The newspaper for BBC pensioners – with highlights from Ariel online

Doctor Who 50th anniversary Page 9

December 2013 • Issue 6

Life before Attenborough Cover story North 3 news Page 7 Page 8 Page 12

NEWS • MEMORIES • CLASSIFIEDS • YOUR LETTERS • OBITUARIES • CROSPERO 02 BBC PENSIONS 2013 Pension Liaison Meeting Fifty-one pensioners attended this year’s Pension Liaison Meeting, which was held in the Council Chamber at Broadcasting House London, on Thursday 21 November.

he meeting is open to all BBC the Scheme is well managed and have regular enough money in the pot to pay people’s with the US$4 million we got from the pensioners to attend. It’s their training on their responsibilities. In order to pensions as they fall due. That’s the priority.’ Chicago property – again showing how we’re opportunity to put questions to the ensure the Trustees have the right strategic The Scheme’s assets – the amount of looking for long-term revenue streams that CEO and other people involved in guidance in the future, they decided that a money in the pot – has been growing, will help us pay those benefits promised to Trunning the Scheme. Chief Executive Officer, who is functionally helped by the reasonably positive investment members.’ This year’s speakers include some familiar independent from the BBC, was needed to environment. ‘At the end of March the Geoff Jones, the pensioner elected Trustee, faces – Geoff Jones (pensioner elected support them. Scheme was worth £10.3 billion; if you then spoke about the role of the Trustees in Trustee) and James Duberley (Director of ‘Right now the Trustees have been looked at it today it would be more like managing the Scheme for the benefit of all its Pensions Investment) – and also some newer working on agreeing the valuation with £10.5 billion.’ members. ‘Our principle task is to hold and faces, including Joy Moore (CEO of BBC safeguard the assets of the Scheme, to ensure Pension Trust Limited) and Ian Cutter (Head the benefits are paid in accordance with the of Pension Shared Services). Joy and Ian both rules when they fall due, and that there is started their roles this year, although both “Economic growth has been stronger enough money in the kitty to do so.’ have worked for the BBC in the past. ‘We meet 10 times a year as the board of Joy, who chaired the meeting, started the and the markets anticipate a further BBC Pension Trust Limited – the company proceedings by introducing herself to the that holds the assets. In addition to regular group and explaining her role in the BBC board meetings, each Trustee sits on one of Pension Scheme. improvement in the economic situation.” three sub-committees: Investments, Benefits, ‘Some of you may remember that I and Finance, Risk & Audit – and I sit on the previously worked in the Pension and last of these.’ Benefits Centre as Deputy Head of Pensions. the BBC – and that will include a new The Trustees face a difficult balance between One of the tasks undertaken by the I left 12 years ago and joined RWE, a pan- recovery plan. My role is to keep the process not wanting to take so much risk that if Finance, Risk & Audit sub-committee is risk European multi-utility company, which on track and help the Trustees arrive at an something bad happens in the markets the management: identifying the risks faced in the UK owns npower. I was Head of agreement that protects Scheme members’ Scheme and the BBC will be faced with a by the Scheme and setting up processes to Pensions at RWE. I was also a Trustee for the interests whilst not compromising the BBC’s big shortfall, but also wanting to generate mitigate them. Electricity Supply Pension Scheme, so I have relationship with the licence fee payer.’ enough returns so those benefits can be Some of the key areas that the Trustees firsthand experience of looking at matters Joy said that although the valuation was at afforded. Therefore, he said, they have consider in terms of risk are: through a Trustee’s eyes as well as that of a a ‘very advanced stage’, she was not yet in a reduced levels of risk in the Scheme over the Lack of knowledge and understanding scheme manager. position to share the results. ‘We fully expect past five years. The share invested in equities ‘In other words, that the Trustees will make ‘The BBC Pension Scheme is one of the to be able to tell you the results early in the has gone from 50% to 40% and they have the wrong decisions if we don’t know what top 20 schemes in the country by size of new year.’ increased the allocation to bonds, which we’re doing! We have an ongoing education assets – £10 billion plus, with a membership James Duberly, Director of Pensions perform more like the Scheme’s liabilities. and training programme and are free to in excess of 57,000. It’s like a business in its Investment, then talked about the Scheme’s ‘We have tried to retain assets we think attend any courses we think will help us own right, and it needs to be run as such. investment strategy: ‘The 80s and 90s will generate a good return, especially in our duties. For example, in December ‘The Trustees are responsible for ensuring were the golden age for pension scheme investments that will pay a reasonably secure our solicitors are running a session on the investments, with gains all the way through cashflow over a long period of time that is “fiduciary duty of investment intermediaries” those two decades, but as we all know it has potentially linked to inflation. These include – and I’m going to go along!’ been much more difficult since then. Recent public private partnerships (investing in Conflicts of interests history looks much better and indeed stock UK infrastructure projects, for example) ‘We have a formal policy on it that we didn’t markets are at their highest levels since 1999. and also ground leases or ground rents on have a few years ago.’ Economic growth has been stronger and the buildings that promise to pay very long-term Poor record keeping markets anticipate a further improvement in streams of cashflow that lift up by inflation This is an area looked after by the Pension the economic situation.’ every year, which is a nice characteristic and and Benefits Centre in Cardiff. James explained the effect of low long- definitely provides better returns that the Employer covenant term bond yields on the Scheme: ‘Long-term yield on gilts (government bonds). The BBC’s ability and willingness to support declining bond yields are important for the ‘The extra yield you get from property the Scheme. Scheme for a number of reasons. Firstly, compared to government bonds is higher Investment risk it’s a measure of the long-term returns that now than it has been for some time, so the ‘For all of these, and others, we look at are available in the market without taking a Trustees are looking for opportunities to the controls we have in place to mitigate lot of risk. Secondly, it’s also a measure for invest more in that.’ the risks and decide whether they are fit thinking about what the Scheme’s liabilities He gave a real case example, of a property for purpose.’ are worth in today’s money. The lower in Chicago which has Topshop as a tenant. ‘During the last year we have strengthened the yields, the higher the value placed on They sold for US$30 million more than the our risk management process. In January the future benefits.’ market price value and invested that in a we set up a working group that meets Joy Moore (CEO of the BBC The Scheme’s investment objective, he new property outside Seattle. ‘The revenue regularly and maintains a risk register as a Pension Trust Limited). said, is not to ‘generate fantastic returns… stream from the new property, for the same dynamic document.’ all we’re trying to ensure is that we have investment, is US$9 million a year, compared Geoff also talked about recent changes to

Please send your editorial contributions, or comments/feedback, to: Prospero, BBC Pension and Prospero is provided free of charge to retired BBC Benefits Centre, Broadcasting House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ. employees, or to their spouses and dependants. Email: prospero@bbc.co.uk Prospero provides a source of news on former Please make sure that any digital pictures you send are colleagues, developments at the BBC and pension scanned at 300 dpi. issues, plus classified adverts. To advertise in Prospero, please see page 12. The next issue of Prospero will appear in February To view Ariel online, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/ariel. 2014. The copy deadline is Friday 3 January 2014.

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2013 BACK AT THE BBC 03 Tony Hall sets out vision for BBC In his first major speech since he joined the Corporation in April, the director general said he wanted to nurture a new relationship with the audience that would give them more control over when and how they consumed content.

