The newspaper for BBC pensioners – with highlights from Ariel online

Wolf Hall breaks BBC Two box office records Page 10

APRIL 2015 • Issue 2

New State Remembering Launch of BBC pension Ealing Studios Studios Page 2 Page 6 Page 10

NEWS • MEMORIES • CLASSIFIEDS • YOUR LETTERS • OBITUARIES • CROSPERO 02 BENEFITS Looking ahead to 2016: changes to the State pension system

On 6 April 2016, the State pension system is changing. You might already be getting your State pension, or you might still be a few years away from State pension age. Either way, it’s a good idea Can you spare to know more about what is coming and how the changes might affect you. five minutes? get still depends on your National Insurance Contracting out record. You build up your National Insurance If you were in a salary-related pension record by making National Insurance scheme at work (for example, ‘final salary’ or contributions (these are usually deducted ‘career average’), or you were in any type of from your salary) or getting National pension scheme at work before April 2012, Insurance credits by claiming certain you are likely to have been ‘contracted out’ benefits, such as Child Benefit. of the additional State pension scheme (part Years in which you’ve already worked of the current State pension scheme). Some (and paid National Insurance) and years in stakeholder and personal pension schemes which you got National Insurance credits, were also ‘contracted out’. before April 2016, will still count in the If you’ve been ‘contracted out’ at any time new State pension scheme, as will the years before 6 April 2016, your ‘starting amount’ in which you work (and pay National in the new State pension scheme will include Insurance) or get National Insurance credits a reduction because: in the future (up to a limit). From time to time the Trustees of If you were born before • you’ll have paid National Insurance the BBC Pension Scheme ask you You will normally need a minimum of 10 contributions at a lower rate; or 6 April 1953 (women) or qualifying years on your record to get any State for feedback on the Scheme-related before 6 April 1951 (men) • some of the National Insurance services provided. pension. But you don’t have to have 10 years You will continue to get your State pension contributions you paid were used to If you would like to tell us how in a row – they can be years here and there. based on the current State pension system, contribute to your stakeholder or we’re doing and help us to improve Generally the more years you have, the more even if you defer your State pension until personal pension instead of the our processes then take five minutes to State pension you will get (up to a limit). after 6 April 2016. additional State pension complete the survey on our website The full amount of the new State pension You can learn more about the current A reduction for being ‘contracted out’ also bbc.co.uk/mypension. will be at least £148.40 a week (this is an scheme here: www.gov.uk/mystatepension. exists in the current State pension scheme. If you would prefer a paper copy illustrative figure for 2014-2015). Not You also have the opportunity to ‘top please call us on 029 203 22811. All everyone will get the full amount – it will up’ your retirement income by between £1 Any questions survey questions are optional and your depend on your National Insurance record. answers are confidential. and £25 a week through the State pension If you have any further questions visit You could get less than the full amount The survey will remain open until Top Up scheme. You have an 18-month www.gov.uk or call your local Pension Centre. depending on the number of qualifying 30 June. We will publish the results in window to make a lump sum payment You can find your local Pension Centre’s years you have on your record and the types the October edition of Prospero. (between October 2015 and April 2017) and number at www.gov.uk/find-pension-centre. of contributions you have made. You could the scheme will give you guaranteed extra also get more than the full amount if you income for life. have built up a certain amount of additional Register your interest now by emailing State pension in the current scheme. Go online to find [email protected] Leslie Huss-Smickler The qualifying years you have from before to receive more information when the 6 April 2016 will be used to calculate your out more scheme opens. Or visit ‘starting amount’ in the new State pension has been elected as www.gov.uk/statepensiontopup scheme. This is the least amount you will There are lots of videos about pensions to find out more. at the Department for get provided you have at least 10 qualifying Pensioner Trustee Work and Pension’s years when you reach State pension age. You If you were born on or after new YouTube channel, Leslie Huss-Smickler has been elected 6 April 1953 (women) or on will be able to increase this amount if you PensionTube. Visit as the Pensioner Trustee for the period or after 6 April 1951 (men) get qualifying years after April 2016 up to www.youtube.com/ 6 February 2015 to 31 December 2019. You are part of the new State pension the full amount of the new State pension, or pensiontube scheme. The amount of State pension you up until you reach State pension age.

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. Email: [email protected] Prospero provides a source of news on former Please make sure that any digital pictures you send are colleagues, developments at the BBC and pension scanned at 300 dpi. issues, plus classified adverts. To advertise in Prospero, please see page 12. The next issue of Prospero will appear in June 2015. To view Ariel online, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/ariel. The copy deadline is Friday, 8 May 2015.

PROSPERO APRIL 2015 03

Do you need a NAO: toughest BBC history under helping hand? years ahead the spotlight for DQF In February 2015, the Applications are invited for grants from the Grace The BBC has so far BBC’s official historian, Jean Seaton, published Pinkoes Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund, which exists to exceeded its Delivering Quality First targets but and Traitors: the BBC and help those engaged in broadcasting or an associated it faces ‘significantly the Nation 1970-1987. activity, now or in the past, as well as their children greater challenges’ in the This study of a critical and turbulent and dependants. latter years of the savings period in the history of the BBC takes its title from one of the ‘Dear Bill’ programme, according to a letters in Private Eye, ostensibly written The Trustees, in their discretion, will gym membership, sky digital, high mobile National Audit Office report. by Margaret Thatcher’s husband, Denis, consider giving assistance towards telephone charges or non-essential car costs The public spending watchdog found and fulminating against the BBC as educational costs in small ways, such as then you will be expected to be able to pay that the BBC has made overall savings ‘that nest of Pinkoes and Traitors’. The travelling expenses, school outfits, books for these yourself. of £374m so far, exceeding its target phrase captures one of the many strands and additions to educational awards. Those wishing to apply this year should of £367m by 2013/14. Most of this of anti-BBC feeling at a time when the Other grants can be made in respect of a write for an application form to: was achieved by renegotiating existing corporation was under attack as specific short-term unexpected need, which BBC Pension and Benefits Centre contracts, limiting salary increases and a public service from across the is beyond the means of the beneficiary and Broadcasting House political spectrum. not covered by aid from other sources. Cardiff CF5 2YQ or visit the website reducing the number of more expensive The resource of the Fund is limited. So where you can download an application senior staff. Jean Seaton’s compelling account takes that help can be given where it is most form: www.bbc.co.uk/charityappeals/ The report concluded that this up the BBC story in 1974, at a time of needed, applicants must be prepared to give, about/grants/grace-wyndham-goldie. was good value for money and so national decline and disorder under the in confidence, full information about the Application forms should be returned no far has had only a limited impact on Labour governments of Harold Wilson circumstances supporting their applications. later than 31 July. audience perceptions. and James Callaghan. It culminates in It is important to recognise that the Fund Applicants are considered annually in But the NAO also concluded that 1987, during Thatcher’s energetic and has been established to act as a safety net and September and in no circumstances can future savings ‘involve more significant iconoclastic Conservative premiership, not to fund expensive lifestyle choices. If you continuing help over a number of years and potentially riskier changes to with the forced resignation of Alasdair therefore have expenses such as holidays, be promised. organisational structures and ways Milne as director-general, a convulsive of working’. episode that encapsulated the complex The 48-page report argued that if the and often strained relationship between BBC is not able to make the majority the BBC and the state. of its savings through ‘improved During the intervening years, Britain productivity’, it will risk having to experienced mass unemployment, trade reduce its scope. union strikes, war in Northern Ireland The BBC’s target is to make annual savings of £700m by 2017. and the Falklands, and a fundamental Amyas Morse, head of the National threat to the very existence of its public Audit Office, said: ‘The BBC has taken service broadcaster. a systematic approach to how it can At the same time, the BBC produced achieve future savings, but it needs to memorable and groundbreaking keep the implementation of its plans programmes, from Live Aid and the under review. This will lessen the risk wedding of Charles and Diana, to iconic of the BBC’s having to make further comedy (Fawlty Towers, Blackadder, reductions to scope by, for example, Dad’s Army), drama (The Singing Detective cutting the number of new programmes and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and factual it commissions or acquires.’ programming (Life on Earth). Jean Seaton’s examination of these years pulls no punches. Drawing on previously unseen state and BBC papers, devised and compiled by Jim Palm CROSPERO 184 devised and compiled by Jim Palm as well as a wide range of in-depth interviews, she deftly dissects the stormy

1 Complete the square by using the clues; these apply only to words controversies and the magnificent running across. Then take these words in numerical order and triumphs of an institution that both 2 3 extract the letters indicated by a dot. If your answers are correct, reflects Britain and has helped to these letters will spell out the name of a TV programme. define it. Along with new insights into 4 5 Please send your answers in an envelope marked ‘Crospero’ to The the BBC’s inner workings and frank Editor, Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, Broadcasting acknowledgement of more recent and 6 7 House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ, by 8 May 2015. The winner will receive a £10 voucher. shocking revelations of longstanding 8 sexual abuse, she presents a detailed and CLUES absorbing analysis of an institution at the 1. In that place (5); 2. Contest (4); 3. Green area (4); 4. Fruits (5); 9 10 5. Underground worker (5); 6. Plaster base (5); 7. Somerset village (5); heart of Britain and of the nation’s sense 8. American lizard (3); 9. Vegetable (5); 10. Make a speech (5); of itself. 11 11. Moisture (3); 12. Adhesive (5); 13. Hidden London river (5); ‘This fine history makes Jean Seaton the 14. Mammal (5); 15. Water escape (5); 16. Dairymaids (4); 17. Black (4); country’s top navigator through the BBC practices, 13 12 18. Have faith in (5). its emotional geography and its outputs.’

