The newspaper for BBC pensioners – with highlights from Ariel online Broadcasting House hosts 2015 PLM Page 2

Dec 2015 • Issue 6

Memories Pensions PIE Memories at Ariel explained of ‘66 Flying Club Page 3 Page 4 Page 6

NEWS • MEMORIES • CLASSIFIEDS • YOUR LETTERS • OBITUARIES • CROSPERO

02 BBC PENSIONS 2015 Pensioners’ Liaison Meeting

The 2015 Pensioners’ Liaison ‘Running the BBC Pension Scheme – Historically low bond yields ‘The aim of the plan is to provide recovery with assets of between £12-£13 billion, in event of a real disaster. We held a rehearsal The two key markets the Scheme is interested Meeting was held at the Radio depending on what the markets are doing in mid-September at Wood Norton, where in are equity markets and government bonds. – is like running a huge financial business. I the scenario was a complete closure of the Theatre in Broadcasting House, Equity markets have performed very strongly believe the Scheme is in good hands, and the building in Cardiff and all systems lost. We since the trough in 2009, with a bit of a dip London on 22 October. job I do is made a whole lot easier thanks to went to Evesham and managed to get the down over the last few months. On long-term Joy Moore and her team.’ system back up and operational – it was a government bonds (Gilts), however, the yield Bill paid tribute to Joy, who will be leaving complete success.’ has come down to historically low levels. the Scheme next year. ‘This will be Joy’s last The Trustee team had asked James Hacker Looking at the Scheme’s longer-term meeting of this nature. I can’t believe we to join them to give an overview to the numbers, in 1995 the value of the Scheme didn’t have a CEO before now – and now I meeting on the recent Pension Increase was £3.9bn; in 2005 it was £6.4bn and at can’t imagine that we could do without one.’ Exchange (PIE) option sent out by the BBC. the end of March 2015 it was £12.9bn. Joy (the BBC Pension Scheme CEO) then James looks after pension policy on behalf of ‘In other words, the assets have almost took over from Bill to provide a recap of the BBC, as the Scheme sponsor. (An article doubled every ten tears,’ said James. the Scheme’s funding position and to look about PIE appears on page 3.) In investment performance terms, the rate ahead to the 2016 valuation. ‘The annual Thereafter followed a lively Q&A session, of return over the last year (2014/15) was summary report was sent in August, and for where the panel asked a variety of questions about 20%. ‘That might seem like a really those of you who’ve read it, the good news about investments, pension increases, good number, but if you look at the measure is that when we did the annual interim check PIE and the BBC’s ongoing support for his year’s event was attended by 71 of how fast our liabilities are going up, over at 1 April 15, the funding level had improved the Scheme. BBC pensioners, who listened to a last year our liabilities went up by even more just a little bit – it was showing 88% funded, variety of speakers giving an insight than the assets.’ with assets of £12.9bn and liabilities of into what is involved in running The pensioners attending the meeting next £14.6bn.’ aT multi-billion pound pension scheme like heard from Leslie Huss-Smickler, a former the BBC Pension Scheme. Bill Matthews, the Valuation BBC pensions manager who is now the Jargon buster chair of the BBC Pension Trustee Limited, pensioner-nominated Trustee for the Scheme. A bond is basically a fixed-term loan to opened the meeting. He joined the BBC Trust Work on the formal valuation of the pension Leslie has worked in the pensions industry scheme will start around Christmas-time and a company or the Government (called a as the member for Scotland in January 2011. for about 45 years. He left the BBC in 1994 to ‘Gilt’), where there is an agreement that Born in Scotland, he currently lives just continue right through into the summer. Joy join BT and stayed there for 17 years. In 2012, said, ‘At this time next year, the valuation you will receive regular interest payments outside Glasgow. ‘I consider myself a fierce he decided to semi-retire and now works (called ‘the yield’) and the principal amount Glaswegian, and if anyone wants to talk will be very progressed but it is unlikely it part-time as head of retirement services for a will have been completed.’ back at the end of the agreed period. about rugby I’ll leave the room,’ he said, company called WEALTH at work, providing The yield of a bond is inverse to its to much laughter. An engineer by training, The key message she wanted to leave the financial education in the workplace. meeting was that the Scheme was on track price; as bond prices increase the yield Bill spent over 20 years in the private sector Leslie was elected earlier this year as a will fall. So, if you pay £1,000 for a Gilt in marketing and operations roles for large against the deficit repair plan that was agreed BBC Trustee and gave a brief overview of in 2013: ‘We are where we expected to be so that pays a 3% yield, you would receive and small companies in the electronics the Trustee Board and the steps they take to I think that is a positive message with which an annual interest payment of £30. If the market, mostly based in Scotland. Based manage risks. to end my session.’ value of your Gilt increases to say £1,200, on his experience, he was offered several ‘There are nine Trustees. The chairman is James Duberley was next on stage to talk that £30 is proportionately now worth only non-executive director roles and has worked appointed by the BBC Trust, four are about the BBC Pension Scheme’s investments. 2.5% of the investment – so, the yield across the public and private sectors, and of appointed by the BBC, three are nominated James is responsible for a small team that has fallen. course for the BBC Trust. looks after the Scheme’s investments and by the active members of the Scheme and Pension schemes like to buy Gilts makes recommendations on strategy and one Trustee is nominated by the pensioners because they provide a steady, guaranteed Huge fan investment changes to the Trustees. – that’s me. flow of income over a very long period. So, ‘I’m enjoying life as a national Trustee for The team has a deep pool of expertise and ‘Being a Trustee is no simple job. It’s there is high demand for Gilts, especially Scotland - it’s a lot more interesting than uses a wide range of advisers and external demanding but the work is very interesting as pensions are more regulated now I thought it was going to be,’ he said. assets managers who are specialists in and varied.’ and schemes have to show they are not He described himself as a fan of the different areas of the market to look after Leslie was followed by Ian Cutter, Head taking undue risks with their assets. More BBC and a huge supporter of public service the Scheme’s investments. of Pension Shared Services, who continued demand means the price of Gilts goes up broadcasting. ‘I remember watching the ‘The way we look after the investments with the topic of risk: ‘One of the risks faced – and as a result the yield goes down. Morecambe and Wise Christmas shows goes hand-in-hand with the funding of by the Pension and Benefits Centre in Cardiff Also, because pension schemes with my father – I think he would be the Scheme,’ he explained. ‘The Scheme’s is that something happens that means we are required to calculate their future quite impressed that I am standing here primary objective is to pay benefits and to are not able to operate as usual. To mitigate liabilities by modelling them on Gilt yields, in the BBC.’ achieve that, there is an interim objective of this risk, we have a business continuity plan, when yields go down, the current value The four-year period since he joined the being being fully funded on a self-sufficiency which we test regularly to ensure that should of the pension scheme’s liabilities goes pension scheme has been an interesting time basis by 2026 – where the Scheme has no the pensions system be unavailable for any up – which has a negative effect on in the world of pensions, with ‘more change need for any support from the BBC. That’s the reason, we are still able to operate and pay scheme funding. than we’ve seen for many years’. point we’re hoping to get to.’ your pensions.

Please send your editorial contributions, or comments/ feedback, to: Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, Prospero is provided free of charge to retired BBC Broadcasting House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ. employees, or to their spouses and dependants. Prospero Email: prospero@bbc.co.uk provides a source of news on former colleagues, Please make sure that any digital pictures you send are developments at the BBC and pension issues, plus classified scanned at 300 dpi. adverts. It is available online at www.bbc.co.uk/mypension To advertise in Prospero, please see page 12. The next issue of Prospero will appear in February 2016. To view Ariel online, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/ariel. The copy deadline is Friday, 8 January 2016.

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2015 BACK AT THE BBC 03

The Pension Increase Exchange (PIE) option

The BBC has recently written to eligible members of the Old Benefits section of the BBC Pension Scheme about a Pension Increase Exchange (PIE) option. The BBC provides an overview of the PIE option.

What is a PIE option? This option has been made in line with the batch of options and information packs was principles of the Code of Good Practice for issued in the first half of November and the If you are eligible, a PIE option allows these types of exercises. A copy of the Code second batch at the beginning of December. you to exchange some or all of your is available at www.incentiveexercises.org. future pension increases for a higher uk/the-code-of-practice Help and support pension now but with lower or no The BBC has put in place support to help pension increases in the future. Who will get the option? This option may suit some people eligible pensioners better understand the and not others. It depends on personal The PIE exercise will involve around 14,000 PIE option and to consider whether it might circumstances such as your current Old Benefits pensioners. This is made up of be right for them. lifestyle, any other income you may around 13,000 pensioners under age 80 and If you are an eligible pensioner, you will have, how long you think you may live some 1,000 who are over age 80. In line have received comprehensive information in and your view on future inflation. It is with the Code, those aged 80 and over have the form of a personal statement and guide important to note that this is an option; had to opt into the PIE exercise to receive with your option letter. This explains the key you do not have to accept it. If you are more information about the option. aspects of what you need to know, how to happy with your pension as it is, there The option is only available to Old contact Chase de Vere (the BBC’s appointed is no need to do anything and you will Benefits pensioners and dependants (those financial adviser; 0800 088 3112), continue to receive annual pension who joined the Scheme before 1 October next steps and when you need to make a increases in the same way as you do now. 1996). In very broad terms, only pension decision. There is also a short video and built up before April 1997 is exchangeable. online tool produced by the BBC’s corporate Why is the BBC making If you have an exchangeable pension of (KPMG) advisers. This is available via the less than £1,000 a year, you have not been myPension website at Speaking to Chase de Vere will not this option available? included. This limit only impacts a small www.bbc.co.uk/myPension/news. commit you to taking up the option. The BBC understands that the current number of members where the relative The BBC has appointed Chase But you will need to take advice from Scheme pension may not suit everyone’s cost of providing financial advice is de Vere, a firm of independent financial them before you take the option. Chase needs, particularly those who would like prohibitively high. advisers (IFAs) to provide independent de Vere are not targeted on achieving a more income now in exchange for giving If you are affected by divorce proceedings financial advice to eligible pensioners particular take-up rate and they will not up some or all of their future increases. or if you have a pension sharing order, you considering the option. Chase de issue you with an acceptance form if they The PIE option will also reduce the have also been excluded, because exchanging Vere’s appointment followed a detailed believe that you do not understand what level of future financial risk that the pension benefits under these circumstances procurement exercise and their advisers is being discussed. Their role is to help Scheme poses to the BBC for those is much more complicated. have received training that gives them you make appropriate choices after pensioners who, after taking independent There are also some pensioners who specialist knowledge of the Scheme. This taking advice. advice paid for by the BBC, choose to have been excluded, if their exchangeable will help them give eligible pensioners If you have questions about your own take the option. This provides greater pension cannot be accurately identified confidential financial advice and provide PIE option, you should contact Chase de certainty for the BBC with regard to or reconciled with HMRC, or if they a personalised recommendation so that Vere, whose details are included in the its pension liabilities, improving the live overseas. individuals can make an informed decision information pack. Neither the BBC, the security of the Scheme for the benefit Given the size of the exercise, it has been about whether the PIE option is right Trustees, nor the Pension and Benefits of all members. broken down into two batches. The first for them. Centre are authorised to give advice.

