

PROSPERO JUNE 2013 06 Life after Auntie A life beyond the BBC

John Rothwell, a former videotape editor with the BBC in Manchester, who worked for the Corporation for 45 years, was made an Honorary Alderman of Bolton Council at a special meeting of the council in October last year. The award was in recognition of John’s 50 years in local politics, mostly as a Liberal member of his local council.

John first became involved in local politics householders and shopkeepers remained only the third woman to do so in 109 years. retired last year. Margaret joined him in in 1962 when a map with two lines drawn a bit of a mystery. Thereby began a long journey that lasted for May 2000 until 2011. In the 50 years, he through it appeared in the local newspaper, One of the residents suggested to John 50 years. has been the agent in local elections, by- indicating the route of a bypass to be built that if he stood for local council he would In 1974 Kearsley became, reluctantly, elections and every Parliamentary election through Kearsley, close to where we lived. vote for him. In February 1963 a vacancy part of Bolton and John was elected to that since then, including four when Margaret The bypass involved the demolition of a occurred on the Kearsley council and was council as part of the transitional body as was candidate. This political journey has large number of houses and almost all won by a Liberal candidate with John as well as the local council. He then served on always been a partnership, which is perhaps of the very local shops. The people involved agent. In May 1963, John and two other Bolton Council for many years (though on a why it has lasted so long. got no joy from the local council so a Liberal candidates were elected, three more few occasions losing his seat according to the Ann Johnston group of them asked John to go with in 1964 and then five in 1965 including political climate). them to County Hall to act as their John’s wife Margaret. The Liberal group was When he did lose it, it meant of course Margaret and John chalked up another milestone spokesman, to try and get more information now in control, with 11 of the five seats. that he did less juggling of his time between when they celebrated their Diamond wedding from officers and members there. John was chairman of the council in 1967 his job and his civic duties. He was re-elected anniversary on 4 April this year. The day was Information as to what would happen to and Margaret held the same office in 1971, in 1999 and served continually until he marked by a card from the Queen. London Lunch 2013 for 35 years, he was a prolific producer, department head, MD Network TV; later appointed Chief Executive BBC Broadcast and was Deputy DG (to John Birt). Responsible for bringing a vast range of excellent programming to our homes over many years, Will described many of the challenges along the way. He particularly paid tribute to those present and to the many others who over the years have given the BBC its reputation around the world. On behalf of all attending, John Lightfoot thanked Will for a thoroughly entertaining Pictured from left to right: Bill Giles, Ken Gow, Steve Brodie, Michael Fish. The London Lunch is a regular fixture in the and enjoyable address. social calendar for retired engineering and The team organising this annual event is Summer Wine and Vintage Weather at the Club operational staff. This year, held on 5 March and Malcolm Johnson, Mike Davies, Brian Prior, once again at the Victory Services Club, around John Lightfoot and Keith Harlow. Among the many retired staff who gathered to say their final ‘cheers’ to the Television 80 longstanding friends and colleagues held a The 2014 London Lunch will be Centre Club at the special March event were a number of stalwarts from North of wonderful re-union. announced in future editions of Prospero. the border. Traditionally the occasion has drawn John Lightfoot Visitor Steve Brodie had worked as a BBC Scotland cameraman for 42 years after his first-class after-lunch speakers such as Photos by Ray Liffen. first year ‘getting paid to enjoy himself’ in the Television Centre studios, TV Theatre and Sir David Attenborough, Sir Paul Fox, Riverside when The Black and White Minstrels, Dixon of Dock Green and The Frost Report were all Kate Adie OBE, Martin Bell OBE, top shows. Sir Jeremy Isaacs, John Jarvey and, in 2012, Steve was accompanied by retired colleague Ken Gow, another cameraman for DG Mark Thompson. Continuing this fine 42 years with BBC Scotland. The pair first met in April 1966 at the BBC Engineering Training tradition, the gathering was honoured with Department in Evesham during their Technical Operator (TO) Course number 25. broadcasting legend Will Wyatt CBE. Ken from Aberdeen and Steve from Glasgow were joined from Lochgoilhead by retired Will gave an impressive overview of the BBC Scotland film sound recordist Roy Argyle who had worked in TVC in his earlier years. BBC and its relationship with the modern All three agreed they took pride from having the opportunity to help celebrate the media world. Giving a confident performance, golden years of TV created in the Television Centre studios. perforated with wonderful anecdotes, he took ‘It really is a privilege to be here on such a bitter sweet occasion,’ said Ken. ‘Although his audience through a tour of his (and their) I’d never been to London as a boy, anyone who watched television in the early 60s would life and times in Broadcasting. Will has had recognise the Television Centre building. I’d seen one or two programmes showing exciting an amazing professional career; at the BBC pictures of the TVC studios at work and the experience was partly responsible for my longing to work for the BBC. I’m sure that would have been the case for many regional staff.’ Ken Gow May Day Comrades! Photo by Roy Argyle.

Elizabeth McDowell, Pensioner Visitor for the Another Russian speaker there was (not to mention French) to his Russian. Taunton area of West Somerset, held a Russian Sara Bloxham, who studied Russian at Elizabeth McDowell worked in Continuing lunch on May Day at her home in Milverton. Liverpool University, and went on to Education on Russia – Language and Among those present was Peter Hill, a work as an editor at the Monitoring Service People, as assistant to Peter Dunkley, who former BBC political correspondent, who in Caversham. Sara also speaks German and was the programme’s Executive Producer. also learned Russian during National Service Czech. She lives nearby, and is a former He too studied Russian in the Army at at JSSL in Crail, and served as an interpreter Pensioner Visitor herself. Cambridge, in the early 50s. He was in the RN Reserve for 25 years. And singing some Russian folk songs the ghost at the feast, as he managed to With him was his wife Rosemary, who to us over the meal was Mike Liley, who lose himself in Taunton on the way from was a PA in Current Affairs at Lime Grove, taught Russian for six months at JSSL Dorchester, so he never quite made it. on Nationwide and other programmes, and Crail, and later served in the Intelligence But there will be another May Day, and later a personnel officer in charge of the Corps, rising to the rank of Lt-Colonel. the Third Man may yet appear from BBC’s production panel. She later trained to He became a military attaché in three the shadows! Mike Liley, Sara Bloxham, Peter Hill and be a counsellor. South American countries, adding Spanish Peter Hill Rosemary Hill. Photo by Elizabeth MacDowell.