He said the audience shouldn’t be treated as broadcaster in the world. It was also his licence-fee payers, but as licence-fee owners, belief that the ‘good doesn’t always have to with the power to be their own schedulers. be popular’. He added that he wanted a BBC ‘that is Referencing the turbulent times in the both personal and global’, reiterating more News division recently, Hall argued that the Trustee Board, and mentioned that there by making sure, for example, that people than once that he believed the Corporation’s he wanted the news service to be ‘alive to will shortly be an election for a member getting a pension are actually entitled to one, best days should still be ahead of it. its critics’ but ‘not cowed by them’. The nominated Trustee to replace Rhodri Lewis, and that the right amounts are paid out. He Entitled ‘Where Next?’, Hall’s vision for director general also said he wanted the a journalist from Cardiff, who is standing explained some of the safeguards that are in the BBC until its centenary in 2022 included Corporation to ‘renew our commitment to down after six years. ‘We have strengthened place to ensure that the systems – many of a number of ‘bold’ online innovations that investigative journalism’. the process by which people become Trustees which are automated – do not fail. would personalise BBC content for everyone. to ensure we try and get the right sort of ‘We conduced a disaster recovery test These range from the next-generation person. In general, all the Trustees have earlier this year and that was a success,’ iPlayer and a music-streaming service, to a proven to be dedicated and hard working he said. digital store selling BBC programmes, and a “People should not be and very interested in doing the job they He also spoke about the importance of Radio 1 iPlayer channel. have been asked to do.’ communicating with members through the ‘I want the BBC of the future to have a saying ‘the BBC’, but The last speaker of the day was Ian Cutter, various means available to the Scheme. He much closer relationship with audiences,’ Head of Pension Shared Services, who joined talked about the customer satisfaction survey Hall announced from the Radio Theatre at ‘my BBC’, ‘our BBC’.” the BBC in April to manage the pension that was held earlier this year (as reported New Broadcasting House. He said audiences delivery. He too has a history with the BBC, in Prospero August 2013), and said they are wanted less distance and move involvement. having worked for the Centre as a Senior planning to do the survey every two years in ‘People should not be saying ‘the BBC’, And he expressed his ambition for the BBC Administrator between 1992 and 2000, future because ‘we need those touch points but ‘my BBC’, ‘our BBC’.’ to double its global news audience by 2022, before leaving to join Towers Perrin (now and the ability to enhance the delivery of the One of his key announcements is the from 250m users a week to 500m, with an known as Towers Watson). service to members’. launch of a BBC One +1 channel in the next increase in regional output and a revamped He told the gathering about the Centre’s The meeting then ended with a lively 12 months. international-facing website. role and how they too contribute to Q&A session, in which the speakers answered For those after permanent copies of its And the BBC role as educator would be minimising the risks faced by the Scheme, a wide range of questions from the audience. programmes, the BBC also plans to open reinforced, with the Corporation delivering a digital store – a commercial enterprise one big educational project every year. for UK customers only – where people can In 2014 that would be the World War I download and buy favourite content. centenary, while in 2016 Hall said the BBC Virtual TVC tour It’s a similar proposal to one first mooted would digitise its Shakespeare archive and BBC History has linked up with Google people to call in on the studios that were by former director general Mark Thompson, make it available free to schools and colleges. Street View to create a virtual tour of once home to anything from Monty Python which was known as ‘Project Barcelona’. Big ideas don’t often come cheap and Television Centre as it was before the to Strictly Come Dancing, the newsroom, the DG estimated that the innovations he’d builders moved in. The ‘digital memorial’ production offices, scenery stores, the Arts, journalism, education outlined would cost an extra £100m a year by allows people to step inside TVC and go for canteen and reception areas. Hall restated the continued importance of the end of the Charter. a digital stroll around all six floors. To step inside the building before television, identifying TV drama, arts and ‘Hard choices’ would have to be made, Google brought its Street View cameras it became a boutique hotel and luxury entertainment as priority areas. he admitted, as he revealed plans to save an into TVC in February, roving the ringroads, apartments, type this address into your Announcing his plans for more arts on extra 4% – on top of the 16% required by the studios and corridors with a trolley-mounted internet browser: BBC One and not just on niche channels, Hall licence fee freeze – by 2017. camera pod. http://extdev.bbc.co.uk/ said: ‘You’d expect me to care deeply about ‘We’ll examine every penny we’re spending Now stitched together, the photos allow historyofthebbc/streetview/index.shtml the arts and you would be right.’ He added today and redirect resources – money, people that the BBC is, in his opinion, the best arts – towards our new priorities where we can,’ he said. Although he didn’t give many details, the new DG explained he wanted to simplify the devised and compiled by Jim Palm Corporation and make those responsible for CROSPERO 176 devised and compiled by Jim Palm big decisions more visible and accountable. One specific was to get rid of at least half of 1 2 Complete the square by using the clues; these apply only to words running across. Then take these words in numerical order and the pan-BBC boards currently in existence. 3 4 5 extract the letters indicated by a dot. If your answers are correct, And he recast the role of manager as a these will spell out a timely message. ‘creative job, an enabling job, an inspiring 6 7 8 Please send your answers in an envelope marked ‘Crospero’ to The job’, rather than one rewarded for ‘stopping Editor, Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, Broadcasting things happening and ticking boxes’. 9 10 House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ, by Friday 10 January 2014. He acknowledged that he spoke ‘in the shadow of some very serious failures’, and he 11 CLUES conceded that mistakes would be made in 1. Nasty tear (4); 2. Dimensions (5); 3. In the past (3); 4. Mimic (3); the future. 12 5. European community plan (3); 6. Hawthorn (3); 7. Is able to (3); ‘But I want to ensure that when we do 8. Exclamation (3); 9. Talk needlessly (5); 10. Metal (4); 11. It is in brief (3); make mistakes they are caused by trying 12. Sweet delicacy (11); 13. Shaped wheel (3); 14. Fruit (4); 15. German 13 to serve our viewers, not by looking after city (5); 16. Long period (3); 17. Producer Gielgud (3); 18. Land measure (3); 19. Rodent (3); 20. Suffolk town (3); 21. Promise (3); 22. Writer (5); ourselves,’ he said. 14 15 23. Nuisance (4). ‘As we head towards our centenary in 2022, I want us to be much more confident 16 17 18 Solutions to Crospero 175: Cable, Rope, Oar, Roam, Pike, Foe, Stint, about the mission Lord Reith gave us a Dene, Lad, Ode, Font, Area, Ire, Man, Tar, Spat, Pie, Kale, Ewer, Nay, Goya, hundred years before,’ Hall stated. ‘Still 19 20 21 Acid, Cup, Tall, Ruts, Nip, Nile, Ago, Sop, Daw, Part, Grin, Dig, Roe, Ruin, confidently informing, educating and Lobes, Rat, Pals, Wool, Bay, Glee, Greek. The three places were: Brookfield entertaining, but in a much more personalised 22 23 Farm (The Archers), Railway Cuttings (Tony Hancock) and Waggoners Walk way. I want a BBC that everyone can be (1960s/70s serial). The winner was Mr R Everett of Penrith. proud of, whose best days lie ahead of it.’

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2013 04 LETTERS Shining a (torch) Swiss spaghetti harvest Light Entertainment The Germans have an annual Christmas light on FNIMN tradition of showing on TV the entertaining Television reunion comic sketch, Dinner for One. I propose Open to all who have worked in and signature tune that we hold our own national tradition for Light Entertainment Television. An every 1 April, and show the famous opportunity to meet up with former Sorry Tony (Raymont), but the Friday Night Richard Dimbleby Panorama film, The colleagues. To be held at the BBC Club is Music Night signature tune wasn’t written Spaghetti Harvest. Western House, 99 Great Portland Street by the redoubtable Sidney Torch: it was Anyone remember ‘the now universally WA1 1AA on Tuesday 21 January 2014 one of many such themes written by accepted decifoot’? That was me and Rod from noon onwards. Charles Williams. Longhurst, with contributions from Ken Locke, RSVP Tony Newman (Tel: 07717 68202; Robin White Richard Childs and AJ Mitchell. Film has always Email: [email protected]) or Lesley Begley been a team effort. Richard Dimbleby. (Email: [email protected]) Julius Hogben Studio A baby After reading John Cox’s description of the ‘baby crying’ sound effects used in 1965, I must write to suggest there was an even Desert Island Discs – earlier ‘real baby’s sound’ used by the BBC. I was born in 1959, and my parents, Patricia and Gerry Bloomfield, both worked scripted to unscripted for BBC Bristol in the 1950s. I vividly I used to work in independent production While I am making use of the excellent remember my mum telling me the story (for a company called Smooth Operations) BBC online collection – and the written of my being placed in my pram in Studio A which included producing documentaries archives in Caversham – I’d love to find in the dark until I cried and they had the and specialist music shows for the BBC. anyone who could potentially be willing recording they needed! Sidney Torch. I’m now working on my PhD at to talk to me (from engineers, producers, I also remember being called into our Bournemouth University, exploring the assistants, archivists etc.) about their kitchen on at least one occasion to listen to ‘my’ THE SIGNATURE TUNE for Friday Night is history of the radio interview. A chapter experiences or recollections about their sound effects – but I can’t remember the radio Music Night was arranged by Sidney Torch within my doctoral thesis looks at Desert early years of making the programme – programme, I’m afraid. By the way – I seem from a short piece composed by Charles Island Discs – specifically the movement from from the 1940s to the 1960s in particular. to have suffered no lasting traumas from this Williams entitled High Adventure. scripted to unscripted production techniques. Kathryn McDonald early experience! Having read both John Meloy’s article As you may know, the first 200 episodes of If you can help Kathryn, please get in touch Pennie Bloomfield and just seen Tony Raymont’s letter I had to the programme were scripted by Roy Plomley with her at The Media School, Bournemouth correct the information. The Allmusic website – this included scripting not only Roy’s University, Weymouth House, Talbot Campus, might help. questions, but also the interviewees’ answers. Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB Byford’s bonus I was involved with FNIMN from 1967 They would then record them together – sort (Email: [email protected]; After 32 years’ service, Mark Byford’s to 1994 as an SSM with many memories of of like a radio play. Tel: 01202 961711 / 07814699627) redundancy pay was almost one the programme. million pounds. Roger Menday Back in the early 90s, Bush House studio managers over 50 years old were obliged to take enforced early retirement, two of whom committed suicide. I received just £50,000 after 27 years’ A Christmas plea service. Does this help to keep Mark’s Pinto at Pebble Mill Please could you tell me why there has not considerable bonus in perspective? It was interesting to read David Norris’s been a carol service at All Souls Church Barry Mitchell reminiscences of happy times at Pebble in Langham Place opposite the BBC Mill. I, too, remember the pigeon incident Broadcasting House on Portland Place for Mark Byford. and believe it occurred during recording of the BBC staff and BBC retired staff to attend an episode of Spytrap, the wartime exploits for such a long time? of Colonel Pinto. Many present staff and retired staff Many and varied were the network would like to attend the carol service. drama productions from the Mill and sad This is the only time for all of us retired indeed are those of us who worked there staff to meet up. It has been far too long for Gosta Green. that our reputation in the Midlands for All Souls Church not to open its doors to us. excellent drama has been forgotten. We would also enjoy celebrating the birth It is not always acknowledged that Under the leadership of drama producer of the Christ child. Some of us retired staff this reputation existed long before the Peter Dews, we were the first to film in the will be lonely at Christmas time and will foundation stone for Pebble Mill was streets of Brum problems facing newly- see no one. laid. For 14 years both drama and light arrived immigrant communities. This J Rose entertainment came from Gosta Green was the series, Rainbow City, but we also On Friday 13 December, All Souls Choir is putting Studio, a converted cinema. transmitted drama classics such as She Stoops on a programme of choral Christmas music with During the 1960s the influential drama to Conquer, in which Derek Jacobi made plenty of opportunities to sing your favourite SO THAT’S ALL right then – Mark Byford critic Kenneth Tynan referred to it as his debut. carols. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are priced at deserved his £500,000 salary because he had ‘The Mecca of Television Drama’. Dames Judi Dench, Thora Hird, Eileen £12 (£7 concessions). For general enquiries ring a difficult job that involved ‘meetings and Atkins and Knights Michael Caine and Derek Langham Arts on 020 7935 7246. liaison and planning and coordination and Percy Thrower Gosta Green. Jacobi were among those who appeared in talking to people’ (Prospero, October 2013). productions from Gosta Green Studio, and Much harder of course than the ‘sexy also Gemma Jones, Margaret Lockwood, The elephant stuff’ like making programmes, for a tenth of Alec McCowen, Bernard Cribbins, Jeremy the salary. And we learn that he ‘never asked Brett, Richard Briers and more too in the room for a pay rise and accepted what he was numerous to mention enjoyed the friendly An elephant is pregnant for 22 months. offered without negotiation’. So was it really atmosphere in that small studio. A producer resigning from the BBC wrote: necessary to offer this selfless servant of I am currently trying to record those Working for the BBC is like having sex with the Corporation a further £500,000 so that days for the archive. It would be so good an elephant. It’s not much fun and it takes (Mark Thompson’s words) he would remain to hear from any former colleagues. There months to see the results of one’s efforts. ‘fully focused on the job in the final months must be many stories yet to be told! Fred Williams of his tenure’? Joyce Hawkins Roger Dowling