Prospero and PIE CROSPERO 188 devised and compiled by Jim Palm About the same time that the October edition of Prospero dropped on my doormat, so did a letter from the BBC’s 1 2 devisedComplete and the square compiled by using by the Jim clues; Palm these apply only to the director of finance telling me about words running across. Then take these words in numerical order something called ‘Pension Increase 3 4 5 and extract the letters indicated by a dot. If your answers are correct, Exchange’ (PIE), of which Prospero made these letters will spell out a well-known Christmas carol line. no mention. 6 7 8 Please send your answers in an envelope marked ‘Crospero’ to Broadly, it appears to be a scheme The Editor, Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, Broadcasting enticing pensioners (all or some) to forego 9 10 House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ, by Friday 8 January 2016. The winner will their annual increases in exchange for a receive a £10 voucher. higher pension now – ‘jam today’ rather 11 than ‘tomorrow’. There will be no CLUES 1. Furry feet (4); 2. Vessel (5); 3. Summer in France (3); 4. Autumn fruit (3); compulsion to accept and the offer includes 12 5. Exist (3); 6. Eggs (3); 7. Poem (3); 8. Fluid (3); 9. Force along (5); free independent financial advice. You may 10. Born (3); 11. Walk behind (3); 12. Theatres (11); 13. Misery (3); choose to carry on exactly as you are. 13 14. Cornish river (3); 15. Sum (5); 16. Regret (3); 17. Tavern (3); My first question is: What is driving 18. Self-esteem (3); 19. Single (3); 20. Light meal (3); 21. Spoil (3); this offer? One assumes the BBC bean- 14 15 22. Meeting place (5); 23. Flock (4). counters have done their sums and Solutions to Crospero 187: Cinq, Mouse, Are, Sow, Ate, Fix, Toe, concluded there is a sizeable pension 16 17 18 Nun, Ester, Did, Ohms, Met, Day, Pat, Vest, Sir, Hides, Ado, Rid, Imp, saving to be made in the long term if Web, Els, Vie, Rebel, Very. pensioners opt for ‘jam today’. Clearly, it 19 20 21 requires that you make some assessment The programme and presenter were Question Time and David of your own life expectancy. 22 23 Dimbleby, and the winner of a £10 voucher was Jean Mara of London. I’m interested to know what others think. Martin Fookes

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2015 04 LETTERS Lack of courtesy Weather Watchers BBC Local Radio has a 40-year head start on History of TV Sound Technologies strikes a chord the newly launched Weather Watchers on Volunteers needed to discuss their careers and experiences using historical sound The letter from Sheila Innes (‘A race against national television. After we launched technologies as part of television history project (Adapt TV). time’, Prospero, October 2015) in which she Radio Carlisle in 1973, it became apparent I am looking for volunteers with experience using historical technologies to give commented on the lack of courtesy towards that our forecasts for central Cumbria, valuable input about their careers and working lives, particularly those who have contributors to BBC programmes struck a chord. supplied by Newcastle Met Office, were worked as sound recordists, boom operators and dubbing mixers. As well as coming up against the kind of frequently inaccurate due to the mountainous If you feel you would be able and willing to help with this problems Sheila described, I can add another terrain. We set about recruiting a network of project, or perhaps want to know a little more first, to the list: a lack of respect or appreciation Weather Watchers in the northern Lakes, who then please do get in touch: for specialist knowledge in today’s BBC. gave us live reports about the weather where Email address: [email protected] I was Russian Affairs Analyst at World they were into our daily breakfast programme. Mobile phone number: 07795 482066 Service from 1988-2004, and have been The initiative was so successful that Newcastle www.adapttvhistory.org.uk/ covering Russia in various ways since I first Met Office asked us to relay the weather Tim Heath went there in 1974. I now work for myself, reports to them on a regular basis so they and have a number of Russian clients; and the could compare them against their own last post I held was Executive Director of the forecasts. I understand that Radio Cumbria’s to programmes. I myself do a lot of walking Russo-British Chamber of Commerce (RBCC). Weather Watchers are still going strong. Valuable resource in countryside and mountains. I would be So I have been immersed in and following all Stuart Campbell Regarding the BBC, its future, charter quite willing to take two-way link things Russian for over four decades. renewal and finance etc, I think that a equipment and offer interviews with I was asked to appear on programmes a valuable resource is being missed, and has people I meet, to a Local Radio station couple of times in 2014, when there was the No joy in pensions been in the past. That is: retired staff, their with an interest in the area. Having been a odd Russia-related story around (the country expertise, knowledge and above communications engineer and also trained was in the news rather a lot, curiously). But CEO’s departure all dedication. technical staff, I am sure I could set up I also had the following: after discussing On behalf of BBCPA, many former staff I first thought this over the installation a link. We have a pre-transmission test first, with a young producer a possible appearance will be sad to learn that Joy Moore is to of Monitoring Information Centres keep in contact with the station and if on a radio programme, he discovered that I leave us. As the first CEO of the Pensions (MICs) years ago. Good technology to I find someone interesting then off we was no longer running the RBCC. Suddenly, Trust, Joy brought her professional pensions check that all transmissions were radiating go on cue. he lost interest. I didn’t have an impressive- experience and a ready smile to the public normally, but expensive. There were Colin Pierpoint sounding title; clearly the 40-plus years’ face of the Pensions and Benefits Centre, thousands of retired staff in all service areas experience counted for nothing. What makes it Cardiff. At this Association’s AGM in 2014, who could have sent in reports of faults, and all the more galling is that I have a great deal she reassured the membership that their I am sure that many would have done so Friday Night IS of broadcasting experience, too; something interests were in good hands and, at other free of charge. All right; the accuracy from else which seems to count for nought. meetings, she made sure that BBCPA’ s one elderly person may be questionable, but Music Night I know that we live in the age of the concerns were met with understanding and the exact fault condition would be confirmed My sincere congratulations to all those soundbite and of spin, but shouldn’t there good humour. This is a much-needed role by multiple reports. (There are rather a lot involved in Friday Night is Music Night from still be something in the BBC ethos which between pensioners, BBCPA and the Trustees. of us!) Biggin Hill on 18 September. The two-hour suggests that listeners, viewers and online Joy’s shoes will not be filled easily and we Alas Transmission was sold off by a programme was quite simply brilliant in readers can benefit from rather better wish her well in whatever she now chooses previous government. However, at the every respect. My wife and I watched on the specialist insight than in other media outlets? to do. present time there are many retired red button and listened. Faultless and we all Stephen Dalziel Hugh Sheppard (Chairman BBCPA) staff who are quite capable of contributing know what must have gone into the highly complex production. Vine was fine. It was Robin Boyle in my time! Memories of ‘66 John Henty Cut the pensions jargon At the recent BBC Pensioners’ Liaison Meeting in the Radio Theatre, London I was very disappointed that the custodians and administrators of our multi-billion pound pension fund could not answer questions from members in a simple way, without reverting to the use of financial jargon; especially so in connection with property, bonds and gilts investment. The subject is for many difficult to grasp. This is, I understand, also a common issue at other pension funds and I am surprised the members of the panel were not armed with suitable graphics or were able to present explanations in plain English. I sense some of my fellow pensioners have returned home unnecessarily worried that their pension fund is in the hands The National Football Museum in photographs and film, some never seen The appeal is supported by National Football of investors who enthuse in investing in partnership with the Sporting Memories before, and unique objects drawn from Museum President, Sir Bobby Charlton, who depreciating assets. Network is launching a project to the museum collection and loaned by has said in support of the campaign: ‘I have I, hopefully, understand their policy, but collect people’s personal memories of individuals from allover the country. very special memories of 1966. Please send please for the benefit of those who are not England hosting the 1966 World Cup. They would especially love to hear me yours.’ familiar with the world of investment, some They would like anyone who worked from BBC staff with personal notes and David Pearson simple explanations and reassurance would for the BBC during that eventful photographs from the time that they Deputy Director, be appreciated – perhaps with an ongoing year to contact them to provide their could feature in theexhibition. Memories National Football Museum series in these pages! special stories. will be posted on the Sporting Memories Email: david.pearson@ Richard P Kemp For the 50th anniversary, in 2016, Network website and resources will nationalfootballmuseum.com Richard, we have included a jargon there will be acelebratory exhibition at be developed to launch workshops to buster on page 2, alongside the PLM report, the museum in Manchester featuring engage with older people to help combat that tries to explain the inverse (and rather the words of people who were there, memory loss and loneliness. complicated!) relationship between bond prices and yields.