PROSPERO JUNE 2013 Life aftMerem auorintiese 07 Recording The Kalevala

On 28 February at the Finnish Ambassador’s Residence in London, Naxos AudioBooks launched their publication of the first English language At the launch. recording of Finland’s national epic poem, The Kalevala. Peter Harris fills in the background.

n late November 2010 I was recently and if it was not done now the Worldwide) and in Finland. A lot of interest approached by the wife of ex Bush opportunity might be lost. was shown but no one was prepared to colleague and old friend Keith Bosley, So in November 2010 I set about risk the investment. Then a glimmer of with a view to recording his translation converting a small office at home into hope appeared following an exchange of Iof ‘a piece of Finnish poetry’. Until that a makeshift recording studio and we correspondence with Nicolas Soames of moment I confess to never having heard of embarked on a loose schedule of weekly Naxos AudioBooks, who takes up the story: The Kalevala. recording sessions. It was obviously going The starting points for our recordings I had known of Keith since I joined the to be something of a marathon. There are vary considerably. Sometimes it is very clear: ancestors’ as the Greeks and the Icelanders Corporation in 1967 as a clerk in World fifty chapters, or cantos, and each canto is the major English-language classics are the had done. He drew on the oldest oral Service. Keith was one of the, to me, up to twenty minutes long. Allowing for bedrock of Naxos AudioBooks. traditions and called it The Kalevala, or old legendary team of staff announcers in WS Keith’s winter cough and interruptions from Then there are our newly-commissioned Karelian poems about ancient times of the Presentation, and already making a name phone calls, the passage of aircraft in and texts: the recordings for younger listeners, Finnish people. He worked further on the for himself translating and writing poetry. out of Heathrow and the occasional visit especially the non-fiction texts that we collection, and soon after his final (much- Later, I was lucky enough to join that team from Neville my labrador, we could usually commission are very popular, so we enjoy expanded) edition of The Kalevala appeared on attachment from my studio manager post manage up to three cantos in each session. coming up with new ideas. From time to in 1849, the work became a rallying flag for at Bush and got to know Keith well. Erudite, The recordings, some 15 hours in all, time, actors, producers, and writers suggest national aspirations and is now regarded as witty and always genial, many an off-duty were completed by April the following year ideas to us, and we listen and consider. Finland’s national epic. break, in the twilight hours of a nightshift, and the first rough edit, somewhat delayed On one occasion, some years ago, the Keith’s wife, Satu, who (as with all Finns) around a canteen table were enlivened by by my marriage to Sue in August, was distinguished producer John Tydeman rang grew up with the epic as part of her basic his company. completed in November. up and said that Paul Scofield would like to education, explains: ‘Most of the world sagas Keith was always immersed in obscure record King Lear for his 80th birthday, and are about fighting, but not The Kalevala. We poetry and prose from extraordinarily Near disaster he asked whether we would be interested in have our traditional enemies, the Swedes and diverse sources, including Russian, French, Then, near disaster! My computer hard drive doing it! Frankly, I couldn’t say ‘Yes!’ the Russians, but there are no national heroes Hebrew, Portuguese ,Vietnamese and of was by now running slow and was within fast enough. in The Kalevala. There is no fundamentalism. course Finnish. He had already translated one gigabyte of its capacity. The Kalevala was, So when we were asked if we would be The people are flawed, yes, but they solve several pieces of Finnish poetry long before of course, backed up onto another hard interested in a recording of The Kalevala, their problems through magic.’ he met the Finnish harpist Satu Salo in 1981. drive, so I decided now was the time to clear the great collection of ancient Finnish Interest in the recording grows daily. They were married the following year, which everything off the computer and freshen tales compiled in the 19th century by Elias The Finnish embassy in London, led by was, as Satu admits, quite handy for Keith things up a little. The following day I fired up Lönnrot, I was immediately interested. the ambassador, Mr Pekka Huhtaniemi, when it came to his work on The Kalevala, the external drive only to be greeted by an This was partly because I think the spirit of supported the launch of this new recording containing as it does, a myriad of words and ominous clicking sound. The drive had old sagas is conveyed particularly well on in February. He is keen to bring Finland’s colloquialisms many of which defy mere crashed big time and all was lost. Was it audiobook and partly because of the Sibelius national epic to greater international dictionary explanation. training, luck or simple prudence that had connection. Though well known in Finland, recognition. In England and other countries Keith’s translation was finally published prompted me weeks earlier to render the it was the composer Jean Sibelius who where there are expatriate Finnish by OUP in 1989 to great acclaim in the whole thing into mono and make a back-up brought The Kalevala to worldwide notice communities, Keith’s recording is already literary world. data DVD? Heart in mouth I downloaded the through his various tone poems; however, creating quite a stir. Even in Finland itself, it In 1991 Keith was made a Knight First files onto the now empty computer. They the words are still not nearly so well known is the subject of displays in shops and other Class of the Order of the White Rose played perfectly. outside their country of origin as the music! promotion because this is the first time that of Finland. Selling The Kalevala meanwhile, was To be honest, I had never read them, or even the complete work has been available in an Keith retired from the BBC in 1993 causing Keith and Satu a few headaches. glanced at them. English language recording. but we kept in touch, and when I too The first hurdle was copyright. Oxford In the early 19th century, after having It has been a unique experience working retired Satu approached me with a view University Press possessed all the rights been a province of Sweden from the 12th with Keith. We had many laughs and many to encouraging Keith to record a definitive to Keith’s translation in any form, existing century, Finland had been annexed by Russia, a fascinating delve into Finnish and English reading of The Kalevala. After all, who or yet to be invented, and were known to yet, in tune with others in Europe, the etymology both ancient and modern. I have better person could there be than Keith? guard these rights very closely. However, they people were increasingly beginning to think learned a great deal about the origins of He was still performing regularly with his ultimately admitted that they had no interest in nationalist terms. many of our expressions and colloquialisms music and literature events in and around in publishing an audio version and handed which go back way beyond Shakespeare and Upton-cum-Chalvey, and despite being in over the audio rights to Keith. Memorable ancestors Chaucer. I have not managed to learn a word his 70s his voice had lost none of its There were other setbacks too. Keith Lönnrot (a Finnish scholar and district health of Finnish but I now feel as if I know The distinctive timbre. But Satu was concerned and Satu had already approached a number officer in the eastern part of the country) set Kalevala by heart and I would recommend that his health had taken a few knocks of publishers both here, (including BBC out to put in order poems about ‘memorable it to anyone!

In March, the BBC Club’s winter sports It might have been the immaculate section organised a trip to Arcs, France, beauty of the Alps in winter or the Youth ... is a state of mind... which was attended by 16 members. unique feeling of sliding cheek-to-cheek The average age was 55, yet none of them with the wind at breathtaking speed Septuagenarians on the slopes. showed any signs of losing their appetite down the Paradiskis’ numerous ski runs for life or adventure. that gave even the septuagenarians’ Those over 71 benefited from a spirit wings. considerable reduction for the expensive In the evening, regenerated, we all lift passes. That could have been one of the savoured a freshly cooked dinner washed reasons why they left the chalet immediately down with local French wine in an after breakfast fully equipped to ski, with the atmosphere of decent humour based on same ease as the very young ones, along all mutual respect and care. types of pistes, red, blue or black. Although I joined the group to mainly Most in the group slalomed down the explore the area as a walker, I cannot wait slopes all day while the daredevils launched to join them on their next end of winter themselves over the lips of dramatic drops at season outing. 3,200m altitude. Rodica Mager

PROSPERO JUNE 2013 08 MEMORIES The sound of a hound I was privileged to be the production secretary on the first radio series ofJust William in 1952. It was recorded in studio 2 at Aeolian Hall, in Bond Street – home of the Variety Department – and was produced by Peter Eton. The series was based on the famous ‘William’ books written by Richmal Crompton.

