The newspaper for BBC pensioners – with highlights from Ariel online

Showing them how it’s done 16mm filming with seven BBC veterans Page 7

Oct 2015 • Issue 5

Summary Report Central African highlights Relay Station Have your say Page 3 Page 6 Page 8

NEWS • MEMORIES • CLASSIFIEDS • YOUR LETTERS • OBITUARIES • CROSPERO 02 BBC PENSIONS Focusing on friendship: BBC Volunteer Visitor Conference 2015

The annual BBC Volunteer Visitor Conference took place in August, when 107 BBC ‘visitors’ gathered in Cardiff for the two-day event. The visitors are retired BBC employees who provide friendship to BBC pensioners aged 70 and above, those recently bereaved or anyone in poor health. State benefits professional over the years; for example, when he first became an MNT the The second speaker of Day One was State Scheme had one part-time investment Benefits Consultant, Brian Hogarth, with a manager. Now it’s all very professional, summary of State benefits news. In his ‘final with a dedicated investment team and farewell tour’ (as he has officially retired of course a full-time CEO, Joy Moore, but agreed to attend the conference one who helps the Trustees fulfil their duties. last time), Brian shed light on a number of The Trustees are looking ahead to the 2016 State benefits that are relevant to pensioners. valuation and as part of that, they will One of the least claimed State benefits is need to consider the effect of charter Attendance Allowance, and Brian urged the renewal and licence fee settlement on visitors to mention it when visiting BBC the BBC’s covenant. pensioners who may be eligible for the The second day of the conference focused extra weekly allowance. on the visitors and the BBC Pensions & The visitors should also bear in mind the Benefits Centre in Cardiff, which supports £2,000 bereavement payment that is payable their valued work. to people on the death of their spouse. ‘If you Fred Haigh, who has been a BBC visitor don’t claim it, you don’t get it,’ said Brian. for 20 years, shared ‘a day in the life of a BBC volunteer visitor’. He joined the Scheme to ‘put something back’, after ‘If you don’t claim it, working in Transmitters ‘for the best part of 40 years’. He spoke about his early years as a visitor, when his patch was Newcastle, and he aim of the conference is to enhance • Loneliness is as dangerous to one’s you don’t get it…’ the apprehension he felt when he visited his the visitors’ understanding of the health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. first pensioner. ‘I made the first visit with a issues that affect the BBC’s pensioners, • You are twice as likely to develop certain amount of trepidation, but gradually, to that they can provide a better Alzheimers if you are lonely. He also spoke about the new State pension as I began to make my way around I‘service’ to the people they visit. The • One million older people say they which comes into force in April next year. Newcastle, word spread that the scheme conference also gives the visitors an often feel lonely. If you are already receiving your State was there.’ opportunity to network with others and The Silver Line was set up by Esther Rantzen pension, you will continue to receive Fred entertained the audiences with share tips and ideas. after the death of her husband, when it under the existing system, but if you stories about the interesting people he met This year, the visitors were given a she was 71. Esther wrote an article about haven’t yet reached State pension age then as a visitor, but he also spoke of the tough feedback form to complete, which the loneliness she experienced after his you have the option to increase your State asked them what they thought of the death and received many comments on pension by paying extra National Insurance times that he faced: the BBC pensioner conference and what they would like to her ‘bravery’ for being open about the contributions. If you turn 80 after 6 April who only had one person at his cremation see at future conferences. subject of loneliness, as if it was something 2016, then you will ‘lose out’ on the (Fred), or the gentleman with dementia Cheryl Miles, the Volunteer Visitor Scheme to be ashamed of. She realised that loneliness extra 25p you would have received as an that he visited in a care home and took co-ordinator, was pleased to receive many is a hidden epidemic and that many older octogenarian. (Brian pointed out that the to the pub for a pint. compliments about the quality of the people ‘don’t want to be a burden’, so ‘over-80s’ pension was worth five shillings Fred visits between 40 and 50 BBC speakers at this year’s conference and the they don’t ask for help. Esther had an when it was first introduced – the cost of a pensioners twice a year. He was asked generally positive feedback. She says: idea that a helpline might work – and bag of coal – but because it hasn’t received whether he had a formula for visiting… ‘We had many requests for a round-table, thanks to her connections she was increases for years its real value has been ‘I don’t,’ he replied, ‘but I do have workshop-type session in the conference, instantly offered help and expertise eroded by inflation.) a pattern: listen, look around, learn where visitors can share experiences and from many organisations. The third and final presentation of from them.’ ideas, or ask for advice in dealing with The pilot helpline was launched in the day was by Grant Cassidy, a member- Ian Cutter, Head of Pension Shared situations. This will be implemented in the November 2012, with a free confidential nominated Trustee (MNT) for the Services, then took to the stage in the next year’s conference.’ telephone number available 24 hours a day, BBC Pension Scheme, who works for pre-lunch slot. Ian is responsible for One of the main issues affecting even on weekends. The helpline team, Radio 5 Live. pension communications, the Volunteer pensioners is the problem of loneliness. which is based in Preston, received 540,000 As well as providing an insight into his Visiting Scheme and all the systems that are Nina Gopal from The Silver Line charity calls in 20 months – and they anticipate day job as a senior studio director, Grant used in the Pensions & Benefits Centre – was the first speaker of the day, whose that by 2017 the helpline will take over also spoke about his role as an MNT. Grant making sure that benefits are paid on time presentation included some startling facts: a million calls. said the Scheme has become a lot more and to the right people.

Please send your editorial contributions, or comments/ feedback, to: Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, Prospero is provided free of charge to retired BBC Broadcasting House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ. employees, or to their spouses and dependants. Prospero Email: prospero@bbc.co.uk provides a source of news on former colleagues, Please make sure that any digital pictures you send are developments at the BBC and pension issues, plus classified scanned at 300 dpi. adverts. It is available online at www.bbc.co.uk/mypension To advertise in Prospero, please see page 12. The next issue of Prospero will appear in December 2015. To view Ariel online, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/ariel. The copy deadline is Friday, 30 October 2015.

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2015 03

2015 Pensioners’ Liaison Meeting 2015 Summary This year’s Pensioners’ Liaison Meeting will be held on Thursday, 22 October from 11am to 1pm at: Report – highlights The Radio Theatre Broadcasting House The BBC Pension Scheme’s Summary During the year, the value of the Portland Place Report was posted out to members Scheme’s assets reached an all-time London W1A 1AA in August, sharing the highlights high of £12.9 billion. After adjusting If you attend, you can put questions from the Trustees’ full Annual Report for cash flows in and out of the Scheme, about the Scheme to the Chief Executive and Accounts. this is a return of 20.1%, following Officer, a Scheme Trustee and the The Report and Accounts set out increases of 6.0% in 2013/14 and Fred Haigh, BBC visitor. Scheme officers. how much money was paid into the 13.1% in 2012/13. Spaces are limited and will be booked Scheme (as contributions and investment Over the past five years, the Scheme’s on a first come, first served basis. income) and how much was paid out investment return was 10.6% a year, To book a place, call the pension (as benefits to members and payments while the 10-year return, a period which The BBC Pension service line on 029 2032 2811. to advisers etc). includes the financial crisis, was 8.9%. The Scheme received more income It is unlikely that returns will be so strong than it paid out as benefits over the year in coming years. Scheme pays 23,000 to 31 March 2015 – and the investments The Summary Report also reported The Silver grew in value by £1.9 billion. on the Scheme’s funding position, individuals, totalling These figures are audited by which improved over the year (from Line helpline PricewaterhouseCoopers, who confirmed 86% to 88%), thanks to the £1.9 billion £30 million that they show a true account of the increase in the value of the investments for older Scheme’s financial activities during and increased BBC contributions. The every month. the year. next full valuation of the Scheme is people The Scheme’s assets benefited from due to take place by no later than As well as the telephone helpline increases in the value of UK bonds and 1 April 2016. ‘We place a big onus on how we (0800 470 8090), the Silver Line charity global equities this year. The Trustees sold The Summary Report included an communicate with members,’ he said. has extended its services to include: some of the Scheme’s equity investments interview with Leslie Huss-Smickler, who ‘Our aim is to provide a one-stop shop so • Silver Line Telephone Friends when the market was high and bought succeeded Geoff Jones as the Scheme’s that anyone contacting the Pension Service (an army of volunteers who pledge investments that offer stable long-term new pensioner-nominated Trustee. Line can get an answer then and there.’ In to call an elderly person, with whom cash flows, such as UK corporate bonds, Leslie has worked in pensions for over 2014, the Pension Service Line received they have been carefully matched infrastructure investments and properties 40 years, including 16 years in the 4,000 calls and 8,000 emails. The majority after a thorough vetting process, with long leases. The Trustees did not buy BBC’s Pensions Department when he left of calls were from BBC pensioners and every week for a year) more UK government bonds because of as Pensions Manager in 1994. their dependants, although they are seeing • Silver Circles (a group conference the low level of yields. He spent the next 17 years at an increase in emails from this group as call for people who share a common Pension Scheme BT as Pensions Policy Manager and they become more familiar with online history, culture or interest; they NS is currently Head of Retirement technologies. have, for example, a Land Girls PENSI 15 WHAT’S INSIDE Services at WEALTH at work Ltd. 2 2 FINANCES NEWS FROM THE TRUSTEES Scheme assets £12.9 billion Ian shared a brief insight of the results Group, a Caribbean Group and Investment return 20.1% You can view the full report to this year’s Summary Report which contains the key facts 4 SUMMARY FUNDING WELCOME STATEMENT FOR 2015 of the latest Customer Survey in relation Funding improves to 88% online at www.bbc.co.uk/ a Musicians Group) and figures for the year to 31 March 2015 and recent Scheme and pensions news. Bill Matthews, Chairman of the Trustees 6 INTERVIEW to pensioner participation. Eight hundred with Leslie Huss-Smickler mypension. • Silver Line Letters (penpals who – new Pensioner Trustee Our thanks to Geoff Jones: The Trustees would like to thank Geoff Jones, who made a significant contribution to the Board during pensioners responded (an increase on the Scheme funding: I am pleased to report that the value of the his nine years as a Trustee. Geoff stood down during the year and 7 SCHEME NEWS exchange letters twice a month, Scheme’s assets has risen to an all-time high of £12.9 billion and Leslie Huss-Smickler was elected to succeed him. Leslie brings Pension increases; July 2015 budget update; customer survey that our investment return was 20.1% over the year. At the same time great insight from his long career in pensions – see page 6. though, the cost of providing members’ benefits has also increased 2014 Budget flexibilities: The BBC has been working with the due to the impact of record low government bond yields. This means previous survey). Trustees on initiatives through which eligible members will be able to 8 YOUR TRUSTEES after being carefully matched). that while the funding level has improved, the deficit remains sizeable. access the new pensions freedom and flexibility announced in the 2014 As Trustees, we continue to monitor the Scheme’s funding level and Budget. The BBC will continue to consider opportunities for members ensure its investments are managed effectively. as market ideas develop. If you are eligible, the BBC will write to you 8 HELP AND SUPPORT Looking ahead to the future, the visitors Scheme investments: The Scheme’s asset level has benefited with more information. • If you are interested in from increases in the value of UK bonds and global equities this year. If you have any questions on pensions, or the contents of this The Trustees sold some of the Scheme’s equity investments when the Report, please write to me care of the Pension and Benefits Centre market was high and bought investments that offer stable long-term or email me at [email protected] were then given a presentation by Alun cash flows, such as UK corporate bonds, infrastructure investments volunteering, you can email: and properties with long leases. We have not bought more UK government bonds because of the low level of yields. Jones on ‘Central Square’, which will be the 1 [email protected] BBC PENSION SCHEME 2015 SUMMARY REPORT location for BBC Wales’ new home in 2019 www.thesilverline.org.uk – including the Pensions Service Centre. The new building is part of a Fosters-designed masterplan to regenerate an area of Cardiff immediately adjacent to the main railway devised and compiled by Jim Palm station. ‘The BBC is seen as a key tenant for CROSPERO 187 the development, which will provide not only a gateway to Cardiff but a gateway to 1 2 devisedComplete and the squarecompiled by using by the Jim clues; Palm these apply only to Wales,’ said Alun. words running across. Then take these words in numerical order The final speaker of the day was Roger 3 4 5 and extract the letters indicated by a dot. If your answers are Hatherell, an independent financial correct, these letters will spell out a TV programme and adviser, who provided an overview of the 6 7 8 its presenter. investment climate and summer budget, Please send your answers in an envelope marked ‘Crospero’ 9 10 as well as some interest rate predictions. to The Editor, Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, On the investment climate, he described Broadcasting House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ, by Friday 6 November 2015. the mood as ‘cautiously optimistic’, as most 11 The winner will receive a £10 voucher. of the major economies had recovered from the financial crisis. However, he did caution 12 13 14 CLUES that there were ‘blips’ – namely Greece and, 1. French five (4); 2. Rodent (5); 3. Land measure (3); 4. Animal (3); of course, China. 15 5. Devoured (3); 6. Tight spot (3); 7. Digit (3); 8. Devout woman (3); He discussed the summer budget – the 9. Chemical (5); 10. Executed (3); 11. Electrical units (4); 12. Encountered (3); 13. 24 hours (3); 14. Tap lightly (3); changes to dividend allowances that may 16 17 15. Garment (4); 16. Title (3); 17. Conceals (5); 18. Fuss (3); affect people with retirement savings invested 19. Offer a price (3); 20. Demon (3); 21. Tangled mess (3); in stocks. And Roger’s view was that investors 18 19 20 22. Golfer (3); 23. Compete (3); 24. Fight against (5); 25. Extremely (4) shouldn’t rely too heavily on future interest rate rises – ‘don’t bank on a sudden rise’. 21 22 23 Solutions to Crospero 184: Abatement; Arab; Noon; Sagas; Adage; The conference was closed by Ian Cutter, Snack; Hat; Its; Affiliation; Lei; Scone; Lango; Hoped; Spout; Emus; who gave a special word of thanks to Cheryl 18 24 25 Eons; Asterisks. The programme was Broadcasting House and the Miles for organising this year’s conference winner of a £10 voucher was Ms J Grimley of Shipley. as well as all her hard work in her role as the Volunteer Visitor Scheme co-ordinator.