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2015 05

Peter Donaldson Overseas service CONTACTS A little-known episode in Peter Donaldson’s Anthony Escott’s suggestion (Prospero, life occurred during the Falklands War, when October 2015) that the BBC issues Visiting Scheme the BBC’s coverage was under attack, and Available to BBC pensioners over 70, those subscriptions to allow viewers outside the recently bereaved, and anyone in poor when he and I were denounced by a senior UK to receive encrypted BBC programmes government minister in the House of Lords. health, the scheme is a method of keeping might not be too difficult to implement. in touch and operates throughout the UK. It followed a piece I did on the Today There is already a satellite (Intelsat 907) Visitors are BBC pensioners themselves. programme about the long delays in at 27.5 degrees west (over Brazil) which If you want to be visited, receive a phone installing the supersonic Seawolf missile on carries such signals. It would need another call or meet up somewhere mutually British warships, and the fact that the dish to receive this as the Astra/Sky convenient, call 029 2032 2811. The Commons Defence Committee was to question contact is the same if you would like to satellites are at 27.5 degrees east become a visitor. ministers in secret the following day. (over Uganda). H.M.S. Sheffield had just been severely Queries I understand that this service exists For benefit and pension payroll queries, damaged by an Argentine Exocet missile. to provide an alternative source of What I said was well grounded in published call the Service Line on 029 2032 2811 programmes for our terrestrial transmitter or email [email protected] documents, letters and conversations with network. Further technical details can be members of the committee; but the news item Prospero obtained from the internet (e.g. lyngsat.com). To add or delete a name from the and the subsequent interview by Brian Redhead The ‘footprint’ covers Iceland, distribution list, ring the Service Line on put Lord Trenchard, the Minister for Defence Spain, France, Germany and countries 029 2032 2811. Prospero is provided Procurement, into quite a state. He denounced bordering the Baltic. I have a dish in free of charge to retired BBC employees. the BBC’s coverage in the House of Lords. In Jämsänkoski, Finland looking across the On request, we will also send it to spouses reply to a letter from me, he said that my or dependants who want to keep in touch lake at an elevation of eight degrees (see with the BBC. Prospero is also available on protest was unjustified, that he had called for photograph). Neighbours ask why the dish a transcript and read it, and went on: ‘My audio disc for those with sight impairment. is ‘’looking into the lake’. To register, please ring the Service Line. protest is, of course, against the BBC, and the As a former Head of the UK Time Service Alternatively, it is also available online combination of Donaldson and Hill, as at NPL, I am pleased to get the pips without at www.bbc.co.uk/mypension, recorded, in my view justified all that I had said’. the 37-second delay of internet radio. under ‘Documents’. He does not seem to have realised that John Chambers BBC Club ‘Donaldson’ was simply reading the news The BBC Club in London has a retired item. Trenchard also wrote a long letter membership costing £3 per month or £36 to the BBC Chairman, George Howard, per year. Members can also add friends beginning ‘Dear George’, but Howard Wartime Broadcasting Service and family to their membership for a small roundly rejected his criticism and expressed additional cost. Regional clubs may have I’m writing a book on how the Government different arrangements. Please call BBC complete confidence in the information. prepared the British people for nuclear war. Club London office on 020 8752 6666 He added that a poll had found that 81% of There will be a substantial chapter on the or email [email protected] for details the public approved of the BBC’s coverage. BBC’s role, looking at the creation of the or to join. I was so concerned that I went to see Lord Wartime Broadcasting Service, the notorious Benevolent Fund Cledwyn, the leader of the Labour opposition script to be read out if the bomb dropped, the This is funded by voluntary contributions peers, who helped smooth things over. from the BBC and its purpose is to protect compiling of entertainment programmes to Ever after that whenever Peter and I met we the welfare of staff, pensioners and their prop up morale and the building of BBC would exclaim ‘Donaldson and Hill!’ He families. Grants are made at the discretion studios in bunkers across the country, remained cheerful to the end, and a day or two of the Trustees. They may provide including Wood Norton. I’d love to hear from assistance in cases of unforeseen financial before he died, he wrote to me ‘Hey ho, c’est those who worked on these projects and who hardship, for which help from other sources la vie… I am still drinking Adnam’s Ghost Ship!’ might have some anecdotes to share. I can be is not available. Telephone: 029 2032 2811. Peter Hill emailed via [email protected] or by Prospero Society phone on 07803 752 466. Prospero Society is the only section of the BBCPA Regional Meetings BBC Club run by and for retired BBC staff Julie McDowall and their spouses. Its aim is to enable BBC In October 2015, the annual regional pensioners to meet on a social basis for meetings of the BBC Pensioners’ theatre visits, luncheons, coach outings etc. Association were held in Leeds, Belfast The Prospero Society is supported by and Birmingham. The meetings were BBC Club funds so as to make events primarily for those who cannot readily affordable. If you would like an application get to the London AGM; they involved form please contact: some fifty local members and eight from Gayner Leach, BBC Club, BC2 B3 Broadcast the BBCPA Committee. Centre, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TP This year, a successful innovation was Tel: 0208 752 6666 Email: [email protected] to have each meeting addressed by a senior BBC executive to bring former staff BBC Shop discount up-to-date with regional priorities, Get 10% off your order at BBCShop.com particularly over Charter Renewal. Enter code BBC0001 under ‘redeem a promotion code’ at checkout. Some BBCPA members had concerns FREE UK Delivery over the Pension Increase Exchange (PIE) Orders can also be placed over the phone letters received. The BBCPA committee by calling 01788 821 107 and quoting met with the BBC and raised some of code BBC0001. these issues on behalf of its members and Terms & Conditions: Discount code agreed that they would wait for further BBC0001 entitles BBC pensioners to 10% information to be issued on the PIE offer. off your order at BBCShop.com. Offer is not An apparent anomaly of the BBC’s valid with any other promotional discount or Genome initiative, in collating all available offer and is subject to availability. Only one Radio Times programme listings from 1923 discount code can be used per transaction. to 2009, was highlighted in Belfast. BBC Shop reserves the right to change, amend or discontinue the offer at any time It seems that Regional programme without prior notice. Products are available variations, having been so very important whilst stocks last. Free delivery to UK only. to the Northern Ireland audience, do not Standard BBC Shop Terms & Conditions feature. Committee members said they apply. Promoter: BBC Worldwide Ltd. would raise this in the context of ‘BBC Contact (UK) 01788 821107 (charged at Memories’, the Association’s personal basic rate) with any queries. See website for full Terms & Conditions. recollections project, for possible integration with Genome. BBCPA Hugh Sheppard (Chairman BBCPA) For details of how to join the Pensioners’ Association, see the panel on the left.

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2015 06 MEMORIES

All change at Bush House Passing by Bush House today, on the spur of the moment, noticing that the door to South East Wing Reception was open, I went in. The automatic glass doors led me to a newly refurbished, spacious reception area, bereft of people save for a young man sitting at the modern reception desk. Round the corner, I glimpsed new lifts but the original stairwell still in place. After a brief conversation with the young man, I elicited that the building was now refurbished offices and currently empty, though Kings College was moving into three of the four newly created sections soon. I explained that I used to work in the building and wondered if I could have a quick look round the corner to see what it was like now. The young man’s reply was enigmatic. Whilst he obviously Ariel Flying Club’s G-AWGK had no objection, I gathered that the powers-that-be would not be so happy. Since there hadn’t been a firm ‘no’ to the request, I had a quick look. The stairs were just as I remembered them and I – still going strong was heartened to see that the original letter chutes and wooden post boxes were still in place. Tom Peckham sent in these two photographs, along with some recollections of Back at the reception desk, the young the Ariel Flying Group, in response to the recent letter by Audrey Mackie man and I continued our conversation about the building and the BBC till the (Prospero, October). phone on the desk rang. The young man lifted the receiver; there was a moment’s silence and then hat pleasant memories were The farmer and owner of the field where Club. Whilst in the ownership of that club it he said to the caller: ‘She used to work evoked by Prospero when I the aircraft landed was very co-operative. He had been featured on the cover of The Daily here.’ Another moment’s silence, then read the entry from Audrey was not at all upset at the unexpected arrival Telegraph Colour Supplement magazine in ‘Ok’, and the young man replaced the Mackie regarding her ‘bad of the aircraft in his field. He did have to September 1998 when Clement Freud took receiver. ‘There’s cameras here,’ he said to week’W at the BBC Club. It is said that bad cut his crop before our aircraft could be some flying lessons and wrote an article for me. ‘Oh,’ I said, ‘it’s all right, I’ll go now. events happen in groups of threes. removed, but he said that fortunately it was that magazine. Thank you.’ Audrey and her team at the BBC Club about ready for harvesting anyway. Later the aircraft became the Ariel As I crossed the reception, the phone office were enormously helpful and supportive An amusing event happened when I was Flying Group aircraft. The above photograph rang again and I could hear a repeat of when I started the BBC Club Ariel Flying looking for the owner of the farm field in of the aircraft shows a lot of the original his first conversation, ending with the Section. Life was so hectic in those far off days which G-AWGK was situated. I went to the Flying Group members adorning it in phrase: ‘She’s just going.’ and I am not sure that I ever thanked the local village and asked questions. The farm one position or another. I am leaning on I thought back to the late 1960s when people in the BBC Club office at the time owner, I was told, was in the local hostelry. the propeller. anyone could come and go and staff properly for their encouragement and help I located the hostelry and entered the bar. The below photograph shows the aircraft passes were still in the future. When the in starting the Flying Section and for their The farm owner was sitting there drinking when it was airborne over the gravel pits that canteen was filled with LSE students from continued help when the unfortunate accident a cup of tea! were local to Denham airfield. across the road. When, at night, Margot happened to the flying group’s aircraft. I introduced myself and explained what The photographs were produced by an Davies would round up the homeless I send my thanks and best wishes to had happened with our aircraft. He asked me old friend and work colleague who was from the doorways of The Strand and Audrey and any other members of the BBC if I would care for a drink. As I was driving in the Photographic Department of The bring them in for a hot meal. Club team who are receiving Prospero. I did not wish to drink alcohol, and seeing Open University Studios at Alexandra Palace, As I left the building, through the At the time of the incident that Audrey that the farmer had a cup of tea I asked the Jillian Parker. automatic glass doors, for a second I was refers to, our aircraft did suffer an engine landlord for the same. The landlord gave a Two or three years ago, I was in a tempted to wave, perhaps not too politely, failure and as Audrey says, it landed safely in great sigh and said that he might as well nostalgic mood and was putting thoughts to the camera, but couldn’t work out the middle of a farmer’s crop. Again, the staff open as a café rather than a pub! and memories into Google. Somehow my where it was. And as I walked away of the BBC Club were very helpful and Once the aircraft had been repaired I took fumbling with the computer took me to that down The Strand, I thought, ‘Weren’t supportive at the time. the farmer for a flight. He was delighted aircraft. I found that the aircraft G-AWGK we lucky?’ Various members of the Flying Section with the trip and we flew over his farm so was then and probably still is privately Jane Talbot (Wood) took it in turns to keep guard over the that he could take some pictures of his house owned and is still flying. I managed to aircraft for a couple of days and nights until and farm buildings. contact the present owner and sent him what it could be arranged to have it moved back to That aircraft, registration G-AWGK, had history I had of his aircraft. He was delighted Denham Airfield for repair. originally been owned by the Denham Flying to have the information and we exchanged several pleasant emails and letters. It is pleasing to think that the Ariel Flying Group aircraft, in which so many BBC Club members enjoyed their early flying experiences, is still airworthy and is in good hands. I note that the Ariel Flying Group is still going well! However, as Audrey mentioned, neither the BBC Club nor the BBC itself is what it was all those years ago. Best regards to all old Flying Group and Club staff members. Tom Peckham

