The newspaper for BBC pensioners Filming in Antarctica Page 8

October 2016 • Issue 5

Volunteer Nightingale Test Match Visitors 2016 Square Special Page 2 Page 6 Page 9

NEWS • MEMORIES • CLASSIFIEDS • YOUR LETTERS • OBITUARIES • SUDOKU 02 BACK AT THE BBC BBC Volunteer Visitor Scheme Conference 2016 hundred volunteer visitors attended this year’s annual conference, including eleven new recruits who were warmly welcomed by Cheryl Miles, the BBC Volunteer Visitor Coordinator.

eld in Cardiff in early August, ‘People of our generation rely more on the conference gave the BBC emotions and experiences to make judgments, volunteer visitors an opportunity Did you know? which actually makes us more susceptible Did you know? to hear from various speakers to misinformation and scams,’ Roger told Habout issues that might affect their ‘visitees’ – • half a million over-65s the conference. There has been a noticeable • The BBC Pension Scheme is BBC pensioners aged 70+, or those recently downloaded a banking app last year. increase in the number of scams targeting projected to be paying benefits bereaved or in poor health, who want some elderly people. In fact, over half of people for at least another 80 years. company from a fellow retired BBC person. • 300,000 over-65s receive banking over 65 said they had received some sort of The first afternoon session was kicked off updates by text message. communication – a phone call, a text, email, • The current level of pension by Roger Hatherell, an independent financial post – that they believed to have been a scam. payments is expected to more than adviser and expert in ‘intergenerational • Around a third of the UK Roger then looked at estate planning, double over the next 30 years or so. wealth planning’. population is aged 50+. including proposed changes to Inheritance Roger began his session with some Tax laws and other ways of passing on your interesting facts on Britain’s ageing • There are almost 10 million people accumulated wealth to your loved ones. The Trustees and the BBC reach agreement population. aged in the 65-84 age bracket. He pointed out that even if you’re receiving over which assumptions to use in calculating a pension, you can still pay into a pension (up how much the Scheme needs in the tank. to £3,600 a year) and benefit from tax relief For example, if the calculations were based on your contributions. If you decide to pay on the assumption that interest rates would into a pension for a grandchild, for example, be high in future, then you wouldn’t need and pay the maximum allowed for 18 years, as much money in the tank. ‘In fact,’ said MYSTERY SUDOKU by the time your grandchild turns 65 their Alison, ‘in years of high interest rates we pension pot could be worth a whopping often had a surplus in the tank; now with Neil Somerville has kindly stepped in to provide this mystery sudoku while Jim Palm, £1 million. historically low interest rates most pension our Crospero compiler, recovers from a fall. We wish Jim a speedy recovery! Roger also reminded the visitors that many schemes have a shortfall.’ legal firms participate in Free Wills Month campaign, a charity fund-raiser which takes D A place in October. The idea behind this event is ‘People of our generation that those taking up the offer will leave a gift T R A in their Wills to one of the selected charities – rely more on emotions although they are under no obligation to do so. Find out more at: and experiences to make T I R www.freewillsmonth.org.uk judgments, which actually AB G T Willis Towers Watson makes us more susceptible The second speaker of the day was Alison Blay from Willis Towers Watson, the firm to misinformation D I that carries out actuarial services for the BBC Pension Scheme, including the triennial and scams’ B I E M actuarial valuation. The 2016 actuarial valuation (the 11th BBC BBC Pension Scheme CEO valuation that Alison has been involved with) In the third and final session of the day, the I A D is currently under way, so Alison came to the visitors were introduced to John Cullen, the conference to explain how a valuation works new CEO of the BBC Pension Scheme who E M T and why it is so important. took over from Joy Moore. John ran through She described the BBC’s contributions to a brief resumé of his background before the Scheme as being like a tap, filling up a tank looking at his first impressions of the BBC M E of water. ‘My job is to work out how much Scheme. These were, in a nutshell: money the Scheme needs in the tank to pay • a good quality, responsive and Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the letters ABDEGIMRT in some order. One row or column contains a five-or-more-letter word or out all the benefits that have been promised caring service name with a BBC connection. Solve the sudoku to discover what it is and send your to members under the Rules. If the tap was • unusual in that most things are managed answer to: The Editor, Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, , turned off, we need to ensure the Scheme in-house and have not been outsourced Cardiff CF5 2YQ by 7 November 2016. The winner gets a £10 voucher. could be self-sufficient and carry on paying to third party suppliers the benefits.’ • a vocal and active membership

Please send your editorial contributions, or comments/ , to: Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, Prospero is provided free of charge to retired Scheme Broadcasting House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ members, or to their spouses and dependants. Email: prospero@.co.uk Prospero provides a source of news on former colleagues, Please make sure that any digital pictures you send are developments at the BBC and pension issues, plus classified scanned at 300 dpi. adverts. It is available online at www.bbc.co.uk/mypension To advertise in Prospero, please see page 12. The next issue of Prospero will appear in December 2016. The copy deadline is Monday, 31 October 2016.

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2016 03

Dementia Friends The final session of the conference was a workshop run by Dementia Friends. This is an What is the Alzheimer’s Society initiative, which aims to create dementia-friendly communities where people are more aware of what life is like for Volunteer someone with dementia. For example, you might get impatient with an elderly person in Visitor Scheme? a shop or a pub, who is blocking an entrance to a doorway. If they have dementia, it could The BBC Volunteer Visitor Scheme be that they are having difficulty processing a is run by BBC pensioners, for very swirly or patterned carpet. To someone BBC pensioners. with dementia, it might look like a very uneven It provides a friendly contact for surface or even a gaping hole in the ground. our older pensioners (or those in poor health or recently bereaved), A Dementia Friend learns a little bit more who may appreciate a regular visit or about what it’s like to live with dementia and telephone call to maintain a link with then turns that understanding into action. the Corporation. We currently have Actions can include things like: 180 visitors, but there are still areas • Getting with someone you know where we need volunteers. living with dementia • Volunteering for an organisation that helps • Visitors Ann Johnston and Joe Keaney on stage at the conference. people with dementia • Bournemouth • demanding and very engaged Trustees The speaker at their first lunch was Roger • Campaigning for change, eg by signing who want to deliver the best service Johnson, a local news anchor, who took the up to Alzheimer’s Society’s campaigns to • Poole possible to members. group around the studio even though they improve the lives of people with dementia • Eastbourne He gave a flavour for the types of issues weren’t supposed to get access. In the second • Wearing a Dementia Friends badge and he has been working on since joining the year, the speaker was Martin Henfield – well telling five friends about the Dementia • Crewe BBC – the fiendishly complicated VAT rules known in the area and a very accomplished Friends initiative. for pension schemes that could result in after-dinner speaker; and this year they You can find out more at: • Barrow-in-Furnace www.dementiafriends.org.uk significant costs for the Scheme if they don’t had Dave Guest, chief reporter on • Macclesfield work out how to recoup the VAT; the Pension Northwest Tonight. The conference was then closed by Protection Fund levy and why the Scheme The floor was then opened to other Ian Cutter, Head of Pension Shared Services, • Telford is appealing the way the premium has been visitors who shared what they had been who thanked all the visitors for the time assessed; and GMP reconciliation – a ‘major doing outside the ‘normal’ role of the visitor and effort they put into volunteering for If you’d like to find out more, call the piece of work’ for the in-house team. and what practical issues they might want to the Scheme, and also Cheryl for once again pension service line on: 029 2032 2811. The Trustees are also looking into the consider in setting up something similar. organising such a successful conference. possibility of insuring against increasing life expectancy, which is a risk faced by the Scheme as it would increase the amount that is needed in the ‘tank’ (to use the analogy used by Alison Blay in the previous session).