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2015 04 LETTERS

that computers weren’t going down. But there I was so more than happy to see Alan A race against time was a heart-stopping moment when a flash Birmingham is still with us. He’s one man I wonder what has happened to old- came over the tannoy of ‘multiple’ missile who changed my life – literally. But that’s fashioned BBC courtesy towards its launches in Russia! ‘Hells bells,’ I thought to another story. contributors? A few weeks back, I was invited myself, ‘I feel like death and we now might Roy Glew onto the Saturday edition of Today to talk actually have to do some work.’ Imagine our about BBC Education’s ‘How to…’ series. collective relief a few moments later when Separately approached by two researchers, clarification came. The missiles weren’t the Satellite of love neither of whom knew quite what was start of an accidental K2 war – just the Russians From the article on page 3 of the recent required, I was asked to be ready by 7.20am. firing off a few scuds at the Chechens! Prospero I quote, ‘People love the BBC and Events Being 84, I was of course nearly 15 minutes Conal O’Donnell want to find out more about it’. Whilst Since we started running more day trips, early! No one arrived. Norfolk basking in the belief that the BBC is popular we’ve had many members joining in. Indeed At 7.30, London rang to see if I was on in Europe, I should point out that there in July, 50 of you joined us for a tour of the my way to be at BBC Brighton, 14 miles LET ME ASSURE Robin Hicks that the are many thousands of ex-pats, and also Bank of England followed by lunch! away, by 8 o’clock. Still no car. At 7.40, they ‘bunker’ was, when last I saw it, serving inhabitants of southern Europe who used Because of the distances many of our asked if I could make my own way in. a useful purpose. to watch BBC programmes to improve their members travel to attend our events, the Shortage of time, a complex one-way system Some years ago, I was attached to the English, who now believe that they have consensus has been that combining an and parking problems loomed, but I set off. Engineering Training School as a lecturer. been badly let down by the BBC. interesting event with lunch or tea is the As I drove swiftly along the lanes towards the As an extra task, I was charged with Last year, the BBC reduced the footprint preferred option for our retired members. A272, I spotted a taxi and flagged it down. turning a large area of it into a training of its Astra satellite without notice, excluding There are some really great events lined up The driver was indeed on his way to collect laboratory, where new entrants could learn the reception of BBC programmes to for the final quarter of 2015, all with lunch me; he had only been booked at 7.45 the same about TV engineering. While there were a receivers below the Alps. This excluded included! In October, we have a tour of St morning! I left my car and hopped in. few problems, it made a comfortable and most of Spain, where there were thousands Paul’s Cathedral. This tour is suitable for He drove like the clappers, breaking all commodious area. of viewers and also the south of France. In all abilities. There are two rather unusual speed limits and jumping the lights. We It would never have worked for its these areas, there has always been a certain exhibitions scheduled in November. Firstly, made it by 8.10. design purpose, anyway. It was to have been admiration and loyalty for the BBC and until the Cartoon Museum, showing the best of I gave him a fiver for brilliant driving powered by three diesel generators. When recently the unbiased reporting of the news. British Comic Art and featuring a special and managing to avoid killing us both. occasionally these were run up, after ten I am an ex-technical manager (BBC James Gilray exhibition, tea and biscuits and On arrival, I was handed a glass of water minutes or so they overheated and shut Television) who left the UK on my retirement a talk by the Curator. and shown to the studio. The receptionist s down. On a subsequent attachment, they in 1989 and until last year, enjoyed all Later in November, we have a trip to aid: ‘You’re on in three minutes’ and left. were laboriously knocking holes in the channels of the BBC from Astra. I live on the Dressed By Angels. This brand new There was no briefing. wall in that area with a large mechanical Italian Lakes and last year the signals from the interactive exhibition tells the story behind I joined the programme at 8.23 and, woodpecker, the noise of which made some satellite ceased without warning but with a the world’s greatest costume house, according to friends, sounded ‘very cool’. lecture rooms almost unusable. I never huge antenna, I was able to recover the signal presenting visitors with an irresistible mix of Afterwards, no return taxi had been booked. found out why. which is weak and subject to weather. I called costumes from film, TV, theatre and radio. I wrote a strong letter of complaint, asking Frank Wood the BBC to find out what had happened and Angels Costumiers has been dressing the if the cavalier treatment I received was usual I was told that the BBC was economising and world for 175 years, including many award- or a one-off cock-up. I needed reassurances I DON’T OFTEN put pen to paper these that I should not complain as I had no right winning films and shows. and also my fiver back! days but the recent article re Wood Norton’s to watch the programmes because I was not If you would like further details of any of our As yet, five weeks on, I’ve have had ‘bunker’ brought back more nostalgia than paying for them. I pointed out that I pay a TV trips, including how to book, the BBC Club no reassurance, in fact no reply, no fiver, I had felt in a long while. Here’s a little more licence here. Retired Members and Prospero Society no apology. re the early days of the R.S.G (Regional Seat The Swiss, who radiate six channels in Newsletter is available to download at This sad tale doesn’t augur well for the of Government). Italian, French and German from the Hotbird www.bbcclub.com/connect/prospero/ future of our beloved Beeb, especially at a time When it was virtually finished in 1966, satellite also transmit stereo sound, one newsletters of Government scrutiny, when she needs all we were left with part of the roof thrusting channel of which is often in the English Club Extra competitions the friends she can get, old and new. out from the hillside. A large part, I may language. (Excellent programmes.) The Sheila Innes say, and we were asked for suggestions satellite receiver used has a card slot which Every month, BBC Club members can enter as to how this slab of concrete could be decodes their encrypted programmes. a different competition. Win tickets, trinkets These receivers, which receive over 1,200 and a wealth of other stuff – no questions camouflaged so as not to be so obvious TV programmes and over 1,000 radio asked or hoops to jump through; as long Wood Norton from the air (spy planes). My suggestion programmes, cost less than £50 with no Sky as you are a member, that’s good enough was to mark it out for car parking for ten secret bunker boxes or set-top accessories. The decoding for us! To enter go to www.bbcclub.com/ or twelve cars (we were always short on car extra and click on the Competitions link on Robin Hicks, writing about the ‘secret’ Wood parking). However, now don’t laugh, when card is bought from the broadcaster for Ch. the left hand side. You must have a new- Norton bunker in your last issue, asked ‘why this was put to the architects and builders, 150 (approx. £100) for non-Swiss and less style BBC Club card with a number starting is it still there?’ we were advised the roof would not be for Swiss nationals (a one-off payment). 100 and be registered on the website to log I can only hazard a guess, based on the strong enough to take the weight! Fifteen There are many thousands of people who in. This will also allow you to see the Club flimsiest of evidence, that the Government/ tons or so spread over two thousand or so would pay £100 for a card issued by the BBC to receive scrambled BBC programmes in the Extra discounts available. Highlights include BBC still believe it has a role. square feet! So much for atom shelters. There countries which are now excluded and which 30% off O2 and Hotpoint, and unique BBC On Millennium Eve, I and half a dozen the matter lay so far as I was aware but a could be re-instated on the Astra satellite. Club discounts off Virgin Experience Days other Pebble Mill ‘hacks’ were ensconced in couple of months later, a party of Russian What a wonderful boost to the finances including a Cookery Masterclass with a the bunker overnight. Our mission was to alumni were being taken around the school Great British Bake Off star! provide a national emergency radio news of the BBC. on a conducted tour and having traversed a Anthony G Escott Prospero holiday service should the feared K2 meltdown little further up the hill than may have been As well as our great range of day trips, occur, either through large scale computer intended, one eagle-eyed visitor spotted this next year there will hopefully be a Prospero failure or terrorist action. concrete ‘tennis court’ and asked its purpose. BBC Club’s bad week holiday! At time of going to press, details There was a day-long exercise to establish Harry Henderson was head of E.T.C. at this I was so pleased to see Tom Peckham’s are still not finalised but we hope to how it all might work. The Pebble Mill time and his wife, fluent in Russian, was enquiry about Eric Walmsley, confirming publish the details in the January team were there to sustain the service until acting as interpreter. Turning anxiously to Prospero Society newsletter. reinforcements arrived from BH. It was all that it was the same Eric from the Ariel Harry she asked what she should say. So far Flying Club. taken very seriously. The BH staff were to Retired Members’ Lunch as I know, on the spur of the moment he As I worked in the Club Office at the time travel up in separate minibuses on separate This is now available EVERY DAY from 12pm said, ‘Foundations for new classrooms.’ Now I had quite a lot of contact with all the to 2.30pm at Club Western House adjacent routes to make sure, whatever happened, whether this had been on the list of options 26 sections which ranged from Archery to New Broadcasting House W1. You can someone would get through. It all seemed or whether it really was spur of the moment, to Yoga, including all the field sections at pick up your complimentary copy of the rather melodramatic, even laughable, at the I don’t know but this is of course what was Motspur Park. Radio Times here too. One course £5, two time. But who then would have believed eventually built over the concrete roof. I remember the week when the Club’s courses £6.50. (BBC Club members only.) the WTC twin towers attack was only 18 I do hope MI5 don’t come knocking at my horse broke his leg, the yacht ran aground months away? door but Google preserve us. and the Flying Group’s plane landed in BBC Club BC2 B3, Broadcast Centre, I had flu on the night but crawled into the Whilst thinking of Wood Norton, I read a field of the farmer’s crops. Yes – all in 201 Wood Lane, London bunker anyway, unwilling to forgo the large the article about the T.O 21 and 22 reunion. one week! W12 7TP 020 8752 6666 overtime payment. As we all know, millennium These courses pre-dated my time there by I still get the Club news via email. Alas! [email protected] night passed off without a hitch. It became very several months (I was there on this occasion The Club seems so different now! clear early on from New Zealand and Australia from December 1965 to April 1967) but Audrey Mackie PROSPERO OCTOBER 2015 05 Now and then CONTACTS Visiting Scheme In recent tweetings amongst us old guard about with it, and learn from those older training at little extra cost and we inherited Is available to BBC pensioners over 70, BBC, I didn’t know whether to add a than us who had the time to help us learn our skills from those who were there before those recently bereaved, and anyone in comment to all the negative thinking that is and give us a chance. us who were in that same tradition of poor health. The scheme is a method of going on. I agree the BBC isn’t what it was Much has been written on this by us getting the ideas out to the audience with keeping in touch and operates throughout and we all can remember when the BBC over the years in remembering moments quality and something of that fun and subtle the UK. Visitors are BBC pensioners had more money and more staff. that put us in the deep end by people who idea of moving forward our craft. People themselves. If you want to be visited, receive a phone call or meet up somewhere We tend to forget to compare a BBC cared both for the output and us. with extra time on their hands often come mutually convenient, call 029 2032 2811. of today, without money, with the BBC Now producers, who would not be called up with innovation and expertise too. The contact is the same if you would like to that was, that had. To a large extent with producers then, are very young, like we were A proper funding base amongst positive become a visitor. money it meant, then, we had a larger once, but with no one to look up to and no ideas is a better idea than looking back and Queries staff of all ages. This in turn meant that we time for playing. Often they try and fail, we not offering solutions to aid the present For benefit and pension payroll queries, learnt through those that had been there see and hear the results but unfortunately BBC to go forward to the BBC’s values that call the Service Line on 029 2032 2811 and, in idle moments, by playing on very the public don’t so we should be careful it should have, but for the next generation. or email [email protected] expensive kit. Now, the people in the BBC when we voice an opinion and add some I fear like many of us that it may never Prospero at all levels are pressured with having no caveats to our criticism of the BBC today. reach what we knew but at least we might To add or delete a name from the extra time to do the job properly, let alone Time now is money, so the accountants offer something that could help. distribution list, ring the Service Line on work on the expensive kit by mucking tell us, but in retrospect, mucking about was Albert Barber 029 2032 2811. Prospero is provided free of charge to retired BBC employees. On request, we will also send it to spouses or dependants who want to keep in touch with the BBC. Prospero is also available on BBCPA Regional Meetings audio disc for those with sight impairment. History repeats itself To register, please ring the Service Line. Pensioners’ Association regional meetings Alternatively, it is also available online I read with considerable interest a brief piece As I write, I have the tape in front of me, will all be on Thursdays in October at 2pm. at www.bbc.co.uk/mypension, in August’s Prospero headed ‘Demo tape of in a box from the Electro-Vox Recording LEEDS on the 8th; Broadcasting Centre, under ‘Documents’. Moon River given to BBC’. This was a precis Studios in Hollywood. Forty years is a 2 St. Peter’s Square, Leeds L59 8AH BBC Club of a longer piece in Ariel online about a long time and memory fades but I think BELFAST on the 15th; Broadcasting House, The BBC Club in London has a retired private recording made available recently to it is certain I would have used such a rare Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT2 8HQ membership costing £3 per month or £36 the BBC by Mrs Henry Mancini, of her late gem as the Moon River demo either in a BIRMINGHAM on the 29th; The Mailbox, per year. Members can also add friends and family to their membership for a small husband and his lyric writing collaborator programme I produced on Henry Mancini’s Room 10/17, Birmingham B1 1RF These meetings are for all former staff additional cost. Regional clubs may have Johnny Mercer’s performance – piano and music for a Radio 2 series The Songwriters or different arrangements. Please call BBC vocal – of their now iconic composition within Hooray for Hollywood, a major history members, together with anyone about to Club London office on 020 8752 6666 Moon River, in order to demonstrate the of the Hollywood musical genre, which retire, as an opportunity to meet committee or email [email protected] for details song to the producers of the film Breakfast at I also produced. members of BBCPA at a venue which may or to join. Tiffany’s in the early 1960s. Thus, I suspect that the demo was first be more convenient than the London AGM. Benevolent Fund What particularly caught my eye was a ‘made public’ four decades ago and that For all of us, concerns about our pensions This is funded by voluntary contributions at a time of stress for financial markets are statement that this particular recording ‘has the 2015 discovery may now be a case of from the BBC and its purpose is to protect bound up with BBC Charter Renewal; do the welfare of staff, pensioners and their never been made public before’. I think this history repeating itself! come and hear what BBCPA has to say. families. Grants are made at the discretion assertion is challengeable. Some 40 or so John Billingham, Surrey There is no need to register in advance, of the Trustees. They may provide years ago, I recorded interviews with Henry but be prepared for disappointment if a assistance in cases of unforeseen financial Mancini on at least two occasions in his hardship, for which help from other sources venue is full. Depending on the premises, is not available. Telephone: 029 2032 2811. offices on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, access may not be feasible until 2pm, for a programme series I was producing for ‘This is the BBC’ Prospero Society in which case you will be met at the Prospero Society is the only section of the Radio 2. On one of my visits, Mr Mancini Andrew Barr wrote that he’d like to entrance. Please bring some form of gave me a copy of the Moon River demo, BBC Club run by and for retired BBC staff see This is the BBC again after all these personal identification. and their spouses. Its aim is to enable BBC along with nine other demo tracks for the years. A copy can be found online at For contact details, see the BBCPA pensioners to meet on a social basis for film Darling Lilli, together with permission www.vtoldboys.com panel below or the website: theatre visits, luncheons, coach outings etc. to use this material in my programmes. Stephen Newnham www.bbcpa.org.uk The Prospero Society is supported by BBC Club funds so as to make events affordable. If you would like an application form please contact: Lime Grove memories Gayner Leach, BBC Club, BC2 B3 Broadcast I would just like to mention that the article by Centre, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TP George Cash on Lime Grove Dubbing Theatre Tel: 0208 752 6666 (Prospero, June) was so very interesting to me as I Email: [email protected] worked with every engineer mentioned. It was BBC Shop discount the most memorable time I spent in the BBC. I Get 10% off your order at BBCShop.com worked with every man and all the equipment Enter code BBC0001 under ‘redeem mentioned. I am 90 years old just after Christmas a promotion code’ at checkout 2015 and I would like to hear from any one who FREE UK Delivery remembers me. My telephone number is 0208 Orders can also be placed over the phone 770 3948. 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30 December 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the BBC radio station in Francistown, in what was then the Bechuanaland Protectorate, to broadcast BBC news, special current affairs and general programmes to the white Rhodesians The hotel where staff were billeted. who had declared UDI earlier that year.