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2015 BACK AT THE BBC 07 People die... they do not pass on’ By Nick Serpell, BBC’s obituary editor ‘Macabre’, ‘spooky’, ‘must be a depressing job’ are just some

of the reactions I get when people find out what I do at work. BBC Club, Western House. The Western House Club (adjacent to New he agent of one personality put the everyone whom our audiences might feel I am constantly surprised at the vast range of Broadcasting House) refurbishment is almost phone down on me when I called deserves it. More than once I have been websites on which some of my pieces end complete! Why not combine a visit to London her, saying my request was far too asked to appear on programmes such as up being cached. with a pre-Christmas lunch or drink in the morbid. Ironic really, as I’d only Radio 4’s Feedback or television’s Newswatch, to A good obituary, like any other Club? As well as the retired members’ lunch Twanted her client to be available to talk about answer charges from disappointed viewers or journalism, has to be scrupulously deal of one course for £5.00 or two courses someone else. And, while a few people are listeners that one of their favourites failed to researched, checked for facts and as fair as for £6.50, we also offer a special Christmas fascinated with the concept, it has certainly get a mention. possible. On the other hand, it should not menu. This must be pre-booked and abruptly ended conversations at some social In order to decide who is going to be avoid negative factors in the lives of the pre-ordered and is excluded from the retired events. immortalised with a BBC obituary, I carry a subject. My ambition is to steer a middle members’ meal deal. Drinks not included. The truth is, and whisper this softly, I loose priority list in my head. course between eulogy and character Two courses £15, three courses £18. consider myself lucky in having one of the At the top come those major public assassination, with perhaps a slight deviation Choose a starter: pumpkin and chestnut best jobs in the BBC. It’s a job that I obtained figures whose death I think our audience one way or the other, depending on how I soup served with petit pain & butter (V); almost by accident. would expect us to cover. Actors and feel about them. OR bourbon-glazed pork belly served with rocket, redchard, chive & sour cream Eight years ago, I was asked to spend some entertainers closely associated with the Warm reactions time in what was then the Obits Unit to help BBC will also feature near the top, garnish; OR warm goat’s cheese and walnut I have always been pleased by the warm them come to terms with the demands of the as will a fairly loose definition that gourmet salad with balsamic glaze (V). reactions that some pieces get. Oliver 24-hour news agenda, and the beginnings of I mentally entitle ‘National Treasures’. Main course: roast turkey with all the Postgate was a good example of this, a the digital transformation of our output. Theatrical Dames and Knights tend to trimmings (roasted potatoes, honey-glazed man whose creations, from Ivor the Engine I now find myself as the only person in fit in this category as do other much-loved parsnips, seasonal vegetable medley, pigs through the surreal Clangers to the cuddly News who spends their whole time looking figures, people such as Patrick Moore for in blankets, classic stuffing, cranberry sauce Bagpuss had entranced successive generations after what I consider a vital element in example, the somewhat eccentric but and thyme jus); OR pan-fried sea bass of children. our output. eminently watchable astronomer. fillet with sizzled ginger, chilli, spring onion So, are there any thorns in this bed of and soy sauce on a bed of stir-fried Asian Opportunity to reflect Talked about in the pub obituary roses? vegetables served with steamed jasmine When someone famous dies, our readers, I also like to include people whose life has an One or two perhaps. I don’t think rice; OR Brie, mushroom, rocket and listeners and viewers don’t just want interesting story. obituaries feature high in BBC thinking, redcurrant filo bundle served with sautéed the news of the death, they want an An example from earlier this year was particularly in this era of continuing cuts. orange zest, asparagus & leek topped with opportunity to reflect on the life and Nicholas Winton, the businessman who I also hate euphemisms so you won’t find toasted pine nuts (V). career of the deceased. helped rescue Jewish children from almost the words ‘passed on’ in any of my scripts. It could be a famous actor who has come certain death at the beginning of World War I reserve particular bile for a certain US Dessert: Christmas pudding served with warm brandy sauce; OR salted caramel into their living rooms via their television – Two. I suppose my rough rule of thumb is newspaper that entitles its list of deaths on its brulee cheesecake with dark chocolate Christopher Lee was a good example of this to ask myself whether people will be talking Twitter feed as ‘passings’. In my view, death drizzle; OR fresh fruit salad with a lime and – or perhaps a scientist who made a major about the death in the pub this evening, and is as natural as birth and should be seen as vanilla dressing. contribution to human knowledge and I don’t mean in the posh watering holes such. And I’ll be quite happy to carry on wellbeing such as the DNA pioneer, of middle-class London but the real world doing this job until they finally remove me Extras: coffee and mince pie £1.50 per Francis Crick. beyond the M25. in the proverbial box. person; festive cocktail – frozen Kir Royal So, how do we decide who gets a I am always aware that my work, (cassis sorbet with Prosecco) £3.95 BBC obituary? particularly the obituaries for the BBC website per person The fact is of course, with limited in which I take a special pride, is going to be Email: [email protected] resources, we cannot produce a piece for around forever as a document of record. Tel: 020 7765 0971 or 020 7765 3620 Retired members’ Christmas lunch Although normally closed at the weekends, BBC Club Western House will be reserved New digital process brings 10,000 programmes EXCLUSIVELY for our retired members for a three-course Christmas lunch on By Mark Harrison, Director, Future Technology Group Saturday 5 December. Lunch will be served between 12.30pm and 2.30pm and the Club will remain open until 5pm with a full Mark Harrison explains how This existed in broadcasting the world over and all the production systems were bar available. Why not combine a morning and was the main obstacle preventing the geared towards using it. of West End Christmas shopping with the major UK broadcasters industry moving to fully digital working. But as we wanted to move to digital, we this leisurely lunch and perhaps see the united to make the process So the UK broadcasters, including realised there was going to be an infinite Christmas lights on the way home! ourselves, ITV and C4, formed a digital number of variants of huge complexity Prepayment is required for this event at the of programme-making production partnership called the Digital and no broadcaster could face it or afford special price of £15 for members and £18 entirely digital. Production Partnership (DPP), of which it. So the UK broadcasting industry, for guests. Please call the Club Hub on 0208 I was founder and managing director. through the DPP, decided to create the 752 6666. Please note, walk-ins cannot be In the past, there was a nagging problem Our aim was to advance what we called equivalent of an HDCAM SR via a single accommodated. that the broadcasting industry needed to ‘file-based delivery’. common digital file format that everyone Prospero holiday solve. Though we had become digital in We worked with stakeholders from across could use to submit finished programmes. Planning for next year’s trips are well under our production of TV programmes, we the industry to define a common standard We came up with a common standard way with a tour of Draper’s Hall of Great were still delivering at the final step for this. The reason why it had never called AS 11 DPP. All UK broadcasters British Menu fame and The Royal Ballet’s as videotapes. happened was not because there was any bought in and we (the DPP) managed a ‘Giselle’ at the Royal Opera House already This meant that production teams particular technological barrier, but because change of process across the industry so on the calendar, at highly subsidised prices. would shoot digitally, edit digitally there were so many different file formats. that all production companies and Contact the Club Hub on 020 8752 6666 and finish the programme without any The lovely thing about videotape was that manufacturers followed. or email [email protected] for more videotape having been involved in the it was standardised and exactly the same. From 1 October 2014, all UK details and to join. process. But then it would be converted to Sony’s HDCAM SR (high definition camera broadcasters started taking delivery of tape and sent to a broadcaster who would, film, the SR standing for ‘Superior programmes as digital files. One year on, BBC Club Broadcast Centre once again, turn it back into videotape. Resolution’) was the industry standard for around 10,000 programmes have been BC2 B3, 201 Wood Lane, London It was a dog-leg in the process. delivering programmes in high definition delivered using the file-based format. W12 7TP 020 8752 6666 [email protected]