it took several hours of editing afterwards types of shoes to represent the steps At lunchtime, I had to exercise it among to take all the pauses and stutters out. of William’s mother and other members the busy and rather chic shoppers in (No digital editing in those days!) of the cast. Bond Street, where smartly dressed ladies William’s pal ‘Ginger’ was played by For one episode, though, at which normally walked along in high heels with o me, Richmal was everyone’s Patricia Hayes, that wonderful and much loved Richmal Crompton was present, I had to hire dainty be-ribboned toy terriers or exquisitely ideal of the ‘genteel lady’. She character actress, who had just been making a a dog which would bark. There weren’t so trimmed poodles. was slim, well spoken and name for herself in the famous radio comedy many performing animal agencies in those Imagine my embarrassment when, impeccably mannered – in fact, series Rays A Laugh (which I also worked on). days – but eventually I found somebody who after cocking its leg up on the window of Tquite the opposite of the rough and tumble Many TV viewers might remember her in could supply a dog which would definitely an exclusive shop, the dog tried to fight with boisterous William and Ginger and the Edna, the Inebriate Woman, for which she won a ‘bark on cue’, even though the owner a small snuffling Pekinese whose owner was many similar characters portrayed in BAFTA award and The Sun’s Best Actress couldn’t come with it. (She had to take definitely ‘not amused’. her books. Award in 1971. another animal to take part in a film, How Richmal Crompton laughed though, She rarely came to the studio, preferring Peter Eton, the producer, had worked with she told me.) when we returned to the studio – it was to let the producer produce the show in the some of the famous Hollywood film-makers On the morning of the recording an almost like an episode from one of her way that he wanted, but when she did she like Sam Goldwyn, and believed that everything immaculately uniformed BBC messenger was ‘William’ books, she said. would sit quietly in a corner of the studio in radio should have really authentic sound duly despatched to collect the dog from Needless to say, back in the studio, control room. effects. We went to Aldenham, the country Victoria station in a taxi. It turned out to be the dog refused to bark or make any Comedian Ted Ray’s son, Andrew, played house in Hertfordshire (mentioned in John the scruffiest looking, shaggy mongrel any kind of sound for the rest of the day, William. He suffered from a very bad stutter Ammonds’ obituary in April’s Prospero) to of us had ever seen. The hound bounded and eventually a BBC effects record of a and in order to control it had to pause for record the sound of William, Ginger and the into the studio on a lead, pulling the dog barking had to be used in the anything up to a minute before speaking. gang falling out of trees. I had to walk up commissionaire with it, who was holding programme instead. Each half-hour episode was recorded and and down the gravel paths in several different his nose because the dog smelled so awful. Pat Lawrence (nee Lamond)

Rehearsal queen North 3 hits the road again The privately restored 1969 colour mobile Last year, in the Senior Booking Assistant, Artists’ Bookings unit, CMCR9, which during an eventful run-up to the Department, Television. The obituary to Pat three-stage career was once Tel.OBs Queen’s Jubilee was in February’s Prospero. London Unit 5, then the Midland Unit celebrations, ‘Our office was on the second floor of the and finally North 3, has emerged from former BBC Television Centre next to the clock. I drove my hibernation for another round of producer Ella Slack mini every day to the BBC and six of us parked summer shows. found herself the in the area for minis in the car park. Once again the Great British public will subject of many ‘My next post was as secretary to Doreen have a chance to see how TV OBs were a newspaper Stephens, Editor Women’s Programmes, originated 40 years ago. Steve and two interview – as Television, and we were based in Union friends started off the new season by taking restored recently and the EMX sprang into she is the official House and Threshold House on Shepherd’s part in the Cheshire Commercial Vehicle life with lights flashing and buzzers rehearsal ‘stand-in’ Bush Green. We went to Lime Grove studios run on 28 April. It was an informal sounding… just like the old days! for events featuring every day for our ‘live’ transmissions. When 112-mile tour round Cheshire by A first historic phonecall took place the Queen. Doreen was promoted to Head of Family enthusiasts, starting at Lymm Services on between the sound and vision control Ella’s similar build and appearance to the Programmes, Television, we were one of the the M56. Roger Dowling kindly sent the rooms – probably the first for 30 years! monarch has made her popular with film first people to move into Kensington House photograph of Steve Harris, the owner, In truth, it was said to sound rather like crews wishing to prepare shots of set-piece at the far end on the 2nd floor. with the gleaming North 3 at the a 1930s transatlantic call! The sound occasions involving the Queen over the last ‘I also worked in Villiers House over Ealing marshalling point for the run. desk came on (by accident actually) with 20 years – from Remembrance Sundays to Broadway Station and rehearsed at the North Steve H has done a lot of work on the various clicks and plops and it was found the State Opening of Parliament. Acton Rehearsal rooms, as well as many drill vehicle recently, with particular attention to that quite a few of the mic channels The preparations enable broadcasters to halls and clubs around London. For a short the brakes and the instrument panel. On actually work. Even better, there was no check whether the Queen will be obscured time I even had an office in Great Titchfield some days, Steve would be underneath smoke and no drama, although there is from certain angles, and allow the Royal Street, where we had freshly baked scones with oily hands in the cold and the damp, still much work to do to get things household to make sure the sun will not every day from the tea trolley. while Steve Jones was inside in the warm working properly. be in her eyes. ‘When I was promoted to Assistant grappling with the elderly electronics! A complete mystery was an unknown Ella, who now lives on the Isle of Man, Producer, we recorded our plays in the During the winter, the two Steves have alarm, which went off in the vision remembers her first visit to Television Centre studios at BBC Glasgow. The camera crew wore been busy restoring the 48V power supply/ control room. Its purpose and even its in 1954 for an audition, aged 12. their kilts and we stayed at the Buckingham chargers for the sound and communications location could not be ascertained for ‘Only the main reception area and the Hotel just opposite the studios. equipment and installing new battery- quite some time! canteen block had been built and the rest was ‘After 10 years in Drama, I moved to mountings and batteries. Power was North 3 is booked to be on display mud. The Drama Department was housed in Programme Planning, and I worked on at the following events this summer: caravans at the back of the site. The producer, the 6th floor of TVC. Then, while on • Kelsall Steam and Vintage Rally, Vere Lorimer, offered me the lead in a drama attachment as an organiser to Music & Arts near Tarvin, Cheshire. 21-22 June. serial called The Prince and the Pauper. The only and Science, I found myself back in • Wilmslow Show, Wilmslow High condition was that I had to have my ponytail Kensington House. Later, as Manager Sport School, Cheshire. Sunday 14 July. cut off. My parents didn’t agree, so I didn’t & Events Group, I had an office on the 4th • Astle Park Traction Engine Rally, return to the BBC for another six years. floor of Kensington House. My office is Chelford, Cheshire.10-11 August. ‘On Monday, 3 October 1960, I joined the now a hotel bedroom. • 51st Shrewsbury Steam Engine Rally, BBC as a trainee secretary. There were 12 of us. ‘Then we moved back to the Television Onslow Park, Shrewsbury. 25-26 August. After the week’s course at the training school Centre to the 5th floor where I remained We hope that some of you will make it and in Marylebone, 11 secretaries were put on the until my retirement in 1997. After 37 years meet up with us at one or other of these secretarial reserve in radio and I was sent to in the BBC, it will be sad to see the end of events. We will be very pleased to see you television to be the secretary to Pat Wilson, Television Centre.’ Jerry Clegg