currently broadcasting. What’s next? I run few seconds as it passes directly overhead. through a mental checklist. Have I pre-faded The volume of noise recedes a little, so the fill up disc? Is the next programme open the mic again, complete the trail and on tape here in the studio or is it a relay give details of the afternoon’s programmes. from London? I put the headphones on and There is still nearly a minute to fill so I play listen for the closing announcement from the the last 50 seconds of ‘Le Petit Train’, BBC Bush House studio, thousands of miles away: fill up LP 12177 which has been spinning ‘News Commentary was broadcast from the silently for the last minute and a half BBC London’. I open the microphone and on the turntable of the RP2, a piece of fade out the programme and prepare BBC equipment that looks curiously to speak. out of place in the ‘Bush Baby’, as the Immediately, two of the six ex-RAF guard Rhodesian press has named the station. dogs start barking in the nearby kennels. The music ends. ‘The time is a quarter The voice of the World Service announcer, past three,’ I announce, but Big Ben is late which I should be blanketing, comes clearly and before the quarter strike I can hear the through the open door of the receiver distant bells of St Margaret’s Westminster room. The volume control on one of the ringing perhaps for someone’s wedding. receivers must have been left turned up. At least it is quite appropriate for the The builders of the machine gun nest on Dickens drama. ‘…Shut the door, John please, I’m just coming the roof clatter trowels and buckets, and I shut my mic off and light a cigarette, an old Wenela Dakota grumbles its way glance at the programme schedule and up for an announcement…’ across the sky carrying Africans from the mentally make a note of which programmes Okavango swamps and the Tati Concession are direct relays and which ones are to the mines of the Rand and Swaziland. recorded and can be played on the clunky he BBC Central African Relay station a junction between two World Service Wenela stands for Witwatersrand Native Brennen tape machine, a full arm’s stretch is not much celebrated in BBC programmes. I think it has a really authentic Labour Association. My mind drifts and I to my left. Now where is the tape of the circles as it was criticised at the ring to it that conjures up a hot afternoon can see 30 or more young men huddled next programme? How long is the present time and later as an example of the in an odd spot, at once peaceful but motionless and silent in that plane, thinking one that is going out live? It will probably TBBC bending a little too far to accommodate also menacing. of their families left behind in their isolated underrun. What’s to be done now? I need the wishes of Harold Wilson’s government. ‘Shut the door, John please, I’m just villages or of the prospect of work and some more scrap paper and why can’t the But for a group of young volunteer studio coming up for an announcement.’ money to be gained in the mines of BBC supply us with some decent pens? managers from Bush House who had had The door stays open as John, the South Africa. Don’t forget to log that last junction. some experience of introducing programmes Diplomatic Wireless Service engineer, isn’t But it is time to speak on air. ‘There’ll be There’s a knock at the already open door. from the London studios, it was an there. He’s probably 300 yards away putting more news from London at 4 o’clock. You ‘Come in,’ I hear my voice say, perhaps a opportunity to polish those presentation the shortwave transmitter back on the air are listening to the BBC Central African little irritably. Samson sidles in. He’s a local skills out in the African bush. after one more tripping episode. All seems Relay Station. Now in (I glance quickly at Motswana lad, certainly without the build I came across the following script after quiet enough though, except for the distant the clock) just under two minutes, you of a thrower-down of temples. ‘Yes Samson, one of my then colleagues got in touch to rumble and throaty steam whistle of the can hear our current affairs programme, what is it?’ Just the one word reply – ‘Tea’ – is suggest a reunion of the studio managers and afternoon train pulling out of Francistown The World Today. Then at 4.15, you can hear probably the limit of his English. ‘Thank you,’ announcers. In a file on the radio station, I on the last stage of its journey from Cape a dramatised account of the unhappy life I say, ‘I’ll be there in a minute.’ ‘There’ is out found a hand-written script, full of crossings Town to Bulawayo and anyway, there isn’t of Catherine Hogarth, the wife of Charles to the blinding sunlight, to a square of bare out and barely legible changes written back time for me to cross the room and close the Dickens, in the first of two programmes. baked earth cleared from the African bush in 1966. I deciphered it and typed it up. It door to the world outside. Married to a…’ where the low white-washed buildings of the is an account of around 15 minutes in our There’s about 30 seconds still to run The noise of the plane becomes deafening radio station are dwarfed by the transmitter makeshift self-operated studio, covering on the News Commentary which we are so it’s better to shut the microphone for a masts, where bored Irish Fusiliers are on guard duty. The nearby kopje stands out as a lone feature of a flat landscape of a tired green nothingness that stretches to the horizon. Outside, in this compound, surrounded by a high wire fence with lamps mounted like sentinels at 10-yard intervals, the afternoon sun blazes down from a cloudless blue sky and shadows are a mockery to the name. But inside the little white box that is our studio, the sun’s rays enter only from the high windows, casting diagonals of light above my head. A fly perches on the microphone and the moths are asleep on the curtains. Owen Bentley The guardpost at the entrance to the site. Former Head of Network and Local Radio CARS 1966. in the Midlands

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2015 07 Face to face with Freeman

In 1988, I travelled to the University of Davis in California with Professor Anthony Clare, presenter of In the Psychiatrist’s Chair for BBC Radio 4, to attempt a Face to Face with John Freeman.

Why is Face to Face, regarded as that time, there was nothing deferential a man or woman acquitted on a murder ohn Freeman had been the seminal interview series on or reverential in his manner. Unlike charge whom you thought was guilty?’ We the interviewer – some British television, often imitated TV interviews today, there was nothing rarely hear these sorts of questions asked said interrogator – of this but never matched? Researching hectoring or impolite. There was no today. seminal series that had my biography of Freeman, performance, no ego trip whatsoever. He did Unlike in the legend of Face to Face, its J begun nearly 40 years before. It was just published by Robson Press and called not conduct a ‘trial by television’, a forensic ending was an anti-climax. Freeman, as ever, nearly a disaster. Freeman had warned me A Very Private Celebrity – the Nine Lives of John Freeman, cross-questioning, although his interview became bored. He stopped being adversarial. that he never talked about himself and he I re-watched most of the 35 editions of Face with the quiz celebrity Gilbert Harding He was appointed Editor of the New Statesman was as good as his word. He put down to Face and studied the programme files at came close to it, but his questions were and he wished to move on. Robert Kee was Professor Clare with effortless ease, polite the BBC Written Archive Centre at Caversham. interrogatory; relentless and quick-fire. piloted for a new series but nothing came but devastating: ‘Forgive me, but I have I think there are three reasons. Above all, they were ‘the sort of questions of it. In 1960, the RTS voted John Freeman no intention of answering that somewhat Think Mastermind, the nearest equivalent I thought an intelligent person, given the Outstanding TV Personality of the Year, but impertinent question.’ today, except that, unlike John Humphries, chance, might want to ask’, as he told typically he never mentioned it. The irony, of course, was that although Freeman was out of shot. The set was austere, Anthony Clare. As a postscript, a few months before John Freeman tried and often succeeded in simply an armchair and a side table mounted And how! To Lord Birkett, the famous QC Face to Face ended, BBC Audience Research unmasking the celebrities before him in the on a plinth; the focus was entirely on the in murder trials of the 1920s and 30s: ‘Did polled its panels on possible future subjects. studio, he never revealed anything about ‘hot seat’. Then, as Freeman said, the camera you always believe in the innocence of your The conductor, Sir Malcolm Sargent was an himself. Literally, because all the viewer saw acted as a second interrogator, focussing on clients when you defended them?’ ‘Did you easy winner, followed by Richard Dimbleby. was the back of his head; the rest of him was a close-up of the subject’s face that ‘revealed have any qualms about defending someone Sir Winston Churchill polled only 14 votes. in shadow. every bead of sweat, every flicker of the on a murder charge whom you thought The Head of Talks, Television, wrote on the Kingsley Martin, Editor of the New eyelid, a dimension that had not existed in was guilty?’ ‘Would you think it your duty file ‘sic transit, gloria mundi’ and the same Statesman, commented sourly, ‘John is the television before’. to use every possible trick within the law to could apply to Face to Face as well. only man who has made himself celebrated The third reason was Freeman’s get the man acquitted?’ ‘Would that include Hugh Purcell was in the BBC 1967 – 1993, by turning his arse on the public.’ interviewing. Unlike TV interviews before bamboozling a jury?’ ‘Have you ever had becoming Managing Editor of TV Documentaries. Life-affirming filming manda Murphy is a digital what would have been a key section of a producer with Adapt TV History documentary of its day, made on 16mm (www.adapttvhistory.org.uk), a film. The crew all respectfully but efficiently team from the Royal Holloway supported each other in their pursuit of best UniversityA of London that is researching picture, best sound, best lighting, falling back the history of TV technology, from the into the language and etiquette of the past – as 1960s to the present day, with the aim I witnessed these guys, who have not made of passing on knowledge in a way that’s a TV programme for over 20 odd years, roll never been done before. She has shared 8 minutes of 16mm film, capturing at least some of her thoughts on a recent filming three minutes of broadcast footage! That’s project she undertook with seven ‘utterly a ratio of less than 3:1! Now given that TV awesome pensioners who all once shoots today end up with around 100:1 ratio Veteran OB worked at BBC Ealing film studios’. at least, it’s pretty extraordinary! ‘We are focusing on 16mm filming ’60s and ’70s worked together like they’d just ‘How on earth editors manage to make crew wanted on location for TV – so documentaries, made a telly programme yesterday! any sense of the footage today when there’s factual programmes like Man Alive and ‘Everything about casting for, filming no PA on shoot and just acres and acres of the Amanda is looking to film in March Chronicle as well as Play for Today along and even editing together material for the stuff as they just seem to shoot and shoot,’ 2016 with a Type 2 OB unit (she has with a raft of ’60s and ’70s shows as the project has been so very different from said David Whitson, unable to fathom the lack already spoken to Steve Harris about BBC film unit covered all programmes my producing experience for TV – in an of discipline with shooting since it all went NORTH 3, the OB he has restored shot on film on location. Crews then had interesting and often deeply inspiring way. digital. Ironically for me, this is just what we over the years and which has to be multi-skilled as they often had to ‘Strangely, no-one has ever reunited are doing as we film them… filming! featured regularly in Prospero). shoot a drama one week and a schools people with the kit they once worked with You can read Amanda’s full blog at: She wants to reunite the kind of programme or jungle-based documentary before – filming them as they rediscover, http://www.adapttvhistory.org.uk/life- crew who worked on a Type 2 OB the next. remember and then use that kit again. This affirming-filming-with-octogenarians- in the ’60s and ’70s – agile, able ‘So I blink in disbelief at having pulled material is then made available FOR FREE from-bbc-ealing-studios/ and interested folk who would be this off…as Ray Sutcliffe (who worked on across many digital platforms for media keen to be reunited with the OB and the BBC flagship series, Chronicle), David students, film historians, academics, film indeed the kit they once worked Whitson (cameraman), John Adderley, fans, ex TV folk or those who have a general with, to potentially use it again and acting as camera assistant, Alex Branson interest in how TV was made. demonstrate for us the pros and cons PA, Bill Chesneau on sound, John Hooper ‘Under Ray’s direction, the newly reunited of working with that kit in the day. as sound assistant and Alan Muhley film crew – most of whom had not seen She is looking for vision engineers, electrician, all walked into shot carrying each other for 20 years or more – proceeded vision supervisors, vision mixers, the Éclair camera, magazines for loading to film with the Éclair camera and Nagra directors, sound supervisors and sound film, a Nagra 3 sound recorder and an sound kit, using our specially created 1960s assistants, and PAs from that era. old DK25 boom, a hefty wooden camera domestic backdrop to demonstrate how sync If you are interested in finding out tripod and various redheads and blonde sound interviews were achieved back in the more, please contact Amanda on: lights from the era. The combined age of late 60s and how decisions were made around Email: [email protected] the crew was likely somewhere around lighting, interviewing, filming establishing Telephone: 07976 815174 600, yet this seasoned crew from the shots and exterior interview material for