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2015 08 OBITUARIES

He recognised that a brighter future might in Scenic Services and was promoted to Director of lie ahead and he successfully applied to the Flamboyant film editor chief personnel officer, television, in 1972. photography BBC, joining the organisation for a training Peter Barber Two years later he became head of Central course in Maida Vale, London. (1935-2015) was Services, a job he much enjoyed. From then Peter Chapman, After the war, he rejoined the BBC as a the first person I on, Roger would always stop a meeting to who died last May sound effects man, before being appointed met who relished thank whoever brought the tea. aged 75, joined as studio manager at Queen Margaret Drive all-male national He returned to television in 1976 as the BBC in 1956 where he worked alongside most of the service. From the controller of Personnel. It was then that when he was just broadcasting luminaries of the day. His age of 15, he was Roger became the key figure in the BBC’s 16 years old and talents were recognised by Eddie Fraser who as gay as he dared industrial relations and major architect of the stayed for 40 years, promoted him to the role of radio producer. to be. Adopted into modernisation of its personnel policies. He spending most of It was in this new role that I got to know a happy family, believed firmly in union representation and that time in the Film and worked with Ben when he asked me in he started at the labs, like the late BBC film often used the ‘art of adjournment’ to give all Department at Ealing Studios. 1964 to do 13 one-hour shows On Tour from editors, Paddy Wilson and Alan Martin. sides an opportunity to rethink. Peter learned on the job, first as a junior Scalloway in the Shetlands to Gretna in the Borders. From the pilot series of Tomorrow’s World, In 1982, Roger was asked to undertake clerk on the Radio Times, and then shortly after Ben was meticulous in his work ethic Peter cut every kind of documentary the new role of deputy director of Personnel as a junior printer in Pictorial Publicity. In and on occasions would spend ages trying and drama. He was a film editor whose and in 1989, joined the Board of Management his spare time, he brushed up on his passion to detect the source of some ‘buzz’ or films resemble each other more than they – the first director of Personnel appointed for photography studying photographic extraneous noise which although resemble other films by the same director. from within. technique at Regent’s Street Polytechnic and undetected by us, was offensive to his His warm personality led him to draw No account would be complete without by the time he was 22, he had landed a role well-tuned ear. out the best of people, with patience and mention of Roger Chase’s involvement with at TFS as a trainee assistant cameraman. Ben ‘retired’ in 1983 but soon after there untiring innovation. Fine examples of his the BBC Club. From 1945, he sailed dinghies It was a heady time and the world opened was a request from one Noel Edmonds for touch were the Stewart-Tonge drama The and played rugby with the Club and in 1984, up to him as he travelled widely, discovering Ben to return and produce The Derek Jamieson Two of Us, or John Betjeman’s A Man for All took up long-distance sailing, skippering food and wine little known in the UK in Show for Radio 2 from 1986-91. Noel Seasons. His love of music was central. Peter many trips off England, France and Ireland. the 1960s and seeing sights and peoples he remembered Ben from having shared time was amongst the first to exploit the 6-plate Elected chairman of the BBC Club in 1979, never ceased to remember with amazement together in their Radio 1 Club days and as a Steenbeck. Rough cuts had a second sound he stood unopposed until retirement. and appreciation. result, Ben was still working as a producer track consisting entirely of Peter’s choice of The BBC chairman wrote: ‘Roger Chase By 1969, he was ready to try his luck as a 12 years later. music. Peter was organist at St John’s Church has had a remarkable career and has earned lighting cameraman and over the next 43 years Ben is survived by his wife Louise and for over 30 years. He edited Songs of Praise. the admiration and affection of those who up to his retirement at the end of 2012, he daughters Beverley and Yvette, of whom he For over 20 years, he directed amateur have worked with him.’ Director-general worked as director of photography on a huge was so proud. musicals at the Argosy Players including Oh Mike Checkland said: ‘Many will remember number of documentaries, features and dramas. What a Lovely War, and Fings Aint Wot They Used this big, convivial, down-to-earth man. By the 1980s, his work was focussing Alasdair Gillies to Be. He made countless amateurs feel as Roger’s contribution to the BBC has been more and more on drama. He got on well professional as he was. enormous – literally, a lifetime of service.’ with directors, crews and artists, worked Angela Profit Peter was a motorcycle man. The Annette de Bary quickly and produced interesting lighting. delightful little film he directed on the Isle Over 400 people Among the dramas he remembered with of Man TT, with George Formby’s ditty, attended the particular fondness were Dad’s Army, Lovejoy was often repeated. His first 50-minute funeral of former Cameraman in and Casualty, which he worked on in documentary was about a diving school. BBCPebble Mill blocks over 14 years. A high point was His outspoken documentary Coming Out The Troubles staff member An Ungentlemanly Act, filmed on location in was made in particular with the help of Dick Macmillan, Angela Profit, the Falklands which won the Best Single Gay Switchboard, and Gay News. This was a a founder who died at home Drama BAFTA in 1992. In 1996, Peter went moving, positive picture of the prejudices member of the on 21 April 2015, freelance and after a slow start found himself some of the people in his film were seen to profession of aged 71. She happily in demand. His final work was on meet and struggle to overcome. news camera worked for Judge John Deed and the long running CBBC The BBC Film Department was a collection operator and a 37 years as a PA series Dani’s House. of talented men and women from every technophile to the at Pebble Mill, Peter loved his work and the people background, united only by addiction end, died on 7 October aged 92. As Robin spending her later years working for Janet he worked with. This was much in to film. Peter was never a flagwaving Walsh, Northern Ireland news editor for Brooks in Contracts. evidence at his funeral last June when many propagandist, but his indiosyncrasies were much of the 1970s, wrote: ‘Dick was one of In 2001, Angie was given just a year to ex-colleagues from all sides of the camera not always respected by the BBC. He loved the unsung heroes of the Northern Ireland live when she was diagnosed with ovarian joined a packed church in Peaslake. working for the BBC. As a musician, as a Troubles. From August 1969, the local crews cancer. But instead of succumbing to the Peter died following an accident in his charming film editor and director, he led found themselves covering an international disease, she fought on for another 14 years garden whilst felling a tree and he is much a full life. His intimates and colleagues feel news story shoulder-to-shoulder with the and became an ambassador for Macmillan, missed by Rosemary, his wife of 39 years deep sorrow at his passing. battle-hardened outfits from the networks. (whom he met on Dixon of Dock Green), his giving many fundraising talks and teaching Julius Hogben There was much to learn and quickly – when five children and seven grandchildren. Living with Cancer courses. to produce the camera when a riot was Rosemary Chapman Her story also inspired a play. Angela brewing; sensitivity of what to shoot in the appeared briefly on the stage in 2009 in From YIT to deadly aftermath of the bomb and amid the the play, Survivorship: To Cancer and Beyond at harrowing scenes of countless funerals.’ Scottish sound man Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre. Personnel director Dick Macmillan was the quickest of Izzy Lyons, better known to his colleagues Angela said of the disease: ‘Cancer Roger Chase, who died on 23 May, will learners with the steadiest of judgment. He and friends as Ben, was a sound and enriched my life, not destroyed it. I met such be well known to many because of the was no frantic chaser of army and police radio man to his finger tips; a man of amazing people I would never have known in extraordinary length and achievements of vehicles. To avoid media manipulation, he uncompromising broadcasting standards in my previous life and there have been so many his 47-year career and through his loyal would typically wait to see how a situation the best tradition of Lord Reith. wonderful memories in my cancer journey.’ commitment to the BBC and welfare of its developed before lifting the camera. But Born in Glasgow, his overriding passion Angela set herself goals, which she staff. He started at the bottom and rose to the such scruples were often redundant as the was sound and radio, and at an early age he managed to achieve – visiting Venice, to see top, retiring as director of Personnel in 1991. Troubles worsened. built himself his own crystal radio set. her first grandchild born, and to marry her Roger joined in 1944 aged 15 as a Youth- As Jeremy Paxman wrote in his funeral On leaving school, he started work with second husband, John. She also managed to in-Training in London Control Room. After tribute, he and his soundman Brian Willis, JD Cuthbertson where he worked with go on safari in South Africa, to sail down the national service in the Navy, he qualified both of them former RAF aircraftsmen, were radios, gramophones and records. His Nile, cycle across the Golden Gate bridge in as a radio engineer and in 1952, moved the indispensable ground crew imparting technical talents were soon recognised and San Francisco and to become a bridesmaid at to Engineering Personnel. Five years later, street craft to young reporters who were ‘wet he was appointed as radio mechanic for the the age of 61. he became assistant head of Equipment behind the ears’. Among them were Tony firm. Customers saw in him something of She leaves behind her husband John, sons Department, returning to Personnel in 1964 Hail, Gavin Hewitt, Nick Witchell, Lance a miracle fixer, so expert was he in solving Jonathan and Justin, stepsons Michael and and his first major dealings with the unions. Price and James Robbins – as well as his son their problems and restoring their sets to Richard, and six grandchildren. In 1967, Roger transferred to television, Michael, later a BBC foreign correspondent. good health. John Profit negotiated new productivity agreements