14 15 Solutions to Crospero 183: Pest; Sober; Eye; Tow; Roe; Woe; One; Nor; Peter Hennessy, Attlee Professor of Contemporary Straw; Mete; Ague; Corruption; Edna; Apex; Vales; Red; Elo; Ire; Tag; Men; History, Queen Mary College, University of London 16 17 Die; Sense; Toes.

18 The Children’s Hour series were Toytown and Nature Parliament. The winner of Crospero 183 was Mrs E Beynon of Haverfordwest.

PROSPERO APRIL 2015 04 LETTERS

As an independent association of former of the BBC, explaining that copies of films A wartime story Lime Grove BBC staff, BBCPA AGMs always provide an are straight telecine transfers without any of Like Nick Jennings, whom I remember, opportunity for members to voice opinions the sort of correction that would take place I spent much of my career working in about the BBC Pension Scheme and how the on a live transmission. It also explained that Film Maintenance (later Film Engineering Association can best help to ensure that our correction was possible but would cost more. Services). If you wanted to be a versatile members’ views are known to the Scheme Although I have not yet been able to check engineer, it was an ideal place to work. You Trustees and within the wider BBC. all of the DVDs completely, I have already had to know about audio tape recorders, Last year, the corporation began to set identified a number of problems. And this both portable and static, sepmag bays, about keeping in touch with former staff raises some questions. While I understand projectors and their power supplies. through its Alumni project, complementing that this can’t be a priority for the BBC, it The biggest problems by far were in our capturing of the past through BBCPA’s seems to me that if the service is offered it dubbing theatres, where you had to have a ‘Memory Bank’ initiative. As with the email should be explained, before taking payment, film projector and several sepmag bays all exchanges of other groups, such efforts all that it is not a quality service. (Those of us I was working in the monitoring service running in absolute synchronism, forwards help to add a personal dimension to the who used to work for the BBC like to think at Caversham Park, Reading, living at the and backwards at up to 4x speed. Each and historic BBC programme archive. of it as a quality organisation! In fact, time Shiplake Hostel, working six days on two every manufacturer had a different solution, All members are invited to the AGM, was when there used to be complaints that days off. and some more than one. The Keller was together with friends and other ex-staff engineers were demanding too high quality.) It happened in 1942 that Tony Abbey, who one of the better systems, using toothed who would like to know more about the After all, a single copy costs many times that was on the same day off as me, decided to rubber belts and electromagnetic clutches. It Association. We don’t limit numbers, unless of a commercially produced copy (one of my visit London for the day to look at bomb consisted of eight transports, of which two we pass the point where there is standing own cost less than £10). damage. We caught the train from Reading were polygonal prism telecines, and the rest room only, so please join us on the day. Second, were, or are, film and VT and arrived late morning. We walked to sepmags. Each transport could be arranged to Friends House has a restaurant open to libraries separate and operating separate Trafalgar Square and went to St Paul’s run either 16mm or 35mm film. The whole visitors and there will also be an opportunity policies re junking/retention? In one case Cathedral. Only part was open because machine, running at 4x speed with 35mm to meet friends for a cup of tea afterwards. where I believed I was ordering a complete of bomb damage. From the whispering modules installed, was a frightening sight! If getting to the AGM is not convenient, programme it turned out that I was only gallery it was closed. There was no workmen The whole thing, including the control our Regional Meetings may suit you better. getting a film insert and not the completed working at the time. desk, was housed in what had been the This year we plan to hold these in Belfast, programme which would have been on Tony decided to explore and somehow dubbing theatre itself, a corner being Birmingham and Leeds; in October as usual. videotape. It would seem an odd decision to we managed to get into the inner skin of partitioned off to serve for voiceovers. The Expect more information in due course, also keep the film and not the VT, when the VT the dome. Workmen had installed double desk itself was a nightmare. It was designed on the website at: www.bbcpa.org.uk would have kept both. It’s a small irony that planking so it was possible to walk around by P&ID, later SCPD, by an engineer with no Hugh Sheppard I have preserved the audio tape of the studio the dome and after walking a few yards we understanding of the principles of sound Chairman BBCPA part of the programme but the BBC hasn’t! In came to where the bomb had entered the engineering. From a zero-level input to fact I have audio tapes of part or all of four dome. It was possible to look through down output, the signal went through 180dB of programmes altogether, video versions of onto the ground floor, somehow or other. amplification, with the corresponding lousy two of which could not be found. With Tony always leading we got into the signal-to-noise consequences. This was Information & Archive Third, one programme preserved on film, chamber under the cross and we took turns because there were, at the time, many old- with less bad picture and sound quality, is to climb into the cross which has metal fashioned engineers in that department, who Contributor Access out of sync after a midway point. I assume rungs inside. held the view that their job was to assemble I am a former producer in the BBC TV Music either the sepmag track had been damaged, The only person who could confirm my kits of in-house equipment, rather than to and Arts Department. or, more likely, there was a reel change and story is Tony Abbey. I hope he is still around. apply their skills to solving the problems It was very pleasing to discover recently the second reel was not synced correctly. The only reason I am telling this story is posed by their customers. Working under one that it is possible to get copies of old Fourth, I would like to know whether the because of the TV programme that was on of them, I nearly got shot for designing a PA programmes from the BBC, because quite a film transfer that was of really bad quality last week. mixer to meet my customer’s needs. I still number that I made pre-dated the advent of was itself badly undertaken or whether it Doug Dunderdale remember a former colleague who designed VHS and the possibility of making copies transferred accurately the quality of the film. a portable mixer for Film Department. It used during transmission or editing playback, or If the latter it would raise a question about in-house equipment and, with 24V worth of recording off air. Also I had a few of my VHS how well the film archive is stored, which Ni-Cd batteries, was a two-man lift. copies stolen during a house move in the 80s. ought to matter to everyone. Churchill in Lime Grove, in those days, was the main I identified eight programmes that I really I have recently been learning to use base for the Current Affairs film crews, and wanted to get copies of. Three were on Final Cut Pro X, and the above prompted 07 Opposition MEMORIES for the assembly of their material. The Smiths videotape and the quality of copy I received me to learn, with the help of online video Remembering Winston Churchill This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Winston Churchill, who died on 24 January 1965 and was buried after Happy New Year! The retired members’ a full State funeral – the only commoner of the 20th century to newsletter is now merged with the I very much enjoyed Prospero Society newsletter and is available be accorded such an honour. It was timely then, that Grahame Yard workshop handled the engineering and was excellent. The other five were on film tutorials, how to apply colour correction to all members via email and to Prospero Whatling submitted to Prospero his memories of the man. Club members via post. With news, puzzles Chartwell offers and suggestions it is a great way to stay in touch with the Club where ever you Mrs Churchill at Chequers There was no broadcasting equipment left at Chartwell, Churchill’s home in Kent, so live and however mobile you are. Do keep We come now to Mrs Churchill, who your letters coming in, and contact the Club greeted us with a ‘Hullo boys’, at Chequers. when he broadcast from there we had to travel with the equipment in a van. Once to be added to the subscriber list. Contact It was her annual Christmas Appeal for the details below. British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF), the van had been unloaded, it went back reading ‘Remembering a charity that had been set up to help blind to base and returned after the transmission Offers maintenance. When the dubbing theatre was and the quality ranged from reasonable to the videos I have received. As a result, people own their own radio set. and playback to Chartwell. The BBC Club website has a host of offers We normally had to keep ourselves Churchill broadcast the first BBC radio available for our members including theatre appeals for funds for the charity on amused but could wander out into the ticket deals, gifts, cooking ideas, articles on Christmas Day, 1929, starting a tradition garden if it was a fine day. There was a series health and therapies and a lot more. Why not of broadcast appeals that continued until of linked, raised fishponds there. As the increase the value of your membership from the 1980s. fish got bigger, they were moved into the the comfort of your own home, library, next size pond. We were told that the fish resource centre, anywhere you can get niece of mine mentioned Winston It was Christmas Day: the weather was came to be fed when Churchill called them. online! Much of the content is members only; Churchill. When I told her that I absolutely terrible. It was snowing and had We found some fish food there and called in order to register you will need a NEW-style knew him, she asked me to share been for some days so that snow was frozen the fish but got no response, so one of BBC Club card which has an eight-digit Winston Churchill’ by my memories. I decided to type into ruts. Fortunately, Chequers was the rebuilt, the workshop moved to what had to poor to atrocious. In one case, besides I can now, in a matter of minutes, make