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2015 08 BACK AT THE BBC The future of the BBC: have your say

This year, there is a once-in-a-decade remit and the question of whether the BBC’s of the BBC and the Trust issued a preliminary Green Paper and the second opportunity to have a say in the future of the content is – or should be – distinctive from response soon after. The Culture Secretary, phase will ask for views on BBC. At the end of 2016, the Corporation’s other media providers. John Whittingdale committed to carry out the BBC’s own proposals ten-year Charter will expire so the process Politicians and those with commercial a ‘root and branch’ review of the BBC and for the next Charter to agree the terms of the next Charter and interests are clearly going to be vocal his consultation is wide ranging – it looks period. The BBC Trust also Agreement – Charter Renewal – is already throughout process. But most important are the at the BBC’s mission and purpose, scale and welcomes responses online, well under way. views of the public who fund the BBC. The best scope and funding and governance. You can by email or post. You’ll have seen some of the main way to ensure that your views are heard is to respond online, answering as many or few For anyone who cares about how the BBC issues of this Charter Review debated by respond to the Government or BBC Trust of the questions as you want, or make your will fulfil its mission to educate, inform and media commentators, politicians and famous (full details about how to do that are below). points by email or in writing. The first phase entertain in the next decade, how it will be names. The discussion so far has focused on In July, the Government published a Green of the Trust’s consultation, which will be funded and governed, this is an unmissable the future funding of the BBC, its size and Paper and public consultation on the future submitted to the Government, builds on the opportunity to have a say.

Department of Culture, Media and Sport BBC Charter Review Consultation BBC Trust’s Tomorrow’s BBC Consultation (closes 8 October 2015) (first phase closed 18 September 2015; second phase to be announced) https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/bbc-charter-review-public-consultation http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/governance/tomorrowsbbc/ Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Write to: BBC Charter Review, Consultation DCMS, 100 Parliament Street, Write to: BBC Trust Unit, 180 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QZ. London SW1A 2BQ. Goodbye to Media Centre BBC commissions after 11 years ‘deprivation study’ Eleven years is not that long in the life of a building. When some BBC programmes have lasted dozens of years, it feels like barely a More than two-thirds of those originally Whereas when you watch it on the BBC ripple in time. opposed to paying the £145.50 licence fee they clearly know what they’re talking And yet after only just over a decade as changed their minds after being cut off about and put the script together from part of the BBC’s property portfolio, the from BBC services for a nine-day period, the research they’ve done. It’s quite a Media Centre – all 39,000 square metres of according to a study commissioned by profound difference. I now think the BBC it – closed its doors to staff on 10 July. Its the Corporation. is incredibly good value. I’d probably closure is part of an £87m deal struck with End of era willingly pay even more. I’m actually quite Seventy families across the country new developers. Those who worked there will probably a good ambassador for the BBC now.’ agreed to have their access to the BBC’s The light and airy building, with wooden remember being able to sit outside the fifth The BBC commissioned the study to dig television, radio and online services staircases running through its heart, was floor café in the summer, with a view of a suspended, as part of a ‘deprivation study’ deeper into existing research that suggests designed by architects Allies and Morrison gritty, urban London spreading out before you. designed to test the reactions of those that around 30 per cent of people are and opened to great fanfare by Jonathan Ross There were the fluorescent accents – who said they would prefer not to pay the opposed to paying the licence fee. It would on 12 May 2004. orange chairs, primary colour schemes in the licence fee. appear to confirm suspicions held at a high It was hailed as part of a plan to kitchen hubs and splashed on walls. If you’ve Of the 70 households, 48 had initially level in the Corporation that many viewers regenerate the west London site and make it been here long enough and once worked said that they would prefer either to pay do not realise how much they depend on feel more of a community. The name Media in west London, you might remember the no licence fee and have no BBC access, or the broadcaster’s output. Village was given to what had simply been dismay when the decision was taken to pay a reduced licence fee. After nine days Sonia, a local government worker in known as White City. Building commenced remove everyone’s personal bin. without any access to the corporation, Bristol, who did not want to give her in September 2001. At its peak, 2,500 people Not long after the building opened, there however, 33 of the 48 families, or 69 per surname, was a case in point. Before the from 45 different nationalities worked on the was a ‘reverse plumbing incident’ that spilled cent, declared that they were now happy study she was opposed to paying the construction of the buildings. They excavated into the corridors. People were scooping to pay. licence fee and said she ‘found it hard to 60,000 cubic metres of earth, laid 300 miles up water with recycling bins and grabbing Mike O’Donnell, a retired sales manager, imagine what as a family the BBC gave us of electrical cable and installed 14,000 hundreds of paper towels to lay on the floor. and his wife, Pat, were among the families that we can’t get anywhere else’. light fittings. There was also the day in July that the who were initially opposed to paying for After nine days without the BBC, she Olympic torch came through W12, with the BBC. ‘I just thought the licence fee had changed her mind. ‘It was shocking in Television star Bruce Forsyth holding it aloft as he ran past was another tax, and not good value for that we realised how much we did watch In television, the building had a starring the Media Centre. It seemed a fitting place money,’ said Mr O’Donnell, who admits BBC programmes,’ she said. ‘I think we just role in Armando Iannucci’s The Thick of It. for the torch to come through, given that the to being a fan of EastEnders and 5 Live. took it for granted.’ The production team had started filming in west London site had once been the home of ‘But being without the BBC was absolutely A further 22 of the 70 households had a Guinness brewery in west London, which the Olympics in 1908. dreadful, just awful. I just didn’t realised initially said that they were happy paying had provided the programme-makers with a While it’s the end for the BBC occupation how much we watched it.’ the licence fee. After the study, 21 said that one-stop shop for their needs – but it was to of the Media Centre, the building will have a Many of those who took part in the their views were unchanged. be demolished and the team only had a small new life, undergo a complete refurbishment trial said that they became frustrated by At the conclusion of the experiment, budget to find an alternative. and be brought onto the market in 2016 having to watch adverts on commercial families were given £3.60, a rebate for the After quite a bit of scouting around, for new tenants to occupy. And the BBC will TV channels, and the O’Donnells were no nine days of BBC access they had foregone. producer Adam Tandy suggested a place remain as tenants of the Broadcast Centre, different. ‘The adverts just drove me nuts,’ For many, that was a watershed moment. close to home for filming – and that was the Energy Centre and Lighthouse. The plans for said Mr O’Donnell. ‘I lost track of what I ‘That’s what, £12 a month,’ said one Media Centre. the Media Village – to be renamed White was watching.’ unnamed participant, who was initially Production designer, Simon Rogers City Place – will make it the ‘place to be’, say A perceived lack of quality from the against the licence fee. ‘And we pay £70- remembers how they took up half a floor developers Stanhope. BBC’s rivals was also a common complaint. odd a month for Sky. That’s a bit of a shock for the ministry offices, filming for a week Not everyone sees it as a new beginning, Mr O’Donnell said: ‘The weather on ITV is to be honest.’ surrounded by BBC staff, although filming of however. ‘It’s the end of an era,’ someone said Mickey Mouse. You can tell that the person You can read further details of the report the ‘more sweary scenes’ had to be left until recently, peering at some neglected chairs who’s reading it doesn’t understand it. in the Radio Times magazine (25 August). the end of the day. huddled in a corner. The era didn’t last long.