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2015 OBITUARIES 09

Dick’s worst day was 31 July 1972 when, challenge the BBC’s central authority over covered the Pope’s historic visit to the UK. en route to an assignment in Londonderry, At the heart of public Bush House. He was unsuccessful. Evidently the Pontiff thought well of him they heard an explosion as they neared the service broadcasting Born in Liverpool in 1949, he was since he was blessed personally by the Pope! village of Claudy. It was the first of three no- educated at Downside. He won a scholarship He covered dog shows, cat shows, the In the late 60s, warning bombs which killed nine people. to Merton College, Oxford where he Festival of Remembrance, Royal weddings, when BBC2 was Dick abandoned his camera to help his achieved a first in history and a B.Phil in political party conferences, and the 40th looking for ideas wife’s cousin, whose eight-year-old daughter African Studies. He then spent two years in anniversary of the D-Day landings, amongst to exploit newly Kathryn suffered injuries which tragically the US on a Harkness Fellowship. other events, all with his customary aplomb. arrived colour proved fatal. Returning home, Prysor-Jones joined the He was nominated for a BAFTA, for directing television, Dick’s was the only possible human magazine West Africa from where he began the live coverage of The Raising of the Mary Rose. Philip Lewis reaction when confronted by people who to contribute to the BBC African Service. He A BBC man to his fingertips, he was recalled his in their shock and anguish wrongly thought was soon offered a contract in the African always proud to work for the Corporation. schooldays the BBC had received a tip-off. Dick son’s Features section. His ease of manner at the He will be sadly missed by all his colleagues, playing snooker Michael said later that this was one of few mic enabled him to interview African heads and especially his loving family, his wife in Wales. When all the balls were potted, occasions when a news cameraman had had of state as well as unexpected guests such as Shirley and children Caroline and John. they would keeping potting the black until to decide what to do on encountering a child Mohammed Ali. the light ran out. So Pot Black was born. It Neil Eccles victim who was a relative. With his wide knowledge of international ran for 17 years and heralded the television In the digital era of 24-hour news, the affairs and range of contacts, Prysor-Jones popularity for the sport. pressure and risks on news camera operators was a natural to present 24 Hours and later Phil had started in television at Alexandra First female head of have never been greater. Dick Macmillan Newshour. He was invariably well-briefed, Palace and then Lime Grove as a technical ranks high among those who made a vital always challenging but courteous with his Radio Sport and OB operator. Moving to Birmingham, he became contribution to their legacy. interviewees and the production team. Pat Morgan, nee a ‘general producer’ and described himself as He had an infectious sense of fun, was a Ewing, who has Brian Walker the luckiest man in the world. natural rebel and loved to test the rules, taking died aged 76, In a typical three-week period in an almost schoolboy pleasure from a fake made headlines September 1963, he produced Circus from Drama Department BBC ID card he had made of a PLO leader, when appointed Great Yarmouth, the final Test match from the much reviled in the US. He would make a as the first female career Oval and Dance Date from the Hammersmith great show of greeting the security guards at head of Radio Mike Jackley, 1st Palais. He had to be jack-of-all-trades and Bush House with this pass and being Sport and Outside assistant director and became master of them all. delighted when they just waved him through. Broadcasts. production manager, The precursor of today’s Strictly Come After leaving the BBC, he set up Television Pat was unmoved by the fuss, believing has died aged 79 Dancing was Come Dancing. Phil was a key player News International with a group of friends. her sex irrelevant; all that mattered was in York Hospital in its development and in 1966, he won a Their stories frequently involved madcap her ability to do the job. She was though, from complications Carl-Alan Award as the person who had done schemes such as trying to buy a Soviet-era aware that men – and she worked in a very following a fall in the most for ballroom dancing. Even more missile, just to see if it was possible. (It wasn’t.) male-dominated world – did often treat glamorous was his production of first Miss UK 2014. He was born in her differently because she was a woman, and then Miss World which became the most Mike Popham Streatham, the son of and she used that brilliantly to forge vital watched programme on television. Nat Jackley, the music relationships with senior colleagues to raise By 1974, he was running a new London hall performer from whom he inherited a Legendary OB producer the department’s profile. wonderful theatricality which he used when department, OB Entertainment & Events. One of OB’s legendary Pat was a no-nonsense manager, with running a studio or film location. The range was huge, from the World’s Strongest producers, Peter Massey terrific organisational skills allied to sound He went to All Hallows boarding school Man, to three Royal weddings. It often sadly died on 16 September judgment, initiative and a sharp sense of in Dorset followed by national service in the involved him in negotiations with the Palace, 2015. Capturing that humour – all attributes noted in her leaving Royal Artillery as a gunner, part of which was and Princess Anne once enquired ‘which did unexpected kiss between report after 12 years in the Women’s Royal spent in Germany. he think she was, an entertainment or an event?’ Prince Charles and Naval Service. He returned to London where he met Phil was impatient with incompetence, Princess Diana on the balcony of Buckingham After leaving the Wrens, Pat worked in and married his wife Marion. He joined the but once someone had proved themselves Palace after their wedding, Peter was for many France before starting her BBC career as an BBC in Scenic Servicing but after a couple and had a good idea, he backed them. One years the BBC’s man at the end of the Mall. administrative assistant at Radio Carlisle. She years transferred to the Drama Department at such idea, Mastermind, became a huge success Born in 1932, a Manxman, educated at then moved to London as an events manager Television Centre where he had an illustrious when it was elevated in a hurry to a prime Manchester University reading English and and after a spell as organiser in Radio Sport career until his retirement. Among his many slot to replace a dodgy comedy half hour. Music, he met the love of his life, Shirley on and OBs, became head of department. productions were: The Six Wives of Henry VIII; Phil left the BBC at the age of 58 after her first day as a fresher. Although she hid it well, Pat was The Love Girl and the Innocent, based on the book 39 years’ service. He became a consultant Beginning his career as a schoolboy basically rather shy. That meant she was by Solzhenitsyn, and Scum, both directed by and a trainer and enjoyed his hobbies of co-presenting a youth magazine with never comfortable in the hurly-burly of the Mike’s great friend Alan Clarke; A Midsummer antique furniture restoration and painting. Judith Chalmers, a move to London became sportsroom, which made some think her Nights Dream, directed by Elijah Moshinsky Phil died on 19 July 2015, aged 87. his stepping stone into Production and aloof and lacking a passion for sport. In fact, and featuring Mike’s dad, Nat Jackley, playing He will be greatly missed by his wife Diana, Outside Broadcasts. she never claimed to be a sports expert. What Snout; Langrishe Go Down, directed by David three children and six grandchildren. Peter was an instinctive and inspirational she did have was an acute understanding of Jones with Jeremy Irons and Judy Dench; Lee Keith Clement television director, always seeming to know what worked and what didn’t in radio. Harvey Oswald – Assassin, directed by Rudolph in advance what would happen next. No Pat, who seemed to spend much of her Cartier; and She Fell Among Thieves, directed by wonder that he directed some of the biggest day drinking black coffee and smoking Clive Donner. World Service presenter live State occasions the BBC broadcast. like a chimney, inspired incredible loyalty Among the great directors he worked Hugh Prysor-Jones was an outstanding One colleague recalls: ‘Peter was such a from those who worked for her. Many with were Mike Apted, Jonathan Miller, presenter of the BBC World Service gentleman and a sensitive mentor. Looking of them attended her funeral at Mortlake Christopher Morahan, John Glenister and, programmes 24 Hours and Newshour in the back, some of us made such naive blunders Crematorium. notably, Harold Pinter who became a great 1980s and 90s who had to retire early and yet it was always Peter who would be Pat left Sport to become controller of friend. Michael also directed a number of because of a debilitating illness. slow to blame and quick to encourage, gently Radio 5, applying her skill and enthusiasm productions including The Diary of Rita Patel He also reported for File on Four and Analysis coaching and advising about the right way to to a difficult task. When the network was and Broken Homes. on Radio 4 and contributed to Newsnight do things.’ revamped as Five Live she retired, and Enormously well liked by all those with and Panorama. As the director of choice when a then, to the surprise of many, married the whom he worked, Mike always kept a sense He combined his journalistic career with Quiz Unit was formed by Bill Wright, legendary Welsh rugby player and former of humour in his dealings with artists, sheep farming in Dorset where he lived with they produced such series as Television Top of BBC executive and presenter Cliff Morgan. directors and crew. his partner, Ingrid. the Form, which Peter took to Hong Kong, They moved to the Isle of Wight and enjoyed He will be sorely missed by his friends Prysor-Jones was passionate about and the legendary Mastermind, which he their years there, making many friends. but desperately missed by his wife, with preserving the integrity of the World Service, eventually produced. Pat was a demanding boss, but I am one whom he enjoyed a marriage of 54 years, so much so that when John Birt, as director- Never far away from the important of many who owe her a great debt for the his daughters, Catherine and Sarah and his general, summarily removed its managing broadcasts which made history, Peter televised encouragement and guidance she gave me. young grandchildren. director, he sought counsel’s opinion on the Pope’s Easter Message regularly and Mike Lewis Peter Hider whether to apply for a judicial review to