PROSPERO JUNE 2013 Memories 09

(the ‘A’ Orchestra), especially for invited audience events. Among the most memorable of these 100 not out! were the brilliant concert performances of major musicals for which producer John Former Radio 2 producer Anthony Wills looks at the history Langridge flew in leading stars from the of the Golders Green Hippodrome and recalls the delights USA. Undoubtedly the most fulfilling part of my live music work were the monthly of working there. concerts for the David Jacobs lunchtime programme: these usually took the form of Money matters tributes to major American composers such as Cole Porter or Frank Loesser. They featured the full Radio Orchestra under its Principal To invest or not Conductor Iain Sutherland plus the Stephen Hill Singers, 16 extremely versatile session to invest singers who could read anything on sight Since the beast of inflation was tamed in and whose members took on solo passages the 1980s, savers have been rewarded as well. for providing the money an economy uses to invest and grow. The reward for these Roller skates ‘loans’ traditionally came from a bank I loved working in the Hippodrome as, unlike deposit rate which was higher than the the Maida Vale studios, you had the run of the annual rate at which prices rise each year whole building and it was a proper theatre – the rate of inflation. As prices rise, cash rather than a converted roller skating rink! On buys fewer assets, unless the rate of return he dear old Hippodrome – which it) was normally conducted by its Principal one occasion for a Christmas show, I had Father is higher than inflation. those of us who worked there Conductor of the time, the softly spoken Ashley Christmas welcome the audience in the foyer, Throughout the 1980s, savings in bank miss so much – has a very special Lawrence. The first specialist programme while on another I hired some can-can deposit accounts earned an interest rate birthday this year. of which I took charge was Listen To The Band costumes and persuaded four Radio 2 which was about 5% above inflation. During TDesigned by Bertie Crewe, it opened on Boxing introduced by Charlie Chester, whose scripts production secretaries to pose in them! I still the 1990s that rate fell to around 2.5% Day 1913, initially as a music hall. Its arrival on were written by Brian Matthew (a well kept have many of those concerts on tape and enjoy because inflation became more stable and the scene was a direct result of the extension of secret!) Apart from commissioning brass band listening to them and recapturing the magic. savers needed less of a cushion against the Northern line of the London Underground recordings from the regions for this series, In the early 1990s the live music scene it. Between 2000 and the onset of the to Golders Green earlier that year. The Hip held I personally recorded London area bands financial crisis in 2007, the rate of inflation more than 3,000 people at its inception but, such as the Hendon Band in session at the began to change, as the BBC now had unrestricted needletime and did not require compensation for savers fell further still. thanks to local pressure, there was no bar! Hippodrome. Every so often (when the budget Since the financial crisis, the drive of central Variety bills were the order of the day and allowed, for they charged MU rates) I would so many studio sessions. The Radio Orchestra was axed in 1991, though its Big Band section banks is to maintain economic growth and it was not until much later that it was fitted book a full military band, which was always employment while allowing governments to out with proper stage facilities, reducing the an exhilarating occasion. I trailed Friday Night Is was retained. The Midland and Scottish Radio Orchestras also got the chop. The Concert pay down government debt. This has two seating capacity to 2,485. In due course it Music Night under the tutelage of John Bussell important implications: became a West End ‘try-out’ venue as part and David Rayvern Allen but never actually Orchestra under its energetic manager Ian Maclay realized it had to supplement its • By maintaining low interest rates, central of a circuit that included the Streatham Hill took charge of it. bankers are encouraging savers to Empire and the Wimbledon Theatre. Many income outside of its BBC duties and began to undercut the freelance London orchestras, one go out and spend. The weakness of famous stars such as Marlene Dietrich played consumer spending has been the most one-night stands on its boards. It was also example being playing Coppelia for a ballet I wonder if there are company at the Royal Albert Hall. This caused significant drag on economic growth home to the Carl Rosa Opera Company since the financial crisis began. and Ralph Reader’s celebrated Gang Shows. great resentment at the time. At the same time any readers who could series such as Melodies For You became all-disc • Through loose monetary policy, central Audiences however began to decline after banks keep prices rising – i.e. they the war (with the exception of the lavish programmes, resulting in a considerable offer their memories loss of work. The last Concert Orchestra create inflation. The level of prices annual pantomimes, the last of which in determines the amount of tax revenues 1966 starred Danny La Rue) and eventually programme I produced was a 1994 New Year’s of other buildings such Gala which also featured a military band and an economy can generate. the lease passed into the hands of the Mecca Inflation helps governments to pay off debts. organisation, who turned it into a bingo hall. (in her broadcast debut) opera singer as Aeolian Hall or the Rosemary Joshua. It is less obvious than an increase in taxes At the time, the BBC was looking for a but has much the same effect and is most temporary London television studio while The story of the Hippodrome’s demise is Playhouse Theatre? well known and we can only be thankful that acutely suffered by savers. The name given those at Television Centre were being adapted to this phenomenon is the money illusion. for colour transmissions, so a lease was taken no-one was killed or injured by either of the ceiling collapses which caused the Concert It may be an uncomfortable state of out on the Hippodrome. As many readers will know, there was a Orchestra to refuse to continue playing there. affairs, but the predicament faced by savers small group of stalwarts appearing on the The Mermaid Theatre, which has been the is that they must either accept the risk of Concert Orchestra programme including Cynthia Glover, John investing in more volatile assets, or see the home of FNIMN, has for some time been From its inception in 1952 the BBC Concert Lawrenson, Vernon and Maryetta Midgley real value of their savings decrease through under threat and presumably LSO St Lukes Orchestra had been based at the Camden and the then recently discovered Marilyn the erosive effects of inflation. There are and the Watford Colosseum will succeed it. Theatre (now Koko’s nightclub and still Hill Smith (who we were delighted to hear relatively few assets which are currently Certainly the Finchley Arts Depot, which was worth looking inside if you can persuade the on the Remembrance Day edition of the outperforming inflation (when measured tried out a few times for the programme, management to let you in when there’s no programme last November, after an absence over a period of 15 years 1995 – 2010*). was most unsuitable. show on) and it was there that it began playing of seven years). The Ambrosian Singers were The most stable element of equity for the Light Programme’s Friday Night Is Music usually present and took a prominent part in returns is the dividend income they provide. Night under the batons of Gilbert Vinter and the closing medleys which were brilliantly Regeneration This income continues to meet the long- Sidney Torch. In due course it was decided to arranged by Sidney Torch, Robert Docker and After the BBC left the Hippodrome, the term challenge of inflation. Right now it also move the orchestra’s base to Golders Green, Gordon Langford. building deteriorated rapidly until, despite provides a much higher return than cash and the Hippodrome became the home of strong objections from local residents, (please note that this situation is subject FNIMN, although there were many outside Marching & Waltzing it was sold in 2007 for a paltry £5 million to change and may vary in the future). broadcasts all over Britain. Even though it was the Concert Orchestra’s to the El Shaddai International Christian After a lacklustre few years of growth, When I joined the BBC in 1979 I took many base, there was plenty of other activity Centre. El Shaddai have done a magnificent most forecasters see the best years of roles, including being an occasional member going on at the Hip. Apart from the brass and restoration job, removing the clutter of the the economic recovery as being ahead of a small division within Radio 2 known as military band sessions mentioned above, I recording cubicle and painting the various of us which should support strong equity the ‘Light Music Unit’ run by Robert Bowman, also produced specially assembled ensembles, tiers and ceilings in a beautiful blue colour. returns. On balance, therefore, the risks Monica Cockburn, Charles Clark Maxwell and often conducted by Stanley Black, for the The original raked red seats remain and rewards of investing look attractive Alan Owen. Apart from auditioning hopeful waltzing part of Marching & Waltzing, presented underneath the flat-floored stalls area where compared with the near certainty of singers, we also produced Matinee Musicale for on Sunday evenings by the eccentric the bands and orchestras once performed, declining wealth from bank deposits. Radio 3, which included compositions by Paddy O’Byrne. and there is still a BBC Trades Union *Source: Brewin Dolphin statistics May 2013. various composers (usually in the light music And the BBC Radio Orchestra often noticeboard in one of the corridors. Ask very Article written by Roger Hatherell and Steve Brice, vein) not heard elsewhere on the BBC. The decamped there, as the Maida Vale studios nicely and they may let you have a peep Financial Consultants, Lansdown Place Financial Concert Orchestra for ‘Mat Mus’ (as we called were too small for its largest configuration inside. Great times, great memories. Management Ltd.