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2013 LETTERS 05 Alan Macdonald, Remember when? CONTACTS

BBC World Service Pictured here are the BBC soccer teams in 1955-6 and 1965-6. Were you a member of the Visiting Scheme My husband worked for BBC World as team? Do you remember any of these faces? If you would like a visit or information on Director of South-East Asia Services (at least how to become a volunteer visitor, please that’s the name I think he had) before he ring the Service Line on 029 2032 2811. died in 1999. I had so many kind letters of Queries condolence from his colleagues and friends For benefit and pension payroll queries, but I’m afraid I never replied to any. I have call the Service Line on 029 2032 2811 very much regretted this for many years now. or email [email protected] It was very discourteous and I can’t really Prospero explain it except to say that I think I went To add or delete a name from the distribution into a sort of tunnel vision focused solely on list, ring the Service Line on 029 2032 2811. my immediate family. Prospero is provided free of charge to retired It’s too late to say it now 15 years later, BBC employees. On request, we will also but I was touched by your kind thoughts and send it to spouses or dependants who want good wishes. I have kept all the letters that to keep in touch with the BBC. Prospero is also available on audio disc for those with you sent. sight impairment. To register, please ring My four children have since grown up the Service Line. and are now settled in their careers. I thought BBC Club this might be a good opportunity to make a The BBC Club in London has a retired small apology for my neglect. I wondered if category membership costing £30 a year there are still – so many years later, I know or £39 a year for family membership. – people who remember him and perhaps Pre-1997 life members are not affected. would be interested to know what happened Regional clubs may have different to his children. arrangements. Please call BBC Club Alex, the eldest, is a freelance cameraman London administration office on 020 8752 and runs a very successful business. He goes 6666 or email [email protected] all over the world filming in a huge variety Benevolent Fund of contexts. He and his wife, Clare, have twin This is funded by voluntary contributions girls of seven. from the BBC and its purpose is to protect James is a junior lecturer in Psychology the welfare of staff, pensioners and their at Roehampton University. He and his wife, families. Grants are made at the discretion of the Trustees. They may provide Charlotte, have a little boy, just six months old. assistance in cases of unforeseen financial Sophie lives in residential care in New hardship, for which help from other sources Malden. She and her husband John are very COU-04 is not available. Telephone: 029 2032 3772 happy there. It’s just what Alan always wanted Prospero Society for her – a house for a small number of My most abiding memory of the BBC is the COU-04 had served its time (it was Prospero Society is the only section of the disabled people living an ordinary life in an of the design of the COU-04. Shortly after only produced to serve a specific short- BBC Club run by and for retired BBC staff ordinary street. But I don’t think even he ever it came into use I was seconded to the term secret purpose). It was only after and their spouses. Its aim is to enable BBC dreamed she would be married! Government of Tanganyika and when I someone sent me a copy of The Signal (the pensioners to meet on a social basis for The youngest, Alison, has just finished came back after two years the section I had journal of the Vintage and Military Amateur theatre visits, luncheons, coach outings her PhD in Anthropology and is teaching at worked for had disappeared, and I spent Radio Society) that I found it had been etc. Prospero is supported by BBC Club UCL. Her thesis was about breast cancer care the rest of my time in the BBC in several further developed, given more up-to-date funds so as to make events affordable. The and support groups among urban women in different departments, been seconded to items of equipment and renamed COU-4B. only conditions (apart from paying a small Mumbai. She has many friends there and goes Ghana and Kenya, and sent to Libya and The basic design had become very annual subscription) are that you must be back whenever she can. I went to stay with her Uganda broadcasting services to lend them important indeed. a BBC pensioner and a member of the BBC Club. For an application form write in 2004 and 2010 and I completely understand assistance. I was under the impression that Alex Rothney to: Graham Snaith, 67 Newberries Avenue, why Alan loved India so much. Radlett, Herts WD7 7EL. In 2004, my sons, Alison and I put Alan’s Telephone: 01923 855177 ashes in the Ganges at Varanasi. We thought he Mobile: 07736 169612 would have liked that. Email: [email protected] I wish everyone a very happy Christmas BBC products and a properous New Year. BBC retired staff who can provide proof Janice Macdonald of identity as a BBC pensioner are entitled to a 30% discount off the RRP of most products in the following BBC shops (some The Lamplighters exclusions apply): Many thanks to Geoff Rowlands for some BBC Sussex Shop, 40-42 Queens Road, memory provoking pictures of APTK. Brighton BN1 3XB. Tel: 01273 320413 Incidentally I am reminded by another BBC Birmingham Shop, BBC Birmingham, The Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1AY. APTK colleague, Jim Candish, that Ken Clarke Tel: 0121 6321372 used to stand by the local machine run BBC Shop, 9 St Nicholas Place, Leicester button. If you were slow off the TK run cue, LE1 5LB. Tel: 0116 2016612 lo and behold you would find your machine BBC Merseyside Shop, 57 Hanover Street, was already running. Liverpool, L1 3DS. Tel: 0151 794 0908 Regards to all TK operators. BBC Kent Shop, The Great Hall, Mount Garth Jeffery Pleasant Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QQ. Tel: 01892 530915 The shops can offer a select mail order Problems problems service in the UK only; please call your local I noticed that the BBC Job Site is currently shop to discuss your requirements. Other ways to order a wider range advertising for a PROBLEM MANAGER. In my of BBC products (quoting your pension day I encountered a lot of problem managers number when ordering): By phone: 08700 and I am glad to see that the Corporation 777 001 8.30am-6pm weekdays. By post: intends to continue that tradition. BBC Shop, PO Box 308, Sittingbourne, Christopher Moss Kent ME9 8LW. BBC PA For details of how to join the Pensioners’ Association, see the adjacent panel.

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2013 06 MEMORIES

Sounds Grand By John Meloy ollectors of anniversaries have had ‘salon music’, was characterised by gems like a real field day this year and we Albert Ketelby’s ‘In a monastery garden’, ‘In have celebrated a whole host of the shadows’ by Herman Finck, ‘Poeme’ by radio and television occasions, all Fibich, ‘Grasshoppers Dance’, by Bucalossi, Cof which have been faithfully documented in Elgar’s ‘Salut d’amour’, Monti’s Czardas and this publication. almost any Strauss Polka. However, before the strains of ‘Auld Lang When Albert Sandler’s health forced his Syne’ creep gently over the horizon once retirement from the programme in 1948, more, I would like to add one more name to his place was taken by Tom Jenkins who 2013’s list of noteworthy memorabilia. brought experience of the repertoire from, It was in 1943, 70 years ago, that the BBC inevitably, The Grand, Eastbourne, as well launched its own weekly version of Grand as the wonderful sound of his Stradivarius Hotel, which ran without a break until 1973. instrument. He was succeeded by Max It made an instant hit with the listening Jaffa and, for a short time, by the splendid audience and it retained its place in the classical virtuoso Jean Pougnet. In 1956 public affection throughout. As early as Reginald Leopold became the resident 1945 a survey found it captured 20% of the musical director. population, whereas more serious formats Reg was technically a fine musician, having achieved only 11%. been schooled at Trinity College, London. His Reginald Leopold, Edward Holmes and Edward Rubach, the trio which played in Grand Hotel. The format was, of course, much older. early engagements were with Carroll Gibbons’ Between the wars, no teatime treat at Lyons Savoy Hotel Orpheans and George Melachrino introduce the singers’ items, ‘warm up’ the days of wartime and post-war Britain. But Corner House was complete without the and in the years leading up to the war he had faithful audience and keep an eye and ear by 1973 much of that nostalgic element had accompaniment of a Palm Court-style trio, his own orchestra at the Dorchester Hotel. on things while we were on the air. For the been outlived and, sadly but with a certain and no self-respecting seaside hotel would be He joined the BBC and led several of the rest, Reg’s meticulous planning, completed amount of justification, the programme was without its Palm Court and resident orchestra. orchestras which made up the London Studio before we ever got to the studio, bore fruit removed from the schedules. An attempt was The Grand at Eastbourne is usually regarded Players, before his 17 brilliant years in charge week after week in the capable hands of his made to revive it in the 80s with Max Jaffa, as the original model and its musicians of the Grand Hotel ensemble. highly talented musicians, among whom but it did not really reach the hearts of a were directed by Albert Sandler. He it was I had the good fortune to produce many were distinguished players like cellists Edward public attuned to a more modern repertoire that the BBC selected to inaugurate that of these programmes and have pleasant Holmes and Reginald Kilbey and pianists and finally came to an end. first broadcast version of Grand Hotel, and his memories of Sundays spent in the Concert Robert Docker and Edward Rubach. Together I still very occasionally speak to people secure knowledge of the repertoire, gained Hall at Broadcasting House helping to put the they represented what could well be described who used to enjoy it, and certainly those from many years in the orchestras of the top programme live on the air. Not that a great as the programme’s finest hour. of us who remember working on it are London hotels, went a long way towards deal of work was needed! We would time The early success of Grand Hotel was justifiably proud of our associations with ensuring the success of the programme. the rehearsal and arrange a precautionary greatly due to the fact that it relived an age a specialist programme which was held in The repertoire, very often referred to as cut with Reg, write a few lines of script to of elegance and luxury during the austere high affection for 30 years.