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2015 10 OBITUARIES

was one of enormous mutual respect and up to his retirement on his 60th birthday in Influential deep affection. She loved working with Victor 1992. The radio station was garlanded with From secretary Welsh broadcaster on programmes about history, painting, awards, nurtured talent and gained high to presenter music and literature, all subjects close to her audience figures. It was some achievement, Geraint Stanley Jill Stevens (Jill Russell to most BBC heart, as I know from working with them on testament to Bryan’s care for his staff, respect Jones, who died colleagues) died aged 75 on 24 August after five series in the 1970s. for the listeners and his passionate belief in in August at the a three-month bravely fought battle with Barry was a quiet, gentle and rather shy local radio’s role in the community. age of 79, was the cancer. She was one of the first recruits to person, although she had her strong and In retirement, Bryan spent seven years most influential BBC Radio Brighton as secretary to me and stubborn side, as she needed with Victor, as communications officer for the Derby broadcaster in several producers. who’d call her ‘Miss Bright’ when getting Diocese. He was also Chairman of Quarndon Wales during the She became one of the most popular and impatient. I shared an office with them in Parish Council from 1987-2004 and, in last quarter of the respected members of staff. Jill was promoted an eternal triangle of desks where Victor 2008, launched his impressive local history 20th century. As a to station assistant and went on to present and I would be arguing vehemently and book, Quarndon: Then & Now. He was the producer, he cut the mid-morning magazine Coffee Break and he’d sometimes turn to Barry to adjudicate founder-chairman of the Derby Decorative his teeth on the Welsh language daily series the Saturday morning Breakfast Show. between us. & Fine Arts Society and, in 1994, he was Heddiw (Today), before making documentary She showed journalistic potential when She was in some ways an old-fashioned made a Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire. and music programmes for BBC2, where his the station went on the air early to cover a figure, in ‘sensible’ shoes and soft cardigans, He leaves a widow, Liz, a son, Jonathan, eclectic tastes ranged from the entertaining freak snowstorm that paralysed part of the wearing owl-like glasses with thick lenses, daughter, Charlotte and four grandchildren. Poems and Pints, to the co-production of south coast in December 1967. such that she might have passed as a Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, recorded in Owen Bentley Jill had a spell with BBC East and also librarian. In many ways Barry didn’t quite Dresden’s Catholic Cathedral 35 years after provided research for BBC 1’s Nationwide. know what to make of me at first, with the Allied bombing of the city. She was ideally suited to local radio, being my long hair, although she was always Geraint demonstrated his gift for Suez crisis enthusiastic, professional and always ready to encouraging. I think what really broke the diplomacy and his powers of persuasion in go the extra mile. She even found time to turn ice was an incident travelling to work on the correspondent dealing with the East German government her hobby of ballroom dancing into a BBC LP. Underground when I intervened after an It was towards the end at the height of the Cold War. He combined Jill is survived by her husband Roger, son obnoxious businessman pinched her bottom. of the Second World the forces of East German choirs with the Russell and two grandchildren. Barry thanked me profusely, saying, ‘That’s War that Graham BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra in what he David Waine the first time I’ve had a knight in shining Turner joined the claimed to be his proudest moment. armour come to my rescue!’ We never spoke BBC as a Youth-in- Geraint became BBC Wales’s deputy head of the incident again, but I think thereafter Training at the age of of Programmes in 1972, head of Ariel Sailing we had a closer bond between us. 15. His first job was Programmes in 1974 and controller in 1981. In retirement, Barry became somewhat at a transmitter site Club stalwart During a six-year period between January reclusive, but I remember the happier times, in Ramsgate. It is sad to report 1977 and November 1982, he led his when she was passionately committed When the war ended, he moved to the that that Ralph programme teams in building the two to educational broadcasting, making London Recording Unit (LRU) as a trainee Anderson (1926- national radio stations, radio Wales and programmes on her favourite subjects in the sound recordist and began location work. 2015) passed away Radio Cymru, following it by planning the arts and history with her beloved, Victor. Using both static and mobile recording in East Surrey weekly provision of 10 hours a week for the equipment, he was part of the team that Hospital on new S4C channel and then relaunching Giles Oakley covered the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. 17 September at the the BBC Wales TV service without Welsh In 1954, he joined BBC TV News as a age of 89. Ralph was language programmes. Radio Cleveland and recordist/cameraman and correspondent. born in Sunderland In 1985, Geraint was enticed to London His main assignment was to cover the 1956 and after national service in the Army, instead to serve, first as director of public affairs and Radio Derby manager Suez crisis. The following year saw him move of going into traditional Tyne and Teesside then as the first managing director of the Bryan Harris joined to the Film Unit in London where he worked industries, he wisely looked to electronics for BBC’s Nations and Regions. In London he the BBC as a Bush on a wide variety of events including the a future career and joined the BBC in May 1957. was particularly supportive of the English studio manager in funeral of Sir Winston Churchill. At the time of his retirement, he was Regions, which he thought were being 1959 and moved into Graham moved to Manchester in the working on new TV outside broadcast ignored by a London-centric institution. production in 1964, late 50s where he met Joan (Jo), who was equipment with P&ID, an engineering He was loyal to successive directors- when he was secretary to the late Ken Lawson in Design department of which he was a member for general Milne and Checkland in the face of appointed a current Department. They were married in 1960. most of his career. the hostile attitude of chairman Hussey. He affairs producer in As a film recordist, Graham worked on Ralph was a regular sailor at Ariel Sailing deeply distrusted the actions of deputy-DG the Midlands Region. many documentaries including Morning Club (the BBC Dinghy Sailing Club at John Birt and feared for the future of the You get a sense of the in the Streets, a gritty look at Manchester Teddington) in his Enterprise dinghy and BBC should he eventually win the top job. range of subjects he tackled from some of directed by Denis Mitchell in the form of ‘an joined other club members visiting the He was, however, invited back to Wales as the content of his programmes – sex impressionistic style of documentary’. two Regattas run by Salcombe Yacht Club. director of S4C before that happened. education, Nottingham’s public lavatories, the In the late 1960s, Graham was appointed This started an annual pilgrimage to Devon, I was privileged to serve as his deputy prettiest girls in England. to the post of film unit manager in which lasted over 40 years and only ended in Wales for 14 years and knew him as the His Birmingham boss at that time was Jack Manchester, with responsibilities for the three years ago when he was too frail for most caring of men who had one trait rare in Johnston, an irascible Scot, a newsman of the budgeting of resources, for crewing, editing the journey. Ralph and his wife Ruby were broadcasting, that of emotional intelligence. old school, in many senses the polar opposite and post production. He left the BBC in so well known in the town, they were Gareth Price of the cultured and civilised Bryan. But these 1985, as he felt the need, according to sometimes mistaken as locals. two were to be yoked together for more than Graham, ‘to diversify activities’. Ralph and Ruby also enjoyed regular a decade as regional radio was replaced by Graham always had a love for the holidays in Malta, which they liked so much local radio and Jack and Bryan set up and ran Remembering countryside and in particular its waterways. they returned each year. Radio Birmingham, the first BBC service out Living in Marple, he was never far away from Ralph was Commodore of Ariel Sailing Barry Bright of Pebble Mill. a canal. Over the years, he had several narrow Club from 1980 to 1990, and during that The well-liked former Continuing Education In 1980, he was rewarded with his boats and volunteered with the Marple Locks time until it was disbanded in 2007, he was TV production assistant Barry Bright has died, own station, Radio Cleveland, which had a and Heritage Society. He had also been a Chairman of the Association of Thames Valley aged 87. She was extremely helpful and reputation for union militancy. It was a tough volunteer at Lyme Park for 18 years and to Sailing Clubs and he took the helm of the supportive to me as a greenhorn researcher on time but Bryan largely won over his staff and put his marker down for the environment, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Thames my first TV series, The Parkers at Saltram, in 1969. masterminded the move into a sparkling new he even had an interest in a wind farm in the Valley Region. He served on the RYA Council Barry was Victor Poole’s producer’s building. Niceness sometimes pays off! But Lake District. for two terms. assistant in Education from 1964 all the way it was with some relief that three years later Graham died in hospital on 4 October A dedicated volunteer, with the sailing through to their retirement in the 1980s, by he transferred to Radio Derby, a station that 2015 after a short illness, aged 86. He will be clubs of the Thames Valley always a priority, which time her job title had changed to PA. would fit him like a glove. greatly missed by Jo and their two adopted Ralph was a true gentleman; an enterprise Barry came from that generation of There he is remembered as a dapper figure children, Ian and Ann. sailor in Eclipse and highly respected by women in the BBC who were treated almost in a smart suit with matching bow tie and Malcolm Hill members of the clubs he represented. as the personal property of producers, but handkerchief, benignly presiding over a Thanks to Jo for her notes on Graham’s life. Alan Woolford the relationship between Victor and Barry confident and successful station in the decade

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2015 MEMORIES 11

Once mastered, he landed a job in Peter was born in a hillside cottage in the Town Hall. In 1985, Radio Leeds took a Broadcasting engineer Transcription Service and was then promoted the Forest of Dean. When he told his party of listeners on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Alfred ‘Nick’ to vision mixing for Top of the Pops. Vision mixing schoolteacher that he wanted to be a Land, and he delivered live reports back each Nicholas began his in the 1960s was difficult, verging on the journalist, the reply was ‘all you’ll need is a morning and evening. working life at EMI. impossible. There were no computer aids and dirty mac and the ability to hold your beer’. In 1985, he took early retirement, one of The war years found much of the output was live; operation of the After national service in the RAF, he a number of his generation who left at that him working on desks required multiple buttons to be pressed began his career as a penny-a-line freelancer, time and one of the last of those who, pre- radar which utilised in exactly the right order to avoid humiliation going round on his bicycle collecting digital, could single-handedly produce and Cathode Ray Tube on network television. Harry Goodwin village news and the bread and butter of present a live radio show. Peter enjoyed his technology so a (official photographer for TOTP) described rural life. Then for ten years he was a retirement to the full, spending time with his natural progression him as ‘the best vision mixer in the country’. reporter on the Hereford Times where he met family and travelling around the globe. He was into television In 1970, Dickie returned to the Tyne Valley his wife Heather, another reporter was able to immerse himself in his life-long and in 1947, he as a member of the team that established on the paper. Christian faith, which saw him through his joined the BBC. Radio Newcastle, determined to capture a It was The News of the World which propelled last difficult years. His first appointment was in radio at new audience on FM. An eye for publicity Peter into his BBC career. They bought up the Trevor Thewlis Aldermaston followed by a move into was obviously essential for a radio station paper and put a stop to all lineage earnings. television at Alexandra Palace and then to the trying to find its feet. As he had already been doing reports for new premises at Lime Grove. One stunt involved an on-air parachute regional radio and television, he applied Talented head of Once there, Nick started to make a major jump. After an extended training course, for, and got, a job as a news assistant on impact in the developing world of television. Dickie was fitted with a radio mic to Points West in Bristol, within a short time Design Group His dedication and management skills provide a running commentary all the way becoming became industrial and political Clifford Hatts were soon recognised. By 1961, he had been down, later joking the engineers were more correspondent. As a measure of the respect in OBE, or Cliff as given his own patch in EIC film maintenance concerned about the safety of their precious which he was held, he became the first BBC he was known at Ealing. This marked the beginning of his kit than how hard he hit the ground. regional reporter to be awarded a Nuffield to many, sadly long association with the BBC’s Television And then there was the time reporter Foundation bursary, which gave him six passed away in Recording department, and, in particular the Heather Miller came close to being arrested months in Canada. July this year. He film medium, in which he was to become an by Special Branch on a Royal Visit. Outside Peter and I joined Points West at virtually retired from the acknowledged expert. broadcast resources were stretched, so cue the same time and for five happy years, I BBC in 1980, In 1967, after he had moved to the had to be provided off air. There was also worked closely with him and soon realised having had a long BBC Television Centre, he became the a shortage of radio receivers, so Dickie that the warmth of his accent was matched and distinguished assistant head of Television Recording managed to hastily buy one from a local by the warmth of his personality. He was one career with the Corporation as a television with responsibility for Telecine and Film toyshop. The Queen arrived to open the of those people that all who knew him will scenic designer. He received the BBC’s Recording. In this role, Nick steered the Designer of the Year Award in 1959 and a brand new Tyneside Metro system, with BBC remember him with affection and respect. development of film in a direction that BAFTA Award for his work on Quatermass and commentary provided from the platform Peter is survived by his wife Heather, three reflected his high standards and keen the Pit in 1960. Clifford was quoted as saying: by an immaculately dressed lady pressing a children and four grandchildren. Another technical awareness combined with a ‘My success was hung on other people’s pegs.’ small pink plastic pig to her ear. son predeceased him. distinctive innovative flair. Prior to joining the BBC, Clifford was I share with my former Radio Newcastle Gordon Randall Nick’s dedication was exemplified in employed by the Design Research Unit. his commitment to being in attendance at colleagues recollections of a team player, Misha Black offered Clifford the position of the Television Centre every Christmas Day, always willing to help, advise and amuse. designer for the Festival of Britain to work thereby ensuring that a senior staff member Ernie Brown Radio Leeds presenter on the interior of the Dome of Discovery. was always present for the recording of the and producer After a period of working as a freelance Queen’s Speech. Well-known West Peter Byrne sadly designer – a period he described as not When Nick finally retired in 1982, the died in August being a great success – he joined the BBC in then BBC director-general, Alasdair Milne, Country broadcaster 2015 aged 83 1958 as a scenic designer, where he designed recognised his many achievements saying after a long illness. many prestigious drama productions. ‘during the last 15 years, the words Telecine Peter started his In 1974, he became head of Scenic Design and Alf Nicholas have become synonymous’. career as a GPO in the Television Service and a year later he In 1982, Nick retired to Dorset to enjoy engineer and was appointed general manager of Design many happy years with his wife Vera who joined the BBC in Group, a position which encompassed all of predeceased him in 2010. His daughter 1954 in Bristol in the design elements of television studio Elaine and son Philip survive him. the early days of productions such as Scenic Design, Costume Alongside his professional contribution to television. With Design, Make up, Special Effects and Graphics. the BBC as an expert and innovative broadcasting his experience, he Apart from his outstanding career within engineer, Nick will be remembered for his was soon involved the BBC, Clifford was a gifted artist. He was loyalty, sympathetic understanding of the in major outside the president of the Langham Group of Artists problems of others, and his friendliness to broadcasts and worked on the switch from for many years and gave many illuminating colleagues working close to him. 405 to 625 lines. lectures on the lives of eminent artists to Phil Nicholas local art societies. They were delivered in his With his distinctive warm Gloucestershire In 1970, he was attached to the fledgling own inimitable style, great fun. voice, Peter Brown was a prominent and Radio Leeds where he got the local radio bug He also enjoyed music and played the much respected broadcaster in the West and applied for a producer post. He grew Dickie’s pink piano, mainly for his own enjoyment but region from the 1960s into the 1980s. to become a regular and much respected also for family gatherings of which there plastic pig As industrial correspondent covering the presenter. He described his innovative daily were many. His other enjoyment was Richard Pigg, development of the Concorde and the spread sequence ‘Good Afternoon’ as ‘a musical photography; his photographs and movies sometimes known of the motorway network, he had the diversion with good conversation’, and on were a source of great enjoyment among his as Dickie, grew up ability to make the most complicated subject one occasion, included what must have been family and many friends. in rural Hexham readily understood. a radio first – a live yoga session. Clifford had a larger-than-life personality and began his As political correspondent he had two Peter had an engaging manner, a calm and a wonderful ability to hold everyone’s working life at party leaders, Chris Patten and Paddy on-air presence, a confident and smooth attention with the manner in which he Lloyds Bank and Ashdown, on his patch as well as Tony Benn radio voice, was rarely flustered, and never gave his lectures or stories. His life was one then selling cattle in Bristol. He covered every party conference, swore – except on the very rare occasion. of great achievement and enjoyment. Clifford, feed to Yorkshire earning the respect of all, including Harold Once a colleague doing a sound check didn’t your family, friends and colleagues will farmers – jobs, he Wilson and Margaret Thatcher, as well as realise Peter was listening and imitated him all miss you and remember you with freely admitted, that were both tedious and the CBI and TUC, presenting 30-minute reacting on one of those ‘rare occasions.’ great fondness. unsuccessful. Not that his first interview for programmes on each of them. Just for Peter calmly congratulated him on perfectly Bert Wright the BBC (in 1958) went much better. He was good measure, he also presented over capturing his gentle West Country accent. told to go away and only apply again when 20 regional opt outs on a whole variety Peter’s high spot was always presenting he had mastered quadratic equations. of subjects. the Annual Leeds Schools Carol Concert in