only other place to have a permanent set of us imitated Churchill’s voice. There came a number on the back starting with 100. To Aup some of the stories for the benefit of my chuckle behind us and there he stood. obtain a new card, call the Club on 0208 broadcasting gear, so we could use a car to family (my younger brother asked for them On another lovely Sunday, a group of get there. 752 6666 or email [email protected] too) – and I wondered if they might also be people had gathered outside. Churchill Events of interest to Prospero’s reader? arrived in his chauffeured car and the group Our events calendar is growing and all clapped him. He asked them if they growing. There are now trips scheduled on Starting out ‘Mr Churchall was would like to come in and he would get a regular basis with lunches and theatre Churchill did not like change so the same his grandson to show them around. trips proving very popular. two outside broadcasting engineers always certain that you In December, members enjoyed a Grahame Whatling in covered his outside broadcasts. The long, memorable day three-course Christmas lunch at Club been the projection room. There was a narrow the picture quality being very poor, the a significant improvement to the picture One of the engineers left the BBC, would appreciate Underneath Chartwell is a cinema. Western House and some West End so I (young and unmarried at the time) Winston Churchill invited some VIPs shopping, with old friends and colleagues was paired up with Bob Ottley, the female company!’ to lunch followed by a showing of (met some new!) and a glance at the other engineer. 12 O’Clock High. Christmas lights in Regents Street and My first visit to Chartwell was That Sunday we had to arrive mid- Oxford Street on the way home! embarrassing because Churchill himself Bob rushed up to morning, unload and send the van away We started 2015 with some interesting opened the door. On arrival we discovered three generations of the Churchill family in party hats, at a until late evening. Come lunchtime we trips including the Poppy Museum in explain who I was, and my presence was were stranded and wondered what we Richmond and New Broadcasting House accepted, but my big boss was told off for bench that had been set up outside, with a model aircraft clamped into a vice, trying to would do for a meal. The uniformed Tour and Lunch at Club Western House in the February edition not informing Churchill beforehand that chauffeur appeared and told us he would January. We also have upcoming trips soundtrack had a hum and buzz throughout, get it going. Winston Churchill called out, passage from there to the control room, quality – not perhaps up to the standard of I would make an appearance! ‘Here come the engineers, they’ll soon get take us into a restaurant in Westerham and planned that include a tour of Royal Albert return later. It was a very grand feeling to Hall, including lunch (February), Madame Downing Street it going.’ I’m afraid I don’t remember whether travel in Mr Churchill’s Rolls Royce. Butterfly and St Martins trip (March), and Churchill had gone to the Cup Final Soon after we returned, one of the we did or not, but aside from that Whitechapel Bell foundry (April).They have but was due to make a broadcast – and secretaries told us that Mr Churchill had been so popular we now only have places nobody knew where he planned to go it has always been one of my most memorable Christmas moments! said that, if we wanted to see the film, for the Royal Albert Hall tour and the after the game. we could creep in after his guests Whitechapel Bell foundry. You may, There is a permanent set of broadcasting Later I had to go back to the car for something and noticed Churchill at an were seated. however, also contact the Club on 0208 equipment at Downing Street, so Bob and Some tea and cake appeared later upper window. Just then an Army despatch 752 6666 to be added onto waiting list in of Prospero. We both I waited there. A fast car was outside with and time passed until it was Atime BBC for lines case new places become available. which contained the echo plate. Care making it virtually unwatchable. In this a BBC transmission, but a vast improvement rider arrived in a terrible state – covered in another set of gear to dash to Chartwell, if the broadcast and playback. wet slush, and the motorbike with badly Lunch for a Fiver at Western House! that was Churchill’s plan. It was very risky, engineer arrived. He was liaison with bent handlebars. The rider stopped at the It is always a pleasure to welcome our retired as the weather was bad and the lines to the Post Office and had tested the lines doorway, handed over his despatch and members to Club Western House. Don’t BH untested. the day before and was present for a waited for reply. forget Lunch for a Fiver! This is an offer for Time went by and we had just decided Grade 1 transmission. Next I saw him ushered indoors, under retired Club members to have a two-course that I should go to Chartwell, leaving Bob at After the broadcast two secretaries, in protest. Later, I asked one of Churchill’s lunch including a hot drink for £5.00, available Downing Street, when someone announced their outdoor clothes, arrived and said, aides what had happened to the despatch every Tuesday from 12 noon to 2.30pm. You that Churchill had just arrived. ‘Mr Churchill says that dinner is laid on rider. He told me that Mr Churchill had can pick up your complimentary copy of the Bob said, ‘I know what to do.’ in the Westerham Arms hotel’, and added, seen his arrival and said, ‘Ring that man’s Radio Times here too. worked in London There were two small rooms to the left of ‘He was certain that you would appreciate was needed. case I already had a VHS copy but the first on what I received. If I, as an 80-year-old Downing Street’s hallway – one was where Commanding Officer and tell him that he Lottery has had an accident and is not leaving here female company!’ we kept out gear, and the other was used The lines engineer was also invited Don’t forget the BBC Club runs its own as a studio. On the other side of the hall until we are satisfied that he is alright.’ lottery with 15 monthly prizes in amounts of Chequers was staffed at that time by and had a car so we were able to send was a toilet. So Bob waited until Churchill £50, £100 and £1,000 plus a quarterly members of the women’s armed services; the van away to be unloaded the next day. entered, and then moved out as though he The restaurant had stayed open for us. jackpot of £10,000. Call the Club on 020 was going to the toilet but stepped back I think it was volunteers from the Women’s 8752 6666. Minimum entry is £5 per month. Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). They cleaned The meal was paid for and, when Bob to let Churchill pass. Sure enough, soon offered to pay for the drinks, he was the driver and the nurse checked him over. Got a question or comment? afterwards someone came and told us that, told that Mrs Churchill had paid for when Churchill was asked where he would The chauffeur straightened the handlebars Email us at [email protected] on his bike. I don’t know how story the drinks”. It was a long but very Radio OBs, and I too do his broadcast, replied, ‘The engineers memorable day! or call 020 8752 6666. The big advantage of the Smiths Yard few minutes suffered from some sort of novice, can do this I would have thought that ended for the despatch rider, but it was a are here. I’ll do it here and go to Chartwell FEBRUARY 2015 memorable Christmas Day. PROSPERO have a vivid memory afterwards.’ What consideration. location was that it was next to the Club! interference on the video image and I hoped a professional could do something as good of covering a late evening broadcast from Frank Wood to get a better copy. In fact my faulty VHS in the time it takes to take film and track Chartwell by Winston Churchill when he copy is vastly better, in spite of having been reels out of the cans and sync them up was Leader of the Opposition. left undisturbed for some 30 years before I on telecine. I don’t see how it can be a matter At the time I was paired with Nogs made a digital copy. of time cost as we pay the same for a half Newman. The gear was rigged in a John Tusa to speak at A very helpful man in the I & A hour as for an hour. Is it a matter of room which housed many of Churchill’s Contributor Access section got a response for equipment not available? paintings, so we had plenty to interest us. BBCPA AGM me to my first complaint about poor quality The colour problems on the DVDs are The microphones were rigged in his study Sir John Tusa will be the guest speaker at the film reproduction, from Odyssey, which I not shot specific but pretty well consistent – it was a Grade 1 outside broadcast, and April AGM of the BBC Pensioners’ Association. now understand is a commercial subsidiary throughout the whole DVD, so correction of that meant two microphones, two sets of This is to be held at Friends Meeting House, one appropriate frame can be applied to the gear and two lines back to BH. After the Euston Road, London on whole video. broadcast, Churchill came to thank us and 16 April 2015 at 2pm. (Opposite Euston main- ...it turned out that I realise the BBC can’t devote too much presented both of us with two cigars, one line and tube stations.) thought to old pensioned off employees, and to smoke and one to keep. I did smoke the As a former Managing Director of World I was only getting I’m very grateful for the opportunity at all smaller one and kept the larger one. I still Service and of The Barbican Arts Centre, John to retrieve these old programmes, but it was have it, but it is showing signs of its age. Tusa’s wealth of public experience began as a intensely disappointing, for someone who We had to carry all the gear through the main presenter of 24 Hours and of Newsnight. a film insert and tried to deliver quality, to see such a poor front door to the van. Churchill had retired His latest book, Pain in the Arts, champions his outcome. We don’t have much in the way of for the night but decided the draught was view that Britain consistently undervalues the not the completed rights in this, but it is still the case that these too much, so he bellowed ‘Shut that b------arts; a standpoint that is interwoven with the productions are the result of our work, and door.’ He’d had enough of us! ongoing debates about the next licence fee or programme... that ought to matter. John Wallis levy and the BBC Royal Charter. David Buckton