Day Two The morning session introduced three visitors from Bolton and – Ann Johnston, Joe Keaney and John Forrest – to the audience. They shared their experience with the conference of arranging a New Year’s lunch for their combined visitees list, after the move to Media City resulted in the cancellation of the pensioners’ annual Christmas lunch. The three visitors got together and thought perhaps they could do something about that. They decided to hold a lunch in January – ‘always a bit of a low time for everyone’ – and made it a simple, £5-a-head ‘sandwiches & soup’ affair, with a local guest speaker.

2016 Pensioners’ Prospero is 50 years old! Liaison Meeting 1966 was a year of many good things Eric Gill in the niche above the entrance to This year’s Pensioners’ Liaison Meeting – including the first Prospero, which was BH in , towering over Ariel – is a sort will be held on Tuesday 18 October 2016 published in June. of elder statesman, almost the patron saint of from 11:00 to 13:00 at: The image on the right is a reprint of the broadcasting, one might say. The Radio Theatre very first page of that first edition. Having planned and directed, he releases Broadcasting House The first newsletter was the inspiration Ariel from further tasks: ‘I shall miss thee,’ Portland Place of Frank Cob, the first editor, who he says, ‘but yet though shalt have freedom’. London W1A 1AA explained in that first issue why the name So we, who have been released from service, If you attend, you can put questions Prospero was chosen. look to Prospero rather than Ariel as the about the BBC Pension Scheme to ‘We wanted a one-word title for this figure symbolising our association with the Chief Executive Officer, a Scheme newsletter; something that might be linked radio and television. Trustee and members of the with broadcasting and in particular with And because The Tempest was Shakespeare’s pension executive. the BBC. Not Ariel – not just because that is last play and Prospero may be a picture of already the title of our staff magazine, but a dramatist bidding farewell to his work, it Spaces are limited and will be booked because he remains the lusty young man, seems fitting that he should give his name on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. To the Peter Pan of the air waves. Prospero – to our newsletter – doubly so because the book a place, call the pension service line on: 029 2032 2811. the patriarchal figure portrayed by name also suggests the good luck we wish all our readers.’

