ITVA The van they’re all talking about – page 4 December 2009 Number 9

Une étoile is born centre pages

page 2 Lynda puts the brrr! in Brum

With highlights from Ariel s s i k p i H

n h o J

: o t o h P News The standard bearer in news Ben Bradshaw , the minister for Culture, Media and Sport, may support top-slicing the licence fee – but as he explained in an Ariel article, he still admires the BBC When I arrived in Berlin in the spring of courtesy military rank, a lieutenant colonel’s Service in English were well listened to from 1989 the post was considered a bit of a house and, crucially, a pass that allowed me people we met in East Germany. But it only backwater. Nothing much had happened to travel freely back and forth through the really hit us when, in the days immediately there since the Wall had gone up in 1961. Wall. after the Wall came down, a steady stream The job belonged to the German language That became very handy as events of East Germans made their way to our service at Bush House. Ability to broadcast unfolded and the East German regime office to say thank you. PROSPERO in German was a requirement, which must clamped down. I was still free to slip in and When I asked them why they listened to December 2009 have been why I, a German speaker, got the out of East Berlin to report and pick up the BBC rather than German or American job straight from local radio, ahead of far interviews when most other journalists were broadcasters they said: ‘You don’t preach to better qualified, more experienced not. On the odd occasion, when I did get us or look down on us as second class colleagues . into a scrape with the Stasi, I just flashed Germans, your programmes are fair, you But that local radio training – turning my pass. allow diverse voices and you acknowledge Prospero is provided free to round endless voice pieces, packages and It was an incredibly lucky break for me – that not everything in your own country is two ways – stood me in good stead when to have the biggest story in the world on my perfect, so we believe what you say about retired BBC employees. It can things hotted up, as they soon did. hands. My only regret is that I didn’t have other places.’ also be sent to spouses or The job was unusual in another way. longer to enjoy Berlin at a more leisurely The same values that still make the BBC Because of Berlin’s occupied status I was pace before things really took off. the most trusted news organisation in the dependants who want to keep officially still a ‘war correspondent’ with We knew the German service and World world today. in touch with the BBC. It includes news about former War witnesses Snow-capped Cinétévé, a Paris-based TV production com - colleagues, pension issues, pany, will be in the UK in January and early and developments at the February to interview people who have per - Christmas spectives on the part played by the BBC in BBC. Prospero includes The work of former BBC designer supporting World War 2 resistance in classified advertisements. To turned artist Lynda Kettle will be gracing Europe. thousands of mantlepieces this year Christiane Ratiney wants to hear from advertise in Prospero or the after one of her paintings was chosen Prospero readers who can help or would like as the official Christmas card of the to take part in Shadow Fighters, a six-hour BBC Staff magazine, Ariel, University of Birmingham. series, being made for the French-German see page 11. She grabbed a rare opportunity to Cultural TV channel Arte in partnership capture a seasonal scene when snow with the national Belgian public TV channel fell on the university’s Aston Webb RTBF. ‘The BBC’s support will be one of the Subscription information for Building last winter, and the image is now winging its way to alumni around leading threads of the series and we would Ariel is on page 12 the world. like to meet and interview BBC staffers who Lynda, who spent 30 years at the worked for Auntie during the war and who BBC, became a full-time artist when could recall for us their day-to-day work.’ Pebble Mill closed. She can be contacted by e-mail at shadow - She now has her own studio at Stoke [email protected], or at Cineteve’s Prior near Bromsgrove, and she teaches office – phone 00 33 1 48 04 30 00. in water colours, pastels, acrylics and oils. Trustee re-elected You can find out more about her work Dan Cooke has been re-elected as Member and the training courses at Nominated Trustee. He received 1,231 of http://www.lynda-kettle.com/ the 2,822 votes cast. His six year term of office will run from May 1 next year.

Editorial contributions CROSPERO 144 1 2 Devised and compiled by Jim Palm • • 3 4 5 Write to Robin Reynolds Complete the square using the clues; these apply only to words • • • The Editor, Prospero running across. Then take these words in numerical order and 6 7 8 BBC Pension & Benefits Centre extract the letters indicated by a dot. If your answers are correct, these letters will spell out the name of a topical individual. • • • Broadcasting House 9 10 Cardiff, CF5 2YQ Please send your answers in an envelope marked Crospero to The • • Editor, Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, Broadcasting Tel: 020 7765 1414 House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ by December 29. 11 [email protected] • Clues: 1. At the peak of (4); 2. Serving girl (5); 3. Conducted (3); 4. 12 Utility (3); 5. Possessed (3); 6. Mineral (3); 7. Enquire (3); 8. Parisian Please make sure that any digital • summer (3); 9. Sign up (5); 10. Marshland (3); 11. Resin (3); 12. Way 13 pictures you send are scanned of doing things (11); 13. Cornish town (3); 14. Sizeable (3); 15. Appendages (5); 16. Lizard (3); 17. Miss West (3); 18. Land measure • at 250 dpi (3); 19 Fixed (3); 20. Suitable (3); 21. By way of (3); 22. Intermediate 14 15 Design & production editor: Ann Ramsbottom (5); 23. Bump into (4). • • 16 17 Solution to Crospero No. 143: Afar; Seism; Alert; Tip; Cox; 18 Aflame; She; Lye; Net; Roc; Auctioneers; Eon; Sir; Cid; Kew; Recap; • • • Mixed Sources Hid; Via; Orate; Sloth; Deny. 19 20 21 Product group from well-managed forests, controlled sources and The performers were Felix Felton and Erik Chitty • recycled wood or fiber • • WWW.fsc.org Cert no. SA-COC-1468 22 23 c 1996 Forest Stewardship Council The winner of Crospero 143 is Mrs Audrey Page of Bristol. • •

2 • • December• 2009 News Arthur’s dream team Pension visitor Arthur Sadler was back among famous friends when he turned up early for a recent Premiership match at Manchester City. A rising prospect at Manchester City in the late 1950s – the inset shows Arthur captaining the cup-winning Manchester Boys All Schools team of 1954-5 – he joined a line-up of former City footballing greats comprising (from left) Alex Williams, Rex Grey, Gary Owen, Mike Summerbee, Fred Eyre, Tommy Booth, Paul Lake, Colin Bell, Tony Book, Peter Barnes and Joe Corrigan. Arthur’s own football career was cut short by injury, but not before he achieved the unique distinction of being signed for both Manchester City and Manchester United in the same season. In 1956 he played at full back in a City Reserves team that included nine full internationals, but the rigours of top-flight football took their toll on a knee injury sustained in a schools match, and he was forced to quit. ‘I was a greengrocer for a while,’ he says, ‘and then I joined BBC House Services in Manchester.’ But he has no regrets. He has fond memories of two BBC orchestra tours in particular, he still watches City when they’re at home, and more often than not the conversation during his visits comes round to the subject of football. Recognition for world expert in HD cameras Alan Roberts, winner of the top accolade at ‘He combines the knowledge necessary to old last year) at the National Media Museum the recent Guild of Television Cameramen’s produce technically compliant images with under the auspices of the university’s School Awards ceremony, is living proof that you a deep understanding of what makes of Computing, Informatics and Media. don’t have to be young to be at the forefront pictures look beautiful and tell a story. The citation saluted his ‘significant contribu - of technology. ‘Alan’s advice and recommended set-ups tion to British media culture through his For Alan, a colour scientist at Kingswood [for cameras] have become the de facto pioneering efforts in electronic sound effects Warren until he retired in 2004, remains the settings throughout the world, and he is and radio broadcasting’, and his contribution Alan (right) collects his award from Guild leading expert on the newest of camera tech - constantly adding to this knowledge. He is to the Radiophonic Workshop. president Dick Hibberd nologies, high-definition. equally at home with handling the This month he’s in Bristol, addressing the intricacies of colour science with pages and RTS about the principles behind the pages of algebraic notations as he is with BBC PENSIONERS’ ASSOCIATION television camera; in the summer he explaining how it all works to those of us addressed a series of seminars at IBC in whose minds go blank at the very sight of a strong association for a safe pension Amsterdam; he’s also spoken in Gothenburg more than two numbers. and Oslo; he runs training courses for ‘Indeed, he is one of those rare scientists BBCPA has been working for over 20 years to young camera operators, and he’s produced who can explain it all and empower us to protect and safeguard your BBC Pension a book, Circles of Confusion , that explains produce stunning images. It’s a rare talent.’ Why not join us? how people interpret images, and consequently how cameras should be used. • Dick Mills , oldest survivor of the BBC Your support is vital to ensure our voice is heard. In the citation, Guild chairman Brian Radiophonic Workshop, has been awarded Just fill in the form below or visit our web site: Rose was fulsome: an Honorary Doctorate of Science by the ‘Alan has directly helped untold numbers University of Bradford. www.bbcpa.org.uk of television cameramen get the very best He admits he was ‘gobsmacked’ by the Individual Annual Subscription £10.00 images out of modern digital and high honour, which came after he gave a Joint Annual Subscription £15.00 definition cameras. presentation about the Workshop (50 years Life Membership (over 80) £50.00 No more freebies - but I would like to make a donation £ Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms) Pension Number the party spirit lives on First Name Surname It followed, after the BBC told staff they members of retired staff who still wanted Address would have to pay for their own Christmas the chance to meet and reminisce, we have parties this year, that the long-standing managed to reinstate the event but with management-sponsored party for retired party-goers paying for it themselves. staff in Manchester would be cancelled. ‘I had heard a few cynical comments that Postcode Date of birth But to the surprise of organiser Angela no-one would attend as the retired staff Burton, Manchester pensioners are were just after a free meal, but that is far Tel Number e-mail determined to party on regardless – and the from the case. event is going ahead on December 16. ‘I have had over 100 replies so far from Please make cheques payable to BBC Pensioners’ Association. ‘Needless to say their was much people who have enclosed non-refundable Please return the form and cheque to: BBCPA, PO Box 230, Alton, GU34 9AR disappointment, not least because this year’s cheques. This number is on a par with the event was likely to be the last event before free do we used to hold.’ we move into Media City at Salford Quays,’ She added: ‘I think this pays great tribute BBCPA is an independent organisation which operates she told Prospero . to the camaraderie that exists between the to support the interests of BBC Pensioners ‘But following petitions from many staff who retired from BBC Manchester.’ December • 2009 • •3 Letters This issue … Apathy threatens the London Lunch; the web is failing children ; DAB shortcomings; Two minutes that turned Time to remember A small correction to Reg Turnill’s letter back the clock about the origins of the World At One (Prospero , November). The first edition was actually broadcast in October 1965. I was a I was very touched by the BBC’s producer/reporter on the programme and coverage of Remembrance and was in the studio for the first transmission. Armistice Day this year. WATO had developed from a predecessor Of course, it was to be expected that called This Time of Day which was billed as the Corporation would reflect the national ‘a cool look round’ the day’s events. It didn’t mood in the context of Afghanistan. pretend to be a hard news programme like But I wonder how many members of its famous successor with William staff realise that the current high levels Hardcastle. This Time of Day was presented of respect for the Armistice Day Two by several colourful characters including the Minute Silence are down to a former young Winston Churchill, and an eccentric member of staff? peer of the time called Lord Arran, known For it was my idea, presented to the to us all as ‘Boofy’. It was broadcast at 1215, Royal British Legion following my early and WATO’s eventual peak lunchtime slot retirement as senior events producer at 1300 was still occupied by the popular (radio) in 1994, that led to a change of light entertainment shows of the time. emphasis from Remembrance Sunday Listeners were in for a surprise because Pioneers of World at One to the ‘old idea’, dropped by the Attlee WATO was very different. The first edition Government after WWII, of a Two was almost entirely devoted to the rapidly Minute Silence in the working week developing Rhodesia UDI crisis and I can thought of donating to a BBC or general saddened that my husband, Eric rather than on a Sunday when people remember airing my view to the team as we charity but on consideration, we believe that Hammond, was not mentioned. were no longer going to Church but out left the studio that such ‘heavy’ stuff might they should be returned to the donors, It was he who chose the building and shopping, playing football and so on. not be what the lunchtime audience really namely those who have attended past negotiated the purchase of it. It had I had been asked by the Legion, wanted! London Lunches. previously been a rather run-down whose senior executives I’d had the Both programmes were largely brainchilds To this end we have, with some reluctance, restaurant. privilege of working with when [should it be ‘brainchildren’? – ed] of decided to organise a final final London My husband was the engineer in charge, producing The Cenotaph and Festival Andrew Boyle, the distinguished editor in Lunch on Tuesday March 9 2010 at its or technical manager, responsible for the of Remembrance, to sit on a voluntary the department responsible for the shows, normal venue, The Victory Services Club, building, studios and staff until David advisory committee looking at ways of Radio News Features. Andrew was also a London W1, to be subsidised by the funds Bryson was appointed head of programmes. raising the Legion's profile. famous author and biographer (of Reith remaining in the bank account. The guest They worked together, each a specialist in I suggested, first, a roadshow which among others) and the most delightful and Sspeaker will be Martin Bell. Further details his own sphere. went ahead as ‘Poppybus’, touring all witty of men. to be published when available, but those Eric was the engineer in charge of all the the regional media centres to illustrate When WATO had been going for ten on the circulation list will be sent an BBC stations in East Anglia, starting with what happened to the money years we had an anniversary get-together of application form by post or e-mail. Others the tiny station at Postwick, moving on to generated by the sale of poppies, and I current and past friends of the programme. wishing to attend should e-mail or write to the VHF station at Tacolneston, the also suggested a switch back to the The accompanying photograph of the Mike Bunting, Firgrove, Horseshoe Lane, Cambridge studio, and lastly All Saints idea of a national silence at the occasion shows, standing, left to right: Ash Vale, GU12 5LL, or email Green. eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the Roger Cook, Anthony Howard, Andrew [email protected] If it had not been for my husband’s good eleventh month. Boyle, me, Nick Barratt, Gordon Clough, Obviously the application of the residual judgement in selecting that lovely Georgian The Legion, with some scepticism, Derek Lewis, Alastair Osborne (partly funds to a subsidy will depend on the house which gave dignity and prestige to the decided to try it out and appointed me hidden), Stephen Jessel, Nick Wooley, number of applications, and will mean some BBC in Norwich, John Lewis could not project director. Eleanor Ransome, Ken Hutchens, Robin guess work on our part, which will probably have written such a glowing account. That PR campaign later won the two Day, Hugo Young, Leonard Parkin, Sandra result in some final residue. This could be Margaret Hammond top PR industry awards and, Harris, Ray Davies, unknown. Kneeling: given to a BBC fund such as The Grace undoubtedly, raised the RBL profile at a Nancy Wise, Sue MacGregor, Carole Lacey, Wyndam Goldie Trust. Unless, that is, time when Remembrance was otherwise Jonathan Dimbleby, Margaret Howard. someone is willing to take over organising The internet ‘enemy’ in decline. We put Remembrance back Peter Dorling The London Lunch, in which case the Further to ‘web mission to convert the into the classroom, into every courtroom remaining funds would be transferred to codgers’ (certainly an inappropriate heading in the land, every supermarket and every them. for a retirement magazine) in the November sports venue. London Lunch appeal The London Lunch is open to anyone issue, may I offer some thoughts. But here’s the irony. The biggest Having organised the London Lunch for 13 who served in Engineering or Television or I do not trust the internet. In her Nobel problem I faced was persuading the years, and not getting any younger, we are Radio Technical Operations in whatever speech, Doris Lessing referred to the BBC to adopt a new Two Minute Silence most disappointed that younger people have capacity, including secretarial, clerical, ‘inanities’ of the internet, compared to ritual on whatever day the 11th fell. not picked up the challenge, and taken over electrical, mechanical etc, and wherever, books. How things have changed. I am both organisation of this event, especially as it is including regions and transmitters. I see computers as the enemy of libraries, humbled by, and proud of, the scale of obviously enjoyed by many past colleagues Mike Bunting and Norman Taylor literacy (text messages, yuk!) and literature. who have expressed disappointment at its The greatest gift a mother can give a child demise. is a love of reading, but school libraries are We find ourselves in a quandary because East in debt to Eric being replaced with learning resource there are substantial funds remaining in The Reading your article Look East Looks Back centres teaching through computers, London Lunch Bank account, and we do (Prospero , August), I was pleased that All contributing to the cognitive difficulties of not know what to do with them. We have Saints Green should be remembered, but young people. To what extent can today’s children reflect and think for themselves in their Google world? I understand some students in their Table toppers first year at university have to be taught how This photograph was taken at to read and write. Pebble Mill on the very first Librarians in Edinburgh are now referred Children in Need programme. I to as ‘audience development officers’, their am the one on the left. David primary function – making books available Waine (later Head of Broadcasting to all – eroded with computers/DVDs etc. this year’s coverage, and hope those for the Midlands) is the other In Camden the introduction of self-service responsible will carry on the precedent. fellow. We played a marathon machines has led to the loss of 15 library May I at the same time, commend 12-hour tournament. Happy posts this year and more to come next year. Nick Witchell (pictured) for his splendid days! We are in danger of losing our past, given commentary from Whitehall. He carries I should be pleased to hear the fallibility and short-lived viability of the torch previously held by other from old friends with whom I played software, with no more ‘collected letters’ outstanding BBC commentators, and table tennis and tennis. from serious contemporary