PROSPERO APRIL 2015 05

Mob rule It’s the Pitts Does any other person CONTACTS May I start a campaign in Prospero for Paul Jackson’s letter about early TV MOB Rule. newsreaders mentions Valerie Pitts (later have this trouble? Visiting Scheme MOB as in ‘Music Off Button’. Music Lady Solti) and the various programmes I sent an email to Is available to BBC pensioners over 70, disease now infests most programmes she worked on, but omits to say that she the Radio Times those recently bereaved, and anyone in – especially if someone is talking, when was the occasional presenter of South Today, service helpline on poor health. The scheme is a method of producers seem to think that it is essential whose regular presenter, when I was there 21 February 2015 keeping in touch and operates throughout to have an underbubble of irrelevant music. in Southampton in the early sixties, was stating that I had the UK. Visitors are BBC pensioners themselves. If you want to be visited, As a VT Editor I often mixed music into Anthony Muncaster. not received the receive a phone call or meet up somewhere programmes but always took it out either if Paul mentions her marriage to James then edition of mutually convenient call 029 2032 2811. the cfx were important or if someone started Sargeant. I recall Valerie telling a story about Radio Times. The contact is the same if you would like to to speak. Obvious really, that if you put a this. She and her husband went to a grand I received become a visitor. talking head into a programme you want to awards ceremony in a posh London hotel. a reply Queries hear what they have to say. The major-domo on the door recognised her (22 February) For benefit and pension payroll queries, We need a button such as the red button as they approached, and without asking her stating that they call the Service Line on 029 2032 2811 to be made available to enable this music name announced loudly ‘Mr and Mrs Pitts!’. expected a delay or email [email protected] to be turned off. Technically this is not very Valerie approached him and whispered, ‘No, in receiving the Radio Times overseas, but it Prospero difficult. The ultimate stupidity was a natural that’s wrong, it’s Sargeant’. The major-domo should arrive before the programmes start To add or delete a name from the history programme recently where the then roared out ‘As you were! Sergeant and on a Saturday. I drew it to their attention that distribution list, ring the Service Line on 029 2032 2811. Prospero is provided presenter said ‘listen to the amazing call Mrs Pitts!’ it seemed that Radio Times was no longer sent free of charge to retired BBC employees. of this bird’. I would have loved to but the Peter Hill via the Royal Mail as was indicated on the On request, we will also send it to spouses full symphony orchestra gloop drowned it then label! or dependants who want to keep in touch out completely. It followed that it was sent via the Dutch with the BBC. Prospero is also available on Ian Rutter Post Office, which may have explained the audio disc for those with sight impairment. Sheila Tracey delay! I stated that I had visited the Belgian To register, please ring the Service Line. Post Office distribution service here in Alternatively, it is also available online at www.bbc.co.uk/mypension, Roeselare, but they had nothing on premises. under ‘Documents’. And sound levels… I was given information that my BBC Club Many others have made these points, so I know subscription was in order (25 February). The BBC Club in London has a retired I’m wasting my time complaining about sound I duly thanked them for this information category membership costing £30 a year levels because the BBC is always right! (27 February). I sent another email or £39 a year for family membership. Today, listening to Desert Island Discs, it was (27 February) stating that I still have not Pre-1997 life members are not affected. impossible to hear the commentary, unless one received my copy. However, I received the Regional clubs may have different is being deafened by the music. I’m simply fed Radio Times for Week 21/27 February on arrangements. Please call BBC Club up with turning the volume up and down. I This is a picture taken at the TV during rehearsals 2 March 2015, and the next issue London administration office on 020 8752 for the Black and White Minstrel Show. 6666 or email [email protected] have complained about this before! (28 February/6 March 2015) on 6 March Another thing the public has complained 2015 – rendering both issues redundant! Benevolent Fund This is funded by voluntary contributions about is the background music in dramas and Sheila Tracey (whose obituary appeared in I was given information that they could from the BBC and its purpose is to protect trailers. Once, to my amusement, I complained Prospero December 2014) is with George confirm that they are currently investigating the welfare of staff, pensioners and their I was unable to hear the music properly Chisholm. I am the shadowy boom operator. the delivery delays and would contact me families. Grants are made at the discretion because there were voices over. Whoever read it In the shot are Stan Dorfman who was the in due course and also investigate their of the Trustees. They may provide missed the point, and said I wasn’t supposed to designer at the time and Simon the floor despatch method. assistance in cases of unforeseen financial hear the music, so why play it? assistant is leaning against the left hand flat. I bring this matter to your attention hardship, for which help from other sources If you would like another complaint? I hate It may well be Ian Gibb on the camera. as other subscribers may have the same is not available. Telephone: 029 2032 2811. two presenters, as I spend all my time looking Happy days, we did the Minstrels one week experience. I should be grateful if you could Prospero Society at them, looking at each other! and the Billy Cotton Band Show the next week help me and others in this matter in order to Prospero Society is the only section of the BBC Club run by and for retired BBC staff I have spent about 50 years trying to do plus Crackerjack and other theatre shows ascertain the latest position. and their spouses. Its aim is to enable BBC something about some of these points with thrown in. Arthur Lincoln pensioners to meet on a social basis for zero result. But I know I’m right, as I used to Mike Cotton theatre visits, luncheons, coach outings etc. work for the ‘Beeb’ for 35 years or so. The Prospero Society is supported by I’m nearly 80 now, so you will be happy to BBC Club funds so as to make events know that this will simply be the last ever of affordable. if you would like an application my complaints. form please contact: John Dixon Gayner Leach, BBC Club, BC2 B3 Broadcast Centre, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TP Tel: 0208 752 6666 Email: [email protected] Perceptions BBC SHOP discount I found the letters from Alan Muirhead and Get 10% off your order at BBCShop.com Matt Spicer interesting for the memories they Enter code BBC0001 under ‘redeem triggered. History, particularly remembered a promotion code’ at checkout history, is all about perceptions. Alan produced FREE UK Delivery an impressive list of people who were around Orders can also be placed over the phone at that time, and they were also memorable to by calling 01788 821 107 and quoting code BBC0001. me, though often for very different reasons. Maybe it was just me but at the time, I didn’t Terms & Conditions: Discount code BBC0001 entitles BBC pensioners to 10% find the little wax doll particularly effective. off your order at BBCShop.com. Offer is not The weekly programme Matt mentioned valid with any other promotional discount was a general programme of Scottish events or offer and subject to availability. Only one rather than a news programme, though it was discount code can be used per transaction. consumed eventually by News Department in BBC Shop reserves the right to change, an empire building exercise. Its title related amend or discontinue the offer at any time to the current year, in other words Scotland 67 without prior notice. Products are available whilst stocks last. Free delivery to UK only. became Scotland 68 when the calendar changed. Standard BBC Shop Terms & Conditions In terms of staffing, I took over as GPP from apply. Promoter: BBC Worldwide Ltd. Matt for a couple of years then Alan took over Contact (UK) 01788 821107 (charged at from me. He was followed by Donald Munro. basic rate) with any queries. See website So if Alan entered the Falkirk tunnel from one for full Terms & Conditions. end to take over from Matt who was entering BBC PA the tunnel at the other end, the tunnel must For details of how to join the Pensioners’ be longer than I remember. Association, see the panel on the left. Ken Stewart PROSPERO APRIL 2015 06 MEMORIES Ealing Studios remembered Oliver Bayldon, former art director and designer, shares his reminiscences…

n 1902, the original White Lodge building on Ealing Green was purchased for film production, and Ealing Studios were founded. Since Ithat date this site has been in continual use for production. As demand increased, new studios were added in 1931 and straightaway began to produce a regular output of popular films hastened by the introduction of sound. By the 1940s this included such popular classics as Scott of the Antarctic and The Cruel Sea as well as the famous Ealing Comedies. Today this is what most people mean when they talk about classic Ealing films. However by the 1950s the producers had been affected by the growing impact of Pinewood and Elstree and were facing liquidation. In 1955, Ealing Studios were purchased by the BBC. From that date they became the Ealing Film Studios. Ealing Studio 2. heart of BBC filming, editing and dubbing for 40 years. At first the stages were mainly used to to be edited in-house later. These stages were times over the years for anything from serials like Downton Abbey and as a successful shoot film inserts for electronic productions, also essential for many set-ups involving flooded mines to drifting boats in thick fog Film School for aspiring directors and crew. including such regulars as Z Cars, Troubleshooters, complex visual FX. Furthermore, enclosed as in Poldark, not to mention its used when This irony is not lost as we hear that a major Doctor Who, Dickens serials etc, as well as such studios offered security and reliability. drained for lower depths of basements and planning application has just been approved wholly filmed dramas such as The Singing Ironically, as cameras and film stock cellars to multi-storey sets. by Ealing Council, to turn the whole Detective. By the 1960s, to service these ever- improved and monochrome evolved into Meanwhile, as television’s influence Forum/ABC Cinema site into a massive increasing demands, it had recruited and colour, more and more filming moved out grew, cinemas became less profitable. Today housing/shopping scheme with minimal trained many fine cameramen and crews onto location so that exteriors could be shot [in 2014] there is not one single cinema cinema presence! with the famed Tubby Englander as over- on site and not reproduced in TV Centre. remaining in Ealing, despite the borough’s Extracted from an article which first appeared riding influence. Many such trainees later One of the joys of Ealing was its tank, recent rapid growth and an increasing in THE VETERAN, the magazine of the British became independent lighting cameramen, which was used, together with Denham demand. One by one, each cinema was shut Cinema and Television Veterans. moving into big feature films and taking Studios, for several scenes in the great down, converted, or simply demolished. The next issue of Prospero will include their editors with them. 1953 movie The Cruel Sea. Later during its When the last house of make believe Oliver’s stories of location recces and Ealing Studios were an essential part of BBC times, TFS (Television Film Studios) was demolished in 2008, its 1930s neo- filming around the world. Does anyone BBC Television, having none of the set-and- was run as a separate entity within BBC classical façade was saved, propped up in a else have memories of shooting on strike turnover of electronic studios that Television. Tony Cornell was its regular scaffolding frame like an abandoned set. location that they would like to share? operated like a production line. Here, sets designer/consultant helping to keep the But Ealing Studios still exists and Send us your memories using the could be built, lit, and shot out of sequence show running. I used the Ealing tanks several continues to thrive, being used for major TV contact details on page 2. Connie celebrates a century An amazing BBC pensioner celebrated her 100th birthday on 29 November last year.

orn in Leeds, Connie Suffell was a 1pm, they were married at 2pm and she was musician who played with the BBC back on the bandstand by 7pm! Northern Symphony Orchestra in He worked in Africa for Sudanese the 60s and 70s. She started on the Railways. Connie joined him in Khartoum Bpiano at age six but when she was nine she in 1937, where their daughter Diane was was given a half-sized fiddle – she NEVER born, in 1940. She sailed to England, back to called it a violin. Africa, then home again several times during From Thirsk, aged nine, she travelled alone, the war and has vivid memories of the Nile. by train, to Harrogate for lessons, practising in She started playing professionally again an empty carriage on the way home. in 1953 – now with saxophone and Spanish By the age of 12 she was leading (!) a guitar as well as fiddle – in summer season small group of older musicians in Blackpool with stars like Alma Cogan and David Whitfield. and playing in churches, cafes, cinemas, Then came the Liverpool Philharmonic and theatres and competitions nationwide. She then in 1960, the BBC Northern Symphony still has certificates with extraordinary marks Orchestra, playing in the Proms under Reggie – 99 out of 100! Stead and every kind of programme. She started a full-time musical career after Her husband died in 1967 and the finishing school. Photos of her wearing a BBC offered her more work beyond pink taffeta skirt, with a Marcel hairwave, retirement in 1974, but she wanted won many small jobs, in Hull, Leeds, change and sold her beloved fiddle. the Isle of Man and festivals in Blackpool Connie’s an extraordinary woman, lives and Lytham. in her own flat, dresses like a 25-year-old, At one of these engagements she met her still cooks all her own meals, is fiercely future husband, Reg Humm. They married in independent and could talk for England! 1936 – she was playing on the bandstand at James Latham Connie, bottom left. Connie at 100.