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2015 OBITUARIES 09

Peter continued to grow and dry his own pipe- manager, Midlands, firstly at Carpenter clips for many titles. Subjects were as varied Part of the Manchester tobacco after early retirement in 1980, while Road, and then at the newly opened Pebble as Victorian and Edwardian cricket, Alistair ‘family business’ following his interest in amateur dramatics, Mill Studios. He brought to this position Cooke, and the Titanic. For many years, he photography, painting and wood turning on a a lifelong enthusiasm for motors and formed a very successful partnership with In June 2014, after lathe in his shed. Sadly Isabel died a few days motoring, from re-building early cars in producer Sarah Kilgarriff, often with Tim a fall, John Jordan before him and they shared a joint funeral. his kitchen to motor sports, rallies, and Pigott-Smith as a favoured presenter. was recovering well Hugh Sheppard events of all kinds. Mark played many seasons for the BBC’s in hospital when A friend recalls a first outing in his illustrious, if somewhat eccentric, cricket he collapsed and died completely rebuilt Allard J2 sports car. team, The Bushmen – captaining them in suddenly, due to a Motoring down the newly opened M1 1981 and ‘82. He had a terrifyingly accurate blood clot. First TV OBs organiser motorway at about 100mph, escaping steam memory for Wisden statistics. Some years ago, it John Richardson was spotted and the temperature gauge went Mark was diagnosed with cancer in the was said that BBC Manchester was our (1923-2015) had a off the scale. Neville, being Neville, decided summer of 2013 and endured months of ‘family business’. Doreen (John’s wife) was long and distinguished that the faster we went, the more cool air treatment with great courage. He continued assistant restaurant manager and then moved career at the BBC, would pass through the radiator and cool the to write jaunty emails, displaying all his old to Archives, and son Paul, who sadly died in having capitalised water… it didn’t – end of trip. sharp and sometimes mischievous wit. One 2001, worked as a scene hand and then a on youthful RAF Many years later, responsible for a large of those closest to him wrote towards the rigger/driver. BBC Manchester became our experiences towards outside broadcast base and fleet of vehicles, he end: ‘He was the one old friend who made extended family, giving support in sad times the end of the travelled widely throughout the UK, me laugh the most: my spirits always rose and sharing happy times! And once again Second World War. He had acted as a forces supporting productions of all kinds, and often at the thought of seeing him’. you were there for us… correspondent feeding stories to the BBC and abroad handling complex arguments with Nick Utechin In the 1950s, John worked in the building as soon as he was demobbed, he talked his customs officials, Of all his many vehicle trade as a scaffolder helping to develop way into a job in radio. procurements, probably the most notable was Manchester, involved in building CIS Tower, John became a studio manager and the famous red ‘Bergerac’ 1949 Triumph Helping people leave Barton Bridge on the M60 and Jodrell Bank announcer, working for nearly a decade with convertible roadster 2000. (Telescope) base. In the 1960s, John started such eminent figures as Cedric Messina and the BBC Another lasting passion was sailing and over working for BBC Outside Broadcast based at Grace Wyndham Goldie on a tremendous the years, he built several boats including a If you ever passed Manchester as a rigger/driver where he was range of productions, from drama and 20ft estuary cruiser for family use. through a ‘Leaving proud to be part of the team that was to talks to news, entertainment and, always In retirement, he played bowls and the BBC‘ seminar develop and help in the expansion of a favourite, music programmes. In 1947, Petanque (Boules) at which both he and his when you left the programmes from BBC Manchester. he presented his own show, On the Spot, wife Jennifer excelled – becoming known in Corporation, then the Programmes included It’s a Knockout, which became the hit series, Down Your competition circles as the Droitwich Duo. chances are you would Come Dancing, Grand National, Match of the Day, Way with Richard Dimbleby and Franklin He will be remembered with great affection have been welcomed Snooker, religious programmes, and many Engleman. In 1953, he assisted radio outside by all his friends and colleagues. and put at ease by historical and magical moments. These teams broadcasts at the Queen’s Coronation but, Neville is succeeded by Jennifer and their Sandra Quigley, who ran and facilitated made working away from home much easier encouraged by the great drama producer daughters Emma and Hannah. these seminars. for Dad as he told us how they worked hard Francis Durbridge, John moved across George Pagan Sandra started her career in the World and laughed often. He spoke of the respect to television the following year when he Service. She later moved on to the Pensions and humour from the production teams and became the first TV OBs organiser, working Department where she was responsible for office/transport colleagues. After his to Peter Dimmock. Head of sound archives organising the ‘Leaving the BBC’ and ‘Moving retirement, he was thrilled when he was At a time when TV output was in a On’ seminars, set up to help staff make the contacted about the ‘resurrection’ of the formative and pioneering stage, John and Bushman captain transition out of the BBC. Sandra had a great Scanner and proud to get the chance to sit contributed to some of the most significant Mark Jones, who talent for making people feel relaxed. in the driver’s seat again! OB programmes of the period, ranging has died at the age of Her smile and sense of humour would It was a great comfort to Doreen and from Saturday Night Out to Grandstand and 67, was head of the immediately put people at ease and she was family to meet up with John’s colleagues Match of the Day plus the first broadcast BBC’s sound archives generous in sharing her own experiences of at his funeral and listen to their amusing employing the Telstar satellite, and national from 1981-96, during moving between careers. stories. (It was also good to hear stories events such as Winston Churchill’s funeral in which time, he Sandra left in August 2014, having of Paul.) 1965. John had a wonderful time throughout oversaw the move into decided to move to Cornwall to spend time Julie Jordan this period and it was something of a bonus digital recording and with her daughter and grandchildren. She We were proud to donate £400 to when he was awarded an MBE in 1966 for the computerisation of the catalogue. sent me an email recalling her time at the services to the BBC. Francis House Children’s Hospice, Born in South Wales in 1947, he studied BBC and she wrote ‘around 10,000 staff In 1968, John became one of the three Manchester, in memory of John. Thank English at Bristol, and in his final year won passed through these seminars: Controllers TV presentation editors, based at TV Centre, you for your donations and sympathy. both the Modern and Shakespeare prizes. of Services, Heads of Department, eminent a job requiring calm nerves and great Joining the BBC in 1972, he spent three radio and television people, cameramen communication skills, something he’d always years in the arcane niche of the (never had a camerawoman!), playwrights, displayed. He was heavily involved in such Peter Francis Corporation’s grading department, writers of television shows, wardrobe key programming as the Queen’s Christmas a unit responsible for evaluating and people, staff from across the organisation.’ Peter Francis died on 13 August 2015 aged broadcasts, President Nixon’s resignation and comparing thousands of jobs across the Sandra was a delightful colleague who 89. At his funeral, his family and former the Apollo missions. Corporation. He said that, on assignments, touched the lives of the many people she colleagues recalled him as a mainstay of John took early retirement in 1980, but he was always welcomed with open arms met. If you were one of the lucky ones to television presentation for the major part maintained his links to his beloved BBC have passed through these sessions then you of his career. through the Prospero Society and as a because staff hoped he might recommend would have had the pleasure of meeting this He had joined the BBC in 1944 as a member of the BBC Club, which he’d an upgrade. lovely lady. trainee technical assistant but was called belonged to for over 60 years. But it was at the sound archives where Sandra Phillips and Darren Smart up later that year into the Navy. He returned John was a cultured and articulate man Mark found his true metier and, later, his to 200 Oxford Street in 1946 and became with an easy sociability that made him many wife Tessa Kulik. On leaving the BBC in a studio manager in the Overseas Service. friends. He enjoyed a long and contented 1996, he was able to put his huge Olive Thornton It was here he met Isabel Tyler, who retirement in London with his partner, knowledge and love of what lay within the worked in the Recorded Programmes Roy Asher. archives to good use as a freelance writer Olive M Thornton (nee Orchard), Library, literally the office next door, who Giles Oakley and producer. who worked as a cashier at Wood Norton, became his wife. One of the many projects prepared the Evesham, from 1951-1972, has died at Moving to Lime Grove in the 1950s, he ground for the new, digital archive-based the age of 103. directed in-vision presentation in the A popular man of radio channel, BBC 7 (now 4Extra). They days of Sylvia Peters and Polly Elwes. Later, devised dummy schedules which gave as an assistant presentation editor at TV motors and motoring impetus to the eventual shape and approach Cedric Stansfield Centre, he was enormously appreciated Neville Mowl started BBC life in 1953 as an of the channel. We have received notice that for his friendship, quiet competence and engineer at Wooferton transmitter. Later, in For BBC Audiobooks (as it was originally Cedric Stansfieldpassed away on vast experience. the early ‘60s, he was appointed transport called), he wrote the scripts and chose the 28 June 2015 in South Africa.