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2016 04 LETTERS Pop the Pianist 71 years in the media A few nights ago my wife and I settled down FX on the fly to cover such links are no longer I’ve been the Eastbourne Gazette and was appointed chief to watch a 40-year-old documentary, part of possessed by sound staff. After all, even persuaded that reporter in 1957. Since, at 26, I was younger the excellent Collections series, on BBC Gardeners’ World has ridiculously short music you might be than most of the others, I discovered I was iPlayer. We enjoyed it immensely but as it bridges (poorly brought in and taken out) in interested in the being dubbed Billy the Kid! progressed we both thought that there was order to cover bumps in backgrounds when fact that this year Keen to join a daily paper I went to definitely something missing. all that is needed is a small burst of ‘prov’. marks 71 years the Oxford Mail in 1961, first as ‘our man Today’s documentaries had conditioned us Is the cheapness of single-artist piano in the media for in Chipping Norton’ and, later, in charge to expect to have every moment of the music the reason for its presence? Or is it me – and at 85 of district offices at Abingdon, Wantage, soundtrack where there was no PTC being used because most young people live a I’m still doing Wallingford and Didcot. I became a founder underscored by wretched music bridges life with constant musical accompaniment Harmony Night member of the new BBC Radio Oxford in usually consisting of some demented solo and would feel the void? on BBC’S Radio 1970 and, in 1978, went on an attachment pianist twiddling the ivories to produce what But what about the high proportion of Oxford, Radio Berkshire and Radio to what was then Radio 1 and 2 Presentation can only be described as a distracting din! older documentary viewers? Shouldn’t they as well as regular sport contributions for at Broadcasting House. I said ‘underscored’ but this is often not be considered too? Older viewers find Radio Oxford. The attachment was extended from six true. Sometimes the random tuneless notes unnecessary music held too high in the mix It all started in the autumn of 1945 when months to 12 and then I was taken on the (are they trying to keep within the ‘five note such a distraction that, not only is their I joined the Kentish Gazette at Canterbury at staff. During this time I deputised, at various rule’ to avoid copyright?) are so high in the enjoyment of the documentaries reduced, the age of 14 as a junior reporter on , for Jimmy Young, Ray Moore, Gloria mix as to obscure the accompanying voice- they will often switch off altogether. recommendation of my village school Hunniford, David Jacobs and John Dunn. over or commentary. Is that what the BBC wants? Does anybody headmaster. Though it was reckoned I did Also, since I considered work to be one Numerous examples exist of this 21st care anymore? the journalistic side okay, I got the sack long holiday, I often presented Test Match practice, from Michael Portillo’s John Hale because I wasn’t keeping up with the filing! Special as a sort of freelance on days off and otherwise excellent railway series to almost I wrote copy for the Kent and Sussex holiday times. every other documentary, long or short, advertising agency at Canterbury – and was Later I returned to BBC Radio Oxford, currently transmitted. The practice is as more diligent with the filing. having notionally retired, and did several prevalent as, in vision, the ubiquitous Harold Rogers During National Service I still did football programmes under contract before taking speeding up of landscape shots to make reports on 48-hour passes for the Kentish on Harmony Night. the clouds fly past at 100 miles per hour! memorabilia Observer and I joined them when I left, Bill Rennells Often the only solution to the presence of I am writing to make enquiries regarding working there for three years until 1954. the unnecessary and unwelcome so-called paperwork, scripts, tapes, diaries, progammes After a short spell on the North East Kent Bill, thank you for your letter – you may be music and masking of the voice-overs is to and memorabilia belonging to my father Times on the Isle of Sheppey I then joined interested to read the feature article on Test Match switch the sound off and the subtitles on. Harold Rogers, who started working for BBC Special on page 9 of this issue of Prospero. So what can the reason be for the Radio in 1939 until he retired around 1985. compulsive inclusion of this incessant and He worked at Broadcasting House and then intrusive solo piano, or electric piano, moved to the Medway towns to open Radio so-called music which pops up so Medway (the first local radio station). Museum seeks Tim Neale predictably whenever there is a pause in I wondered if this would be useful either Tim Neale’s many fine qualities and the location PTCs? for the BBC Archives or to a collector, as it is a monitoring achievements were affectionately recorded Are media university students given complete record, as far as I can tell, of his career by his wife, Lyn Hartman (Prospero, August). instructions that whenever the presenter goes in the BBC and we would like it to be used and staff to recreate But as we approach the 50th anniversary of into voice-over, or under commentary, there maybe added to the history of the BBC. BBC Local Radio – in November next year – must always be a ‘music bed’ present? In my Harold Rogers and Sarah Mann control rooms I’d like to add my own tribute to one of the view that is totally wrong – there are many I wonder if I can use the letters column of early pioneers. occasions when simple sound FX will suffice If you know of anyone who could find a use for Prospero to attempt to contact retired staff Tim was the first programme organiser at and be far less intrusive. Perhaps the skills we Harold’s papers, please email Sarah at: who worked at either the BBC Monitoring Radio Sheffield where I was manager. Of the had in the old days of mixing non-sync sound [email protected] Station at or the Monitoring Service 16 staff, half had no previous radio experience receiving station at Crowsley Park? and they needed all the help we could give. Earlier this year I visited a fantastic The City Council paid for our first two years museum in South Wales, the Museum and some politicians tried to take advantage of Internal Fire. As the name implies it of us, requiring diplomacy and firmness. Enter is dedicated, in the main, to the internal Tim whose people skills were astonishing. combustion engine but ones on a vast scale! He would spend hours building the If there are any ex-transmitter staff who may confidence of young staff but was equally at have worked at Moorside Edge, the museum home confronting some awkward councillor contains one of the generator sets from the – usually with his arms folded, smiling and station and yes it works! courteous. Tim would say: ‘Always leave The museum is run by a husband and people with their dignity intact, no matter wife team who have, with a dedicated team how much you despise them.’ of volunteers, built up a very large and He was caring and sensitive and knew fascinating museum that is well worth a visit instinctively when not to condemn. So when just for the engines themselves. Nelly, the cleaner, pulled out the plug and However, Paul (the husband) is a took the breakfast programme off the air what brilliant engineer with a great love of radio did Tim do? Gave her a hug. communication technology. To cut a long And as manager, which he became, story short, he wishes to try and recreate Tim stood firm against a potentially viral the control rooms at both Tatsfield and strike where the NUJ objected to so-called Crowsley Park. He has some of the needed ‘amateurs’ doing sports commentaries. equipment (although he always welcomes Gary Lineker et al please remember. more!) but what he needs now is the input So many of us owe Tim a huge debt for from people who worked at these two sites; what he did for us personally and for radio photographs, on station instructions etc and, at large. His final act of courage was to write most importantly, the personal anecdotes of to the BBC Chairman gently suggesting that the people who worked there to help him Alasdair Milne’s plans for regionalisation recreate these iconic BBC sites. within were bonkers. If there are people out there who would It didn’t do Tim any harm: he got be interested in helping Paul, can you in promoted to Head of Radio Training... the first instance contact me, Alec Thomas and Alasdair left the BBC in haste. (ex-Assistant Engineer World Service) using Michael Barton my email address: [email protected] Alec Thomas