The Marvell-ous Eric Maschwitz By Brian Willey ith the Radio Times having shepherd for the mixed bohemian flock he Service and, with the rank of Lieutenant- Wood and Richard Addinsell, the new reached its 90th anniversary, had under his aegis. Maschwitz however Colonel, was i/c Broadcasting with the 21st Guild was soon professing some degree I began to wonder about its had great respect for him, considering him Army Group. of success with its quest. Maschwitz later editors of the past who, in scrupulously just and intensely human under Throughout that time he had somehow became Chairman, serving in that capacity theW main, seem rather faceless. Who were they his somewhat frightening exterior, and continued to write for revues and penned for ten years until December 1958 and it is and, across the span of 90 years, are any names confesses to admiring him to the point of many successful songs: ‘A Nightingale Sang worth noting that the Guild he founded also particularly notable? hero-worship. Quite an admission in Berkeley Square’, written with American established the Ivor Novello Awards, which Eric Maschwitz is the one eminent name from a man who was by no means of a composer Manning Sherwin; ‘A Pair of celebrate their 59th anniversary next year. of which I am aware and I briefly included servile disposition. Silver Wings’, written with Michael Carr and, His beloved Songwriters’ Guild still exists but him in a Prospero article in July 2012. He In 1927 Eric Maschwitz took on the task again with George Posford, the revue ‘New is now amalgamated with two other musical held the position of Radio Times editor back of Editor, Radio Times, a post that he would Faces’, which featured Room Five-Hundred- guilds and works under the title The British in 1927 but, if you know of him at all, his hold for six years before being appointed the and-Four. Academy of Songwriters, Composers and will be a familiar name in a completely BBC’s first Director of Variety. With the war at an end, he returned to Authors (BASCA). different role. He began writing plays in 1930 and, his beloved theatrical career with a series Eric Maschwitz had begun the 1950s by Of Lithuanian origin – his grandfather in 1932 with composer George Posford, of new productions – ‘Starlight Roof’, writing songs for Zip Goes A Million, starring and family having migrated to Britain in the completed his first stage musical, ‘Goodnight ‘Carissima’, ‘Belinda’ and ‘Love From Judy’ George Formby and, in early 1958, returned 1850s – Eric Albert Maschwitz was born in Vienna’ – originally a play for radio that he – running right through the rest of the to the BBC as Head of Television Light Edgbaston, Birmingham, in 1901. wrote under the pseudonym Holt Marvell. decade. Theatrically, all appeared well but the Entertainment, where he launched The Black At boarding school from the age of eight, Filmed in the same year, it made a star of war, having brought the American Forces and White Minstrels and created and wrote the he later entered Repton School as a classical Anna Neagle and the title song created a hit to Britain, had unleashed a preponderance television thriller The Little Red Monkey. scholar and then went on to Cambridge for her co-star, Jack Buchanan – and, in some of American song on to our domestic radio Receiving an Ivor Novello Award in University as a modern languages scholar. odd way, the phrase ‘Goodnight Vienna’ audience – much to the financial detriment 1960 for outstanding personal services to When his education was completed Eric became part of the vernacular. of the home-grown songwriter. British Popular Music was an honour he joined Hutchinson’s magazines as an editor. In 1936 a new show, Spread it Abroad, gave By 1947 a number of notable British undoubtedly deserved: although a highly By 1926 the newly burgeoning BBC us the song ‘These Foolish Things’ and in composers had decided that action must successful business man, he had also was an attraction and his job application that same year he was awarded the OBE. be taken and, to endow their campaign given selfless time, energy and dedication resulted in him becoming Assistant Director Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer contracted him in with authority, a new association, The to serving the needs of the British of Outside Broadcasting. It is interesting 1937 to work in Hollywood where he sadly Songwriters’ Guild of Great Britain, was entertainment industry as a whole. to note that in his autobiography, No Chip felt considerably unused but was at least created specifically to lay before the Prime By the time he died in 1969 he had on My Shoulder, he viewed the BBC’s radio nominated for an Academy Award for the Minister, Clement Attlee, a complaint against composed around 350 songs and earned a headquarters, then at No.2 Savoy Hill, as screenplay of the 1939 Robert Donat classic the BBC – the charge being that, in that major place in the history of not only British a rather ramshackle building, having been movie, Goodbye Mr Chips. year only 19 per cent of broadcast music popular music but also in journalism, radio, converted from a block of flats. Office Returning to Britain at the outset of by the BBC was of British origin – a television, theatre and cinema across more accommodation was very limited, with most World War II he enlisted in the Intelligence disgraceful proportion. than four decades. staff working four or five to a room. He Corps and was sent on a special propaganda With lyricist Bruce Sievier M.C. as It would be interesting to read about describes the DG, Sir John Reith, as having mission to America. He later inaugurated and Chairman, Eric Maschwitz as Vice-Chairman, other Radio Times editors – Eric Maschwitz a dour, handsome face, scarred like that of a commanded the Army Broadcasting Section, plus a dozen more important committee cannot be the only one with a history villain in a melodrama, finding him a strange devised the Overseas Recorded Broadcasting members including Eric Coates, Haydn worth recounting!

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2013 MEMORIES 07 A producer’s Life before Attenborough guide to morning Pam Everett, who will be 90 next year, believes herself to be the oldest surviving founding music (1964) member of the Natural History Unit (NHU), which has been based in Broadcasting House, Bristol Many thanks to Dorothy Fenoulhet, since its formation in 1957. who found the following among her husband’s papers. She says: chance encounter in a corridor led ‘I thought it quite amusing! The to Pam taking the job of producer’s Variety Orchestra did regular weekly assistant in the NHU. At the time, recordings of morning music. I was Pam was working for the BBC in responsible for timing the rehearsals PlymouthA and was visiting the Bristol offices with my BBC stopwatch to make when she bumped into Pat Beech, assistant sure we didn’t over run. But I was not head of programming. always accurate! Pam says: ‘He said to me: “Why haven’t you put your name in for the Natural 1. Avoid extremes. Whatever listeners History Unit?” I knew they were recruiting, may enjoy later in the day they do not but the salary was too low – and I told him want here the biggest beat, the lushest as much. He simply said: “The applications strings, the hippest jazz; nor the newest close tonight. Put yours in tonight before nor the oldest anything. you leave, and leave the money to me”.’ 2. Avoid slow or sad numbers. The greatest praise you can earn will be ‘it’s bright’, ‘it’s cheery’. Peter Scott, Michele Rebel (Programme Planner, Radio Television Francaise) 3. Avoid unfamiliar tunes. This is not the and a member of the BBC West Region TV OB Unit, standing by the lake place for ‘under-rated’ music. outside his home in the grounds of the Severn Wildfowl Trust. 4. Avoid tunes which depend for their effect on a repeated phrase. at us. It was rather frightening.’ scorpion kept on going! Guy Mountford They also depend on being heard with Another incident at Bristol Zoo involved was his guest and lobbed the scorpion off both ears. the well known natural historian Guy with his script or something, sending it 5. Morning music is background music. Mountford. ‘Like every other zoo, they had flying behind the sofa on which they both The January 1964 survey (LR/64/360) an ancient gorilla of course. Guy got in front sat. While the camera focused on Peter, there by our Audience Research Department of his cage, with the gorilla sitting quietly was Guy on his hands and knees behind the confirmed this. behind him… then while Guy was speaking, sofa looking for the scorpion – which he 6. Announcement or segue music? the gorilla got up, put his arm through the did find.’ The survey produced this answer: cage and got hold of Guy by the upper arm. ‘They used to get animals in from Keeper Morris on his rounds. The producer said everyone should just stand Paignton Aquarium,’ Pam recalls. ‘I ‘I like an announcer to tell us who is still and be quiet, and that the gorilla would remember one driver telling us the story playing what’ – 51% ‘I’m sure he only asked me because I was let go – which sure enough he did. But it of how he was driving up to Bristol with ‘I don’t care whether or not an one of only a few people in the region was rather exciting.’ a glass case full of sea animals on the seat announcer tells us’ – 26% who had any experience of television.’ Pam describes her job of PA as a ‘maid behind him, when he suddenly felt an ice- ‘I don’t like the music being interrupted (Pam had worked on several TV productions of all work’ – not only seeing to it that cold tentacle on his neck. An octopus had by an announcer telling us who is playing at Plymouth.) everything in the office was in order, but escaped. Fortunately neither the driver nor what’ – 22% Pat was true to his word, and Pam was also making sure everyone was where they the octopus came to any harm.’ No reply – 1% offered – and accepted – the job, leaving should be – make-up and design – and that As well as studio-based programmes like Plymouth to work with Nicholas Crocker, the programmes didn’t over run. Look and Animal Magic, Pam also worked on The great majority want time checks – at a senior producer with West Region, who Her duties, it seemed, also included many outside broadcasts (Nicholas was a regular and predictable times. All speech became the Unit’s first Head. cuddling a rather large lizard. It was a chilly very experienced OB producer). She travelled must be extremely brief. Most people working in the new Unit day but the lizard wasn’t required just yet, to Europe on two occasions, working on the 7. Include singers? The survey showed reported for duty on 1 January 1958. Pam so Pam kept the creature under her jumper. first two programmes in a series called News there were no strong feelings either recalls that there were about a dozen, maybe ‘It must have been for a whole hour and you from the Zoos. way, but non-vocal music was slightly 15 people in the Unit, including the film and know it didn’t move once.’ She left the Unit after about six years, but preferred. (A small choir, which had sound librarian, Roger Perry. During her initial six-year stint at NHU, returned some time later to work for Jeffery produced an above-average reaction in One night, Pam accompanied Roger to Pam worked with many of the natural Boswall (who produced the first natural series at 10am – singing familiar, bright Bristol Zoo to record a very rare clouded history presenters who became household history film to be shown in colour, Ron songs in a simple way – produced a leopard. ‘They let us in at one end of a names, including Peter Scott (Look). Eastman’s The private life of the Kingfisher (1968)). below-average reaction before 9am.) very long corridor, with the different cages ‘We once received from London Zoo a She remembers Jeffery receiving a gold 8. What orchestras are appropriate? alongside it separated by doors that we scorpion, for Look. It came in a rather small medal from Emperor Haile Selassie, who was In the survey the types of music most had to pass through. We didn’t know what box which had the words ‘Do not take this very impressed with the films he had made frequently cited as unsuitable were animals we would find on the other side scorpion of the box’. Peter Scott of course about wildlife in Ethiopia. ‘brass bands, marching or military each time we opened a door. Well, we came took no notice of the sign. He took the Pam finally left the BBC in 1978 and music’. Next in order came ‘serious, to the chimpanzee cage and they were all scorpion out of the box, put it on the back moved back down to Plymouth. She spent heavy or highbrow music; jazz; anything asleep and in each other’s arms… they got of his hand, and it walked a little way up his another 17 years putting her administrative noisy, strident or raucous’: then woken up of course and were absolutely arm. When we recorded the programme, skills to good use for three private charitable ‘anything too dreary or quiet; organs; livid with anger and screaming and shouting he did the same thing, but this time the trusts, before finally retiring in 1995. vocals; pops; finally ‘anything sounding thin or squeaky’. Positively, listeners asked for ‘gay, bright and lively music’, and for orchestras playing simple Enjoying the musical memories arrangements from popular musicals Betty Wilson has been thrilled to read the various articles in Prospero about the BBC Orchestra. like ‘Oklahoma’, etc. 9. Taste does not vary significantly Betty’s father, Leonard Wilson, was a back great memories of her father’s time with 1981 to 1986. She worked in Bush House, with time. The survey indicated that the member of the Orchestra – on drums and the Orchestra in Bedford during the war Langham Place and – for over 20 years – in requirements before and after 7.30am timpani. In fact, he is in the photo featured in (where they are still remembered and Television Centre. do not differ. (The audience peak is Anthony Wills’ article ‘100 not out’ about the celebrated) and later in London. Betty celebrated her 90th birthday on 8 – 8.30am.) Golders Green Hippodrome (Prospero, June Betty herself worked for the BBC as 20 November. If you are reading this Betty then 2013). John Meloy’s article ‘60 musical an administrator, from 1946 to 1980, and we hope you had an enjoyable day and that Donald MacLean years’ (Prospero, August 2013) also brought then was called back to help out from you also enjoy reading John’s latest article! April 1964