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2015 10 OBITUARIES

producer, together with a demand for his work theatre. In fact, she would accompany him Author of How Plays as a writer led him to give up acting. In that Meticulous frequently on his ‘Songs from the Shows’ Are Made year, he joined BBC Radio, and in a short time O&M engineer summer concerts when they would duet to was given executive responsibility for more an enthusiastic audiences. I first met Stuart Griffiths in 1983, when Lawford Thomas than 450 productions each year and, among Stella joined the BBC in the ‘60s after we were both working at BBC Television died peacefully at other innovations, created Waggoners Walk leaving Bristol University with a degree in Centre, in the Drama, Plays department. Stuart Buckingham House – a soap opera that eventually ran for history. Her first job was in Radio 4, where was script editor of Classic Plays, working nursing home 14 years! He commissioned early works by she worked as production assistant to the alongside the producer Louis Marks, having following a long battle Tom Stoppard, Andrew Davies and scores of acclaimed author and historian, Alan Ereira. previously directed plays for BBC radio drama. new writers. This he combined with writing – with cancer. When she joined Radio 2 in 1976, she Many who have read (and re-read) he is author and co-author of some 70 scripts He was brought up was the youngest producer the department Stuart’s books, How Plays Are Made, and for TV, radio and film. in the Welsh mining had ever employed and she soon established Shakespeare’s Language, Keys To Understand It, are In 1970, he moved into directing and village of Abertillery, where he attended herself as an authority in every aspect of the indebted to the clarity and insight with producing for television with a string of the local grammar school before gaining a arts, when we alternated as producers on the which they were written. credits for plays, films and series – The Physics degree at Exeter University. He joined late night interview programme featuring Stuart loved language. He loved going Regiment, The Double Dealers and Barlow at Large the BBC as a direct entry engineer in 1966, Brian Matthew – Round Midnight. As well as behind its workings, back to its Latin roots. – to name just a few. working on Operations and Maintenance working as studio producer, she covered the He studied Latin every day – always carrying From 1974 until 1979, Keith was Head in the telecine areas at Television Centre Edinburgh Festival with its rich variety of a page or two of Virgil in his coat pocket of BBC Script Unit servicing all departments and Lime Grove. He was involved in many theatre and music output for several years. – always finding new insights, and often of BBC TV and nurturing new writing talent developments for improving the quality From 1981 to 1983, she accompanied sharing them. and from 1979 until 1984, he was Head of of film transmission such as the direct use her husband on business to New York where As a Fleet Street leader-writer, Stuart BBC TV Drama Plays, during which time he of colour negative and programming of she became office manager at The Economist, wrote on subjects as diverse as cats – he had executive responsibility for over 350 returning to Radio 2 to head up its arts absolutely loved cats – theatre, the upper colour correction. films and plays. department, working closely with Sheridan reaches of the Thames, and Churchill (to After some years, he left the BBC to His tenure of office was marked by the fact Morley and handling all the network’s OB’s. name just a few of the hundreds he penned). work for Granville Television in their that in each year, a BBC film won a BAFTA During this period, she proved herself to be My favourite is a leader that he wrote about a telecine area but eventually returned to for Caught on a Train, Ballroom of Romance, a producer of great determination, securing period of three weeks in 1953 when no-one the BBC, again in telecine Ops and Going Gently and An Englishman Abroad. such names as Walter Cronkite and Katharine was running the country; I have a copy for Maintenance. He then moved to Planning Keith was blessed with so many gifts – Hepburn as interviewees (both notoriously anyone who’d like to read this. and Installation Department and worked on that he so generously shared and are to be difficult to bag) as well as covering the Stuart volunteered to take early retirement a variety of projects mainly connected with valued – his love, cherishment, intelligence, Oscars in Hollywood. from the BBC to look after his parents and the transmission of films on television; one insight, exceptional understanding, selflessness, being the installation of electronic character She also initiated the now traditional aunts, in Evesham. After many difficult years, patience and kindness being just a few. coverage of Proms in the Park in conjunction he returned to live in London’s Notting Hill generators and computers for subtitled The film and television industry will films to replace the expensive, cumbersome with BBC television music department. and re-established his links with the literary certainly be a lesser place without him. In recent years, she suffered badly from and theatre worlds. Stuart was actively and operationally hazardous use of separate Glyn Edwards subtitle films. Lawford was a meticulous rheumatoid arthritis and became confined to involved with the Terence Rattigan and Noel a wheelchair but she showed an indomitable Coward Societies; he also wrote articles for engineer whose O&M experience helped to avoid embarrassing mistakes; he spirit in the face of great pain and was always the Marlowe Society. His last piece of writing Muriel Lakeland cheerful and optimistic. was quick to point out any flaws in for the Marlowe – about to be published Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go (Schofield) project proposals. – was on Orson Welles and Shakespeare. out to Martin, her devoted husband of 37 years. Some of his other projects included It ends on what seems an extraordinarily Muriel Lakeland, Ann Mann updates to regional telecine machines, prescient note – a quote from ‘The Tempest’, who was based in the conversion of the Ski Sunday video tape in Prospero’s words: ‘we are such stuff as Manchester for the machines for stereo sound, installation dreams are made on.’ whole of her career, Television news of computers for the weather studio, TVC Latterly, Stuart lived in Datchet, near passed away on 23 Stage 5 video tape cubicles and lastly training department Windsor; there, he made many new friends – March 2015. She the decommissioning of the Stage 5 some human, some feline – while, at the same worked in Variety Many of the BBC’s telecine cubicles. time, continuing to visit London (on a frequent Department and television journalists He will be remembered for his bad basis) for theatre, literary and social events. was orchestral secretary to the Northern – hundreds probably Stuart really was ‘one of a kind’. A scholar. Variety Orchestra and to Alyn Ainsworth. jokes and Welsh accent, the chicken – who had their A very fine friend. A gentle man. She was involved with Alyn in the recruitment impersonations and the after-lunch siestas, television training in He will be very much missed. of London session musicians moving to as well as being a fount of technical and the 1980s and early Felicity Stephen Manchester when the BBC Northern Dance practical knowledge. ‘90s will remember Orchestra (NDO) was formed. Some of When he retired, he became heavily Dorothy Siggers. them had played in the Ted Heath Band. involved with the Chiltern Open Air Museum Dorothy died in May, one week short Creator of Muriel also worked on programmes within where he was appreciated for his immense of her 80th birthday. the Department. talents and practical capabilities and also for Known to all as ‘Dot’, she was a familiar Waggoners Walk Later, Muriel moved to TV Drama producing industrial quantities of plants figure around the news studios at Television Keith David Williams Department as production assistant to from his own greenhouse for sale in support Centre for many years through her help in who passed away on Vivian Daniels, who was responsible for of the museum. running countless television training courses. 2 May, was born in St many successful drama productions. After Lawford left no immediate family but he She had joined the BBC as a Pitman- Peter Port, Guernsey. that, she moved to TV Outside Broadcasts as leaves behind lots of friends. trained professional typist, having earned her He was a man production assistant to Ray Lakeland, where Geoff Rowlands living by typing manuscripts for writers and whose life spanned they were involved with the coverage of authors as disparate as Claire Bloom, Philip almost every aspect of many major sporting events including Rugby Roth and Ned Sherrin. At the BBC, the industry – acting, League, The Open Golf, The Ryder Cup, Royal Round Midnight she suddenly found herself in the turmoil directing, producing, writing, lecturing, Birkdale, racing from Ascot, The Derby and radio producer of the busy London television newsroom. theatre management and consultancy. A The Grand National. They also worked on a As a ‘news typist’, she was taking down last- man of diverse and exceptional gifts, who number of other outside broadcasts. It was with great sadness that I learned of the minute copy from often fraught sub-editors. honoured his profession. After retirement, Muriel and Ray married death of my friend and ex-Radio 2 colleague, They were the days when journalists were After Keith’s schooling ended, an acting and spent many happy years together. Stella Hanson on 3 July after a long battle encouraged to dictate their scripts to check career immediately began at Oldham They enjoyed entertaining friends and with ill health. how they sounded when read aloud. Coliseum, combining stage management meeting former colleagues at their Visiting Stella was born into a musical family in But soon she was to join me in a newly- with playing juvenile leads. This led to his Scheme Group get-togethers. Walton-on-Thames in 1955, her father being established training unit within television running many prestigious companies around Jerry Clegg the popular tenor and matinee idol, John news, where her original secretarial duties the UK with the best in British theatre – John Thanks to Ray and their pensioner Hanson who filled theatres up and down the grew quickly to meet expanding training Gielgud, Michael Redgrave and many more. visitor, Sybil Jenazian, for their notes on country and through whom she acquired needs. Crucially, she proved adept at finding In 1963, pressure of work as director/ Muriel’s life. her knowledge of operetta and musical scarce resources and booking the technical