writers. he carries it well. Doug Dunderdale TV documentaries used to end with a David France 01386 553209 relevant book and postal address. Now it is a website. How many so-called surveys are carried 4 • • December• 2009 Letters talking newspaper plea; making Remembrance more memorable; and the much-loved CMCR9 WATO’s forerunner RESEARCH BBC in Yorkshire Having recently retired from the BBC after more than thirty years in Leeds and Bradford, I am now based at the Turkey rations University of Huddersfield, researching the history of the BBC in Yorkshire from its very beginnings with 2FL in Sheffield in the canteen up to today’s multi-platform world. As part of my project, I am hoping to talk to as many people as possible about Delving into my ‘archives’, I came their lives in the BBC in the Yorkshire across this memo from 1950. region. Please contact me by email I thought you might be interested in ([email protected]), or write it especially as Christmas is fast to me care of Journalism and Media, approaching. There was always School of Music, Humanities and Media, plenty of turkey in our transmitter University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, canteen and it was left out for the HD1 3DH, or phone 07963665220. shift staff even when the canteen was Christine Verguson closed! John Phillips Mrs Dale and drama I’m a PhD student at University of Westminster, researching women’s post-war radio at the BBC (1945-1955). I out online, with results announced as if they country. And there’s a wonderful Classical save as a simulcast. I have a DAB Radio, a am trying to find anyone, in production, reflected a cross-section of society, when one Baroque service from France… Roberts in fact. I once put in a set of acting or admin, who worked on Mrs. quarter of the population is excluded? Sadly, the BBC has again let us down on batteries costing some £6. They lasted 45 Dale’s Diary , which was first broadcast in Why don’t I go on a computer course? I internet radio by using a lower bit-rate for minutes before going flat. So my DAB radio 1948. I am particularly interested in the have. Three to be precise. I walked out after its services on the internet, so the quality is has to sit in the kitchen plugged into a series in the 1950s. I would also be an hour, so deep was my aversion and my compromised compared with many others. mains point. Not a lot of use if I wanted to interested in talking to people who were inability to get across the Berlin Wall of the Whatever happened to our aim to be among take it outside. working in the Drama Department at that Disney format. the leaders? We all know the saying if it aint broke, time. Please contact me at If H.G. Wells’s War of the Worlds were up- Michael Brooke don't change it. So leave FM & AM alone. [email protected] or phone dated, it would be easy to substitute Pam Hunt 07763123546. Martians for computers taking over the Kristin Skoog world. Digital limitations They say if you can’t beat ’em join ’em, Roger Hughes suggests that digital radio Audio assistants Cricketing caretaker but that would make me a collaborator. And reception off the TV is quite satisfactory If there are any retired BBC people living in I am trying to find out any information about I prefer to remain firmly on the side of the (Prospero November). north-west Surrey who are looking for my grandfather Frederick (Dickie) Pearson a resistance. Great! I like listening to the radio while voluntary work, they might find talking professional cricketer with Worcestershire. Eileen Earnshaw (retired librarian) out for a walk with the dog or mowing the newspapers an appropriate outlet for their After retiring from cricket he became a lawn. I am trying to work out how I would skills. Elmbridge and Runnymede Talking caretaker (I think) at the BBC masts at be able to manage that using my set top News – covering Weybridge, Walton, Droitwich, Worcestershire. I would be Death of classical box, with or without a TV. I suppose a solar Chertsey, etc. – produces about 150 audio grateful for any information about his life at I read with interest Peter Hodges’ letter on panel attached to my head to provide its tapes each week for the blind and partially- the BBC.I know he died in 1964. the subject of DAB radio. I agree with power, while I tow the thing around the sighted. The material is culled from the local Sue Brant everyt hing he says, and support his garden. Then of course there is a problem newspapers. Email [email protected] suggestion that as many people as possible with the aerial. I live in a weak reception If we are to keep the service going, we should sign the on-line petition opposing area, so perhaps I should carry a pole urgently need more volunteers. The duties the proposals currently being considered around with an aerial on top. include scriptwriting, the selection of Next issue: for the future of radio transmissions in the What people seem to forget is that sound material, recording and high-speed mass • Memories of Maida Vale UK. quality or not, radio is a very convenient copying. If anyone is interested, please call • More horse tails There is an additional point which and portable means of communication. Jonathan Fisher on the Helpline, 01784 (Note: the next issue will perhaps ought to be made. One of the There was sense in introducing digital TV, 435622. appear in early February) advantages of digital radio transmissions is but I really don’t see the point with radio, Mike Holmberg the opportunity to provide many new services. And yet, if the listener wants an uncomplicated service of what is usually called classical music, there is absolutely Men and a magnificent machine... nothing on offer, despite the fact that this is clearly one of the most popular genres. Dear CMCR9 useful service after it had been delivered All you get is the existing Radio 3 from We are delighted to hear your treatment is from BBC Midlands. the BBC and the truly awful Classic FM. beneficial, and that you’re on the road to Our Birmingham friends had very Radio 3 is okay, but hardly aims at the recovery. Perhaps up and running in the obviously not liked the decision to send general audience: Classic FM is all about the near future. We understand you’ve had four their scanner to us, and had not only filled commercial exploitation of music. transplants (cameras). This is welcome for it with such duff gear as they could offload, With its unrivalled musical resources, the replacements of this camera type are but had coated the sound room and BBC is in an extraordinarily strong position plentiful. equipment with spray-on cobwebs! to provide an additional service, and its You were born with four other camera The cleaning of all this was a job in itself, inexplicable failure to do so has surely been types, and later acquired a fifth. This • Your reporter mentioned that he might whilst the extrication of the depopulated one of the reasons for the failure of DAB to number made you very popular and sought not turn on the air conditioning when he desk shell was a remembered experience, as make any kind of impact for many potential after by OB producers. They recognised the powers it up for the first time. Even if he in the process I managed to burst the rear listeners. flexibility and this gave you stunning can’t get the original air conditioning unit to seam of my trousers. It was with great Luckily enough for the listener at home, programme performance, especially as each work, it’s not rocket science to replace it – amusement that Ron Pearn (our TSM) there is now the superb alternative of camera cable was capable of extending to they are simply commercial split pack air suggested I repair to wardrobe department internet radio. This opens up a whole new one mile in length – very enjoyable for conditioning units adapted for the vehicle. (as it were). Suffice to say, I stayed mutely world of listening, with an astonishing outdoor activities. However, with a little care, there is no against the wall in wardrobe, minus variety of services from all parts of the Several other transplants have enhanced obvious reason why the original unit trousers, as Jenny effected a good repair to world. For those who have not come across your capabilities, though outwardly you shouldn’t be restored to full working order. stifled (and not-so-stifled) mirth. it, a WiFi radio looks and works just like remain just as lovable. This quality endeared Richard Martin The complete job obviously could not any other radio set, but gets its programmes you to many operatives whose expertise • It was with some interest that I read Jerry have been done without a lot of help from from the internet. It’s really quite helped you achieve so much, and Clegg’s piece on CMCR9. Jerry was a all of services department in one way or straightforward to set up, provided you have recognition came frequently in your colleague of mine at BBC Manchester. I was another, and the person I most thank is the a wireless modem. I have only just started to appearances in Radio Times. an engineer with electronics services late Bert Scott. He was an unparalleled explore the possibilities, but – for example – Best wishes for the future. department, and was given overall artist, whose medium happened to be in the services from Danish Radio seem to me Post & Present operatives (formerly responsibility for seeing that CMCR9’s cabling and wiring. He is sadly missed. to be precisely what we are missing in this Pebble Mill) sound desk area was brought back into Frederick Dyos

November • 2009 • • 5 Life after Auntie Friends reunited

Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund Reunion recital for Applications are invited for grants from the Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Transmission vets Fund, which exists to help those engaged Ex BBC Transmission staff (left) enjoyed a in broadcasting or an associated activity, recital by international harpist and composer now or in the past, as well as their David Watkins when they came together for children and dependants. their second reunion in October. The Trustees, in their discretion, will It was a surprise arranged by Sue Davies, consider giving assistance towards who organised the reunion with Peter educational costs in small ways, such as Condron. travelling expenses, school outfits, books Watkins, ex professor of the harp at the and additions to educational awards. Guildhall School of Music in London, also Other grants are made to help relieve gave a commentary on his long career, sickness or continuing hardship not going back to his student days in Paris, covered by aid from other sources. These and on the pieces he played. include giving assistance to families or The event, last held in October 2007, was elderly people facing economic problems, at the Welcombe Hotel in Stratford upon disability or serious medical conditions, Avon. such as those requiring special care. More pictures of the occasion can be The income of the Fund is limited. So found on the internet at www.bbceng.info – that help can be given where it is most a private engineering site hosted by Martin Photo by Roger Mead needed, applicants must be prepared to Ellen. give, in confidence, full information about the circumstances supporting their than 27 years’ service. By way of applications. Social for celebration he invited three of his former Those wishing to apply this year should Gramophone Library colleagues to lunch write for an application form to; BBC SE Londoners at his Wiltshire home. Pension & Benefits Centre, Broadcasting Jean Hogben, an Age Exchange Diana Cappleman was assistant House, Cardiff, CF5 2YQ. Returning it no volunteer, talking to BBC pensioners librarian (issues) until her retirement in later than 31 July. Applications are Bob Trevor (left) and Charles Cowden, 1995; Adrian Edwards was skilled in considered annually in September, and in at the inaugural social event for retired advising drama and schools producers no circumstances can continuing help staff in south east London. with regard to music for use in their over a number of years be promised. Chien It was held at the appropriately named programmes; and Diana Wray was Age Exchange Reminiscence Centre in responsible for computerising the Blackheath, where pensioners had an library’s catalogue, which was 020 8752 6666 opportunity to hear about the work of the previously a vast card index. charity with old people, carers and in From 1972 until 1984, Jim was bringing history alive for school groups. assistant librarian (intake and returns). London Afterwards they were able to socialise and get to know their hosts – three local refurb BBC visitors, Adam Cooper, Jeremy A date for the RELCS Club White City bar has Cantwell and Roger Mead. The next meeting of the BBC RELC’s closed for refurbishment. reaction Conversations covered many aspects will be at the Miramar Hotel in In response to feedback of working for the BBC, including Peter Bournemouth on Thursday January 7, from Club members the bar space is to King’s stories of commenting on the when we will greet the new year, initially be transformed to make way for a brand One thing led to another after Christine Battye 1948 Olympics. in the Hotel Bar from 10.30 and then in new exercise studio. The gym at White ‘Those present thought that the event the restaurant over lunch. City will remain open and the class – better known to colleagues as Chris Palmer – was well worthwhile and the visitors have Although we are called the BBC timetable will be unaffected. agreed to arrange another event, ‘Retired Engineers Luncheon Club’ we For those who collect their Radio took her pooch for a walk in the French countryside… probably at a bigger venue, in the spring,’ have extended our membership to Times from the Club, these can now be says Roger. include all retired BBC collected from Club Hub in White City, colleagues. We hope to see even more Room 1433. our years ago I took early retirement in our courtyard. Happily we found a publisher, Can of of you at the Miramar situated on the and joined my husband in France Bearded Collies are the most delightful and Worms, in the UK, and a year later the Jim’s anniversary cliffs overlooking the Pier. Fwhere we had bought a medieval gentle of dogs, but they are also a wee bit book is on sale. Custard was already well The end of August marked 25 years since Contact Russell Horne 01590 624389 Club Lottery property complete with turret in a village timid so Cowardy, Cowardy Custard – loved in the village but has now become Jim Palm, our Crospero compiler, took or email [email protected] to Congratulations to November’s winners: called Montréal in Burgundy. Custard Custard Petit Froussard – seemed something of a celebrity with a web-site, and early retirement from the BBC after more reserve your seat. Lorraine Clark, Percy Barnard, Fortunately, it had already been renovated, the perfect title. requests for guest appearances in the local Christopher Brockbank, David Durham, and more by serendipity than planning we One thing that has amazed us living in a schools where they find a story for children John Harrison, Julia Kenyon, Colin started holiday accommodation, opened an fairly rural area of France is that the in both French and English a very successful Lewis, Gul Lilarum, Andrew Lloyd, art gallery and summer Salon de Thé. cultural life is very important, and our area, teaching aid. What that was all about... Laurence Smith, Jeremy Wray, Rose My husband Graham Battye, a former which is between Dijon and Auxerre and is As yet he hasn’t asked for an agent – but I Daniel, Claire Donohoe, Denis Donovan BBC radio producer, also started promoting admittedly only an hour from Paris by fast think it’s probably only a matter of time. and Leighton Dyer. concerts, after many of our guests sat down train, is rich in musicians and artists. Hence www.maisoncremeanglaise.com The unidentified broadcast schedule that we were at war with Germany. at the piano and displayed impressive I was lucky enough to in the November issue is of course from I was 20 years old and already been musical skills. have Christopher Hobbs September 3 1939, the day of the called for the Militia, but got a deferment Cindy on ice Searching for a name to encapsulate our living in a neighbouring declaration of war against Germany. to call-up so that I could sit a civil service Get your skates on to get a 15 % modest but growing enterprise we decided village who offered to Christine with Custard. I was at that time 14 years old, staying examination. But the political situation discount at Cinderella on Ice at the on Maison Cr ème Anglaise to reflect the fact illustrate Custard’s story. for the summer holidays, with my grand- was becoming critical and the Royal Albert Hall – Wednesday February that most of the paintwork in the Christopher is hiding Left and below: Illustrations by parents at Lytham St. Annes. I, together examinations were cancelled. My then 24 to Sunday February 28. Featuring village had to adhere to the rules of being in France pretending to Christopher Hobbs with others, had been in the sand hills, employment as a post office telegraphist the world-famous Imperial Ice Stars. painted cream. be retired, but, as an filling sandbags for the local hospital. persuaded the enrolment officer that I Go to the Club website at Two years later, to complete the picture, we artist who worked with One of the volunteers had parked his should join the Royal Corps of Signals. www.bbcclub.com and click on Club bought a bearded collie and called him Derek Jarman and Ken open MG, which had a car radio. This pleased me since my father had Save for details. Custard after many of our French guests, when Russell and created the At about 11, we all crowded round to served in WW1 in RE (signals). hearing the name Cr ème Anglaise, expected innovative set for the hear the sad voice of Neville E G W ‘Dusty’ Miller home-made custard with their deserts. BBC’s Gormenghast Chamberlain announcing: ‘We are at Wine discount Last autumn, whilst walking Custard by series, he is frequently war with Germany.’ Wood Norton was getting ready to 10% discount on wine and champagne the light of the moon around the village, we tempted back into work. I was excited, and ran home. My grand- take over if London was put out of at at Wine Hound. Go to the Club met up with a wild boar and its mate. His wonderfully mother and mother had heard the news action. As 11.15 drew near I was in a website at www.bbcclub.com and click Wild boars are taken seriously here and the amusing and detailed too, and they were crying. Both had lived studio, where Frank Phillips was on Club Save for details ‘chasse’ is an important part of French rural illustrations immediately through the Great War, and mother real- rehearsing emergency announcements. life. However, Custard showed no respect for brought the story to life, ised that if this one lasted as long as that Five of us were falling over each other, these impressive creatures, and I watched and accurately reflected previous war, I too would be called up. trying to trace a wiring fault, until the EiC, Art show offer nervously as they all virtually frolicked and our village life. I joined the BBC in 1942, and as my Bruce Purslow, said: ‘Everybody out!’ Get two-for-one tickets to the London played in a field close to the path. We decided that the mum had feared, was conscripted into Outside, we heard the Chamberlain Art Fair at the Business Design Centre, On returning home I sat down and wrote, unique selling point for the Army in 1944. bleat. Then London had an air raid January 13-17. The show features over primarily for my grand-children a rather fan - the book would be that Happily I was to survive both. warning. Purslow had cleared the fault, 100 leading galleries exceptional ciful tale about the event, including many of the text be in both Brian Johnson Phillips had cleared his throat... contemporary work. Go to the local animals who lived in the village. French and English on London was not destroyed, and BH www.bbcclub.com and click on Club There was Gospel the neighbours’ cat, adjoining pages. I remember well the Sunday morning carried on. But Wood Norton was ready! Save. Arthos the Labrador up the road, and (Custard, unlike me, is when the Prime Minister announced John. K. Rickard Tirelire the resident mouse that lives happily totally bilingual). 