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2013 08 LIFE AFTER AUNTIE How I completely changed my life at the age of 60 By former BBC Editor, Bryher Scudamore Club Retired members – we want to hear from you We will be sending a questionnaire out to all I know that at the age of 60 most people think their careers are over. I spent 25 happy years at the Club Retired members in the New Year to BBC working on all kinds of factual programmes. Perhaps most famously, I was Editor of That’s see what else you would like to see from the Club, but watch this space because we Life! and later, Editor-in-Chief of BBC Online during the very early days of website development. will be organising a big retired member lunch and studio tour in the Spring. o why, at this late stage of my life ask about her life but it was too late. they tend to cost thousands of pounds and have I started a business for the first As her executor I had to rummage through a blank piece of paper or screen is very Charity raffle time? Why have I have put my bank her life to find the documents needed to daunting. Just knowing where to start can This year’s Club raffle will be in support of account, my home, life savings and sort out probate. I came across my parents’ be difficult. the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, myS future on the line? Is it because there marriage certificate – I know it sounds mad I wanted it to be easy for anyone to write helping to tackle bullying in all its forms. is insanity in my family, and I’ve inherited but I had no idea they were married on their life story and have a beautiful book at We’ve got a whole host of prizes, including it? Not as far as I know. It’s all down to my Christmas Eve. the end of the process. It took 12 years of an iPhone 5c, 12 months’ worth of Elemis mother’s untimely death. There were drawers full of photographs of devising and working and spending our life facials at Harvey Nichols, a Penhaligon’s people who must have meant something to savings and putting our house on the line gentleman’s fragrance tin and much more… her but who were now anonymous. I had no The draw will take place on Monday, – my husband, Paul, of 38 years has been 16 December. You can get your tickets for idea who they were and never would. There magnificent in supporting me. only £1 at BBC Club Western House, call was no-one to ask. So now, hundreds of thousands of words 0208 752 6666 or email [email protected]. She had told me very little about her later and all my savings, I have launched childhood – I knew it had been tough and www.autodotbiography.com, a unique 12 Days of Christmas that she clashed with her mother. Then online system that makes it easy for anyone, 12 days of fantastic savings, freebies, I found a story written by her. It was on no matter how good or bad at writing, discounts and prizes await you in December, yellowing paper and typed on a very old- to create a beautifully written, lavishly ranging from membership offers and free fashioned typewriter. It told of jumble sales illustrated hardback book of their life story gym day passes to discounts on language held at the Methodist Hall where her father for their family. courses. A different offer every day from was the caretaker. All the author has to do is answer 3 December to 18 December. Some of the She described how she would sneak into simple questions, selecting from pre- offers are for Club members only so there the hall before it opened and try on hats written answers if they are not confident, has never been a better time to sign up. with magnificent feathers, or teeter on high or writing in their own words if they are, To get your 12 Days of Christmas voucher heels, only to tear them off and put them upload photographs and documents, and booklet, pop into Club Western House, back when the doors opened and the sale autodotbiography turns their words and call us on 0208 752 6666 or email began. How I loved reading it. pictures into a beautiful book. [email protected]. The more papers I rummaged through, I am thrilled to report that at the ripe Christmas Lottery Bonanza the more the pieces of my mother’s life old age of 62 I won an award from PRIME We’ve made this year’s Christmas lottery a came together, but there were still acres of (Prince of Wales Initiative for Mature whopper by putting in £5,000 worth of When my mother died 14 years ago I was her life that were a complete blank, like how Enterprise) Best New Digital Business. luxury prizes as well as a £5,000 cash devastated. We were extremely close, she was did she do at school? I knew that she had And I have wonderful comments from the jackpot. From hampers to iPads and smart my best friend, my wise and trusted adviser had some kind of breakdown during the authors who have completed their books and TVs, you will have to be in it to win it. To join and more than that, she was great fun to war but I didn’t know any more about it. their fascinated families that makes it the Club lottery or add additional shares to be with. I knew nothing of my grandparents or my all worthwhile. your membership, call us on 0208 752 With her sudden death – she had a heart great-grandparents. Now at 63 I am starting a whole new 6666 or email [email protected]. attack – our wonderful relationship died, and I realised that while the rich and famous life and I know that my mother would be You must become a Club member to join so did her memories. They say that when a have their lives recorded, this wasn’t possible immensely proud. So, there is life after the the Club lottery. person dies a library burns and I think that is so for everyone. Of course, there are ghost BBC that can be just as much fun and just as Christmas Radio Times true. There were so many questions I wanted to writers to help people tell their stories but hard work! Club members, please note your Christmas Radio Times will be available to collect from Club Western House only due to access restrictions enforced by BBC to other BBC Cover story sites. If you would like us to reserve one for you, please email [email protected]. he Museum Of London recently and established news correspondents from show up and for my part it was a pleasure Merry menus mounted an exhibition called the 1960s right through to his retirement to meet them. I attach the photo from the Tis the season to be jolly, so why not gather ‘Cover Story’, marking 90 years of in 1990. Museum Of London, which they’ve kindly up your friends and colleagues to enjoy a the Radio Times, with the pick of its The Radio Times cover in 1969 marked the approved for Prospero’s use. delicious Christmas lunch or dinner. With Tfamous covers. first BBC TV News programme in colour – Nick Lera three festive courses and a host of extras to As an ex-BBC TV News cameraman I had BBC2’s Newsroom. I myself had the honour make it special, the Club has got it covered. been asked if I could identify the cameraman of shooting the first Foreign News story To get a copy of our Christmas menus visit on a 1969 cover. I named my former in colour – a film preview of the Winter the website bbc.club.com/xmas, or to book colleague Peter Matthews and we were both Olympics at Grenoble, in which footage contact the participating sites directly: Club invited to visit. from a preset camera bolted to the front of a Broadcast Centre – yewande.odumosu@ But no word came as to whether or when practice bobsleigh caused some consternation bbc.co.uk; Club Western House – slawek. Peter could make the trek up from his home in the Alexandra Palace newsroom! [email protected]; Club Elstree – craig. in Yeovil. The exhibition had just a day to run Peter seemed quite well for his 84 years [email protected]. Or call 0208 752 6666 when the Museum emailed me to say that but a bit subdued. I gather from the family for more information. Peter was coming up. I was late picking up he has several health issues currently ‘under The Club would like to wish you all a on the email, but I hopped on the Central management’, so it was a brave effort on his very Merry Christmas and a Happy Line to St Paul’s just in time to catch Peter, part to show up. We had fun swapping a few New Year. his wife and daughter at the Museum and to yarns, and he particularly appreciated that see him having his photo taken. ex-News staffer Nick Walker calls him from Got a question or comment? Peter was one of the top TV News time to time. Email us at [email protected] cameramen of his day and his services Mrs Matthews and daughter (Sue) were or call 020 8752 6666. were much sought after by both aspiring delighted a former colleague managed to