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2016 05

When the disco started I noticed and TV OB appeal – Sports broadcasting watched Eloise, the groom’s two-year-old CONTACTS I write in response to the article in the August daughter, hence Irene’s great grand-daughter, did you work on Prospero about the changing face of sports twist and turn on the dance floor and for broadcasting at the BBC. a split second a thought crossed my mind: Visiting Scheme LO21/MCR21? Speaking as a ‘severe nylon-shirted how many descendants in generations Available to BBC pensioners over 70, technician’ (or videotape editor as we to come would be privileged to say with those recently bereaved, and anyone preferred to be called), the ‘stiff rebukes’ were dignity and pride: ‘my parent, grand or great in poor health, the scheme is a method for good reasons. In the 1970s, videotape grand-parent worked for the BBC?’ of keeping in touch and operates machines were far from the ‘plug and play’ And yet, one can only hope there will throughout the UK. Visitors are BBC devices we are used to nowadays. Sometimes, always be somewhere, up there, a benevolent, pensioners themselves. If you want to be even getting a good quality recording could wise, Prospero-type guardian angel who visited, receive a phone call or meet up take the full half-hour line up period. could always conjure a fortunate wind to fill somewhere mutually convenient, call As to editing, this was a very skillful task the sails of our unique tall boat and enable it 029 2032 2811. The contact is the same with none of the ‘Ctrl Z’ or undo functions to sail in the right direction. if you would like to become a visitor. now available on a computer. A mistake was a Rodica Mager mistake and remained so. Producers, therefore, BBC Volunteer Visitor Queries produced and editors edited, a system that For benefit and pension payroll queries, worked just fine. call the Service Line on 029 2032 2811 Also, please don’t forget the considerable Too much golf? or email [email protected] innovations brought about in VT through the As a keen golfer who has played for some years, many of which I was proud to have 80 years, I never thought for a moment that Prospero introduced on behalf of BBC Sport. Stereo a time would come when I felt too much live To add or delete a name from the I have become involved in the restoration of working and split audio on foreign trips, use golf was made available on television. distribution list, ring the Service Line on ex-BBC mobile control room MCR21. It was of servers both to tape and computer editing As a recently retired golfer through ‘force 029 2032 2811. Prospero is provided one of 10 units made to BBC specifications systems, football-style replay machines to majeure’, I have greatly enjoyed indulging free of charge to retired BBC Scheme by Pye TVT. The units were delivered to the chase live action and many more, all helping in the various Sky Sports Channels for members. On request, we will also BBC in 1963. Six of them, including MCR21, the final product to be produced quicker and the past 30 years but I have reached send it to spouses or dependants who were based at Kendal Avenue. more stylishly than those early days of the that conclusion. want to keep in touch with the BBC. I believe MCR21 is the oldest example of a razor blade. Sky had made a promise to give us Prospero is also available on audio BBC TV mobile control room still in existence. My nylon shirts are now long gone, but not everything from the first drive at 06.35 disc for those with sight impairment. Brian Summers, ex-BBC TV broadcast my regard for BBC Sport, built up in almost on the Thursday until the last putt on the To register, please ring the Service Line. engineer, has owned the unit for most of the 40 years at the controls of VT machines. final day. This 14-hour period of televising Alternatively, it is also available online at time after it finished service. The BBC made Ross Archer is most certainly overkill in every sense of www.bbc.co.uk/mypension, under some changes to it in the early 1970s, when the word. ‘Documents’. colour was introduced, and Brian also did Much of the recent coverage on days one some modifications. Fortunately, a lot of the The answer’s in and two was simply dead boring, as well as BBC Club original equipment and fittings are still in might have been expected. Put quite simply, The BBC Club in London has a retired the vehicle and Brian now wishes to return the wind… it made for very dull television. Were the membership costing £3 per month or MCR21 to its original state. A mixture of deep respect, gratitude, producers not aware that the is the £36 per year. Members can also add As part of the restoration project, I am humility and hope in the future might help only day that really matters? friends and family to their membership for compiling a history of MCR21 and I would to understand the meaning of a certain type In sharp contrast to this, the BBC showed a small additional cost. Regional clubs very much like to talk to anyone who worked of libation, common with certain foreign a very handsome two hours of all of the may have different arrangements. on this unit or has knowledge of it. cultures, like that of pouring a few drops most important daily highlights. I say Please call the BBC Club London On a staff rota list for Kendal Avenue in of wine from one’s glass onto the floor to well done to the editors for their most office on 020 8752 6666 or email 1970, the people assigned to LO21(MCR21) connect in spirit with forefathers. professional work! [email protected] for details or to join. were: F Davison, J Champion, JF Daniels, Following a delicious meal, such a The BBC chose to make its programmes S Chilver, K Williams, K Osbourn and traditional sober offering was observed at a as generously long, in spite of the R&A’s Benevolent Fund LM Tattersall. recent event and it was almost simultaneous decision to award ‘live’ coverage only to Sky. This is funded by voluntary I can be contacted by email: with the raising and clinking of fine crystal In addition, the BBC’s excellent Radio 5 contributions from the BBC and its [email protected] or call me on: flutes overflowing with champagne, the cue to coverage of Thursday and Friday’s play purpose is to protect the welfare of 07831 219957. the beginning of the real party and disco. would surely have given us all we needed to staff, pensioners and their families. Nick Gilbey The event we keep track of progress at Troon. Grants are made at the discretion of www.tvobhistory.co.uk were attending My mind goes back to the very first of the the Trustees. They may provide was a happy one, BBC’s live golf transmissions on its single assistance in cases of unforeseen the wedding of monochrome channel – the Walker Cup in financial hardship, for which help Siobhan and April 1955 and The Open a few months later, from other sources is not available. So why not write Mark, grandson both played at St Andrews. Tel: 029 2032 2811 of the late Alan Bill Jackson, the EIC, and I did the your own obit and Arbuthnott who technical planning for these with the Prospero Society worked for many, wholehearted backing of the late Peter keep it safe? many years for the Dimmock. We employed the only four Prospero Society is the only section of BBC and Irene, his cameras we had, in stark contrast to the the BBC Club run by and for retired Harry Henderson’s obituary in the August widow who is still figure of 40-50 I’m told applies ! BBC staff and their spouses. Its aim edition was very brief. Given that his active and interested in the events and Perhaps some of our colleagues are still is to enable BBC pensioners to meet work impacted on countless numbers activities organised by the Club for all its around to remember those early days: I’m on a social basis for theatre visits, of technical staff over his career at Wood members irrespective of their age. thinking especially of Sam Branter, Syd luncheons, coach outings etc. Norton, I was disappointed at its brevity, As expected, we mingled with and made Casson, Jerry McDonnach, all of whom Prospero Society is supported by BBC which made me think either his family the acquaintance of various other guests who were on Radio Links, and senior cameraman Club funds so as to make events knew little about his work or the demand had come from as far as the States and Canada. Bruce Allen. affordable. If you would like an on space in the magazine precluded a I was impressed to find out that most of those Nonetheless, my misgivings cannot take application form please contact: more detailed piece. we conversed with were aware of the groom’s away from the memorable Sunday we were Gayner Leach, BBC Club, BC2 B3 If the former was the case, then why family connections with the BBC through his treated to this year at Royal Troon. It was one Broadcast Centre, 201 Wood Lane, not write your own obituary? After all, you late grandfather. never to be forgotten and possibly never to London W12 7TP know best about your BBC career and other How touching it was to hear each and be repeated again in our lifetime. Tel: 020 8752 6666 work you have done. My family know I every one of them use only words of Duncan MacEwan Email: [email protected] had worked in television and radio both praise and appreciation for the quality of Former Controller Operations and Engineering Radio in the BBC and elsewhere but the details programmes broadcast by the BBC. BBCPA of what I did is a mystery to them. So why In one young guest’s opinion, the BBC If anyone wishes to get in touch with Duncan, please not write your own obit and keep it safe? is as respected, valuable and important an contact Prospero and we will forward your details on For details of how to join the Pensioners’ Iain Hale institution as the top car manufacturing firm to him. Association, see the panel on page 4. he is proud to be working for.

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2016 06 LIFE AFTER AUNTIE Still afloat after 45 years ‘Birthday Bash’ recalled when BBC Radio Blackburn became BBC Radio Lancashire

of where three-day-week power cuts were There was loud applause for the hard work about to strike in Blackburn and surrounding and dedication of Gerald and Simon as the towns; others had been present when John evening drew to a close, with many echoing Musgrave, announcing the change of name, that bit of Blackburn patois best summed up broadcast the memorable line: ‘That was as ‘It were a reet good do’. BBC Radio Blackburn: this IS BBC Radio Lancashire’ since when the station has covered all of the Palatine County and has become an essential part of everyday life in an area bounded by Cumbria, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Others had joined the station in more recent years, often moving on to other careers in the BBC and elsewhere – and for all, it was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and their stories from long ago, or get to know those who had followed Birthday cake. in their footsteps. Nightingale Square