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2015 12 THE LAST WORD Didn’t you used to be Can you help? David Butler? Does anybody remember working with election expert David Butler on BBC election programmes between 1950 and 1979? Richard Whitmore? I have been asked by Nuffield College, Oxford, to write a biography of Sir David, Richard Whitmore was a familiar face on television during the who is now 90. I would like to speak to anybody who 1970s and 80s. He surprised many people when he gave up his has interesting recollections of meeting or job as a BBC television newsreader to fulfil a long-held ambition working with David. Please email me on [email protected] or phone 07762 601173. to become a professional actor. Michael Crick

is recently published autobiography, as a freelance. I was employed full time as a while I was there. Working alone at home Barbara or Bernard Sleigh? Didn’t you used to be Richard Whitmore?, staff correspondent between 1964 and 1988, and often wondering where the next job is I am hoping to contact any descendants of recalls his years as a young blade in working for Radio and Television News, coming from is a very different kettle of fish. Barbara Sleigh (both she and her husband the market town of Hitchin, where becoming a regular television newsreader in What prompted you to write David Davis worked on the Children’s Hour Hhe worked as a reporter on the Hertfordshire the 1970s. in the 1940s-60s). an autobiography? Express and ‘trod the boards’ with The Bancroft I am writing a children’s novel that What were the highlights of your The persistence of my dear wife. Instead Players amateur dramatic society, later references a map created by Barbara’s BBC career? of ‘dithering about’ – as she puts it – I heading their successful campaign to build father Bernard Sleigh and hoped someone Apart from news reading, being assigned to should have begun work on it as soon as the town’s Queen Mother Theatre. in the family could help me with cover the murder trial of East End gangsters I left the BBC – and employed her as It was while working as a freelance my research. Ronnie and Reggie Kray in 1969 and being business manager! journalist in the 1960s that Richard found Stephanie Tredinnick the first reporter on the scene in October himself a niche in broadcasting, first on When did you finally retire from Australia 1971 when the Provisional IRA bombed the Radio and then with BBC Television, where the stage (if indeed you have?), Email: [email protected] Post Office Tower. My report is still being he was appointed a staff reporter. After ten and how would you describe shown on YouTube. My most memorable years on the road covering major news your retirement so far? highlight, undoubtedly, was appearing with stories of the day, he became one of the I doubt that I shall ever totally retire. I gave Reunions fellow newsreaders, dressed as sailors, in the regular anchormen on what was then the up big acting roles about five years ago song-and-dance number ‘Nothing like a Dame,’ BBC’s Nine O’clock News. and now limit my work to lectures and Jackanory 50th on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show of presentation jobs that don’t involve having to Jackanory celebrates a landmark anniversary How long did you work for the 1977. Nearly 40 years on, people still stop learn great chunks of dialogue. My greatest on 13 December 2015. Fifty years ago BBC and why, in your mid-50s, me in the street to talk about it! pleasure recently has been making a couple the first programme aired and became did you give it up? Do you stay in touch with any of DVDs called ‘Old Hitchin on Film’ for the a much loved legend of BBC Children’s In all, I worked for the BBC for 50 years former colleagues? local Historical Society. The second one goes programmes. It featured a cavalcade of from 1957 until 2007. Much of this time, Having started my BBC career when on sale at the end of this month. famous actors and illustrators and told at the beginning and end of my career, was Television News was still based at Alexandra Didn’t you used to be Richard Whitmore? countless adored stories over its 30-year Palace, I try never to miss the reunion (ISBN 978-0-9554662-1-2) is published by run. To celebrate this occasion the Children’s Media Foundation is holding a lunches for retired staff who worked there. Mattingley Press. Available from CLASSIFIEDS free ticketed event on Sunday 13 December There is something special about having Eric T. Moore Books, (3-6pm) at Foyles Bookshop (level 6), 107 broadcast from the iconic Studio A, where 24 Bridge Street, Hitchin, Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT. Venice, Giudecca. the world’s first television service was Beautiful apartment in quiet private Herts, SG5 2DF (Tel: Tickets are available from www. launched in 1936. courtyard, sleeps 5, fully equipped. 01462 450497) or order thechildrensmediafoundation.org/ Experience the real Venice. You gave up your BBC career to direct from the publisher events/jackanory-50th-anniversary Tel: 01260 227262 pursue a career in theatre. What (email: oldnewsman The event will feature a panel of actors, Email: [email protected] would you say to anyone else @btinternet.com). illustrators, authors and production who is thinking about ‘jacking it RRP £14.50 personnel including Hannah Gordon, David Portugal. all in’ to follow their dream? +£2.50 for Wood, illustrator Paul Birkbeck, and Frank Traditional country house B&B. Pool; Beware of the loneliness. The one thing I packing and Cottrell Boyce who appeared in front of garden of oranges, olives, vines and figs. UK postage. and behind the camera. There’ll be clips Between World Heritage cities of Evora missed after leaving the BBC newsroom was the daily companionship and the teamwork Cheques payable from the series and we will relive some and Elvas. £45. of the famous books that were read that goes into producing a news programme in advance to Email: [email protected] during its history with some of the Tel: +351 925393701 and which I had probably taken for granted ‘Richard Whitmore’. familiar faces from Jackanory’s past. Menorca. Detached villa sleeps 2-7. Private pool. TO24’s 50th Air conditioned. Close amenities. For WIN anniversary reunion brochure/prices phone 01621 741810, CAPTION competition TO24 course members will be meeting at or visit: www.menorcaholidayvilla.co.uk £10 Wood Norton Hall, Evesham in January 2016 to celebrate the course’s 50th Provence. anniversary. If you were part of TO24 and Modern detached villa. Sleeps 6. Heated have not yet received an invitation we’d pool. Near enchanting mediaeval village. love to hear from you. Please get in touch From £600 per week. Email: [email protected] by emailing [email protected]

Wanted. Light Entertainment 78rpm gramophone record urgently Television reunion wanted: Dominion 78 B 12 (Rebecca The winner of October’s caption Open to all who have worked in and West reading). Good price offered. competition was Richard Robinson, with for Light Entertainment Television. An Jim Palm (Tel: 01722 321908) ‘Are you really sure that’s what you want me opportunity to meet up with former to focus on?’. Thanks also to Terry Smith colleagues. To be held at the BBC Club, Prospero Classifieds, BBC Pension and (‘They were in there I tell you, moving about, Western House, 99 Great Portland Street, Benefits Centre, Broadcasting House, I saw them’), Judith Bruce (‘And if you WA1 1 AA on Wednesday 20 January 2016 Cardiff CF5 2YQ. stand just here you can get it to take a to Prospero by Friday 8 January 2016. Or, from noon onwards. RSVP Tony Newman Please enclose a cheque made payable to: Selfie.’) - and everyone else who sent in an you can email your entry to prospero@bbc. (tel: 07717 682027 or email: BBC Central Directorate. entry. Post your caption to the photograph co.uk, with ‘caption competition 6’ in the [email protected]) Rate: £6 for 20 words. In a covering letter (right), which shows Bebe Daniels and subject line. Please include your BBC or Lesley Begley (email: l.begley2012 please include your pension number. Ben Lyon in Starlight, November 1936, pension number. Good luck! @btinternet.com)

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