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2013 BACK ATMEMORIES THE BBC 09 Doctor Who 50th anniversary The Doctor prescribes fish ‘n’ chips n Saturday 23 November, almost Formula One?’ The man looks confused. say we have speeded up somewhat. In the That’s it – no one ever mentions Savile, 80 countries across six continents So the biggest name in motor racing is intervening years BBC Wales has developed executive pay-offs or anything else on the simultaneously broadcast the going to be the new Doctor Who? I quickly a fantastic post-production team in both ‘Dark side’. It’s always about Doctor Who and O 50th anniversary episode of wander off… sound and vision, all of whom are home the other great shows the BBC makes. That’s Doctor Who to hundreds of millions of TV (Cue speeded up tape spooling noise): grown. Much to the amazement of most very reassuring. viewers and fans in the US, Canada, Brazil, It’s now March 2005 – and we’re in the London-based directors, it has to be said, but (Cue harp glissando’s again): It’s October Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, basement of BH Llandaff, late on a Friday, once they’ve experienced local talent in all its 2013 and we’re in the basement of BH, Nigeria, Hong Kong and Thailand to name mixing the very first episode. It isn’t going forms they never mention the L word again – late on a Friday, mixing the 50th anniversary but a few. well. Should the Nestene Consciousness and they can’t wait to come back. episode. The music doesn’t work too well Almost 1,500 cinemas in the UK and sound like that? Did the original Autons make But what has Doctor Who done for Wales in places, and should Mr X really say that to Ireland, the US and Canada, Germany, so much creaking noise? The grown-ups and the BBC you ask? More than you can ever Miss Y? Who wrote these extra lines? Do Kazakhstan, Russia, Colombia, Uruguay, complain the explosions aren’t loud enough… imagine. When I meet people on holiday and we need them? But we have to finish this Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina that’s better…but we can’t hear the music talk turns to what I do, the conversation runs Monday, it’s going worldwide. I should have also opened their doors to hundreds of now – the explosions are too loud…groan. I like this: ‘I work for the BBC.’ To which the bought that Land Rover. But help is at hand thousands of fans to screen the special in reflect that I always wanted to be a National answer is invariably: ‘Do you work on Doctor in the form of the world’s calmest producer, 3D – with over half synchronised with BBC Park warden. A dog and a Land Rover are Who?’ Grown men grin wildly, then pretend Marcus Wilson. ‘Right then,’ he says – ‘Who One’s transmission. very appealing right now. they’re not interested. Oh yes they are… wants cod and who wants hake?’ On the eve of this historic broadcast of At 9.30pm I suggest we all go home and Doctor Who, dubbing mixer Tim Ricketts was return to fight another day with clear heads. asked to share a few personal thoughts on But oh NO, Julie and Russell T Davies are what the anniversary means to him, having having none of that. They’ve fought for two played a central role in every Doctor Who hard years to get to this point and this is a episode since 2005. line in the sand that must be crossed – and crossed tonight! This is what he wrote: Julie tells me to keep mixing, and leaves (Cue harp glissando’s): It’s early 2004 the room. ‘I’ll be back,’ she says. And soon – and I’m in Waterstones, browsing she is – with a huge pile of fish and chips (remember books?). My phone rings. for all. That seemed to do the trick, blood ‘Hi Tim, we’ve chosen the Doctor – He’s sugar up, and we finally finish the mix around Chris Eccleston.’ ‘Eccleston!’ I exclaim 4.30am. I walk home across Llandaff North out loud. The man on my right turns and bridge as dawn breaks. It won’t be the last looks. Crikey, did he hear all that? Have I time I see the dawn rise whilst working on Who’s in the picture... (from left to right): Joanna Page, the tenth Doctor just given away Britain’s biggest secret? Doctor Who. (David Tennant), Jenna-Louise Coleman and The Doctor (Matt Smith). ‘Err, Bernie,’ I say, ‘…Bernie Ecclestone, Over 100 episodes later, I’m pleased to

daring helicopter rescue, which was filmed Lost Doctor Who stories found in Nigeria in one take without a rehearsal. Nine missing episodes of Doctor Who have been found gathering dust at a relay station in Nigeria. Also shown was part two of The Web of Fear – a much-anticipated recovery eaturing second Doctor Patrick images and original audio. of old records of overseas tape shipments by that centres on the claustrophobic Troughton, the black and white The programmes, which star Frazer Hines the BBC. invasion of the London Underground by programmes haven’t been seen since and Deborah Watling as the Doctor’s young ‘I remember wiping the dust of the the Yeti, furry robots controlled by the they were first transmitted in the companions, were discovered by Phillip masking tape on the canisters and my heart Great Intelligence. Flate 1960s. Morris, director of the Television International missed a beat as I saw the words Doctor Who,’ The set was so lifelike, says Hines, that The impressive haul includes two, almost Enterprises Archive, which has a mission to he recalls. ‘When I read the story code I he worried that the lines were live, while complete, stories. All six parts of The Enemy recover lost British TV programmes. realised I’d found something pretty special.’ he remembers one rumour that London of the World, broadcast in 1967, were found Morris came across the tapes on a shelf Despite the African heat, he says, the tapes Transport threatened to sue the BBC for (only part three was previously in the at a relay station in Jos, Nigeria, where had been stored in optimum conditions, breaking into their tunnels. BBC archive). they’d settled after a journey around the boosting BBC Worldwide efforts to remaster For Deborah Watling, The Web of Fear was And parts two, four, five and six of 1968’s world, after originally being despatched to all 11 programmes for today’s audiences. a chance to watch her father Dick Watling, The Web of Fear are now back at the BBC, Hong Kong. At a press event in October, two of the who plays Professor Travers, as well as her which already had the opener. The third ‘They weren’t even at the station they were episodes were screened for the first time in younger self. episode remains missing, although it has sold to, but at a relay station,’ says Morris, more than 45 years. ‘There was only one whole storyline been reconstructed for viewers using still who managed to trace them with the help Part one of The Enemy of the World begins of mine in the archive,’ she says. ‘This with Troughton – widely regarded as one was a chance to see my work as a of the finest Doctors – and his young, kilted 19-year-old actress.’ companions arriving by Tardis at the seaside, Troughton’s former companions praise the ostensibly in Australia’s Cape Arid. star, who died in 1987 and whose style and A gleeful Troughton strips down to mannerisms have influenced current Time his long underwear and skips playfully Lord Matt Smith. through the waves – his idea, say Hines and ‘Pat had a wonderful sense of humour, Watling who were at the screening, despite always had a twinkle in the eye... but he was freezing conditions. a very, very good actor,’ says Watling. ‘We were like a family,’ she continues. Similar to Salamander ‘We had a chemistry. I don’t think you can Inevitably, it’s not long before the trio beat that. It shows, even today.’ are chased by gun-wielding men in a The new stories are available to hovercraft who have mistaken the Doctor download via iTunes or order on DVD for the uncannily similar wannabe world from bbcshop.com. dictator Ramon Salamander (also played Close to 100 Doctor Who episodes from the by Troughton). 1960s are still missing, having been wiped Deborah Watling, Patrick Troughton and Frazer Hines. The stylish location shoot also features a from BBC tapes at the time or thrown away.