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his wife in Caernarvonshire. He excelled foreign language services. He also made Ed Stewart’s at school and went on to study Maths and documentaries on topics ranging from First woman to manage ‘No 1 Pick’ Physics at the University College of North Edward Elgar, the Wall Street Crash, Lloyds of a local station, then on Wales, Bangor, before spending two very London and North Sea Oil. He had a special enjoyable years in the RAF, where he became interest in East-West affairs and produced to Woman’s Hour a pilot officer features on both the CIA and the KGB. His and navigator. commitment, energy and knowledge were a It was by chance that he then joined the great asset to World Service. BBC, leading to a lifelong career in television. Derek had a consuming interest in the Soon after he started in 1954, Stan joined two World Wars. In 1981, he took his an experimental unit in London where he then 81-year-old father back to the area of became the first person in the UK to use a Northern France where he had fought in radio camera. With his airforce background, the trenches during the Great War. Later, to he was chosen to go up in a Gannett to film commemorate the 50th anniversary of the the aeroplane landing on the Ark Royal. D-Day landings, he was asked by WHSmith During these early days in the BBC he to write a book on the subject. worked on shows such as Saturday Night Out, Apart from his BBC work, Derek’s great broadcasting from the summit of Snowdon love was cycling. He cycled all over Europe on one occasion. He filmed Churchill’s funeral and Britain. It was on a trip to Finland by from a helicopter and Princess Margaret’s bike that he met his future wife, Raija, at a wedding from Buckingham Palace. He also midsummer’s dance in Helsinki. Three years Peter Simpson’s BBC career spanned 35 worked on the first series of Doctor Who. He before his retirement he rode from John years in the Gramophone/Music Library, became known as ‘Stan Tele-cine’. O’Groats to Lands End. where he worked in virtually every post and One of the first people I met on joining He became an engineering manager, Shortly after leaving the BBC, Derek and gained an enviable reputation for customer BBC North Region in the 1950s was working almost entirely on outside broadcasts, his family moved to Evesham, then later to service amongst his many ‘clients’. Sandra (Sandy) Chalmers who has died at which enabled him to travel and meet all sorts Broadwell, near Moreton-in-Marsh. Although Peter was born in Vauxhall in 1940 and the age of 74 after a short illness. of people at events held in stadiums, theatres, he gave up cycling, he was a keen walker, moved into his grandmother’s house in As teenagers, she and her elder sister concert halls, chapels and churches. He was doing anything up to 10 to 15 miles when Battersea aged six. His grandmother, and Judith were regular performers with Children’s proud to be the first Welsh speaker on the well into his 70s. Sadly, his last few years then mother, were both caretakers of the Hour, which was to be the launchpad for technical side of the BBC in Cardiff. were blighted by illness. local URC church, where Peter subsequently their highly successful careers. Sandy had He saw enormous changes during his Derek was from a Welsh family and became an Elder. the broadest of smiles, a ready northern wit time in broadcasting; perhaps one of the was always proud of his Welsh heritage. Music was his great love. His musically- and typically she introduced me to almost most significant was the advent of the colour It was appropriate that at his funeral, his associated career began at Novellos, everyone in the canteen. television. Stan was experimental in using coffin was draped in the Welsh flag. He is delivering sheet music to great conductors Sandy stuck to radio – first as senior colours to illuminate audiences during the survived by Raija and their two children, and musicians. Two years later, in 1962, announcer in the north and then, in 1970, early Max Boyce shows. On a number of Karin and Owen. he started at the BBC as a messenger in with the new BBC Radio Manchester and her occasions he was nominated for a BAFTA for Mary Raine the Gram Library, graduating to the Music own daily phone-in. A passionate enthusiast lighting direction, winning one in 1994. Library for Radio 2. Here he was to gain a for ‘community’ radio, there followed a It was no easy decision for him to leave the reputation for being a well-informed and groundbreaking appointment to Stoke-on- BBC, but after almost 35 years, he decided to thorough researcher, finding music for Robin Adams Trent as the first woman in Britain to manage become a freelance lighting director in 1988 several long-running programmes including a local station. The station’s audiences were and discovered new challenges and pleasures. I first worked in studios with Robin Adams Desert Island Discs. As his reputation grew, he among the highest in the country – a fact He worked until he was 70. when he joined TV News at AP in the early was often asked for by name by the many not unnoticed by radio executives in London He is survived and greatly missed by 1960s. He was great to work with and programme producers, who had developed who appointed Sandy as Editor, Woman’s Hour. Gwyneth, his wife of 57 years, who approached everything he undertook with an affection and respect for Peter’s work. She immediately refreshed the output with he met on a BBC treasure hunt, his four drive and enthusiasm. I remember once When Peter retired in 1997, Ed Stewart a down-to-earth touch, including hitherto children, Rhian, Bethan, Dilwyn and Iwan, having to persuade him not to take perfectly wrote a tribute in Ariel: ‘…Peter Simpson ‘taboo’ health issues. 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. serviceable equipment apart just for the fun was the one we turned to for an instant And she created It’s Your World, an Rhian James of it! However, his enthusiasm extended well record withdrawal…. We got the records but international phone-in series which beyond the workplace and several of us had he got into trouble for skipping bureaucracy.’ combined World Service and Radio 4 cause to be grateful for his help with DIY, or Poor Peter! audiences as they questioned people like fixing cars. Outside the BBC, his many interests World Service Margaret Thatcher and King Hussein. All new His technical abilities were soon included steam railways, trams, local territory for Radio 4. recognised and he was seconded to P.I.D. history, concerts, theatre groups including documentary maker Thinking ‘outside the box’ was always a to assist in equipping the new studios at TC Wimbledon Theatre, The Music Museum, Chalmers strength, and when BBC network Spur, ready for TV News to move in 1969. and the Harry Roy Appreciation Society. radio in the late 80s was facing tough It must have been during this time that he Peter met his wife-to-be Beryl late in life, competition it was Sandy, now in charge cultivated excellent contacts with other and they were married in 2011. Sadly, Peter of publicity, who launched her next big departments, including Designs Department had been previously diagnosed with cancer, initiative, Radio Goes to Town. This touring and Technical Investigations Department, all and he died in October last year. radio festival went to 40 cities in the of which were very valuable to TV News in Peter was a quiet, modest man but his UK, taking shows from all the networks the ensuing years. impact will never be forgotten: he will be to audiences who had never previously Later, as the result of yet another BBC very much missed. seen them. She also persuaded the DG to re-organisation, he became Manager Base Beryl Simpson & John Sykes surrender the basement of BH and create the Operations (TV News), a post he held first ever BBC visitor centre; it was opened by for several years. He then left the BBC to the Queen in 1997. pursue a very successful career in the wider On leaving the BBC Sandy worked broadcasting industry with companies Stan Tele-cine tirelessly for the older generation; first as such as ‘Basys’ and later Drake Electronics, Director of Communications with Help Stanley (Stan) eventually being based in Denver for the Aged and then as a peripatetic trainer – Jones, who Derek Blizard, for many years a journalist several years. generously handing over her skills to those worked in the and documentary maker in World Service, With gradually failing health he finally who need help to use and understand BBC for has died aged 84. settled in the Philippines where he lived in the media. 34 years, has After National Service and Oxford (where quiet retirement until dying on Sunday, 8 Sandy is survived by son Richard, died aged 84. he got a degree in Russian and French), February, shortly before his 70th birthday. daughter Becky and five adored Stan was one Derek joined the BBC early in his adult life. His funeral was held in the Philippines, grandchildren – Emma, Freya, Kate, Daniel of eight children In Central Talks and Features, Derek wrote which was his wish. and Olly. born to a slate scripts on a wide range of subjects, cultural, Another good friend and colleague gone. Michael Barton quarryman and social and political, for use by the BBC’s Ken Oxley