The obituary for Roy Ticehurst which appeared in Prospero (June 2016) prompted Left to right: Pat Gibson (presenter), Chris Bates Alex Burd to pen this ‘addendum’ to Roy’s obituary, which ‘in practice has become (news producer), Bernard Shields (EiC), Have a go and see how you get on a brief history of Nightingale Square and a reminiscence of the work of Acoustics Allan Muirhead (news producer), Kath Dutton with Lancastrian pronounciations (Gram librarian), Gerald Jackson (station assistant), Section, of which Roy was a valued member’. Andrea Booth (Preston studio secretary), Rawtenstall = Rotten Stall Peter Weedon (engineer), Nigel Sharples Research Department occupied premises acceptable background noise levels, (station assistant). Clith-er-row (as in your boat) – not Cliy-there-oh and so on. in Nightingale Lane for a brief period reverberation time characteristics and before moving, in 1934, into the disused sound insulation between occupied he cuttings book reminded us all Though we never did agree – nor did nunnery which occupied one end of areas were all assessed and defined – how do you say Oswaldtwistle, our listeners – on ‘Edenfield’. Was it Nightingale Square. experimentally in the listening rooms. Ramsbottom, Padiham, Clitheroe, ‘Ed-in-Field’ or ‘Ee-den-field’? I still A nearby bomb in 1944 led to the New sound absorbers were developed, Rawtenstall, Bacup and all those wonder each time I head north from evacuation of most of the Department to including low frequency panel absorbers, Tother Lancashire towns and villages which the M66. Bagley Croft and, after the war because of and broadband absorbers combining several generations of Northern comedians found Is there an ‘h’ in Padiham; do you back the department’s growth, most of the resonant sections; also such specialised so comical? However, Aunty’s pronunciation up in Bacup – and simply say Ossy for sections moved to a refurbished versions as ‘anti-carpet absorbers’ guides were little use to a group of Oswaldtwistle (or ‘Gob-in-t’land’)? Kingswood Warren in 1948. (which showed a fall in the absorption fledgling broadcasters getting to grips with When I joined Acoustics Section in characteristic in the mid-frequencies where microphones and broad Lancastrian accents 1955 in Nightingale Square it consisted carpets were strongly absorbing) and line more than 45 years ago. Many had moved Some of our number took a long time of the remaining part of Tom Somerville’s scan whistle absorbers which absorbed from far away, to what was then mill country to be convinced that perhaps there were Electroacoustic Group; DEL Shorter’s AF strongly at 10kHz. among the steep hills and cobbled streets of no treacle mines in Sabden (well, not any Section had already departed to KW in 1950. Vibration isolation of studios floated the Lancashire Pennines. more...) – Ken Dodd had a lot to answer for. Recording section under Peter Axon was there on rubber pads was explored prior to This commemoration celebrated the start And if you mislaid the weather forecast, but must have moved soon after 1955. CLS the isolation of the new studios in BH of BBC Radio Blackburn (26 January 1971) you could always say: ‘If you can see Pendle (Chris) Gilford’s Studio Acoustics section was Extension from underground train noise. and its transformation into today’s BBC Radio Hill, it’s going to rain’ or ‘If you can’t see left in sole occupation until its final move to All this work was carried out in close Lancashire (4 July 1981) respectively. Pendle Hill, it’s raining.’ Both still true. Kingswood in 1961 where it occupied the association with Building Department and Guests chuckling at the unique solution, The idea of the Birthday Bash was devised ground floor of A Block extension. its specialist acoustic architect, Sandy Brown recorded in the cuttings book, devised by by BBC Radio Blackburn pioneer Gerald Acoustic testing of all new studios, (who in the early 1970s formed an acoustic founding station manager, the late John Jackson (still broadcasting, who’s also BBC together with recommendations for the consultancy partnership which I joined in Musgrave, were reminded that it had the English Regions station sound manager). correction of any faults or shortcomings in 1973). newspapers of the day recounting the story He and former colleague Simon Johnson existing studios, was an important part of Prior to my arrival in 1955, Roy had with much glee. Priceless public relations (recently retired from the North West Tonight our work, to the dismay of management who worked with Harewood and Packer in in every sense – involving the listeners and team in Salford), hired the floating restaurant never considered this to be research! the development of the LIP microphone. their expertise and earning valuable positive in the Brockholes Nature Centre, off the M6 Gilford fought to retain it because it During the period from 1955 until his coverage from a media sometimes hostile to near Preston and set up a Facebook page provided in part the parameters for studio departure in 1964, Roy, with others, the idea of BBC local radio. to alert colleagues, past and present, to the design together with an understanding developed, maintained and used the wide John rounded up his staff with their Uher planned Birthday Bash. of the failings that inevitably occurred range of acoustic measurement equipment tape recorders and notebooks, hired a bus Several had been with Gerry back in 1970 sometimes in their construction. Studio while also playing an important part in the and drove them round all the places where when the station went on air a few weeks testing was supplemented by subjective other research projects. early listeners had pointed out they weren’t ahead of the planned date, with the help of testing of the design parameters – Alex Burd saying it ‘reet’. a car battery and a candle, to read out lists