PROSPERO JUNE 2013 10 obituaries broadcasting of expletives. 1974 saw a move Work history included programmes Tomorrow’s became managing director of the Service Kenneth Allan Clarke to Head of Drama Series and a raft of iconic World, Nationwide, Panorama, Barry Norman’s Greats Sound and Vision Corporation. After retiring, Ken Clarke was born in 1929 in Beckenham programmes ensued, amongst them When and Film 80 series and subsequently dramas he eventually took time off to enjoy a little and educated at Oxted County School. the Boat Comes In, Wings, Secret Army, Accident, such as Citizen Smith, Blake’s 7, Big Deal, Grange Hill, wine, relaxed conversation, and a new After his National Service in the Air Force, Blake’s Seven and a revival of The Onedin Line. Doctor Who, Bergerac and Lovejoy. found pleasure in idleness. he joined the Navy in 1951 and travelled In 1979 Serials and Series merged, and He was film editor for two memorable Alan predeceased Margaret Thatcher by a the world as a radio operator. He was a keen following a spell as Special Assistant to Shaun dramas, Across the Lake starring Sir Anthony matter of days, thereby denying his former photographer and has albums of pictures he Sutton, he became Drama representative in Hopkins and Mother Love with Dame BBC colleagues of what surely would have took from as far afield as Sydney, Australia Co-productions, negotiating international Diana Rigg, for which he received a been a memorable sardonic epitaph. and Singapore. His last posting was on ‘HMS deals prior to retirement in 1989. BAFTA nomination. Our sympathy goes to Alan’s wife Empire Ken’! Ronnie and Judy enjoyed a rich cultural Outside work during the 60s he was a Rosemary and the family. When Ken left the Navy, maths was to life, especially ballet, and they supported member of Wycombe Film Society (his own Geraint Stanley Jones turn out to be a lifetime interest, as we shall many productions at the Royal Opera House. short film, The Seventh Day, won a Ten Best see later. Ronnie was a modest and forthright man Amateur film of 1968) and was a proud He taught mathematics for a short who upheld the qualities upon which the long-time member of Wycombe Hospital In Touch researcher time prior to joining the BBC in 1955, BBC established its reputation. He was also Broadcasting. Anne Lloyd Theakstone, who died and married Ellen in 1958. They had two a patron of the New Era Academy and was Due to his first battle with cancer, Ray at the end of March 2013 aged 82, was children, Timothy and Melanie. Ken’s BBC made a Lord’s Taverner while producing a took retirement in 1991, enjoying the one of that largely nameless army of BBC career progressed to working in Telecine Lord’s Taverners charity programme. Chilterns countryside, family and friends, employees whose dedication and hard Operations as a shift supervisor, initially at Drafted with great affection by friends, relatives garden, complete with fishponds, the latter work ensured the high standards of the Alexander Palace, and following a promotion and ex-colleagues. being of great interest for him, and also time programmes to which they were attached. in 1969, at TC as a senior engineer in BBC to look at the countless projectors, films and During the 1950s and 1960s she worked News. Here he proved to be an able manager cameras at home. first in Television News in Alexandra Palace and engineer, his meticulously maintained 40 years of filming He leaves his wife Jan, children Rebecca and later in the TV Centre in Wood Lane. But equipment records proving invaluable many David (Dave) Farmer died in Bristol on and Tim, from his first marriage, stepson after the birth of her son Tom in 1969, Anne a time during the next 10 years until the 19 November 2012 aged 85 years. He joined Simon and grandson Luke. could not cope with the long news shifts; slow demise of News Telecine in the early the BBC in London in 1948 and stayed with The family were greatly comforted by after a few years’ break she came back as a 1980s, triggered by the introduction of them until his retirement 40 years later. the attendance of BBC colleagues at Ray’s researcher for Radio 4’s In Touch programme, electronic news gathering. One of his first assignments was the 1948 funeral. Also thanks to Hazel Heaven, and which gave information for people with Ken was a quiet, private man, although London Olympics. During the Coronation, a all those past and present colleagues who little or no sight. She quickly familiarised he had a good sense of humour and was few years later, he says he nearly dropped a sent messages and recalled Ray as a talented herself with the diverse and complicated definitely one of the world’s ‘thinkers’, lens onto the floor as the Queen was walking film editor, a flamboyant, fun-to-be-with services provided for blind and partially which was illustrated by his ‘tuning’ of out of the Abbey. character, remembered also as a good pool sighted people and became the linchpin of the TK apparatus in order to improve During the boat race in 1951 when player, with a heart of gold. the programme, which – thanks partly to performance. One of his entries in the shift Oxford sank, a colleague recalled that Dad would have been very touched by Anne’s thorough research – gained a national log was ‘Equipment polished’! he and David were following in the press such warm reflections! reputation as a crusading consumer voice on Ken especially enjoyed caravanning and boat when Oxford began to sink. All the Tim Wingrove behalf of people with a sight loss. boating holidays on the Norfolk Broads, press helped rescue the crew but Dave Anne was also very supportive of younger returning there many times. He retired stalwartly continued to film. When they members of the In Touch team, and at her in 1986 and continued to play table arrived back on shore the other members Assistant DG funeral tribute was paid to her kindness to tennis at his local club. He was also an of the press offered him large amounts Alan Protheroe CBE (Mil), DL, former BBC colleagues. Sarah Rowlands, now head of avid bridge player. He spent much of his of cash to get a few stills of the sinking Assistant Director General, died on 6 April the School of Journalism at Staffordshire retirement writing a book on maths, which because they realised they had missed the 2013 aged 79. University, wrote: ‘I worked with Anne during unfortunately we don’t understand at all! whole thing! Outspoken, sardonic, emotional, wiry, my formative years at the BBC and she had a We were very surprised to learn recently In 1960 Dave moved to Bristol and Welsh, and a gifted journalist, he became massive influence on me. Her work ethic was that he had only developed a passion for worked on numerous programmes, a courageous defender of the BBC’s tremendous and she taught me such good mathematics after he reached the age of 16. particularly sports, children’s TV and outside independence from political influence. grounding that has lasted all my life.’ Ken died suddenly following an accident broadcasts around the country. Clips of many Alan joined BBC Wales in 1957 as a In addition to research for the at home. He will be sadly missed. events he was involved in are still shown on reporter, and in the early 60s was appointed programme, Anne was responsible for the Tim & Melanie Clarke, with contributions TV today, such as the launching of Telstar in its first Industrial Correspondent. In 1964 he various In Touch publications which provided from Colin Smith, John Sykes and Dave Devlin. 1962, Top of the Pops repeats, Antiques Roadshow was appointed BBC Wales Editor News and the broadcast information in print and and many items out of the BBC Natural Current Affairs, responsible for an extensive Braille, and even after her official retirement History Unit. and growing output in radio and television in 1990 she still worked as researcher on the A nose for drama Dave filmed the progress of Sir Francis in both languages, English and Welsh. annual In Touch handbooks until the last one Upon leaving school in Croydon, Ronald Chichester in Gypsy Moth IV when he sailed As with all who were there, Alan bore appeared in 1995. ‘Ronnie’ Marsh briefly worked for a firm round the world in 1966. He also went to the scars of Aberfan throughout his career. Anne is survived by her son Tom, of Lloyds brokers prior to being called sea to film At Sea with the Navy. The unbearable emotional response to the daughter-in-law Anna and grandchildren for air crew training in the RAF. He was Dave regularly filmed Tomorrow’s World loss of so many young lives was overcome Alex and Ella. commissioned in South Africa as an air when this was recorded in Bristol (and it by an almost militaristic attitude to Thena Heshel observer, initially flying Mosquitos, and was seems a number of programmes involving frontline journalism. awarded the DFC. Raymond Baxter), and numerous sports In 1970 Alan left Wales for London, Following demob he went into the events, which Dave loathed, except cricket. firstly to take up the post of Assistant Editor Bristol engineer theatre, and in 1955 he was recruited He said if he got the long shot on the wicket, Television News, then Deputy Editor and Educated at Dauntsey’s, Clem Tabor joined the as an assistant floor manager in Light the camera could be locked and he could eventually Editor in 1977. His success led to BBC at Bush House in 1961 and soon showed Entertainment. He progressed rapidly settle down to his real love – reading the his appointment in 1980 as Assistant Editor his proficiency at both tape editing and disk through the ranks to producer in the 60s, daily papers. News and Current Affairs for the whole of cutting. A move to TVC in 1964 enabled him and produced, among others, The Beverley The last major event he worked on was Live the BBC’s domestic output. to bring his considerable skills in engineering Sisters, My Pal Bob, What’s My Line?, Charlie Drake Aid at Wembley in 1985, the year before he In 1982 DG Alasdair Milne invited him to to the vision control operation, where he and a long stint on Dixon of Dock Green. It was retired. Dave loved his work and when I asked become Assistant DG with overall responsibility worked on many prestigious productions. during this formative period that he met his him once if he had any regrets in life, he said for the BBC’s journalism. It was a great personal In 1966, he transfered to Bristol where he future wife Judy in an ‘office’ in a caravan in he wished he’d spent more time at work! achievement, but he soon realised he had been worked in the control room as a Studio ‘A’ the car park of the newly-completed scenery Ralph Farmer given a poisoned chalice. vision control engineer and as a recording/ wing of Television Centre. Defending the BBC’s objective coverage editing engineer. In 1969 he left for Bath In 1970 after a short spell as Head of Staff of the Libyan Crisis, the Falklands Invasion, University, which was just starting up its Training he was appointed Head of Drama Chief film editor the ongoing terrorism in Northern own in-house television service. Serials. There he was responsible for many Ray Wingrove, chief film editor, sadly passed Ireland, together with the contentious content With his considerable knowledge Doctor Who episodes in the ‘Pertwee’ era, away on 25 August 2012. His career in films of Real Lives, Maggie’s Militant Tendency, Secret Society, of electronics, he assisted in the studio together with serials such as War and Peace, started as projectionist, eventually working and much more, with little governor support, installation under Max Brown, and operated The Lotus Eaters, Don’t Forget to Write and at the Odeon Leicester Square. In 1961, aged he was isolated in defence. cameras and sound. In 1971 he moved to the The Brothers. 26, he joined the BBC, working at Lime Following Alasdair Milne’s departure, commercial sector, firstly to Ampex, then in His stewardship was marked by a Grove and TFS Ealing during his 30-year he and the new DG, Michael Checkland, hotel sound installation work in London and pioneering use of 16mm film, and employment, apart from a short spell at mutually agreed that ‘enough is enough’, finally back into in-house television at Telec characterised by firm control over the BBC Aberdeen (1974 to 1976). and Alan subsequently, with renewed energy, and Sparfax. In the latter years he worked in