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Grange Hill, he was both an educator and she served on the Executive Committee for HNPC who used tact Pianist who brought a inspiration in providing music that the many years. and tenacity to ensure new modern sound to audience appreciated and which suited the In 1977 she met the then Dean of style and mood of the programmes. Salisbury Cathedral, Dr Sydney Evans, who the regional voice BBC Radio His advice influenced my programmes was looking for designers for the Cathedral. was heard even when music was specially composed. The Sarum Group was formed a year later, To say that he influenced television output is and commissions kept coming, not only for John Ecclestone MBE, former Head of not, in my view, an understatement. all frontals, copes, vestments and kneelers for Manchester Network Production Centre, It was very sad to see the end of the Salisbury Cathedral, but for cathedrals and has died at the age of 83 after a long illness Libraries at the BBC as they were a way of churches throughout the United Kingdom which he bore with great courage. keeping the audience in touch with what and USA. John started his BBC career as a studio was current in music but, to me, were President of the West Country Embroiders manager in Birmingham in 1955. He later also an education in what, musically, was for many years, she was also president of moved to Television Centre where he spent both new and old, classical and popular. the Salisbury branch of the Embroiders’ five years as head of forward planning, The knowledge that resided in all those Shield, a member of the Kiscombe Group working closely with the formidable Bryan Libraries, and more especially in the people and Machine Embroidery Group which still ‘Ginger’ Cowgill, controller of BBC1. In who worked in them, provided a richness meets at Sarum College. 1977 he was appointed Head of Manchester that ended in greater audience satisfaction; a In 2011 she produced a series of panels Network Production Centre. quality that lay beyond what was ultimately for Amnesty International on the theme of John was HNPC at a time when the an accounting view. It was also part of what Prisoners of Conscience to celebrate the 50th playing field on which network TV and we were trying to do for the audiences in Anniversary of Amnesty. These were displayed Radio commissions were won and lost that great tradition of programme making in Salisbury Cathedral. was firmly tilted southwards. It required that we all thought at the time as being She was awarded an MBE and met Queen part of the foundation of public service Elizabeth II. an extraordinary mix of tact and tenacity I was saddened to hear of the death of pianist broadcasting. I would often get letters asking Norma Gilbert to ensure the regional voice was heard Peter Martin on 31 January 2015 at the age about certain pieces that Richard would have above the clamour of competition from of 93. departments who shared the rarefied air I suppose his BBC staff status was rather suggested and thanks to him it added much with London-based commissioners. In tenuous, for he was with us only for slightly to audience satisfaction. such circumstances, John’s professional less than five years – but in that time he Now, in a different world, you can see The secretary who and personal character and experience fitted made a musical impact that I have no doubt or rather hear the results of not having the started at the top of the bill perfectly. In the best sense of the many will recall with pleasure. creation of a mood for a programme that phrase, he was a non-playing captain who Peter was appointed the resident makes a difference. True, there are excellent the BBC and worked backed to the hilt his team of television conductor, pianist and arranger for the TV composers but in a world where money her way down programme heads such as Roger Laughton BBC West of England Players in September and accountants rule, television music is and Nick Hunter. 1960 and remained with them until the not regarded in the same way, neither is orchestra was disbanded in May 1965. His that knowledge that can help make all the appointment proved hugely popular both difference to a programme. with the players and its audience, it being Richard was an unassuming person who said that he brought a new modern sound definitely made a contribution like many to BBC Radio and calculated that it of his generation to the golden age of BBC brought them more airtime than any other Television quietly and without glorification. regional orchestra. Richard Pope died of pneumonia at the In addition to those broadcasts he beginning of March 2015 age 63. was regularly invited to conduct and Albert Barber perform with the BBC Midland Light Orchestra and London’s BBC Radio Orchestra, including occasions at the Royal Talented costume Festival Hall for Radio Two’s annual Festival of Light Music. designer and Radio, under David Hatch and later Michael Peter was born in Wandsworth, Green, produced over 1,000 hours of high south-west London, in January 1922 and, embroiderer quality programmes a year. File on 4 was showing a remarkably early interest in music, Jane Scrase-Dickins, as she then was, came launched during John’s time as HNPC and it was recognised and nurtured. He went to BBC Television as one of the costume is still going strong today from Salford. John on to study at the Royal Academy of Music designers taken on in the fifties from Nancy Thomas, who worked for over also lent his support to the augmentation under Harold Craxton, who referred to him Sadlers Wells. 30 years for the BBC and Open University, of the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra as ‘The Boy with the Racing Car Hands’ due She worked on ballet production and died in January, aged 96. in 1982 and its change of name to the BBC to the speed he could cover the keyboard. drama. She remembered especially one Nancy’s varied career started when she left Philharmonic, transforming what had been After his sojourn with the BBC he went on of the first drama series, Children of the New a secretarial course at 18 and immediately seen by many as a provincial orchestra into to conduct and perform in many West End Forest, produced by Naomi Capon, with a got a job as the secretary and PA to Kenneth an orchestra of world class standing. London shows including Charley Girl, Anne of cast of extras who had to be dressed as both Clark (then the Director of the National On retirement from the BBC, John threw Green Gables and Jesus Christ Superstar. There was Roundheads and Cavaliers! Gallery, later Lord Clark of Civilisation fame). himself into a new activity which linked also film work, including John Boorman’s ‘This meant,’ Jane remembered, ‘we From him she acquired her tremendous back to his early work in radio: working Where the Heart Is and TV work with Griff Rhys dressed them basically as Roundheads, knowledge and understanding of art and with the National Trust to oversee its audio Jones, Martin Clunes and Les Dawson. then in Cavalier scenes put on a wig, plus a culture, which she continued to add to archive and undertake new recordings. Peter married in 1942 and his Cavalier hat and cloak.’ throughout her life. He was awarded the MBE for services to wife, Mary passed away in 2004. To The dresser was Joe, a real character. At one Nancy had a remarkably active war. She Heritage in 2011. their five children and their many grand point, she heard Joe say: ‘If Miss Dickins says served with the Foreign Office in Paris John was a lifelong supporter of and great-grandchildren, we express our you’re going to be a Roundhead [shoving the just before occupation, and then in Egypt Manchester City football club. That he deepest sympathy. helmet on the extra’s head], you’re going to and Italy where she worked for some time lived long enough to see them win the Brian Willey be a bloody Roundhead.’ But what he forgot supporting Yugoslav partisans. Premier League – a prospect bordering to do was remove the Cavalier wig! Nancy joined the BBC in 1947, as assistant on fantasy to those of his colleagues who Jane stayed with BBC Television for eight secretary to the director-general Sir William supported Manchester United – gave him years. Then in 1982 she married Geoffrey Haley; starting, as she used to say, ‘at the top enormous satisfaction. Richard Pope Lemon, a Salisbury solicitor, and home was of the BBC and working her way down’. John leaves a wife, Daphne, three I knew Richard for much of my time at the in a nearby village, Steeple Langford. She moved onto programme scheduling children (Peter, Ian and Jane), and BBC through my visits to the Gramophone Joining the Women’s Institute, Jane began and then, in 1955, she began producing ten grandchildren. Library at BBC Television Centre. From Play giving talks and leading workshops. This led programmes such as Zoo Quest, Animal Vegetable Roger Dowling School through to my time as producer of her to joining the Embroiders’ Guild, where Mineral and Panorama, and she helped initiate

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The Sky at Night. 1959 found Nancy in at the In those far-off days, the network boasted some very profound poetry. She was devoted beginning of Monitor, working alongside drama, music – from Pop Club to the to her family and after her father’s death, Huw Weldon and directing programmes on Proms, comedy and sport, as well as cared lovingly for her mother and brother, Henry Moore, Jean Renoir and Andy Warhol, round the clock world news and current both of whom predeceased her. among many others. affairs coverage. Bob was a demanding Claire was an exceptional person, a Monitor ended in 1965 and Nancy followed editor, insisting that the audience of many ‘one-off’ from a gentler world where other her passion for promoting learning by millions benefit from the highest standards. people were always put first. One of the making programmes firstly in the Further Not all the heads of output departments many tributes read at her funeral summed Education Department and then, from 1973, particularly enjoyed planning meetings her up perfectly: ‘The greatest ‘lady’ I have as the Senior Producer for the Arts Faculty where they had to pitch offerings to Bob ever known who spent her whole life of the Open University. To her delight, she and his team (‘Define for us the Unique looking after, loving and supporting others. received an honorary degree when she left. Selling Point for this series…’). Her generosity in spirit, love and gifts were a BBC Club Is on the move! On ‘retiring’, Nancy maintained a very World Service, which thrived as lesson to us all.’ The BBC Club Hub has moved location! active lifestyle, helping to run an educational audiences grew, survived an overall but And so they were: she will be greatly missed. Our NEW address is BBC Club Hub, BC2, film production company and a local maladroit reorganisation at Bush House Dorothy May B3, Broadcast Centre, 201 Wood Lane, language education centre, travelling and and was enhanced when the African and London W12 7TP. Our telephone number playing tennis into her mid-80s. Confined European English broadcasts came under remains 020 8752 6666 and the email to her central London flat in the last few its aegis. In 1973 Bob became Controller address is still [email protected] years, she still shared with her devoted Overseas Services. His World Service farewell colleagues, carers and family the wry wit, party was marked by the presentation of Prospero Society AGM encouragement for learning and steely advice a gift from his staff of an engraved silver that were the hallmarks of her life. salver bearing the legend Si Monumentum The BBC Club Prospero Society is holding We are organising a celebration Requiris, Circumaudi. With Alexander Lieven as its annual AGM at 11am on Tuesday 21 April. If you are a member, or are of Nancy’s life later in the year. Please European Controller and Gerry Mansell as interested in joining the Prospero Society, contact [email protected] Managing Director, External Services had a please come and join us. Why not stay if you are interested in knowing more strong team. Various FCO attempts to close afterwards and take advantage of Lunch for about the event. or reduce services were successfully resisted. a Fiver at Western House which is available Her family Working for and with Bob was always every Tuesday for retired Club members? stimulating, if at times exhausting. A colleague remarked that maybe he was ‘the last of the Reithians’. He snorted Offers GOS head and last of dismissively but perhaps he was really Our website has a host of offers available the Reithians? rather pleased. for our members including theatre ticket Chris Bell & Maureen Bebb deals, gifts, cooking ideas, articles on Bob Gregson died in January 2015 aged 93. health and therapies and a lot more. He was a dominating and admired figure Much of the content is members-only; in when the External Services were based in order to register you will need a NEW-style Bush House. Selfless lady of BBC Club card which has an eight-digit After wartime service in the Royal number on the back starting with 100. To Armoured Corps, reaching the rank of Acting Staff Records obtain a new card, call the Club on 0208 752 6666 or email [email protected] Major by 1945, Bob returned to Liverpool Claire Todd’s many friends and former University, gaining a first in Classics. He colleagues were very saddened to hear joined the BBC in Manchester as a Talks of her death on 9 December 2014 Events Producer, where he met his wife Joyce, and at the age of 71. What an amazing list of events we have in was one of the earliest producers of Gardeners’ Claire was born into a BBC family, 2015! We have a Thames River Cruise with Question Time. her parents Kenneth and Eleanor having Costume designer lunch planned for June, and a visit to the Then he moved to London, to the Talks met in the BBC. Her father went on to tranquillity of Little Venice. For Prospero and Features Department of the Overseas become a much-respected Head of External best known for Society members we are also planning a Service, which originated output for the Programme Operations. Claire followed the ‘Emmapeelers’ holiday – more details will be discussed at English General Overseas Service (GOS). family tradition when she joined the BBC in the Prospero Society AGM. Rapid promotion followed and he became 1973 to work in Staff Records at Bush House, Alun Hughes, former television costume Head of GOS in 1958 (rechristened World Prospero Society membership is growing where she stayed for most of her career. She designer, passed away after a very long as the advantages of an extended range of Service in 1968). He was to remain its head became indispensable to personnel officers, illness in a Wrexham nursing home on activities and subsidised prices are realised. for 15 years and transform it from a service her attention to detail ensuring that vital 12 January 2015, aged 74. To join only costs £10 per year and the aimed at those overseas who thought of dates and information concerning staff He was best known for his work on The Society is a great way to meet up with London and the UK as ‘home’, to a service careers were not missed. Avengers series for ITV, especially for the friends old and new! For details or to join, for anyone the world over who could She was later much in demand in project daring costumes worn by Diana Rigg as her contact the Club. understand English. management roles before retiring finally in character Emma Peel (the outfits became 2001. Her organisational and administrative known as Emmapeelers). Newsletter skills were equally valued after she retired Alun also designed stage costumes for and took on various causes, working Annie Lennox of The Eurythmics. The quarterly retired members’ newsletter is tirelessly in assisting her local MP, council He join the BBC Costume Department in now available to read or download on our and community in Haywards Heath. the mid-1970s, where he worked on many website. Visit: www.bbcclub.com/ Outside work, Claire revealed a very broad programmes, from episodes of Doctor Who to connect/prospero/newsletters cultural hinterland with a particular love the comedy series Tucker’s Luck and notably of music and the arts. She sang regularly in with director Jonathan Miller on a number Lottery the BBC Club Choir and concerts were often of Shakespeare productions, including Antony Always popular with our retired members, followed by a supper hosted by her Uncle and Cleopatra, The Tempest and Twelfth Night. Alun the BBC Club runs its own lottery with Norman in his beloved Carlton Club! also designed the costumes for an in-house 15 monthly prizes in amounts of £50, She had a very wide circle of friends from production of Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte. £100 and £1,000 plus a quarterly all walks of life and had the ability to make A talented and well-liked and respected jackpot of £10,000! each one of us feel special. Claire was kind, designer, he had a wonderful sense of Call the Club on 020 8752 6666. Minimum generous and gracious and always carried an humour and was known to be fun to work entry is £5 per month. air of rather ‘old-fashioned’ gentility, often with. An assistant said that Alun once gave belied by her great sense of fun, infectious her good advice – ‘Big smiles and friendly laughter and a very up-to-date, sharply words to all and when you need help Got a question or comment? observant wit! everyone is your friend.’ Email us at [email protected] She was also a deep thinker who wrote John Peacock or call 020 8752 6666.