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2016 07 Pull on the sheet and free the kicker! the BBCYC owns. Five beginners went with Crucially, Prospero also had a small kitchen members Colin Prior and Bill Joyce in Ariel, (‘galley’) from which Allan regularly the larger boat. Two beginners, including produced cups of tea and coffee. myself, went in the smaller Prospero with Ariel had all these things too. But being Allan Fraser and Ian Salt. bigger, she had more – more beds, toilets and gas rings. But the main thing both yachts had was a lovely ability (when controlled by the ‘But the main thing both experts) to skim smoothly across the water yachts had was a lovely making all the sights and sounds you would expect. ability (when controlled Both boats lean over in the way you’ve seen in the films – cutting through the by the experts) to skim waves. They both have huge expanses of canvas that fill up with wind. They both have smoothly across the water those long wire stays holding up the mast making all the sights and which whistle when the wind blows through them. And they both make that satisfying sounds you would expect’ bubbly wake that tells you you’re moving… you’re sailing… Freelance consultant/journalist Mark Doyle, a former BBC Foreign Correspondent, Go on – have a go. You won’t regret it. It’s gets confused by maritime jargon but has a lot of fun with the BBC Yacht Club. Prospero may have been smaller than Ariel great fun and almost certainly the cheapest but ‘she’ (as I learnt to call it) was still pretty way you’ll ever find of sailing in a real yacht. ull on the main sheet!’ the But then Allan said something else impressive. There were, actually, beds – Skipper said, with apparent very strange. although I hadn’t realised that at first. urgency. ‘Watch that kicker, please, and mind your And there’s a toilet (they call it a ‘head’, I looked around the boat. fingers – you’ll get them caught if you’re for some reason). There‘P didn’t seem to be any beds on board – not careful!’ let alone beds with sheets on them. What on earth was the tall Scot going on And why on earth would the sheets need about now? As a result of Colin Prior’s article on ‘pulling’ anyway? I fixed my eyes on the horizon again in sailing earlier this year, 32 retired staff So I looked firmly towards the what I fancied was a resolute, seamanlike and their relatives took the opportunity horizon, hoping no-one would notice my manner. I felt the sun warm my face. Lovely. to go sailing and several have now inner confusion. We continued skimming along. joined the club as members. Someone else must have done whatever it The ‘kicker’, did he say? If you would also like to enjoy the was the Skipper had wanted doing to the bed Surely there wasn’t room in this boat for experience of sailing like Mark and his (wherever that was) because we continued someone to kick a football? And I certainly wife did, then you can by looking at sailing down towards Portsmouth. had no intention of trying to take the ball the Yacht Club’s website at: The sun was shining, the sails were off this kicker person, as Allan wished – http://www.arielyc.org.uk/ billowing and we were skimming across the especially given his warning about them Guest username: bbcyc Solent nicely. Bliss. My first trip with the BBC catching my fingers. Password: k4589r Yacht Club (BBCYC) was going very well. So I perfected my meaningful horizon If you want to join a trip or find out The Skipper, a friendly Scot called Allan, look – I fancied it was, by now, rather more, please contact Frank Roche, had also stopped saying strange things about Horatio-like. the crewing secretary, at: adjusting the sheets on the mystery beds. And we continued towards Portsmouth. [email protected] So that was good, too. All was well with Perfect. A beautiful day on the water. the world. Messing about, as they say, in boats. But after a few minutes of replaying in my head what Skipper Allan had asked, and then seeing the Mate, Ian, leaping about obeying, it dawned on me that I had misunderstood a few things. Celebrating 80 years of television The ‘sheet’, I realised, was actually a rope which, when pulled, tightens the sail and On 2 November 1936 the first high high definition television service with makes the boat go faster. definition television service was broadcast special events to celebrate this defining And the ‘kicker,’ I came to understand, from Alexandra Palace. Famously moment in broadcast history. is another rope held in a sort of clamping introduced by Elizabeth Cowell with the Enjoy canapes and a special 1930s device which you can catch your fingers in distinctive words ‘this is direct television cocktail on arrival, followed by a unique if you’re not careful. from the studios at Alexandra Palace’. performance from critically acclaimed I stopped looking at the horizon and From that day onwards the Palace improvised comedy troupe Do Not Adjust started listening more carefully. became known around the world as the Your Stage whose show will be inspired Allan and Ian were very patient and kind. birthplace of television. by talks from key note speakers Professor I learnt all about sheets, kickers, halyards, From 1936 until the early 1950s, except Danielle George and Dr Hugh Hunt. tillers and fenders. But more to the point, during the Second World War, Alexandra Show times: 6pm – 7.45pm and really, I had a lovely day out. Palace remained the major production 8.30pm – 10.15pm We were seven beginners on a ‘Taster Day’ centre for BBC television, broadcasting Limited tickets available from £25 + at the BBCYC, being expertly looked after by landmark programming and historical booking fee: four experienced (and qualified) members events including the 1953 Coronation. http://www.alexandrapalace.com/ of the Club. On 2 November 2016 Alexandra Palace whats-on/ We – four men and three women, all is marking the 80th anniversary of the first ages – were divided between the two boats

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2016 08 MEMORIES Danger in the ice Producer John Smith recalls being stuck in pack ice when filming on location in Antarctica for the Pebble Mill at One documentary, Langley South, and how a temperamental helicopter nearly cost him his life …

ago. According to the chart we were not far the ice, when I yelled to Joe through the from his last known position. intercom that I could see water – the ice was We tried to go on but Endurance was no very thin. icebreaker and Nick Barker, our skipper, had Immediately we took off again, a move no intention of asking her to be one. which brought us some respite because, as Eventually, after much grinding and we climbed and went forward, the readings groaning and juggling of engines, we came improved, enough for Joe to decide he to a halt and the ice we had broken quickly would try to get back to the ship. Another froze, blocking our only means of escape. call back to the ship but again no answer. I climbed as high as I could to get the By now we were about a thousand feet up shots of where we had come from but our and I had begun to collect my thoughts. We trail had already disappeared. The pack ice hadn’t fallen out of the sky. Down there the had us completely in its grip and was already rest of my crew were all tucking into their making its presence felt. Just like Shackleton breakfast, probably not giving us a single and his Endurance, so too our little ship thought and there was nothing I could do would begin to feel the pressure of ice about my situation anyway. on her hull, forcing her to tilt on her side. Having made that decision, I suddenly We were stuck; we would have to wait remembered what I was up here for – to film until the weather or sea state changed for God’s sake! Endurance was still in sight, a rom the air the Antarctic looks even Occasionally, not often, you get what appears to before we could move. small red dot clearly lying at an angle on her more formidable. It is not flat; there be a rogue aircraft. An aircraft that doesn’t seem Before I went to bed that night, Joe my side surrounded by a sea of ice and, as far as are large, snow-covered ridges and to fly right or always has something going pilot called me over to say they would do I could see, there was no clear area for her to black mountain ranges ready to catch wrong and you cannot pin down the problem. an air test on Wasp 435 first thing in the break free. I didn’t stop filming until we had Fany unwary pilot foolish enough to try his Wasp 435 was a nightmare and spent most of morning and see if they could find a way slid back over the side of the ship and luck flying amongst them, especially in a her time, whilst we were there, in the hanger out of the ice. It was to be one of my shortest landed safely. small, single-engine helicopter. being worked on. helicopter trips but one I was not likely to I have thought of this incident often – it’s I would look down at this vast, open, The weather up to now had been kind to forget, ever! the one that really strikes home and sends a snow-covered landscape knowing if us, with plenty of sun and good visibility, Early next morning, I met Joe at flight shudder down my spine. How much does something went wrong you could easily just what I wanted for filming but now as we briefing for an air test to see if Wasp 435 luck play a part, or is it luck? All three of us disappear without trace. Excitement and cleared land and headed out into the Weddell could behave herself after her last servicing on board that aircraft could have disappeared concentrating on filming tended to cover Sea it began to get colder. This change in the and to find a way out of this ice pack. just like that. As it is we lived to tell the tale. any nervousness but I admit to always being weather brought a dramatic effect on the sea But Endurance lay a good ten degrees on Do I blame the dreaded Wasp 435 or do I glad when the dot that was the red hull state. Where once had been open water with her side having being forced over by the ice. thank her? And what about Joe’s flying skills? of Endurance hove into view, meaning icebergs, now the sea began to freeze up. Taking off at this angle would mean some As for poor Wasp 435 she didn’t fly relative safety. Not very much at first and Endurance had no careful juggling to make sure our blades did again while we were on board. I think, There were two Wasps on board, so that if problem ploughing her way through the thin not hit anything nasty. Strapped in, sitting after playing up during the Falkland crisis, one went down then there was the chance of ice but soon our headway slowed. with legs over the side, feet on the skids, we she eventually went to a watery grave in the using the other for rescue. However, for this to This was pack ice, the same sort of ice gingerly took off, hovered for a few seconds South Atlantic; they had had enough of work they both had to be serviceable and here Earnest Shackleton had met all those years then slid away over the side of the ship. her tantrums! they had a problem. I watched the ground crew quickly disappear Extract taken from Shoot First, No Ordinary Life, from the deck, off to a warm breakfast no written and published by John Williams. doubt, leaving us on our own. Moments later came a sudden expletive Buy your copy of Shoot First, from Joe, ‘Jesus, this aircraft is sick.’ No Ordinary Life ‘I yelled to Joe through This book tells of a 30-year career with invaluable resources the BBC, filming programmes shot for the understanding the intercom that I could around the world, from like the social history of see water – the ice was ‘Poldark’ to documentaries on the modern Britain Antarctic, all told from behind and which, if anything, is very thin’ through the camera lens. bound up in the story Professor Paul Long, Director, of TV and the stories Birmingham Centre for Media and it has told.’ Readings were saying the gearbox was about Cultural Research, writes: to fall apart and the only thing to do was put ‘While we’re overloaded by celebrity tales, David Waine, Head of the Network down – but where? By this time we were we need more of this kind of Production Centre, 1983-86; Head of only about 500ft up and half a mile from the autobiography from those who created Broadcasting 1986-94), writes: ‘What has ship but it could have been a million. A call programmes and of course created the emerged is something more than that. It is a back to the ship but no reply. Joe decided BBC’s reputation as the country’s foremost small piece of history written with the not to risk it and would try and put down on cultural institution. Williams’ insights into passion and involvement that only someone the ice. the nature of regional and national so committed can do.’ All I could do was to listen and sit tight. production, the personalities and roles, the Copies are available direct from the There wasn’t much time for decision-making (literal) nuts, bolts and decision making of author, at £14 per copy. Email: and once he and the observer had found the making TV in the post-war era adds an [email protected] most likely spot he prepared to land. Our descent was rapid. We got to a few feet above