6 • • • December • 2009 December • 2009 • • 7 Back at the BBC Back at the BBC Classifieds A spy of Elba island Beautiful private apartment in Porto Azzurro,overlooking the sea. Sleeps our own 5-6 All inclusive rates Historian Jean Seaton Tel:01260227262 or email Tories ‘proud of the licence fee’ examines the fall-out after [email protected] Seaview, Isle of Wight . Wanting to get Guy Burgess was outed... away for a break? Pleasant ETB 4* Studio Mark Thompson is taking heart from the One day in September 1951, as the Annexe, sleeps 2 comfortably. Near Beach Tories’ declaration that they support the Cold War was hotting up, some books and Village. For details contact licence-fee funded BBC. Journalists taught to use internet networks to gather news were handed in to a BBC commissioner [email protected] or The assurance came at a recent Voice of the with a note asking that they be returned Tel 01983 812180. Viewer and Listener conference, where to the library. Lagos, Algarve , small townhouse within shadow culture minister Jeremy Hunt ‘If we don’t engage with social media, we behind,’ Newman says. ‘But organisations Written off as lost, they had been ancient city, two bedrooms, roof-terrace, 5 confirmed that the Conservatives had ‘no could become irrelevant,’ warns Nic that fail to embrace the power of the taken out by Guy Burgess – ex-foreign minutes to beach. From £150pw. 07956 plans to tear up the BBC Charter’ or to close Newman, future media’s controller in Twitter network will struggle to survive.’ office, ex-BBC and the man who had 181613 [email protected] BBC Three and Four. Journalism. defected to Russia with the diplomat Pembrokeshire Coast: Two bedroom He voiced reservations about the BBC Newman has just returned from a three Dos and don’ts and intelligence official Donald Maclean cottage with panoramic sea views. One Trust, claiming the current governance month sabbatical funded by the BBC’s Think before you tweet is the message. earlier that year. minute from beach and coastal path. model ‘lets down licence fee payers’ who College of Journalism (short-form CoJo), Although there are around 180 BBC A report of their re-appearance swiftly Tel: 020 8449 7816; or contact needed an independent body to hear their where he was looking at social media and or die twitter accounts, only one – political rose through the corporation hierarchy. [email protected] complaints and act in their interests. But he implications for mainstream journalism. correspondent Laura Kuenssberg’s ‘You may wish to pursue this,’ wrote a Mallorca, Alcudia Bay; Studio apartment said his party ‘wholeheartedly supported’ the Newman argues that far from being a fad, @BBCLauraK – has been approved and Mr Faquharson in a memo, ‘as I (2+2), Swimming pool, tennis, close sandy principle of the licence fee and the multi- social media has changed the way people given the official BBC prefix by the editorial understand that the Foreign Office are beaches, riding, golf, waterpark and family year settlement. consume news, and he maintains that it’s no board. anxious to ascertain the whereabouts of entertainment. And he went further. The Tories had longer enough just to deliver news; the BBC Two senior journalists have been Mr. Burgess...’ Tel. 01494 673802 created the corporation and ‘were as proud needs actively to seek out new audiences charged with clearing up the ‘grey areas’ The Faquharson memo is one of a Brittany, Dinan. Delightful medieval of the BBC as the Labour party is of the and engage with them. around twitter policy in BBC News, and collection of documents that the BBC riverside town with many restaurants. NHS’. ‘There’s a real danger in thinking that they’re hoping to publish guidelines early archive is putting online for the first Attractive apartment in old merchant’s But Thompson says it’s not just the Tories social media is just another thing we have next year which will clarify how BBC time, and they paint a tantalising house; quiet, central. Beaches, walks who support the BBC. He told the to do when we’re already overstretched,’ journalists should operate on the site. portrait of Burgess during his time at close. Near St Malo channel port and conference he was confident that British Newman says. ‘But the key is how it fits in They are trying to strike a balance the BBC. Dinard airport (Ryanair). Sleeps 2, double politicians would safeguard BBC independ - with your normal workflow.’ between setting out guidelines and not His reference from Trinity College or twin. From £185pw. 020 8995 8543 ence, impartiality and its right to manage its Now guidelines are being written, social being ‘overbearing in terms of cautions that Burgess was a ‘mercurial’ [email protected] own affairs, despite a European scene where media editors appointed, and training is restrictions’. So the new rules for twitter risk taker, but one who would make an Model engineering precision tools these principles of public service broadcast - under way in how to exploit social media will follow the same principles of the imaginative broadcaster. ‘After a period Verticle drill,linishers,tap and dies,boxed ing were under political attack. for contacts, pictures, story ideas or BBC’s existing social media guidelines. of enthusiastic communism during his gauges,flat steel,files,ox-acetylene ‘The aspirations and values of our breaking news. Essentially, don’t say anything on twitter last years here, he has now, I believe weld/cut rig,3 jaw chuck and lathe atts. politicians are different,’ said Thompson. Instead of dismissing social media that you wouldn’t say on air, don’t be arrived at some form of left wing To sell as whole.tel.01803 762215 ‘While British politicians are sometimes as platforms like twitter as mass naval-gazing, rude and don’t reveal sensitive conservatism.’ Dartington,Devon enthusiastic as their continental counterparts he says journalists are beginning to realise information about the BBC. Before The writer was, of course, oblivious to Menorca: Beautiful beaches, to criticise the BBC when they think we’ve their enormous potential as a resource tool, reporters set up a twitter account they the fact he had been ordered to do so restaurants, walks, villages. Well got it wrong … underlying political support as Rory Cellan-Jones can verify. should consider what they want to by his Russian minder. appointed 2 bed sleeps 4 apartment, for a strong, independent BBC also remains When asked to cover a story on a new can give you a ready-made selection of achieve from it. The reference also observed that Port Addaya, Pool etc. robust.’ form of battery technology, @ruskin147 journalists or specialists to follow. Will it be personality-driven or a ‘what he really likes is knocking up and telephone 01386 760065 Thompson took the opportunty to offer a (as Cellan-Jones is known) appealed to Traditional news organisations are using programme account? What sort of down behind the scenes of politics’. London B&B : En suite attic room in BBC few hints about his strategic review, which his 12,000 twitter followers. these new internet tools to enhance their character should it have? How much time Burgess was certainly a good family home. Tree-lined street, Islington. looks ahead to a post-switchover BBC. The In no time he was on his way to interview reporting of everything from the Iranian will it take and how will it be staffed? If it is producer on The Week in Westminster , £45 single £70 double scope of the BBC website was likely to be one of the world’s leading experts. elections to the death of Michael Jackson. an official BBC account, two pairs of eyes exploiting his position to work his way Tel. 07970 785641 curtailed, he said, as was money spent on Alternatively, for twitter newcomers with ‘Taking social media seriously doesn’t should have seen what is being published. into the confidence of people who had Menorca: Detached villa with private acquired programmes. limited followers, the new system of lists mean you have to leave your core values So are mechanisms in place for that? information that the Soviets wanted. pool, sleeps 2-7. From £498 p.w. For Children’s, the best journalism, British Louche, hard drinking, dishevelled, he brochure/prices 01621 741810 or visit drama and comedy and national events, deftly made himself an indispensable www.menorcaholidayvilla.co.uk meanwhile, were among areas to be given insider in order to betray the system he Motcombe Grange, Dorset : Attractive greater priority. TALKING to 9pm Monday to Friday, focusing on sto - radio presenter. lived within. As Frank Gillard, war ground floor retirement apartment with He was also committed to those services ries and features appearing on the UK and North West Tonight broadcast journalist reporter and radio executive, put it: private garden in impressive former ‘core’ to the BBC’s public purpose, such as The POINTS international front pages. Paresh Patel was praised by a judge after he ‘Give him an inch, and the man would country house BBC Parliament, and to ‘giving space to take The desk will provide feedback to individ - used his karate skills to floor a drunken thug grab a yard – with every bit of official Telephone 01747 858610 £235,000 a few risks’. The News Magazine quotes Mark ual writers when required. who had attacked him while on an assign - backing he could muster.’ Byford describing the night that Nick ment. When the Cambridge spies – Burgess, Paving the digital way Griffin was on Question Time: ‘...the OUPC turns 40 It happened after a woman, accompanied Maclean, Kim Philby, Anthony Blunt – How to advertise box is BBC‘ command team was en’suring by six men, poured beer over Paresh’s head were discovered, it revealed a rotten Making sure all national radio stations are safety within TVC and reporting to me The 40th anniversary of the Open while he was setting up for a live report in fault line within the British Prospero Classifieds, digital from the end of 2015 is among the as head of gold command. University this year is also the 40th Sackville Gardens, Manchester. establishment. BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, I was based in my office getting The secret services – unlike the BBC – Broadcasting House, Cardiff, CF5 2YQ provisions of the Digital Economy Bill, pub - anniversary of its partnership with the BBC. One of the men lunged at him, and the lished last month. back regular reports from chief operating George Entwistle, controller of ‘knowledge fourth dan black-belt responded with a took no references. British intelligence Please enclose a cheque made payable to: BBC Central Directorates. The plan is to switch off the analogue sig - officer Caroline Thomson as incident commissioning’, paid tribute to the ‘remark - punch to the face and a kick in the groin. He took them on because as Etonian, Rate: £5 for 20 words nal, which would mean millions of radio sets The BBC container is back in London would coincide with one of the most commander... as head of journalism, I able output created by two remarkable was fighting off another thug when police Oxbridge chaps from ‘good’ families In a covering letter please include your would become obsolete, at least as far as after a 12-month trip around the world. dramatic shocks to the economy in the had to ensure the programme got on groups of people’. arrived and arrested the men. they could be ‘trusted’. pension number receiving national stations is concerned, The newsroom’s business and last 60 years. Our box bore witness to a air as planned and as gold The Open University funds, either fully or The judge ruled: ‘He defended himself. I The shock of their treachery changed To advertise in Ariel, contact: Ten Alps although they could be used for local and economics unit came up with a plan to global recession and at one stage a near commander I had to ensure the as a co-production partner, around 25 BBC say good for Mr Patel.’ British society for good, breaking a Publishing Ltd, Tel: 020 7878 2313 community stations. follow a shipping container, fitted total collapse of global trade.’ security of TVC and the safety of projects every year. corrupt patronage system. As is readily acknowledged within the with a global positioning system, The project will have a lasting impact. audiences and staff.’ Its priority subjects are science, technology On the way they damaged the radio industry, switching off analogue is around the world in order to to paint a The shipping company with which we In other words: ‘I sat at my desk and and nature, business and management, society, Award for Gardner institutions they had infiltrated: the FO, Changing unlikely to be a popular move and will picture of world trade and the global have been working has agreed to donate Caroline Thomson told me what was arts and history and health and education. Security correspondent Frank Gardner, the secret services and the BBC. require a ‘big sell’ to convince listeners that it economy. the Box to a charity that converts going on.’ The partnership has yielded numerous paralysed after being shot by al-Qaeda mili - The Americans did not trust British your is worth doing. ‘What we didn’t foresee,’ says editor containers for use as classrooms and Andrew Craig programmes including Child of Our Time , tants in Saudi Arabia in 2004, has received intelligence for generations and for the The Digital Economy Bill follows the Jeremy Hillman, ‘was that its voyage soup kitchens in Africa. Bush Newsroom Bang Goes the Theory , Coast , Charles Darwin an AMI (Ability Media International) next 30 years, when anyone accused address? Digital Britain White Paper, published in and the Tree of Life , The Bottom Line, Electric Award. The awards are for individuals ‘who BBC staff of being ‘pinkos’, Burgess Send details to: June, which set out the government’s Dreams , The Money Programme and James have demonstrated, or fostered, outstanding was held up as an example. ambition to make the UK one of the White City in August, which is also when influenced in part by illness suffered by his May’s Big Ideas . and sustained artistic excellence which is Among the documents to be Prospero world’s leading digital knowledge BBC London online and regional tv current Sambrook bows out wife Sue recently. And the OU is one of the co-production inclusive [and] inspirational’. published by the BBC archive is a note Care of BBC Pension economies. affairs programme Inside Out moved to the Richard Sambrook, the director of Global His immediate plans include a spell as part- partners for Life , the BBC’s latest natural of a difficult phone conversation Egton Wing of the new Broadcasting House News, is to leave the BBC after 30 years. time visiting fellow at Oxford’s Reuters history spectacular. between the BBC and the FO in 1956, and Benefits Centre, development. The former director of BBC News and of Institute for the Study of Journalism, after Cambridge move with the two sides struggling to Broadcasting House, Goodbye to MHS Radio London transferred to Egton, where BBC Sport will be replaced in March by which he will move to a new commercial sec - BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and BBC Look distribute the blame for employing him. Another chapter in the history of BBC it joins the Arabic and Farsi services, in mid- Peter Horrocks, who will combine his cur - tor role, still under wraps, outside broadcasting. Gravell memorial East (West tv region) have a new home near The hidden world of the BBC memo Cardiff, buildings closed recently when the BBC September, followed two weeks later by BBC rent role as director of World Service with BBC Wales is seeking an artist to create a the city’s Science Park. turns out to be as elusive, intriguing, CF5 2YQ Trust left 35 Marylebone High Street and London tv. the leadership of Global News. permanent tribute to the late broadcaster It replaces two separate leases in the city, complex and riveting as any John Le moved into Great Portland Street. The BBC now hopes to dispose of its lease - Sambrook leaves on a high, with audi - Polishing up the web Ray Gravell. and is designed to ensure that ‘all story com - Carre novel. or email: The relocation of the trust means that 35 hold interest in 35 MHS. ences for the BBC’s international news In a bid to improve grammar, spelling and The commission, launched with Safle, the missioning and reaction to breaking news Smiley’s people, it turns out, lived in prosperoeditor MHS has now waved goodbye to its final The corporation first occupied 35 MHS in services as large as they’ve ever been, at general accuracy and presentation on the Wales-based independent public art consul - will happen right at the core of the news - the BBC. With highlights from Ariel @ntlworld.com BBC occupants. 1936 when it was the home of BBC 238m each week. Stressing that he’s ‘leav - BBC News website, a centralised subs’ desk tancy, is to create a sculpture in memory of room within ear-shot of all the decision Visit bbc.co.uk/archive Training and development transferred to Publications and Radio Times . ing, not retiring’, the 53-year-old was will operate for a four-week trial, from 7am the rugby player turned commentator and makers on the day’. 8 • • December • 2009 December • 2009 • • 9 Obituaries Obituaries Contacts Putting Visiting Scheme Committed Lincolnshire pioneer If you would like a visit or information on how to become a volunteer visitor, please Roger Hiscox , the first senior engineer for Roger pointed out that National Service his local parish council. needed to be able to work the radio car ring 0845 712 5529. You will be charged the pants only as a local call. BBC Radio Lincolnshire and part of the had been discontinued; he wasn’t required to Dave Wilkinson, who went on to become around the county. This meant lots of team which launched the station in 1980, join the services. So could he join the BBC station manager, recalled Roger’s aerials in high places. Skegness Town Hall, has died aged 69. He had battled with please? Not for the last time in his career, commitment to setting up the service. Grantham Guildhall and perhaps the most Queries cancer for several years. the rules were changed and he got the job. ‘We had to cover the largest editorial area spectacular was the top of Boston Stump. It For benefit and pension payroll queries, on Helios The funeral was attended by many of his He was in Radio OBs until Radio of any station, and the local management meant climbing all those steps and arranging call the Service Line on 029 2032 2811. former colleagues. Also present were Birmingham came along in 1970, and he view was that we needed to get out and for a 13amp plug to be fitted at the top councillors from Lincolnshire County worked there as the number two engineer about. We built up a series of cars and before installing our kit: Roger fixed it all.’ Prospero Council on which Roger was the Lib-Dem with Stuart Miller until he was appointed caravans, mostly designed by Roger, which Radio Lincolnshire’s staff newsletter had To add, or delete a name from the group leader until earlier this year. EiC at Radio Lincolnshire in 1979. allowed us to cover any event. the following memory of Roger: ‘Like all distribution list ring the service line (number Roger applied to join the BBC at the age After he took early retirement through ill ‘The other way to cover a huge county was decent BBC engineers, he could talk the above). Prospero is provided free of of 18 in 1958 – and was promptly told that health, Roger and his wife Lesley stayed on to have small studios in the market towns. hind leg off a donkey and suffered the charge to retired BBC employees. On the Corporation didn’t recruit engineers in Lincolnshire and Roger indulged the Roger and his team built studios in moods and technical incompetence of request, we will also send it to spouses until they were 20. This allowed for A-level other passion of his working life – politics. Stamford, Skegness, Boston, Gainsborough presenters and journos with unfailing good or dependants who want to keep in touch studies and then two years of National He served on West Lindsey District and three other places. grace ... if not a little exasperation.’ with the BBC. Prospero is also available Service. Council, Lincolnshire County Council and ‘And along with the outside studios we Roy Corlett on audio tape for those with sight impairment. To register please ring the Service Line on 029 2032 2811 BBC Club The BBC Club in London has a retired Talented grip and tireless unionist category membership costing £24 a year Sparkling for members; and £36 a year for family Dave May began his career with the BBC Often being asked to rig the camera in We worked together on many single membership. Pre-1997 life members are As a chief picture editor, Peter Millest as a welder with the house services precarious positions he made light of the dramas and major film series. His credit not affected. Regional clubs may have was a consummate professional, department at Television Film Studios. problems and in doing so enhanced many list is impressive and over the years I got different arrangements. talented and a delight to work with. At some point he was persuaded to a cameraman’s reputation. to know him and his family well. Through Please call BBC Club London He travelled the world with all the apply for an attachment as a film grip. He had the uncanny knack of being the many weeks away on often distant administration office on 020 8752 66 66 or major correspondents, covering some With his quick mind and readiness to able to visualise what the cameraman was locations and over the many miles we email [email protected]. of the biggest stories of the day. Kate learn he rapidly established himself as a seeing through the viewfinder. Acting as a travelled together the bond between us Adie in Beirut, John Simpson in the designer candidate for a full post. second pair of eyes for the cameraman he stayed firm and I came to respect him not Benevolent Fund Gulf... His reputation for inventiveness and would correct moving shots on his own only as a person but as a superb This is funded by voluntary contributions Covering these war stories, he had application grew and in a very short time initiative when anticipating that moving technician. from the BBC and its purpose is to protect quite a few close shaves with the grim he found his services in great demand components within a shot would fail to hit I will always be grateful for those the welfare of staff, pensioners and their reaper. At one point, he was in convoy from drama cameramen when putting a mark as rehearsed. occasions when a quiet word brought to families. Grants are made at the discretion crossing the Sinai desert during the first together a crew for major film projects. This required a high degree of skill and my attention some detail or other he felt of the trustees. They may provide assis - Gulf War. He was fed up driving the The role of the film grip goes largely professional judgement. He was seldom needed correction, offering the kind of tance in cases of unforeseen financial Land Rover because of the discomfort unsung within the scope of film wrong, often sparing blushes on both support we all need from time to time. hardship, for which help from other of the ride and, at one stop, took up the brimming production, but the contribution made by sides of the lens! Generosity of spirit was his greatest gift. sources is not available. offer from an ITN crew member to drive Dave and technicians like him to the Dave will also be remembered by his My abiding memory is of his great good the more comfy limo. The Land Rover efficient running of any shoot is vital. fellow grips for his tireless efforts as their humour and infectious laugh, generated Prospero Society later took a direct hit and the Responsible to the cameraman for the union representative, arguing their case from deep within. It punctuated any Prospero Society is the only section of the occupants were lost. He never forgot construction of tracking and crane shots for better working conditions and conversation you had with him underlining BBC Club run by and for retired BBC staff that. as well as the safety of crew members practices, and using his experience and his uncomplicated philosophy of life – that and their spouses. Its aims are to enable He loved his parents dearly and didn’t while on location or in the studio, he knowledge with forthright and effective it was there to be enjoyed. BBC pensioners to meet on a social basis want to worry them with news that he with fun made difficult shots appear easy. argument. John Walker BSC for theatre visits, luncheons, coach outings was going to Bosnia during the conflict. etc. Prospero is supported by BBC Club All was fine until they were watching an funds so as to make events affordable. ITN bulletin and saw Pete on one of Rita Reekie was born in Chiswick in 1941. shows. Her distinctive, witty style made her Rita’s close and loving family, her sister Another retirement interest was in sharing He leaves his wife Marie, three children, The only conditions (apart from paying a ITN’s reverse camera cutaways, After an early education at Burlington a popular choice artistically, as much as her Sandy, brother in law Laurie, and close with his wife Kath voluntary work with the five grandchildren, and a lot of happy Tributes to... small annual subscription) are that you running in among the chaos. School for Girls in Wood Lane, she warm and generous personality, friend Michael were with her. Meals on Wheels charity. memories. must be a BBC pensioner and a member Peter was well known around News graduated from the London School of which gained her enduring friendships in June Hudson We extend our sympathy to Kath and to John Bradley Malcolm Laycock , a BBC broadcaster of the BBC Club. Write for an application for his sense of style and his panache. Fashion in Lime Grove. every department. his daughter Jacquie and son Michael. since the 1960s, hosting jazz form to: Graham Snaith, 67 Newberries He wore the finest suits from Crombie, Her first job was at Susan Small as Her natural expression was a smile, and Ken Shepherdson. programmes on Radio London and the Avenue, Radlett, Herts. WD7 7EL, the best shoes from Jermyn Street, assistant to the designer of Princess Anne’s she was such fun to work with. Her Skelton engineer SCPD’s loss World Service, and latterly BBC Radio 2’s telephone: 01923 855177 even down to the detail of the Dunhill wedding dress, Maureen Baker. colleague, Pam Meager, make up designer, Barrie Holden’s recent unexpected death at Marian Ayre died on September 11. For weekly dance band programme Sunday mobile: 07736 169612 email: watches and the Mont Blanc pens, Frustrated by the limitations of this job, paid tribute to this ability: ‘Rita was 82 saddened us all of the Skelton retired staff OB man of interests many years, and until she retired in 1990, Night at 10 , who died on November 8. [email protected] which he usually carried in his breast and looking for something more creative, wonderful to work with. Her attention to fraternity. It is with regret that I have to report the Marian was secretary to a number of Studio Bob Shennan, controller of Radio 2, said: pocket alongside some expensive silk Rita moved on to Bermans, the detail, imagination and sheer enjoyment of Barry was born and educated at Reading death towards the end of September of John Capital Projects Department managers and a ‘Malcolm was a much-loved and highly BBC products handkerchief. costumiers,who offered her the opportunity the creative process lifted all our spirits.’ and his working life began at about age 16 J Moore age 72, at his home in Sidmouth good friend to her many colleagues. respected broadcaster, renowned for his BBC retired staff are entitled to a 30% There’s a picture of him on his first to work on major international films, Peter Hammond, distinguished director, with an apprenticeship with a company who after a short illness. There was usually a twinkle in her eye and skill as a presenter and producer, and his discount off the RRP of most products tour of duty in Baghdad looking every Cleopatra among them. who worked with Rita on Beardsley and made milking machines. John joined the BBC in Birmingham in an aptly ‘silly joke’ to brighten the day. Her passion for music and radio.’ in the BBC TV Centre shop. There is a bit the English gentleman – good suit, Rita blossomed in this atmosphere. Her other productions, said of Rita: ‘She was a He then worked as a telephone technician 1958 after doing three years of national serv - age never got past 39 and she was as full of postage charge of £2.95 per order fedora hat and rolled umbrella. It was sparkling personality and talent as a designer most gifted designer, who intuitively with Post Office before working for a time ice with the RAF in wireless telegraphy. He fun as this suggests. One of her favourite Norman Painting , the longest-serving (not per item). Pensioners must quote July and 100 degrees. led to many exciting commissions, creating understood all I wanted to convey. Her for the Air Ministry as a wages clerk. was a well liked vision engineer who found catch phrases was ‘You can’t get the staff, you actor on The Archers (and author of more their BBC pension number when Peter also had a great sense of fun costumes for the great stars who came to charm and humour was a bonus. I valued On call-up he served with REME and saw his niche in Outside Broadcasts. know’. than 1,000 episodes), who died on ordering. Contact: BBC Shop, and was a great joker. He once called Bermans from Hollywood. her friendship over the years, and will miss service in the Middle East. In between programme making, life ‘on the This lighter side was combined with a October 29 aged 85. Director-general Audience Foyer, Television Centre, at the house of a colleague, with whom Television in the 70s was rapidly her greatly.’ On demobilisation he joined the BBC at road’ with John, was a time full of interest steely determination to get things done the Mark Thompson said: ‘He was a pillar of Wood Lane, London W12 7RJ. Tel he was sharing a cab to the airport, expanding, and Rita, ambitious to design Recognition of her artistic excellence came our Daventry transmitter as a technical assis - and diversion. Visits would be arranged to way she knew to be right. The Archers family, but to millions of 020 8225 8230. wearing a blue and white gingham her own shows, joined the BBC Costume in 1987, when she was nominated for a tant. local obscure landmarks. Marian was involved with helping the deaf listeners he became a friend and latterly a Email [email protected]. dress, red medium high heels and full Department as a staff designer. Bafta award for Hotel du Lac . After training at the BBC Engineering I well remember, while working on cricket and became a qualified teacher of lip-reading wonderful father figure. His death leaves Other ways to order (quoting your pen - face make-up. This was the old BBC, where rich and The closure of the costume department in School at Evesham he transferred to Skelton at the Oval in Kennington, being taken to be at evening classes. us with a great sense of loss but an even sion number when ordering): Who put the bra and panties on splendid shows were an everyday the 90s ended her BBC career of thirty as a transmitter engineer. shown fencing made of WW1 stretchers. Another interest was antiques and she was deeper feeling of gratitude for such a By phone: 08700 777 001 8.30am- Helios, the statue in the middle of TVC? occurrance, and excellence came as years. Rita continued designing as a Here he served as an efficient and unas - He was always full of energy and ideas. He always on the lookout for a bargain. huge contribution to the BBC and its 6pm weekdays. By post: BBC Shop, PO Peter, in the late sixties, with an standard. freelance, producing Liza Minelli’s elegant suming engineer playing a full part in the life was a builder; having built four houses with Summer holidays were taken with friends audiences over six decades.’ Box 308, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8LW. ingenious system of rope, string and Rita’s credits are indeed of this world. gowns for The Royal Albert Hall etc. of what then was a large staff and communi - two BBC colleagues and a friend. in France. Email: [email protected]. slipknots. It took house services days They included The Good Life , Heartbreak Rita was extremely popular, and her ty in Cumbria. He played cricket for the He also spent holidays in the last 18 years Marian’s funeral was in Southampton, Max Robertson , BBC cricket club Or visit BBC Shops in Eastbourne, to get them down. House , The Millionairess , Tartuffe , Love’s generous hospitality, with wonderful food, BBC (Skelton) Club and loved to play renovating a derelict farmhouse in France. where she moved in her final years to be clos - wicket keeper better known for his tennis Brighton, Leicester, Birmingham or Peter was blessed in his many Labour’s Lost , Keeping Up Appearances and cooked by her, was legendary. Her wide, snooker with colleagues. He was always a perfectionist with a proj - er to her family. commentaries, who died on November Liverpool. UK postage £2.45 for wonderful, close friends who became The Dark Angel . In each production was a dimpled smile and humour will be so sorely His main interest after retirement was with ect, in building and at work.He was a man of Her partner Bill’s ashes had been scattered 20 aged 94. Derek Wyatt, publisher of his telephone, post and email orders. his world. During his illness, they rallied host of stars. missed. That ‘standard of excellence’ the Penrith branch of the Ramblers’ many interests: welder, sculptor and avid at Mortlake Crematorium in 2002, and she book Stop Talking and Give the Score , Overseas: £4.50 for one item and £2 for around him and their support and Rita was modest and self deprecating, but of which the BBC is so proud, has been, in Association. His knowledge of the Lake book-collector. No OB was complete with - had asked for hers to join his. Her ashes were wrote: ‘Max’s knowledge of Ming each additional product for telephone, comfort helped him deal with the pain her portfolio is a revelation, and reminds us no small part, created by such as Rita District Fells was second to none. He never out a visit to the local book shop and a good scattered on a bright autumn day, and her porcelain, on which he was an expert and post and email orders. of coming to the end of his life. once again of the debt the BBC owes to Reekie. forgot a route. haggle with the owner. When John was family and friends were joined by colleagues a collector, showed again his breadth – A bright light has gone out in such creative dedicated people on which its Her last illness was mercifully short. She Having reached a stage in life when he around an OB was never dull. from the BBC. something rarely found in any sporting BBC PA Croydon, and all over. reputation is founded. died of cancer, age 68, peacefully in the couldn’t keep up with the team he still took He retired in 1992 when Birmingham Afterwards at the Ship Inn we raised our commentator these days.’ For details of how to join the Pensioners’ Mary Ferguson During her thirty years at the BBC Rita Princess Alice Hospice in Esher, near her weekly walks with the writer where we were Outside Broadcasts closed down. The end of glasses to celebrate Marian’s life. Association, see panel on page 3. designed the costumes for a wide variety of home on the September 14. able to take our own time and pace. an era. Barrie Porter 10 • • December • 2009 December • 2009 • • 11 Memories Have skills, will travel Film director Derek Seabourne on life as a globe-trotting freelance When, after only 15 years in BBC television, I decided to strike out as an independent director, my drama colleagues thought I was bonkers. After all, this was 1982. BBCTV drama production was world renowned, and the Drama Plays department, in which I worked, was at the very heart of this international acclaim. Still, my mind was made up and I would take fantastic memories of the staff production team members with whom I worked. My first planned production as a freelance director was with HBO in New York – but it was cancelled because of an actors’ strike. I then moved on to a feature film in Sydney as second unit director. Following this, I started my own Covering some of the features of production company working in a television camera Australia, New Zealand and America as a producer/director. Above: Then... Play For Today (Thank You Comrades) in 1977. Derek so I was able to use her in my Over the next 15 years there were (red shirt, centre front) with, among others, cinematographer John English conducted classes if I felt les - times when family’s resolve and McGlashan, director Jack Gold and actors Connie Booth and son points had been misconstrued. mine were tested, and there Ben Kingsley The students themselves were were many dark nights when I very diligent, thirsting for foreign questioned my decision to exit the Below: And now... Derek with the class of 2009 in China production knowledge. They were stimulating comfort of the BBC. also desperately trying to bring However there were also many honour to their families through rewards. I eventually returned to a their education. Most of their par - television company – Channel 9 ents (some living thousands of in Perth, Western Australia – and miles away) had made many sacri - for the next eight years directed fices to have their only child television commercials and arts- accepted into tertiary education. related special projects. Interestingly, very few of these Through this whole period the students wanted to travel to the unique and inspirational time that outside world as for them China I worked for Drama Plays always was their world. But they were very stayed with me. After all, how impressed that I was BBC trained, could I forget the great creative not because of television, but talent that we, the BBC production because it was through the BBC teams, got to work with on the that they and their parents had many Wednesday Plays, Play for grasped an early understanding of Today and Play of the Month? English by listening to the BBC But life does certainly move on World Service. for all of us. In 2006 I was offered ‘Thank you for the BBC,’ they a position as a film and television would extol as one. I received quite lecturer at the Central Institute of a lot of reflected glory for that one! Technology here in Perth, Later this year, I returned to WA, and so I embarked on what London and visited Television would be a whole new learning Centre for the first time in 27 years. I experience. Eventually I got to stood in an empty TC1 studio, understand about ‘lesson deliver - media tutor to a university out of (classrooms unheated) and very which was an overwhelming experi - The next issue will ies’ and ‘learning outcomes’, but Nanjing, China. demanding for both of us in ence as the memories flooded back. appear in February it didn’t end there. Accommodation for my wife Jilly terms of culture shock, density of Yes, life is cyclical I suppose – and Perhaps my most educational and me was a very small room on population and language difficulties. right then and there I felt a life experience came earlier this year campus for our six-week stay. It Luckily I had a translator who cycle of mine was now finally when I was sent as an exchange was mid-winter, incredibly cold stayed with us all day and evening, complete.

Dawn Walters on the work of one of the BBC’s lesser-known charities Dawn Leaving BBC Wales after over Walters 30 years of programme making, A helping hand but being not ready to give up work completely, I decided to isolated from society through no and radios on long term loan at give my time to working in the fault of their own were given the no cost to the individual. charity sector. ability to keep in touch with the The Charity is also involved in When I saw the advert for a help of a radio. It was originally the Digital Switchover Help South Wales promotions worker called Wireless for the Bedridden. Scheme as they are a part of the for W4B – The TV and Radio This year it celebrates 70 years Consumer Expert Group that Charity, I knew the opportunity of service to older and disabled advises the government. had arrived. This was further people. My time is mostly spent endorsed when I attended the Representatives from the BBC working in the local communities to your own efforts. What you interview at their head office in sit on the board, and our and other Voluntary sectors put in is what you get out. Hornchurch, Essex, where I saw president is His Grace the where I can find sponsors for For me personally it’s very ARIEL SUBSCRIPTIONS a plaque saying that this office Archbishop of Canterbury. our recipients. rewarding to meet and work with had been opened by W4B today provides The work is very different to like minded people who want to Marmaduke Hussey. televisions and radios for people what I’ve been doing for the contribute to Society and bring UK: 6 months £26 W4B – The TV and Radio who find it financially difficult to past 30 years – I worked in some comfort to people in need. 1 year £50 Charity was set up in 1939 by the provide sets for themselves. every TV production • To find out more about the Overseas: 6 months £36 BBC in response, in part, to Through our contracts with department, from news to Charity you can find us on the 1 year £60 appeals from the public to ensure national suppliers we are able to drama – and I realised very website [email protected] or ring that those who found themselves provide a range of televisions quickly that it’s very much down our head office 01708621101. Please phone 01709 768 199

12 • • December 2009