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2013 10 OBITUARIES the demands of the television service. working there during a very special time in Aidan MacDermot Starting as a design assistant, Ian worked its history. I feel privileged to have known Sound supervisor Aidan MacDermot was one of the post-war with senior designers on major programmes. Joe and that he considered me a friend. I will on Fawlty Towers generation of newsreaders whose voices Having established his ability, he was soon miss him so much. Mike Jones was always focused on the were heard more on the Overseas than the promoted and then for the next 15 years Joe died on 28 October 2013, suddenly people in his presence and the occasion or Home Service. A tall man, he had a military worked as a much regarded designer for a but peacefully, in his own bed and in his own task in hand. bearing acquired during service in three classic mix of programmes, notably Doctor house, which was what he always wanted. Joining the BBC in the early 60s, he had armies, the Irish, the British and the Indian. Who, Till Death Us Do Part, Butterflies, The Liver Birds, God speed Joe. short periods at TV News and also at TV OB’s He liked to make humorous remarks about Cliff Richard, Elton John, Z Cars, Softly Softly, and Juley Harding before settling down in TV Tech Ops [Sound] the bulletins he was given to read. ‘Have Black and White Minstrels. at TV Centre. any more sub-committees been set up?’ he Ian was the principal designer for To the Becoming a sound supervisor, he proved would ask when presented with an item Manor Born, and the production complexities Looking up, not down highly competent and great fun to work about the growth of the UN in New York. of the settings for Some Mothers Do A’ve Em and Richard Dunn, who has died far too early, in with; working on drama, operas and later He went on secondment to Nigerian many more including a trip to South America his late 60s of an inoperable brain tumour, as sound supervisor on Fawlty Towers he Broadcasting and then to the UK Information on behalf of the Explorer Series. was a greatly liked – no loved – figure by all established a first-class reputation. He was Services in America. He liked Chicago and In the mid-80s, Ian exchanged his drawing who worked with him. renowned for his patience in helping and spent many happy years there with his board for a chief designer’s desk. In 1988, training others and supporting colleagues. American wife Rita. at the time of the extremely controversial He had celebrated his 90th birthday. dissolution of Design Group by the Birt/ John Heuston Hussey regime, Ian was appointed to the new post of Design Manager Production Design Department. A task to which he applied – BBC Bristol’s Mr Fix-It force majeure! – all the administrative skills Family, friends and colleagues met together that supported his work as a designer. at Bristol South Crematorium to say farewell In 1992 Ian took early retirement and to Ernest Fletcher (Ernie, as he was known moved to Rutland, to enjoy country life, to all), on 30 July. fishing, shooting and growing vegetables. Ian He joined in Bristol in the post room would turn up at Design reunions where his in 1939, transferring to Radio in 1942, relaxed and agreeable manner was warmly working mainly in the control room. During welcomed. In August at the age of 73 Ian this wartime period he was one of the team died suddenly of an aortic aneurism. who transferred programme making from As the designer of so many well BH to caverns in the Avon Gorge (once the remembered BBC primetime programmes of home of the Clifton Rocks Railway) to find great quality, Ian Rawnsley really was ‘to the He had a wide and deep knowledge of protection from the regular air raids, which manner born’. BBC radio in all its forms, from local radio, Bristol suffered at this time. Many popular Ian leaves Carol, his wife of 47 years, through Radio 4 arts programming to World national programmes originated from the daughter Sarah and granddaughter Lola. With Service management. In all these areas, In the early 1980s, Mike became a duty safety of this venue. my thanks to Carol for providing the material Richard showed intelligence, skill, hard work studio operations manager, joining the Studio After a break for Army service, he upon which this tribute is based. and good humour. No one ever had a bad Production Resources Management team in returned to work in the control room Cliff Hatts word to say about him. trying to keep TVC running smoothly on and on outside broadcasts. He was involved Richard grew up in Newcastle, and joined a daily basis. Mike, typically, did this with with the London Olympics in 1948, together BBC local radio there in 1970, becoming first great vigour and was heavily involved in with many other popular programmes. From scene shifter a studio manager and then a producer and the handling of the ‘asbestos crisis’, various When radio and television operations to producer popular presenter. The great break – in more industrial disputes and other crises. were combined, his brief broadened to ways than one – was when he joined Talks He was appointed H Ops Services in Joe Waters was born on 21 June 1924 in include natural history, antiques and and Documentaries at Broadcasting House in 1987, a job he loved – until retiring in 1995. other programmes. Stepney, East London, and grew up there. 1980, working as a producer on the nightly Having departed from BBC life, Mike Outside work, he established a very During the war he was a ‘Bevan Boy’. arts magazine, Kaleidoscope. He soon proved established himself as an IT consultant, well equipped workshop, which he used From his early days he loved the theatre to be the complete team player and a great attracting a number of very appreciative to very good effect to enhance his home, and film and in the 50s he saw an advert for all rounder, with a wide and deep cultural clients. Now in an entirely new world, he maintain cars and build boats. Nothing scene shifters wanted at the BBC. He applied, knowledge. His speciality was film. nevertheless continued to stay in touch with was too difficult; he would tackle anything. was duly hired and spent many months In 1986 Richard changed direction, and many of his former colleagues. A major interest was sailing and he was working nights as part of a crew dismantling joined Secretariat for a year. He then spent Mike had a very dry humour and a a member of Portishead Sailing Club. He and moving scenery between Lime Grove the rest of his career in the World Service, pragmatic outlook on life, making irregular played a big part in the growth of the club and Alexandra Palace. in various management posts, successively but always entertaining phone calls to friends and the development of its facilities. This was He soon made the move into Light in Features and Arts, Productions (as deputy about obscure technical matters and the recognised when he was made an Honorary Entertainment production and at one point head, and then head of English by Radio) many subjects that interested him. He was a Vice Commodore. worked out of a portacabin in the car park, and finally as a commissioning editor for very clever man brimming with information, a master of wit and irony and very His wife Joan had played bowls for as Television Centre was being built. He was non-news programmes. good company. Somerset and on his retirement they spent involved in the first show that transmitted In all these jobs he succeeded brilliantly. It must be said that Mike had outstanding many happy years visiting countries where it from TVC on its opening night. Staff respected his broadcasting background, was popular, to compete in tournaments or Joe worked his way up the floors abilities as a researcher – in any field. Once his interest in their welfare and his dislike of involved in any interesting project, there simply to play in friendly matches. eventually becoming the producer of poor programmes. And as a commissioning Both were very proud of their family. Dixon of Dock Green, as well as directing some was no holding him back. Mike researched editor, his professionalism won the respect of a detailed history of the BBC TV rehearsal To daughters Sue, Gillian and their families episodes, before moving to Drama Series all programme makers. rooms; a fascinating read. we extend our sympathy. where he spent the rest of his career. His Richard’s colleagues all remember two Mike’s many friends are still greatly Bill Jones productions there included Warship, Accident, things in particular. One was his sense of shocked at his sudden death at almost 70 Squadron, Don’t Forget to Write, The Enigma Files, My humour. He was sharp, quick and funny. The years of age. He chose not to concern anyone Family and Other Animals, Uncle Silas, My Brother second was his sense of values, in the very about his increasing internal discomfort Designer who was Jonathan, and Swallows and Amazons, best traditions of public service. He believed until, too late for help, the pancreatic among others. ‘to the manner born’ that programmes should make the listener cancer overwhelmed him. A lonely and Away from work Joe was an opera buff Ian Rawnsley brought to Television Drama look up rather than down: not so high that truly undeserved closure to a life that had and owned a vast collection of recordings. precisely the talents required. He was trained no one could understand but never so low enlivened and lifted many others. He was also an expert on and a collector of at Leeds College of Art, studying Interior that the audience was patronised. We are really missing him. theatrical figurines. Both hobbies brought Design followed by a postgraduate year at And of course his broadcasting beliefs John Lightfoot him many new friends worldwide. the Royal College of Art. In 1966 he was were shaped by his values in life. Joe Waters was a loyal, funny, caring interviewed by Dick Levin who recognised A devoted family man, he is survived by and I think underestimated man – another that Ian had potential as a designer and Heather and their daughters, Amy and Zoe. piece of BBC history has gone now that Joe equally the personality required to cope with Alastair Lack is no longer around to relate his stories of

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2013 OBITUARIES 11 80s. He was producer on The Editors, which journalists, including John Humphreys, have Communications interviewed national newspaper editors on cited Tony as a major influence. Anthony engineer the news events of the day. He was deputy retired in 1973, but carried on broadcasting editor of Panorama and was producer and locally, wrote several books and became very MONEY MATTERS reporter on Who is afraid of Rupert Murdoch. involved with International Social Service, a He also worked on the first series of body helping migrants from mainland China Rough Justice. and Vietnam to settle in Hong Kong. (An ISS Is your will On leaving the BBC he returned to North refuge is named after him.) For this latter Wales to set up his own production company. work he was awarded the OBE in the 2013 up-to-date? He wanted to specialise in Welsh language New Year’s Honours List. We may soon see some small changes to current affairs programmes. Unfortunately Andrew and Richard Lawrence the intestacy rules if the current Inheritance his health declined and he suffered a stroke and Trustees’ Powers Bill introduced to in 1997 and a further four years later which Parliament is enacted. left him permanently disabled. BBC stamp lady When someone dies without leaving a He leaves his wife Hana and four valid will they are said to have died daughters, Elinor, Lorna, Sarinka and Marta. intestate. In these circumstances rules apply to determine who administers the Elinor Parry-Jones estate as well as to the identification of recipients. Former Far East Married partners or civil partners inherit under the rules of intestacy only if they are Vic Howett died after a long illness in June Correspondent actually married or in a civil partnership at 2013, aged 83. After his National Service Anthony Lawrence, the former BBC Far East the time of death. So if you are divorced or in the RAF, including a posting to Libya, Correspondent, died on 24 September 2013 if your civil partnership has been legally Vic joined the BBC In 1956. Working in aged 101, in Hong Kong where he had lived ended, you can’t inherit under the rules of Lines Department’s Television Switching since retiring. intestacy. But partners who separated Centre he was responsible for monitoring informally can still inherit under the rules circuits to ensure the technical quality of of intestacy. If there are surviving children, programme transmission between studios grandchildren or great-grandchildren of the and transmitters. In 1967 he moved to the person who died and the estate is valued at newly formed Communications Department Tricia Baldwin, who was affectionately more than £250,000, the partner will inherit: HQTV section where he specialised in the known as the Stamp Lady to BBC staff, has - all the personal property and belongings equalisation of video circuits countrywide, died. The former studio manager, who retired of the person who has died, and ensuring that programmes were transmitted from the BBC many years ago, had a stroke in - the first £250,000 of the estate, and to the best BBC standard. her home and never regained consciousness. - a life interest in half of the remaining In 1970 he was seconded to the EBU Tricia joined the BBC secretarial pool in estate. If you are entitled to the life to work in the telecoms tower in Mexico 1951, working her way up to clerk typist and interest you do not have access to that City for the World Cup, where he avoided then to studio manager. part of the estate (to do with as you the local Mexican food and insisted upon please) – you can only have the income But while she enjoyed her job, it was the drinking tea regularly. Later, Vic was from it during your lifetime. social aspect of BBC life that really proved the responsible for equalising the video circuits If there are no surviving children, main attraction. She told Ariel in an interview to the Greenwood Theatre for the new grandchildren or great-grandchildren, but last year: ‘What hooked me was Motspur Park Question Time programme. In the 80s he was there are surviving parents, brothers and and all the sporting facilities, tennis, netball, involved in the trials of digital television sisters, the partner will inherit: Anthony entered journalism immediately you name it. circuits such as the 140mb/s experimental - all the personal property and belongings after leaving school, influenced partly by his ‘There was a riding section, so I rode circuit between London and Birmingham, of the person who has died, and ‘disreputable Uncle Arthur, a famous Daily Mail with the Household Cavalry in their riding which sometimes carried BBC1 and BBC2. correspondent and interviewer, with whom - the first £450,000 of the estate with school, I skated at Queensway, I joined the interest from the date of death, and Vic can claim a notable ‘victory’ when he he’d had many conversations – ‘there was dance section, I took up bridge, and I learnt - one-half of the remaining estate. managed to persuade Frank Rice (a lover of no hope for me after that’. His first job was to play golf, which was the love of my life. The other half of the residue will pass to fresh air) to use the hood on the Sunbeam with a Wembley local newspaper but with the So I never wanted to leave the BBC, it didn’t the other surviving relatives in the order of Rapier convertible that was Frank’s pride and outbreak of WWII he enlisted in the Royal matter about the job. parents, brothers or sisters, direct joy. Nobody else ever managed that! Artillery and then five years later, re-entered In more recent times ‘the love’ of Tricia’s descendants of brothers or sisters. He was a keen member of the BBC Cricket journalism helping to set up the prestigious life was her cat Squibbs, who came from a Under the proposed changes, the Club. Following his retirement in 1985 and Die Zeit weekly in Hamburg, Germany. It was rescue centre. The pair were inseparable and spouse will be entitled to their half of the subsequent move to Somerset, he joined here that he met Irmgard, his wife of more in correspondence to close friends she would remaining estate outright. So there are no Chard Tennis Club and enjoyed visits to than 50 years, and made the connections sign off Tricia and Squibbs. trust restrictions. Also, where the deceased watch county cricket at Taunton. Vic became through which he entered the BBC. Her personal interests were many and dies without children, the spouse currently a key member of the ‘G28 Luncheon Club’ For 10 years he worked as a World Service varied, ranging from charity work for local must share the residual estate with the for retired Lines Department staff. editor but then got posted to Singapore and deceased’s parents or full siblings (and their churches, animal charities and associated Vic will be remembered as a quiet and four years later to Hong Kong. As Foreign descendants). Under the proposed organisations to regular visits to the theatre, friendly colleague who did not create waves Correspondent Tony found a role worthy reforms, the spouse will receive the whole in particular The Mill at Sonning. She was but just got on with the job in hand. Vic had of his talents – unprejudiced observation, of the estate. also a visitor in the BBC’s volunteer visiting a sense of humour and he was much more unusual empathy and a natural charm. His This will be welcome news for many as scheme and had been since 1995. prone to laugh than frown which lightened unassuming exterior belied a professional the current rules seem outdated and could Tricia arranged monthly lunches for her the atmosphere wherever he went. determination to encourage the most diverse cause unexpected charges to inheritance friends, many of whom were ex-BBC staff, Vic is survived by his wife Gill and people to reveal something of the truth. Over tax where the estate goes to a non-exempt and these were always followed by tea at son Nic. his 17 years as the BBC’s man in Asia, he beneficiary. That said, it remains important ‘Chateau Baldwin’. to make sure your will is up to date and the Clive Rickerby met most of the major Far Eastern political figures of the time, witnessed a Christmas Her talent as an organiser led to her right people are not only named as Island nuclear test, and reported on the arranging visiting speakers for the Stanmore beneficiaries but you have chosen executors Journalist and Vietnam War, while regularly contributing Wives Group and many of Tricia’s contacts to deal with the distribution of your estate. were cajoled into ‘volunteering’ for the role. television producer insightful despatches to Radio Newsreel and Chase de Vere is one of a panel of From Our Own Correspondent. Her life was full and interesting, her independent financial advisers selected I am sad to inform you that my father, He always believed that the best way to friends were numerous from all walks by the BBC. Chase de Vere Independent Elwyn Parry Jones, died on Friday 30 August understand a country was to get to know of life and her stories and anecdotes a joy Financial Advisers Limited is authorised 2013. He died in North Wales following a its ordinary people, a technique he used to to behold. and regulated by the Financial Conduct very long illness. great effect. How we all will miss her but we can Authority. Will writing, inheritance tax Elwyn had a long career as a journalist In his last BBC years he was featured in the cherish the memories and be blessed that we and trust planning are not regulated by and television producer. He worked for the TV documentaries Born Chinese and Richard knew her. the Financial Conduct Authority. BBC from the early 60s through to the late Cawston’s Our Own Correspondent(1972). Many Rodney Gudger