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2016 BACK AT THE BBC 09

make great radio. When we are live we are mixing the commentators with the effects feeds coming from around the ground. It is Cakes, cravats and a matter of balancing it correctly to get that classic TMS sound so listeners can close their eyes and imagine they are watching from (TMS) is so much more than cricket. It’s a the boundary.’ genuine institution which has been delighting listeners across the TANYA BHOOLA, Outside Broadcast (OB) Engineer globe since 1957. Bhoola has worked for the BBC for 27 years and works across the whole ts list of previous commentators is like ‘I grew up with it, so the chance to take ED SMITH, Commentator OB spectrum. a who’s who of broadcasting greats over from Peter was an absolute joy. I was ‘I’m not actually a sports fan which may from the Hampshire burr of , joining a much-loved programme that was be a plus because it means I don’t get caught the aristocratic tones of Christopher celebrating its 50th year and very much part up in the game. But I’m very aware that TMS IMartin-Jenkins to the gruff, straight-talking of the very fabric of British radio. is one of those programmes that everybody Yorkshireman, . Being a producer is a bit like being a loves. Its history makes it special and the One link with the past is the idiosyncratic ringmaster. Firstly it’s a case of getting different commentators all have a certain style. Henry ‘Blowers’ Blofeld who, along with everyone here then making sure they are in You know that Geoff Boycott will give Jonathan ‘Aggers’ Agnew, helps continue this the right place at any one time. My job is to things a new twist and Blowers has got his rich seam of broadcasting excellence which create an environment for people to perform unique way of describing things so there’s retains millions of followers worldwide. at their very best. I try to create a relaxed always a different sound which can change Ariel had the privilege of spending the day atmosphere so people can enjoy themselves. depending on the combinations of characters with the TMS team on the first day of the We are entering people’s lounges and cars at the mic.’ recent England v Pakistan Test Match at and you want people to feel that sense of fun Edgbaston. which is at the heart of TMS.’ HENRY MOERAN, BBC Cricket Aggers, the BBC’s cricket correspondent, Organiser was in Rio covering the Olympics at the time (TUFFERS), The former Radio Oxford and 5 Live but we spoke to some of the other people Commentator broadcaster joined the TMS team in 2012. who help make TMS what it is today: The chirpy Londoner played 42 tests for ‘I do whatever needs doing to ensure the England as an old-fashioned ‘flight and whole process runs smoothly,’ Henry told (BLOWERS), guile’ slow left-armer. His humour and good The Kent-born journalist, author and Ariel. ‘I always listened growing up and you Commentator nature is perfect for TMS. broadcaster played three Tests for England hear about this world of cakes and cravats ‘It was a great honour to get involved in 2003. and you think it’s a bit hammed up. But on with TMS,’ he said. ‘I first became aware of it ‘For all of us growing up, TMS was my first day, the pork pies arrived, then in when I was about five in my dad’s car going the sound of summer. It’s a very special came the first cake. down to Brighton. We were stuck in a traffic programme, loved by so many which is ‘Now with social media our listeners can jam on a red-hot day and TMS was wafting something we must never take for granted. be part of the conversation too. They can over the airwaves. I remember the family We must always try and improve. send a tweet to Henry Blofeld and Geoffrey listening to these fascinating voices painting ‘The nature of the game gives enough Boycott and be part of the show. wonderful pictures. Now to work on it, is space for reflection, narrative and for ‘We’re always trying to do new things. great fun. It’s a privilege to be part of it and commentators to convey their respective This year we’ve used Facebook live a lot and the whole team is great.’ personalities which TMS benefits from. that’s been going well. We’ve done things ‘This means listeners get to know like ‘Spin Twins’ with and ANDREW SAMSON (SCORER) commentators really well, almost as friends. Phil Tufnell where questions come in and we Following in the footsteps of the great Bill There’s a sense of radio being a reassuring can show them to the guests straight away Frindall, South African Samson is a vital cog presence and it’s interesting how radio has making it a really interactive thing. We also in the programme’s success. remained incredibly resilient despite many do podcasts and video because it’s no longer ‘I joined in 2009. TMS is a truly iconic technological advances.’ just about what goes out over the airwaves. show, not just in this country but worldwide. It’s so much more than that.’ The elder statesman of the team, known for It’s the grand daddy of cricket broadcasting OWEN BARTHOLOMEW, Sound his plummy tones and eccentric raiment, and I think its warm, conversational style Supervisor, Radio, Outside Broadcasts DAVE PARKINSON, Sound Supervisor Blowers first joined the TMS team in 1972: makes it so successful. There’s always The sound of TMS is a vital ingredient in ‘I think the overall sound of TMS is a crucial ‘TMS is an extraordinary programme something to talk about – cricket or the show’s success. That takes time and element to the show. Even when the crowd famous as much for its non-cricketing otherwise – to keep listeners entertained. preparation to get right: isn’t making much noise, that quiet hum is content as its cricketing content,’ he told I get involved in the conversation when ‘We come with six cages of gear and as important as the cheering when there’s a Ariel. ‘When I first joined the team, Robert appropriate, although I usually just stick to usually arrive two days before the start of a or a six. It’s part of the TMS sound. Hudson – then head of Outside Broadcasts the stats.’ Test. We try and make everything as smooth The sound is the backdrop on which the – said to me: ‘Henry, you have to remember as possible so the production team can actual commentary is painted.’ that TMS is company and a comforting voice DANIEL NORCROSS, Commentator for listeners,’ and I think that is exactly what Norcross was making his TMS debut on the it is. day Ariel visited. ‘It has become, I think, the most ‘It’s ludicrously exciting. I’ve thought successful outside broadcast of all, an iconic about little else since I was about seven years programme because of the great personalities old. I’m still pinching myself because you on it like John Arlott, Brian Johnson, know how important TMS is not just for the E.W. Swanton and Christopher Martin-Jenkins BBC but for the nation so it’s an incredible who all had such extraordinary voices. honour. While TMS is a cricket show, the I am staggered as to how many people still show manages to transcend all of that and listen to TMS and how much they love it. It’s become something above and beyond cricket very flattering.’ itself. It’s quite remarkable. ‘When I watch cricket I get transformed ADAM MOUNTFORD, Producer into a different place, a different side of Adam took over production duties when the me comes out, I just hope I don’t suppress legendary Peter Baxter retired in 2007 after what’s natural. The best TMS commentators 34 years at the helm. are those that see the game and just express ‘It was tremendously exciting and a themselves and I hope to do the same.’ real privilege to take over TMS,’ said Adam. Visit the TMS website at: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00fr0n5