PROSPERO JUNE 2013 obituaries 11 the switching centre at HTV Brislington, as Initially juggling his performing career with Later in retirement the family moved to and many colleagues throughout his career. well as helping out at Cardiff and operating BBC freelance shifts, he started working in Kingston Gorse in West Sussex where he He joined the RAF for his National Service mobile radio links for news, single handed. Manchester’s Popular Music Department spent the last 20 years. He will be missed and became an expert in radio direction An introvert by nature, Clem loved to in the early 80s, producing orchestral so very much by his wife Heather, his son, finding. After completing National Service tinker with televisions, cameras and any sessions and documentary series. Early in daughter and grandchildren. Reg was recruited by P&O and became their electronic equipment. He was an enthusiastic 1986 he brought a new sound to Radio 2 Tania Hore port captain in Aden, subsequently moving radio amateur, walker and keen gardener, by introducing a series on Blues music – to David Sterling’s company Television who enjoyed giving annual garden parties. it was fronted by Paul Jones as a short International Enterprises before joining Clem died in hospital after a long illness. holiday relief, but was re-commissioned Controller of Public Radio Times. Our thoughts are with his sister and her two and continues today. Affairs He was initiated in James Speller lodge sons, of whom he was so fond. In 1990 he went off to do an attachment in 1967 and became Worshipful Master in John Cain, former Controller of Public 1978 and again in 1985. He will always be in TV on the sport programme On the Line. John Adams Affairs, has died, aged 89. remembered for the humour and extensive Sport was probably equal in importance to He joined the BBC in 1963 as a producer knowledge he brought to those meetings. Dave as music and he enjoyed playing tennis ATA’s unsung hero in Schools Television, having been a teacher, During retirement he decided to learn and hockey. a lecturer at the Science Museum and the Russian and achieved his A-level. He also Colin Seabright died after a short illness Not long after his return to radio, he Assistant Head of Schools Television at took up his interest in painting again and in February 2013. He is best remembered transferred to the BBC’s new Centre of Associated-Rediffusion. on many a weekend could be found in the for his role as Manager of Communications Excellence for Popular Music in Birmingham. From 1972 to 1977 he was the Head corner of the Jolly Waggoner’s in Ardeley Department’s Audio and Telecommunications In his role as senior producer, he brought the of Further Education, Television. He was painting scenes from the area. Area (ATA). Paul Jones Blues programme with him and imaginative, kind and endlessly supportive He will be greatly missed by his many and Colin joined the BBC in the 1950s. He took on the mantle of producer of Country to his producers. He had wide interests and varied friends. worked in Lines Department TV Section Club. He was overjoyed when Shake, enthusiasms, encouraging, among many Our sympathies go to his family at this before joining other engineers looking after Rattle & Roll was commissioned. Recording others, series about the Blues, DIY animated desperately sad time. London Region’s permanent audio circuits. days with Mark Lamarr were always fun, film-making, language learning, Delia Smith, Keith Hurst Two promotions took him to Telephones and with presenter and producer bouncing a history of Ireland and the BBC Adult Finance Section and then to ATA Manager. one-liners off each other. Literacy Project. The ATA was an important operational Although he was encouraged to apply In 1981 he became Controller of Public Dalek designer facility, enabling programmes to include for management roles, he knew that his Affairs. Nobody meeting him could doubt Raymond Cusick, who sadly died in live material from many distant locations, strengths lay in creative programme making. his integrity or his genuine wish to fully February aged 84, joined the BBC Design not easy in the days of analogue technology Dave was a kind and generous man. He understand the concerns of others. Department in 1960 after teaching Art and and landlines designed for telephony. The always had time to explain things patiently and He researched for Asa Briggs’ majestic History and working at Wimbledon Theatre. ATA also provided telephone and teleprinter he never felt threatened by youngsters snapping History of broadcasting in the United Kingdom. In Ray was an exceptional designer with an facilities using efficient methods that at his heels. He made the working day fun, 1992 the BBC published John’s own briefer incredible eye for detail and always ensured minimised expenditure. The success of the and everyone had huge respect for this quiet history of the Corporation. that everything was of the correct period. ATA was due in no small part to Colin, who humble man. We were all so saddened to hear In producing the adult literacy series On He was also one of those rare designers who managed it for over 25 years. He became of his untimely death from cancer at the age of the Move in 1975 we realised that we needed could truly make something out of nothing. one of the BBC’s unsung heroes, quietly 66. He was one very special guy and our hearts referral lines so people could find sensitive An uninspiring location or stock flats in a keeping his part of the broadcasting system go out to his wife Linda and son Dave. local help. The governors ruled that the studio would be transformed into something running smoothly. Sue Welch licence fee could not be used. We suddenly magical by his amazing choice of props. When the ATA was formed in 1967, had to find the money and set up and run a He worked on series such as Doctor Who, Colin’s task was to combine three separate service outside the BBC. The Pallisers, The Duchess of Duke Street, To Serve teams into a single unit located on the PA to Sir David Hatch John saw more clearly than the rest of us Them All My Days, Miss Marple and numerous ground floor of BH Extension. He did this Iris Dunkin, PA for many years to Sir David that the organisation set up in such a scramble individual dramas. He was nominated for a with great success, creating an environment Hatch, died on 22 April 2013. She was based could serve many projects and indeed many Bafta award three times. He also had a brief where work was a pleasure and everyone felt in Aeolian Hall. Iris also worked for several broadcasters. In 1980 John became the first spell as a director on the series The Newcomers part of the team. other Light Entertainment radio producers, Chairman of ‘Broadcasting Support Services’. in the late 1960s. Colin had a friendly personality and the including John Lloyd, during her many years BSS developed the systems and skills which Ray was quite forthright in his opinions ability to keep a cool head in a crisis. He also with BBC radio. She was associated with were to support Children in Need, Live Aid, and did not suffer fools gladly, but he also had an ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ attitude programmes such as The News Huddlines with the National Aids helpline and much else. Its possessed the most wonderful, dry sense of and made good use of existing facilities. Roy Hudd and I’m Sorry I’ll Read that Again, phone lines are ringing still. humour and was a brilliant raconteur of very However, if anything new offered benefits he both of which had subsequent acknowledged John was a charming and entertaining amusing and often lengthy stories. would adopt it with enthusiasm. influence on The Goodies and Monty Python. companion, a dedicated learner of the piano As senior designer, Ray was generous Well respected by all who knew him, Pauline Cade and a droll observer. He would have made a with his time and knowledge and due to his Colin willingly gave advice and tuition to good editor of The Oldie – he had an ear for teaching experience was able to nurture and anyone who needed it. This and his almost jargon and a sceptic’s eye for the bring out the best in the assistants he took boyish enthusiasm is why so many of us are From figures to words politically correct. under his wing. grateful for the help he gave throughout our John Hore (1926 – 2013) joined the In his later years he suffered from On retiring, Ray decided to pursue BBC careers until he retired in 1993. Navy at the age of 17 and was posted Alzheimer’s and was in care, which he his interest in history, researching his After retirement Colin and his wife to the Mediterranean. After the interruption bore stoically. army regiment, which led to his study continued to live in Amersham. Colin’s of the war he worked hard to advance He was a fine man. Our sympathies go of the Napoleonic Wars. He became an interest in his local area led him to publish his career and joined the BBC where he to his wife Shirley, his two daughters and authority on the subject and in 2008 was several books that illustrate changes to his worked for 30 years. his grandchildren. invited to be a Fellow of the International locality over time. Typically, Colin never used John came to the BBC to work initially in David Hargreaves Napoleonic Society. He was also much in a PC and his books were written using an old Finance and learnt about Publications while demand for interviews about his design word-processor picked up at a car boot sale! servicing their accounts. He learnt enough of the Dalek and attended Doctor Who A fuller obituary can be found at to enable him to be appointed Assistant Radio Times stalwart conventions. He loved meeting and www.bbceng.info Publications Distribution Manager and later The death of Reginald (Reg) Bliss at the age talking to the fans, signing photos, of 81 will sadden the hearts of many of his Ken Turner, Martin Ellen and Ken Clayson Distribution Manager. books and magazines. BBC colleagues. Reg died from a heart attack He followed this by being appointed It was suggested that with his knowledge, on 6 April in hospital. Assistant to General Manager Publications, Ray should write a book on Napoleonic He joined the BBC Publishing division Senior producer a post later redesignated Head of Exports battles; this project took two years and in 1970 and worked in the Radio Times Dave Shannon’s life touched many people Permissions and Rights. despite failing health he completed this task Advertisement Department throughout his and I would lay odds that none of those His responsibility was for the publication BBC career. He was responsible for planning in December. The book, entitled Wellington’s and distribution of the Radio Times, which in would have a bad word to say about him. the layout of issues and resolving the many Rifles, is to be published later in the year. the 70s had a circulation that was on a par The mischievous twinkle in his eye and his pressures for space between editorial and It was a pleasure and a privilege to have ready wit made him a favourite among his with the national newspapers. This was a big advertisements. The accuracy of advertisements known and worked with Ray; he was unique colleagues. Underneath this sociable front, job, which was about to get bigger with the and conformity to industry standards was and will be greatly missed. though, was a very private man. BBC’s publishing of books to accompany another important area of his work. He Suzy Lawrance A graduate of Queen’s Belfast, Dave had their popular TV series. John wrote the first represented the interests of a minor career as a bus conductor and also commercial contract between the BBC and Radio Times on many industry committees’ until Due to the high number of obituaries as a teacher, but he will be remembered as a Delia Smith for her books, which became his retirement in 1992. received, we regret that we have been consummate musician, primarily on the folk bestsellers. Others followed with Alistair He was educated at Dulwich College unable to publish photos in this issue. music scene. Cooke’s America, again a huge hit. and remained in contact with the college