PROSPERO DECEMBER 2013 12 AND FINALLY

North 3 news CLASSIFIEDS The restored heritage TV outside broadcast scanner CMCR9 successfully completed Altea, Spain. all the summer commitments with its Beachfront apartment with jacuzzi, appearance at the Shrewsbury Steam Fair on two bedrooms, air-conditioned, 25-26 August. underfloor heating. Contact Sandra. The vehicle itself has run faultlessly Email: [email protected] throughout the year. This season’s shows Mobile: 0034 663657411 were at Kelsall, Astle Park, Wilmslow and Venice, Giudecca. Onslow Park with an additional private Beautiful apartment in quiet private demonstration at Northop for the Rolls courtyard, sleeps 5, fully equipped. Royce Enthusiasts Club. Experience the real Venice. Steve Harris and Steve Jones restored Tel: 01260 227262 a little more of the ancient equipment to Email: [email protected] operation for each show and most of the sound desk and comms are now working Bargain in Brittany. quite well. 4/5 bed house with large garden, cider The Wilmslow Show took place in problem now is that the power demand of part of the Manchester Science Festival. We orchard. Fully modernised. Tranquil but the middle of the July heatwave with the the working equipment exceeds the power were there last year behind the building, convenient location. Must sell, health temperature reaching 30 degrees. Fortunately available from Steve’s 6.5Kva generator. but this year, we had a prominent position reasons. €150,000 only! the show organisers provided us with a large He’s looking around for something on the main piazza right by the main Details: http://bit.ly/1doNII9 45Kva generator which more than met our more substantial! entrance to the studios and between the BBC or telephone 0033 296251662. needs and enabled the air conditioning to be A new technological milestone was buildings. Many astonished BBC staff came Part-time secretary wanted used for the first time. Having received some achieved on 14 October, when Steve Harris out to see what was going on and we had a in London NW2. Please apply recent attention, the two aircon units over coaxed the first pictures from a genuine constant stream of visitors, even during the to [email protected] the cab worked faultlessly all day and people ‘period’ EMI 2001 camera… probably the Friday rigging session. were coming into the scanner to cool off. first for 30 years. The first critical switch-on Steve Harris’s stand in the exhibition York. This was very unlike the previous outing at was accompanied by… bang!!**!!... with bits featured two broadcast cameras and working Three-bedroom Victorian house close to Kelsall on 23 June when folk were coming of tinfoil and gunge from a failed electrolytic TVs from the 50s, 60s and 70s – some City centre and station. Ideal location for inside to get away from the cold squally capacitor all over the room. By the following working on the old 405-line system! BBC visiting all Yorkshire attractions. Three-night wind and showers! day, however, recognisable pictures were Northwest kindly provided their satellite minimum stay. Tel: +44 7737537629 The last three shows all took place in good coming from all four tubes in the camera. truck and radioed continuous live pictures Email: [email protected] weather, which attracted many visitors keen This was very much a workshop test-rig from the exhibition hall back to North 3. Turkish Riviera – Ciftlik, Fethiye. to see how we were getting on. A number of situation, but for next year’s events it’s hoped This very busy and enjoyable event was a Luxurious four-bedroom villa, sleeps eight, former staff visited us who had not been to to have an original 1960s colour camera fitting finale to this first full season of North private pool, £500-£600pw. Details see us before. working in demonstration mode. 3 heritage displays. www.anchorvilla.co.uk (Holiday Lettings We were fortunate in getting excellent North 3’s final public appearance of 2013 Jerry Clegg 179513). Tel: 01344 425219. pitches for all the shows, with plenty of was at Salford Quays on 19-20 October. The Email: [email protected] room for our static display which included occasion was a technology exhibition by the PC 80 and EMI 2001 cameras. The main University of Salford Media Centre, forming Menorca. Detached holiday villa, sleeps 2-7. Outskirts CAPTION Mahon and Es Castell. Private pool. Close Wanted: women in TV amenities. Brochure 01621 741810. competiton Visit www.menorcaholidayvilla.co.uk Are you a woman who worked in the TV occupied in film and television but we would For sale. and/or film industries between 1933 and also welcome letters from women that tell Congratulations to Various BBC Yearbooks/Handbooks 1989? If so, we would like to hear from you. their stories. Nic Scott, who came between 1931 and 1984 in good condition This is to participate in a research If you are interested in helping us with our up with the winning except 1931 spine lost and 1933 spine project run by Newcastle and Sunderland research, please contact Vicky Ball in the line: ‘So Smith, that’s scuffed. Detailed list on request. £81 ono. Universities which is interested in hearing first instance. a yes to voluntary Buyer collects all 27 from Ealing, London. about women’s memories and experiences Email: [email protected] redundancy?’ Terry Tel: 0790 603 6938. of working within these industries. Tel: 0191 515 2100 Elms suggested: ‘And We are interested in hearing from University of Sunderland for viewers at home, Prospero Classifieds, BBC Pension and everyone from secretaries to directors and Faculty of Arts, Design and Media that is your horizontal hold’, while Jim Benefits Centre, Broadcasting House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ. every grade in between. David Puttnam Media Centre Kinally said the picture immediately brought We will be doing a limited number of St Peter’s Campus to mind the classic line from Hancock’s The Please enclose a cheque made payable to: oral histories with women to reflect the Sunderland Test Pilot, ‘Get your foot off me Joystick BBC Central Directorate. diverse grades and roles women have SR6 0DD will you!’ Rate: £6 for 20 words. In a covering letter please include your pension number.

RAIL, Jim Palm’s BBC Local Radio series Reunions for railway enthusiasts, was launched 40 years ago and an article about the BBC Transport Group reunion The London Lunch 2014 programme appears in the December BBC Transport Group (Kendall Avenue The London Lunch 2014 reunion for issue of Railway Magazine. staff are invited to come for a drink and colleagues from engineering and operational Commencing in the autumn on chat at the Royal British Legion Club on departments, together with friends and 1973, the programme ran to something Ruislip High Street from 8pm on Saturday, guests, will take place on 4 March 2014 at approaching 300 editions, covered all the 7 December 2013. the Victory Services Club as usual. major railway developments of the day and For further information, please contact If you wish to receive further information finally reached the end of the line in 1994. Picture shows Janet Ellis, Simon Groom Paul McArdle (Tel: 07957 592 326; Email: about the surprise guest speaker and A list of the celebrities who appeared in and Peter Duncan in the Blue Peter panto, [email protected]). booking details, please send an email to the programme during its long run would December 1985. [email protected] or a read like a RELC Christmas lunch stamped addressed envelope to LL12, PO Can you come up with a witty line to Who’s Who This is taking place on Thursday, Box 208, Havant PO9 9BQ. Booking details accompany this seasonal photo? Send of the railway 12 December 2013 at the Miramar Hotel, will be available in the New Year. your entries to our usual address, or email world and East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth. Sat Nav Those of you who attended the 2013 lunch them to [email protected], with ‘caption many of them BH1 3AL. To reserve your place, please will be contacted automatically. If you’ve competition 5’ in the subject line, by Friday are featured in contact Russell Horne (Tel: 01590 624389; changed your email address since March this 10 January 2014. The best entry will the article. Email: [email protected]). year, please send your current address. receive a £10 voucher.

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