PROSPERO APRIL 2015 10 BACK AT THE BBC Wolf Hall a winner Wolf Hall, starring Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis, has been named BBC Two’s highest-rated drama series since 2002.

he adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall had a marginally stronger start – novels about the Tudors had a 3.9m viewers watched Rylance’s depiction consolidated average audience of of ambitious Thomas Cromwell in the 4.4 million viewers and 15.8% curtain raiser. The drama charts his rise from Tshare across the six episodes, the highest blacksmith to close adviser to King Henry VIII, since the current measurement system began played by Lewis. 13 years ago. Wolf Hall director Peter Kominsky says: It’s BBC Two’s highest-rated drama since ‘I grew up in a three-channel era when you the adaptation of Sarah Waters’ Tipping The Velvet really could say that a significant proportion in 2002, which also had 4.4m viewers. of the population was simultaneously The channel’s other big dramas are: season watching the latest TV drama. It’s therefore one of The Fall starring Gillian Anderson and such a thrill to learn today that Wolf Hall has Jamie Dornan with 4.3m viewers in 2013; broken BBC Two’s own ‘box office record’. season one of Line of Duty with 4.1m in 2012; ‘Many millions of people made the choice and historical drama Rome starring Kevin to watch a difficult, challenging, highly McKidd and Ray Stevenson, which drew in political drama that only the BBC could an average of 4m viewers in 2005. make. I think that bodes well for the future.’ Banished also started strongly for BBC Kim Shillinglaw, controller of BBC Two, Two. The Jimmy McGovern drama series added: ‘Enabling programme makers to telling the story of the first British convicts produce their very best, most authored work transported to Australia kicked off with 3.4m is exactly what I want BBC Two to do and I’m viewers. That makes it one of BBC Two’s top delighted that the Wolf Hall team achieved it drama launches since 2002. so magnificently.’ BBC creates programme-making division The BBC is creating a new programme-making division as it takes its first steps towards transforming in-house production.

Stronger voice The DG saw a continuing role for channels Responding to the culture, media and sport offering the right mix of content, but select committee report on the future of said the BBC would step up its the BBC, the director-general said he was personalisation plans. ‘heartened’ by the report’s support for a 2015 would see it deliver individual ten-year charter, which he believed was BBC apps to audiences, introduce personal crucial to the BBC’s independence. And he recommendations on iPlayer and begin said the universal broadcasting levy espoused tailored notifications of when a new series by the committee shared the goals of the or match will begin. BC Studios will remain part Beyond this, the BBC hopes to make BBC BBC’s own proposal for a licence fee updated ‘I don’t think anyone in the market has of the public service BBC, Studios a wholly-owned BBC subsidiary. But to take account of online viewing. cracked recommendations,’ he said. ‘The but will operate separately it would need government and BBC Trust He admitted that the internet age was potential is huge... this is the start of a from the channel teams and approval to remove production quotas and a challenge for the BBC, but Hall believed real transformation.’ Bcommissioners in BBC Television. move towards a commercial model, with BBC the case for the organisation’s future was But it would be done in the BBC Staff working on anything from Strictly programme makers able to compete for BBC ‘stronger now than it was 12 years ago’ way, with no commercial gain to be to EastEnders will join the new group, and other commissions alongside the indies. when he left the BBC last time round. gotten, only an enhanced experience which will have its own leader who will ‘I want BBC production to play a great Its mission was to make ‘great British for the audience. report to the director-general and sit on part in this new golden age of broadcasting,’ programmes’ and be ‘a trusted guide for He also hailed the role of the BBC and the executive team. said Tony Hall. ‘This is important. We want everyone’ at a time when ‘American media its reputation around the world, saying BBC Studios will not include Children’s to get it right. We will get it right. And we’ll giants colonise the world’ and where it’s it was a ‘huge part’ of why the UK was a and Sport, which will remain in BBC take our time to ensure we do just that.’ ‘easy to find information but harder to know ‘cultural superpower’. North, while Current Affairs programme He reiterated the importance of whether to trust it’. ‘But if we want a BBC that’s even making will sit within BBC News. production to the BBC. better in the future, we will need to The plans – first mooted by the ‘We have been; we are; we always will We recommend... take far-sighted decisions now so we director-general last July – are expected to be a great programme maker. We will never And with more and more content going don’t inadvertently let the BBC wither,’ take between six and 12 months to come simply be a publisher broadcaster – that behind pay-walls, the BBC would continue to he argued. to fruition, with director of TV Danny would be to deny our essence.’ ‘make sure everyone has a front row seat for Cohen to continue to oversee production the best programmes’. until then.

PROSPERO APRIL 2015 MEMORIES 11 BBC slices £33m An end to ENPS ENPS, the news management system used by BBC journalists off talent bill to put and keep BBC news on air, is to be phased out. The BBC is spending £33m a year less on talent than it did five or six years ago, with the cost of

Chris Evans is thought to be among the highest earners taking a the BBC’s highest paid stars. £20m tumble.