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2015 MEMORIES 11 facilities we depended on for the courses. She retirement, pursuing his many interests. and in 1940 volunteered to serve in the RAF. translating new words and scientific and would conjure up difficult-to-get complete The last years of Derrick’s life were sadly During his training he attended a course social concepts from English into Bengali and studios with their attendant crews, always marred by the increasing symptoms of on radar at Squires Gate Airfield in Blackpool. was proud of his contribution to the seeming to know who the key people were to Parkinson’s and the need for nursing home He served in Britain, South Africa and development of the Bengali language. approach and nurture, to make it all happen. care following a stroke in 2013. Here he Burma.Ted returned to BBC Publications But it was his work reporting on the political An early challenge was the first-ever was visited regularly by Lesley, many friends in 1946 (Distribution Department) and and military crisis of 1970-71 in what newsroom computer system, which we had and his wife Barbara until his death on subsequently was promoted to assistant became Bangladesh, that really defined his installed in the training area before it went 25 March. traffic manager. His wealth of experience broadcasting career. In that period, the BBC into the newsroom. Dot was quickly at home Lesley Forster (daughter) was recognised in 1968 when he was Bengali service was expanded and won large with this vital new technology and invaluable seconded to a more senior position within new audiences, from rickshaw pullers to in helping introduce it to a whole generation Distribution Department. high officials in East Pakistan. As with many of newcomers. Radio Solent secretary He became traffic manager in 1972 of his colleagues, Seraj’s personal loyalties In 1993, she moved on to the Services hooked on crochet being responsible for the distribution to the were deeply engaged, often on opposing Sound and Vision Corporation, and also to the trade of Radio Times, The Listener and all other sides, in what he saw as a Bengali national Doreen Saltmarsh, a much-loved personality BBC Arabic Service. But she often said of her BBC publications. This required close liaison liberation struggle, but he and they remained at Radio Solent and BBC South, has died at time with training that she greatly enjoyed with major carriage organisations and the professional in reporting events. At a time the age of 84. the chance to work with and help so many control of budgeting and expenditure. His when BBC journalists were unable to report Doreen – known to many simply as interesting and enthusiastic young people. knowledge of printing and production from East Pakistan, Seraj was an active source ‘Dor’ – joined Radio Solent in 1976 after Dot retired finally in 1998 and moved procedures for Radio Times and numerous of contacts. several years with a local insurance company. with her husband to West Sussex where other BBC publications was invaluable. Ted After his retirement from the BBC, Seraj She worked first in the newsroom and then she was a doting grandmother to six was always prepared to share his knowledge continued to write for Bengali newspapers as secretary to the then manager, Maurice grandchildren and where she loved nothing with members of staff for the benefit of and won several awards in recognition of his Ennals, a post she held for ten years. more than having all her family around her. Publications Department. In 1975, he was lifelong contribution to journalism. His last There she became known not only for Peter Dorling appointed deputy distribution manager, contribution to a Bengali paper was two her efficiency and good organisation, but a post he held until his retirement in weeks before he died. Our sympathies go to also for her kindness and sense of humour. August 1978. his family. Youngest BBC She described South Western House, a Ted and Violet were married in October William Crawley former railway terminus hotel, as a romantic transmitter engineer 1947. In 1956, they were blessed when their place to work, not least for its maritime son Tony was born. They always enjoyed Derrick Chapman connections. The building was owned by being involved with Tony’s numerous Television engineer worked for the BBC, Cunard; it overlooked the docks and car activities and for several years they were on man and boy. He parking was on the platforms. and lighting director the supporters committee for the Cubs and started as a Youth in She was proud to have ‘met and greeted’ Reginald Fisher Jones Scouts in Hillingdon. In 1980, they moved Training in June 1943, some of the leading lights of the day: Lawrie was born on 31 July to Dorset where they spent many happy aged 15. McMenemy, John Arlott, Roy Plomley, Patrick 1926 in the Isle of years of retirement. In 2014, they fulfilled a He was placed at Man. Reg joined the Moore and many others. lifelong dream when they enjoyed a 12-day Daventry as technical BBC in 1943 at the age From 1986 to 1991, she stayed with the cruise in Norway with Tony. assistant (grade 2) although after a year, he of 17. He was sent to BBC in Southampton, this time in its finance I had the pleasure of working closely with requested a transfer back to Dorset where, London for training and personnel departments. Ted for many years. He was a true gentleman at Rampisham, at 18, Derrick was appointed as a sound engineer. She retired in 1991 to live with her who was always fair and kind to everyone. as the youngest transmitter engineer ever Called up to do army service just before the husband Roy in the Derbyshire village of Ted will be greatly missed by Violet, his in the BBC. end of the Second World War, he was sent to Ockbrook, and quickly became involved cherished wife of 67 years, their son Tony In 1947, Derrick moved to Wooferton, Hungary and was stationed in Budapest. He in many of its activities. She was flower and niece Sandy. near Ludlow, as engineer (grade C). Here he was a member of the Royal Signals. secretary for her church, secretary of a ladies Brian Leaver discovered table tennis, coming second in group and a tireless fundraiser for the local After the war, he rejoined the BBC as they the Shropshire Championships, and rifle hospice. When asked how many cakes she were hosting the Olympic Games in London shooting, which became a lifetime interest. baked in a year, she said she got fed up with Well-known voice in in 1948 and needed additional staff. At Wooferton he also discovered love, counting once she had passed 100! BBC Bengali Service Reg then transferred to Alexandra Palace. marrying Doreen in 1948 and later having Some years earlier, her daughter Jane He joined the Outside Broadcast Unit and a daughter, Lesley, in 1950. had given her a course of crochet lessons as Serajur Rahman, for was one of the television engineers at the A move to Start Point in 1952 brought a birthday present, and in her own words, ‘I 34 years a producer, Queen’s Coronation. He moved to Bristol a widening of experience from short wave was hooked ever since!’ She became Chairman journalist and well- in 1953 working as a lighting director. He to domestic sound services and there and Regional Co-ordinator for the Derbyshire known voice in the BBC transferred to TVC in London again as a followed subsequent promotions to branch of the Knitting and Crochet Guild. ‘I Bengali Service, died lighting director before returning to Bristol Wychbold, as SME in 1960 and to walk around thinking crochet when I haven’t on 1 June, aged 81. in 1970 where he continued at the BBC until Washford (Welsh Service) as AEIC in 1963. got a hook and thread in my hands!’ she wrote. He was born in a his retirement in 1986. In 1970, Derrick was asked to take Doreen loved the company of her family, village in Noakhali in Always a calm presence in a gallery on Brookman’s Park as acting EIC, but and of her friends at the Moravian Church East Bengal, now Bangladesh, and had his situation, he commanded huge respect from when offered the permanent position two in Ockbrook. Shortly before her death, she early schooling there. his colleagues. His uncomplaining and gentle years later, felt unable to accept because was able to attend a Garden Party there in the At the age of 17, he became a news editor demeanor was the mark of a true gentleman, of concerns over Doreen’s health. These company of her son and daughter. This happy in a Bengali language paper in Dhaka and a unique, quiet man who carried himself concerns proved well founded and she day gave her great pleasure. was deeply involved in the Bengali language with peaceful strength and honour. sadly died in 1975. Doreen’s dear husband Roy, died in 2009. movement, which followed the Pakistan Reg retired to Poole where he enjoyed a From then until the end of his career in Nick Willmot government’s 1948 declaration of Urdu as very happy retirement by the sea. He took up 1983, Derrick was sent back to Wychbold as the sole national language. bowls and was always active. EIC, initially to troubleshoot and, with the Seraj joined the BBC World Service in He died peacefully in his sleep at home on support of George Turner, he overcame the Loyal Service to 1960 and during his time at the BBC, he the morning of Friday 29 May 2015 and will many bad practices then current, due to the BBC Publications produced many plays, mainly translations be greatly missed. strong union presence. Later, he oversaw the and adaptations from Shakespeare and Karen Savage (daughter) re-equipping, modernisation and preparation Colleagues and friends other English and European classics. He for the station to become unattended. He will be sorry to hear wrote several books in Bengali, some of could never pass the landmark pair of masts that Ted Waterman them based on his BBC programmes. In Despite allocating three pages to obituaries in this issue of Prospero, seen from the M5 without pointing out ‘his’ passed away on 5 June addition, he translated nearly 20 books. we regret that we have been unable masts to whoever was present! after a short illness at These won him much praise and widened to accommodate all of the obituaries Derrick was only 56 when he completed the age of 93. the knowledge of world literature for many provided. They will be published in the his 40 years. He married twice more and Ted joined BBC young readers of Bangladeshi origin. He was December issue. despite many sadnesses, he enjoyed an active Publications in 1938 creative in tackling the many problems of