PROSPERO JUNE 2013 12 and finally

clever and very energetic, writing more What is your articles and giving more speeches than her Classifieds The last word most abiding predecessors. She was a Democrat serving a memory of Republican administration – liberal at home he title of Keith Hindell’s memoir, working for and hawkish abroad. During the Falklands Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. A Gilded Vagabond, refers to the life of a the BBC? war she thought the US should be even- Quality one-bedroom apartment with balconies and private roof terrace. travelling journalist: ‘He stays in the It was always fun – handed between Britain and America in Stunning beaches and lagoons nearby. best hotels but often reports on the much better than order to help her country retain leadership £295pw. Tunderbelly of society and quickly moves on working for a living! It was stimulating, of Latin America. She ignored the fact that Tel: 01428 653127 because of the restless imperative of ‘news’.’ challenging – informing oneself as Galtieri’s junta was a bunch of thugs who But Keith was not just a journalist; he was well as the world. Most of my colleagues ran a vile regime. Menorca. a soldier, BBC producer and editor, a and contributors were a pleasure to Detached villa with private pool. Sleeps mountaineer, author and director of an work with. At the UN I was often reminded Do you have any funny stories 2-7. Close amenities. Short drive abortion charity. About half the book of the BBC’s world wide reputation, most from the BBC? gorgeous beaches. concerns his 30 years in BBC News and strikingly after a coup in Turkey when the Plenty. My favourite concerns Clement Attlee, Brochure 01621 741810 or visit Current Affairs and as the BBC’s United Turkish ambassador rang me to ask could Labour Prime Minister 1945-51. After an www.menorcaholidayvilla.co.uk Nations correspondent during the early 80s. interview on his 80th birthday in 1963 for I confirm the news? Altea, Spain. The Ten O’Clock Programme at his home in Great Beachfront apartment with jacuzzi, Tell us three facts What have you been doing Missenden, I drove him and his wife to two bedrooms, air-conditioned, about yourself? since retirement other than London for supposedly a grand dinner in the underfloor heating. Contact Sandra. I went to my birth in a horse drawn cab – it writing your book? House of Lords. Along the way he told me Email: [email protected]; must have been a lucky charm! 1947 was my I taught diplomats and would-be diplomats about his contemporaries at Oxford in the mobile: 0034 6635741 annus mirabilis – I climbed the Matterhorn at the School of Oriental & African early 1900s. They were, he said, champions aged 14 in 1947, the youngest at that time, Studies about the UN and how to manage on the river and masters of the examination Venice, Giudecca. and I got a Middlesex scholarship to Harrow. the media; how to give interviews, write schools and many of them got Firsts. But Beautiful apartment in quiet private press releases and give speeches. In a sense such people had ‘no judgment’ and his wife courtyard, sleeps 5, fully equipped. What made you apply I was poacher turned gamekeeper. (who’d already told me she was a lifelong Experience the real Venice. for the BBC? Conservative), took up that refrain which Tel: 01260 227262 I was brought up in a radio household Are you going to write they both repeated for several minutes. Email: [email protected] which listened regularly to news bulletins ‘I got a Second,’ he declared. ‘What did more books? Turquoise Coast – SW Turkey. throughout the war. My father often I’m considering a book about Jeane you get?’ ‘A Second,’ I said, head held high, Kalkan ideally suits DIY holiday makers. discussed current affairs with me from an Kirkpatrick, the first American woman clearly the only acceptable answer in that Poolside direct access, sleeps four. to be Ambassador at the UN. She was little car that day. early age. Prices from £500 / fortnight. Pictures ‘Owners Direct’ TK2992. Email: [email protected] The Coronation of Somerset holiday flat. Reunions Near coast and Exmoor National Park. Queen Elizabeth II, CAPTION Sleeps two. Affordable rates. BBC Transport Group, Visit www.cottageexmoor.co.uk 2 June 1953 Kendall Avenue Tel: 01643 704778 We would like to invite any ex-BBC staff Salcombe, Devon. competiton from BBC Transport Group at Kendall Family holiday cottage. Sleeps six. Avenue to a reunion, held annually in The winner of the Spectacular views. Three minutes to December at the Royal British Legion £10 voucher was wonderful beaches, National Trust walks, Club, Park House, 32 High Street, Ruislip, Clair Dean, with this boating and great restaurants. Middlesex HA4 7AN. line: Don’t speak Email: [email protected] This year, the reunion takes place on to that cameraman. Saturday 7 December 2013 from 8pm. Richmond, Swaledale. I did and he’s a very We look forward to seeing you. For any One bedroom apartment overlooking prickly character. more information, please contact Paul castle. Sleeps 2/3. Walking, restaurants, Commendations to Tony Larkham McArdle on 07957 592 326. Georgian theatre. (Which one is the DG?); Lloyd Silverthorne Tel: 01748 822863. Email: (I’m a porcupine. Get me out of here!); Yorkshire Region Annual [email protected] and Judith Bruce (Is this Head to Head Reunion/Pensioners’ Lunch or Points of View?) Dordogne farmhouse. This will be held on Thursday 15 August, All comforts. Hill-top village, secluded 12.30pm for 1pm at the Dower House garden, magnificent unspoilt views. Ideal Hotel, Knaresborough. walking, cycling, gastronomy. Swimming The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, A perfect opportunity to catch up nearby. Tel: 07788 940660. broadcast live on 2 June 1953, was the with former colleagues at a superb venue Email: [email protected] event that did more than any other to make and enjoy excellent food! television a mainstream medium. More Please contact Sue Pagdin on 0113 261 Britanny holiday flat. than 20 million people watched the service 2613 or email [email protected] for details. In charming village 30 minutes from coast. on television, outnumbering the radio Sleeps two. Affordable rates. audience for the first time. The BBC knew RELCS http://britannyholidayapartment.co.uk/ the event would be popular – based on the The active group of retired BBC engineers Tel: 01643 704778 reaction to the limited broadcast of George and associated colleagues are holding West Cornwall. VI’s Coronation Procession – but could not their next lunch at the Miramar Hotel in Fully equipped tents, statics and touring foresee that it would mark the coming of age Bournemouth on Thursday 12 September. pitches. Peaceful family run campsite of television, as well as the modernisation of Contact our lunch organiser, Russell near Minack Theatre and lovely beaches. the Monarchy. Horne, on 01590 624389 or email www.towerparkcamping.co.uk The Coronation brought the nation Send your entries to our usual address, [email protected]. This is an together, as 10.4 million people watched or email them to [email protected], open welcome, especially to any newly in the homes of friends and neighbours, with ‘caption competition 3’ in the subject retired BBC staff. and 1.5 million watched in public places line, by Friday 12 July. like pubs and cinemas. The BBC coverage of the event included cameras installed inside provided by Richard Dimbleby, with seven of the highlights, while in Germany all 11 Prospero Classifieds, BBC Pension and Westminster Abbey, to show the Coronation other commentators including Bernard hours of coverage were transmitted. Reaction Benefits Centre, Broadcasting House, Service for the first time. The Queen gave Braden and Brian Johnston providing to the broadcasts was overwhelmingly Cardiff CF5 2YQ. her permission for this departure, against coverage along the processional route. positive. With competition from ITV only Please enclose a cheque made payable to: official advice – revealing the Monarchy’s The BBC’s Coronation coverage was three years away, the BBC established an early BBC Central Directorate. willingness to move with the times. broadcast around the world. In the United lead as the trusted and reliable broadcaster of Rate: £6 for 20 words. In a covering letter Television commentary in the Abbey was States 85 million people watched recordings national events. please include your pension number.

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