A new BBC Trust review reveals that the BBC Better deals The system – which carries newsfeeds and paid £188m to 48,000 actors, presenters, The analysts also detected a ‘change of BBCPA booklet alerts to the desktop, sends scripts to the musicians and extras in 2013-14 compared culture and procedures’ when it came to prompter, ‘speaks’ to the BBC’s audio and to £221m in 2008-09 – a 15% reduction dealing with talent, with ‘vast improvement’ video systems and schedules the playout that the reviewers called a ‘significant noted in the way talent pay was handled. of programmes and reports – has been in achievement’. ‘Scrutiny of talent deals is now the use at the BBC since the 1990s. It will be Of this sum, £49.9m was paid to ‘top norm and there is an acceptance that the replaced by Annova’s OpenMedia. talent’ (those paid more than £100k), disciplined, structured and consistent The German company’s off-the-shelf where £70.7m had gone five years before, approach has led to better informed system, which is already the choice of a amounting to a 29% reduction. negotiations, a better understanding of the number of leading European broadcasters, This includes a £13m drop in spending BBC’s bargaining position, and better value The BBC Pensioners’ Association has is expected to save the BBC more than £4m on the biggest names; £4.2m went to those for licence fee payers,’ the review stated. recently published ‘Leaving the BBC’, the a year when it is fully rolled out. individuals collecting between £1m and It did see room for improvement, third of its booklets about life working for Design and testing of the system will £5m from the BBC – down from £17.2m. however, calling for more detailed the corporation. Copies are sent free to take place over the next 18 months, with its This review, conducted by Oliver & documentation of audience research relating Association members and all those joining. roll-out scheduled to begin in early 2017. Ohlbaum, put the successful reduction to talent and industry benchmarking to Previous booklets were ‘Joining the BBC’ OpenMedia is designed for the modern down to a number of factors: some stars had make it easier for those authorising deals and ‘Triumphs and Disasters’. Nicholas newsroom, working on laptops, tablets left, others took pay cuts, talent was asked to reach decisions. Whines, the Association Membership and mobiles as well as in the studio, and Secretary, who edited the booklets to do more for their money and the BBC The report also called for more complete promises easy sharing and searching of comments: ‘Pinkoes and Traitors takes us on a was striking a better deal – all without any monitoring of all types of on-air diversity rollercoaster ride through the 70s and 80s content across all platforms. impact on the quality of output. – something, it said, the BBC is already (see page 3). The BBC also made fewer hours of working to address. Future proof ‘It’s a thrilling read and should provide a output in-house, particularly in genres When it came to nurturing the stars of the great stimulus for Prospero readers to write up It is also able to integrate with which typically have higher talent costs, future, the report said the BBC took a ‘largely their accounts of working for the BBC existing IT and production systems and such as entertainment. informal approach’ that relied on giving during this period. More than ever I am offers the flexibility to evolve to meet ‘We found that the BBC is now better at them opportunities to learn their craft on the convinced of the need for a grassroots future requirements. leveraging its buyer power and uses its strong BBC’s ‘nursery slopes’. account of BBC history. The Pensioner ‘When the contract for ENPS was signed bargaining position as a place where talent This kind of opportunity could start even Association Memory Bank remains open in 1996, few people in the BBC had email, wants to work,’ added O&O, judging that earlier if BBC Three moved online, it argued, for contributions wherever you worked the internet was relatively new and social the corporation had responded well to the adding that the corporation might need or whatever you did. We look forward to media didn’t exist,’ said James Harding, demands made by the trust five years ago to to monitor the effect the closure of the TV hearing from you.’ director of news and current affairs. cut the cost of top talent. channel might have on developing talent in BBCPA, PO BOX 230, Alton, Hampshire ‘ENPS has served us well, but that longer-form roles. GU34 9AR contract is coming to an end and we need to ensure that we can put in place a system to support the way we work now and in the future.’ ENPS is currently used by thousands of World Service cuts back on medium wave broadcasts staff at more than 100 BBC sites in the UK and overseas to produce television, radio Some parts of the Mediterranean will no longer be able to listen to English output on the and interactive news and sport content in World Service through their radios. English and around 30 other languages. ENPS has been at the heart of BBC English language broadcasts via medium to its budget in 2011 as part of ‘Decline and growth’ newsrooms for nearly 20 years. wave will cease in Israel, much of the government’s spending review, it Meanwhile, a report into the Future of Its provider, Associated Press, was in Lebanon, Cyprus and southern Turkey ceased direct broadcasts to Russia and News, commissioned by the BBC, found the running for the new contract. It was on 25 April. central Europe. that the World Service ‘faces a choice one of four shortlisted bidders that took The decision is partly financial and In 2012, medium-wave transmissions between decline and growth’. part in the 18-month-long competitive partly a result of declining audiences to the Middle East were also greatly The report stated: ‘If the UK wants the procurement process. listening via radio. reduced. English transmissions to Israel, BBC to remain valued and respected, an That saw each bidder’s proposition Fran Unsworth, the director of Lebanon and Jordan were slashed from ambassador of Britain’s values and an agent assessed against the BBC’s 4,000-plus the World Service, says: ‘Our English around 18 hours daily to four. of soft power in the world, then the BBC requirements and a range of other factors. language service will still be available via is going to have to commit to growing the There were also technical tests on the satellite and on the internet – which is World Service and the government will also proposed products, references from increasingly how our audiences tune in. have to recognise this’. other customers and usability tests in ‘However, we cannot identify a ...the World Service It added that this might mean ‘reversing the demanding BBC environment. financially viable method by which the trend of closing language services’ and Current users of ENPS will be trained to continue the medium-wave radio faces a choice possibly opening new ones where there is to use the new system, with most of the service. It is for this reason that we have need, such as in North Korea. instruction to take place at the user’s base. decided to end these transmissions.’ between decline Five World Service language operations In order to safeguard output, there The BBC has cut medium-wave were closed in 2011. The BBC took over will be close consultation with teams and transmissions to large regions in the past. and growth the cost of the World Service from the thorough testing before OpenMedia is When the World Service took a huge hit Foreign Office in April 2014. phased in.

PROSPERO APRIL 2015 12 THE LAST WORD Memories of a BBC May/September romance Sarah Shaw joined the BBC in 1970 aged 18, working as a secretary in the Langham Hotel site. Like most young women, she dreamed of finding a boyfriend – but found herself entangled in ‘the reality and complexity of an extraordinary first love affair’ at the BBC. The daily diary she kept at that time has been published as 1971: the secret diary of a BBC secretary.

You were 19, Frank was 62 and married. Knowing what CLASSIFIEDS we do today about the sexist culture in the BBC during the Guédelon. 70s, do you view those times ‘The world’s biggest archaeological any differently now? experiment’ – stay in our apartment and Not in terms of Frank and myself, because he visit this castle and see it rise from what How did you feel when you was a considerate man who treated women was just an old quarry! We are just one first got the job at the BBC? with respect. There were distinctions in that hour away. Contact Martin Carley. Website: www.holidayinburgundy.co.uk. I was a child of the 50s and 60s, brought sexual culture. Later on, when I worked in up on BBC programmes, so I was absolutely other departments of the BBC I came across Venice, Giudecca. thrilled to be part of the organisation. some men who made sexist jokes; of more Beautiful apartment in quiet private concern was the occasional groper whom courtyard, sleeps 5, fully equipped. What made you decide to you were advised to make sure you weren’t Experience the real Venice. publish your diary? left alone with. Both are different from the Tel: 01260 227262 Last year, clearing out our loft, I found the sexual predation of children. I’m sorry that Email: [email protected] diary, which had been put away decades the BBC is getting so much bad publicity Menorca. before. As I began to read it I was astonished about this, and that the lines between these Detached holiday villa. Sleeps 2-7. to see it contained so much detail, including behaviours are blurred. It happened in most Private pool. Near Es Castell. chunks of conversations at work and home, workplaces and probably persists in some to Short drive gorgeous beaches. and that running through it was this this day. However, I am glad that it is much Call for a brochure. extraordinary love story which I had felt less acceptable nowadays. Tel: 01621 741810 obliged to keep quiet about for so long. What were the best things Website: www.menorcaholidayvilla.co.uk So I asked the advice of a friend who was Aside from this romance, what about working for the BBC in Turkish Riviera. there at the time and who now teaches are your most vivid memories the 1970s? Ciftlik, Fethiye. Luxurious four-bedroom English Literature. She suggested I should of working for the BBC in the I think I was incredibly lucky to work at the villa, sleeps eight, private pool, £500- do something with it. I didn’t want to lose early 70s? BBC when I did and, apart from the pay (!), £600pw. Details: www.anchorvilla.co.uk its authenticity by turning it into fiction, Top three: I enjoyed it all. Two general things stand out: and www.holidaylettings.co.uk/179513 so I edited the text to give a bit of context • The endless amount of typing we had to • The BBC Club Studio Amateur Dramatic Tel: 01344 425219 and published it. I’m delighted to have been do, usually with multiple carbon copies. Group, where I made many friends, had Email: [email protected] able to tell our story now, and that so many • The freshly made omelettes in the Yalding the chance to experiment with writing people have enjoyed reading it. House canteen. and recording amateur radio programmes Perfugas, Northern Sardinia. Fabulous newly renovated farmhouse, • The horrible unabsorbent toilet paper. and to benefit from the criticism of fully equipped, in beautiful scenic writers like Fay Weldon, Adrian Mitchell surroundings, 30 minutes from glorious and Christopher Hampton. beaches. Sleeps 2-7, £350 to £600/week. • Working on schools radio programmes, Alghero or Olbia airports. WIN and later on TV plays, with John Parry Website: villadimimosa.wordpress.com CAPTION competition and Louis Marks, two well-organised and Tel: 07786 078571 (Elaine) £10 creative producers, both of whom gave Email: [email protected] me much encouragement and with whom Provence, France. I shared many valuable conversations We had a great response to the last Modern detached villa. Sleeps 6. Heated caption competition – many thanks to about their work and ideas. pool. Close to delightful medieval hilltop everyone who sent in an entry. The winner of a £10 voucher is village. From £600 per week. Albert Barber, with ‘My tarts always look like Fanny’s but these The Langham Hotel is reported Email: [email protected] look like Johnny’s’. Nick Scott came up with ‘Sod the food! to be one of the most haunted Just make sure I’m in focus.’ buildings in London. Did you ever see or hear anything to Prospero Classifieds, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, Broadcasting House, Post your witty caption to Prospero by Friday 8 May 2015 suggest it was haunted? Cardiff CF5 2YQ. No, but if there is a vacancy there for a ghost (see page 2 for address) or email [email protected], with Please enclose a cheque made payable to: ‘caption competition 2’ in the subject line. Good luck! after my demise I might apply. BBC Central Directorate. Rate: £6 for 20 words. In a covering letter Have you written any other please include your pension number. books or do you have any planned? I’m working on a humorous book about libraries, I’ll see how that goes. Reunions 1971: the secret diary of a BBC secretary is available to buy on Amazon or lulu.com Alexandra Palace (both as a hard copy and e-book). The next Alexandra Palace Television ISBN-13: 978-1326180409. RRP £14.95 Society Reunion Lunch is scheduled for (discounted to £7.48 on lulu.com). 4 June. More information will be sent later to regular attendees. Anyone else Sarah also has a blog at wanting to attend and not receiving a Picture shows Terry Nutkins with Gemini the seal, assisted by engineer in http://1971secretsecretarybbc.blogspot.co.uk notice by the end of April can contact recording of Gemini. Yvonne Littlewood on 0207 935 9170.

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