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2015 12 THE LAST WORD

Television Recording (TVC) Forthcoming reunions Christmas Lunch This year’s lunch will be held at the usual BBC Scotland Creature feature venue of Glenmore House, Surbiton, on The annual BBC Scotland retired staff Thursday 3 December. Last year over 100 reunion will take place on Friday 13 Towyn Mason, who worked for the former staff and their families gathered for November, at the now regular venue of the the event and even South West Trains and BBC for 26 years, has produced what he Castle Conservatory in the Crowne Plaza the weather behaved themselves. Hotel, directly across the river from the modestly calls ‘a little book’ of verse Details will be sent to those who BBC’s Scottish headquarters at Pacific Quay. are on our mailing list, but if you are translations of Aesop fables as written up If you have not already received an interested in coming along, please call by the Latin poet Phaedrus, reworked in email reminder for this event, then you’re Roger Martin (01380 812118) or not on our email list. To get yourself added, modern English rhyming couplets and Nick Martin (020 8641 1387) or email email: [email protected] [email protected] published alongside his own pen and or [email protected] Full details of the gathering will also ink illustrations. be available on our website: D&ED www.40sand50sreunion.co.uk The next D&ED reunion lunch will be on How did you come across You seem to have had a lot to do 11 November in central London (£39). Phaedrus and what drew you to with languages. BBC Transport Group If you were associated with any of translate the fables into these Well, I’ve always been fascinated by them. – 24th reunion the specialist/support departments of very amusing rhyming couplets? My degree is in Modern Languages This year will be the 24th reunion for BBC Engineering Division (e.g. Engineering Where I live in London, there is a splendid (French and Italian) and in India, I picked Transport Group, Kendal Avenue staff, ex- Information, Designs, Equipment, Research Victorian outfit called the Highgate Literary up a working knowledge of Hindi, while BBC drivers. A chance to come for a drink or Capital Projects) then you will probably & Scientific Institution, which runs lectures, Bush House of course was a famously and a chat at Royal British Legion Club, know several of the people at the lunch and classes and so on. One of its classes, cheekily polyglot environment. Welsh – well Ruislip High Street from 8pm on Saturday you would be welcome to join over 50 of us. called Latin for Pleasure, is meant for people that’s personal. 12 December 2015. For further information who have a grounding in Latin but lack Email Martin Ellen (martin@ contact Paul McArdle on: 07957 592326 or facility in reading its literature, so each What did you enjoy most about bbceng.info) for information. email: [email protected] week the tutor (a distinguished former working for the BBC? Classics teacher, Isabel Raphael) chooses Probably, at risk of seeming a creep, being a text and guides the class through it. On part of the organisation which set the world one occasion she brought us some poems standard for broadcast journalism. But CLASSIFIEDS by Phaedrus, a 1st-century AD poet who also, especially in Bush House, being in the company of so many remarkable and talented wrote versions of Aesop fables and for fun, I Venice, Giudecca. started adapting these into modern English. people, and having a front seat, so to speak, Beautiful apartment in quiet private Eventually I had a collection of 20, so, with at the drama of world affairs. courtyard, sleeps 5, fully equipped. the encouragement of Isabel and members Experience the real Venice. of the class, I had them published, together How would you describe Tel: 01260 227262 with drawings to fill the blank spaces on the your retirement? Email: [email protected] pages. Royalties are donated to the HLSI. So far, so brilliant! The Urbane Fox and other fab Provence, France. What sort of feedback have you creatures… (ISBN 978-1-78407-238-4). Modern detached villa. Sleeps 6. Heated had on the book? Available from Amazon at £4.99, or if pool. Close to delightful medieval hilltop A few Classicists who have seen it have ordered online direct from the publisher village. From £600 per week. Email: [email protected] made kind remarks. The Oxford Classics don, (www.feedaread.com) for £3.99. Professor Armand D’Angour (who wrote Portugal. odes in ancient Greek for both the Traditional country house B&B. Pool; Athens and the London Olympics), garden of oranges, olives, vines and figs. said of the book: ‘marvellous translations Between World Heritage cities of Evora – fabulous illustrations’. CAPTION competition WIN and Elvas. £45. Email: [email protected] Tell us about your career with £10 Tel: +351 925393701 the BBC. I joined what was then the Eastern Service Hi-fi kit. at Bush House after working in India for a High end (Denon, Quad) equipment few years and I was responsible in turn for available; cherished but now unable to use. All proceeds to Parkinson’s UK. overseeing the Urdu and Hindi services, Inventory from [email protected] together with some smaller ones in other South Asian languages. In 1979, after the fall of the Menorca. Shah of Iran, I was appointed correspondent Detached villa sleeps 2-7. Private pool. in Teheran, the previous correspondent having Air conditioned. Close amenities. For been expelled by the Shah’s regime. Alas, the brochure/prices phone 01621 741810, new lot proved no more sympathetic to BBC or visit: www.menorcaholidayvilla.co.uk journalism than their predecessors and a few weeks later, I was thrown out, along with other Prospero Classifieds, BBC Pension and foreign journalists. Benefits Centre, Broadcasting House, There followed some months in the Cardiff CF5 2YQ. Gulf and London before I was re-located Please enclose a cheque made payable to: to Pakistan, where the effects of the BBC Central Directorate. recent Soviet invasion of Afghanistan were Congratulations to Terry Elms, who won a £10 voucher for his caption: Are you sure this Rate: £6 for 20 words. In a covering letter beginning to be felt, for the rest of my two- please include your pension number. year contract. On return to London, I added is what the engineers meant by horizontal hold? Thanks also to John Dean (The night my weight to the supposedly top-heavy standby announcer is brought to the studio) and Robin Brown (Trainees in the Drama Department are taught the ‘Suspension of Disbelief’). BBC bureaucracy and finished my career as Deputy Secretary to the Board of Governors. Post your caption suggestion to Prospero by Friday 6 November (see page 2 for address) Since retirement, I have been back to or email [email protected], with ‘caption competition 5’ in the subject line. Please school, so to speak, to gain A-level certificates include your BBC pension number. Good luck! in Russian and Welsh, as well as brushing up my Latin. Picture shows John Irwin, producer, with Cyril Wilkins, cameraman (1947).

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