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2016 10 OBITUARIES

In November of the same year he was He was a news organiser for a time and with the perfectionist commentator, Film editor and director appointed to the new post of drama script had a spell working in the United States Peter Bromley, who once, on cueing to I met Andrew Gosling supervisor of BBC TV, to search for and as a producer. him for the odds, introduced him with in 1970 when he edited develop new writing talent. However, it was as a foreign duty editor uncharacteristic levity as ‘Fenton the Chalk’. a film I made for Late He also acted as deputy in all editorial that he will be chiefly remembered by those After his retirement from the staff in Night Line-up. He then matters to Donald Wilson, then head of the with whom he worked. The link between the 1986, he was able to continue as a freelance collaborated with me on TV Script Department. newsroom and news gathering is a vital link golf reporter for 17 years and enjoy many a many productions, first as He resigned from the BBC in 1966 in and Denis had the authority and goodwill to round at the South Herts club. film editor, then director, order to concentrate on writing, and went make it work. Reporters and correspondents Peter Baxter for 25 years. on to become one of the busiest writers trusted him because he understood their A man of great talent working in television, furnishing both problems and was able to help them meet Radio Blackburn and charm, he could be relied on at all times. original scripts and adaptations for a diverse tight deadlines – while at the same time We had a very happy, fruitful partnership. range of drama series, for both the BBC and satisfying the demands of programme editors station assistant He joined the BBC in the late ’60s as a ITV, receiving WGGB team awards for both and always with a cheerful disposition. Judy Merry spent most of her life working film editor in the Arts Department, then Dr Finlay’s Casebook and The Forsyte Saga, as well When Denis retired he continued his in broadcast media and education. moved to Presentation Programmes – as also receiving the President’s award for involvement with antiques auctions and Having taken a degree in English with directing Up Sunday on BBC2 in ‘Pres-B’, a outstanding services to the WGGB and to the bric-a-brac markets. When he was diagnosed Ancient History with the Outline of tiny continuity studio, not ideal for creating craft of writing. with prostate cancer he fought it with his Mathematical Ideas, she took a job as a sketch shows. With colour came ‘Colour During the 1970s, in a complete change customary good humour. After five weeks in Separation Overlay’, and we tried to make of career, Vincent trained to become a hospital he came back to his home in Putney the studio look bigger by drawing artwork psychotherapist, eventually practising in where he had lived for 56 years. He died backgrounds for our satirical End of the Pier West Sussex for over 30 years. there in August, leaving behind his devoted Show (Johns Wells and Fortune). In the late 1990s, in a return to writing, wife Sally and son Nicholas. Two series of Rutland Weekend Television he published Holy Night, a science-fiction A great person to work with, Denis was followed (Eric Idle/Neil Innes). telling of the Nativity, which he described as always humorous, friendly and helpful – In 1976 we graduated to Studio 3 at TVC an ‘amplified screenplay’. whatever the pressures of the job. for our first CSO Fairy Tale – an adaptation It was his final, most deeply felt, and most Michael Woolard of The Snow Queen. With drawn artwork, it ambitious work. featured animated cartoon characters in Vincent died peacefully in his sleep on Pioneering golf conversation with actors in the same shot – 29 September 2013. a first for the Beeb. JK Tilsley coverage production secretary in the Indonesian Next, three series of The Innes Book of Records Born in 1926, Department of the BBC Far Eastern Service. featuring Neil Innes. She quickly moved on to being a studio If you knew Vincent and brought up in Then, an experimental CSO musical series, manager, working primarily on foreign His daughter and literary executor is Bournemouth, In the Looking Glass – and electronic Fantasies: language and Radio 2 shows. conducting research in preparation for John Fenton left school The Light Princess, Moving Pictures, Mystery of the After this, she became a station assistant writing Vincent’s biography. If you have any at 15 and became a Disappearing Schoolgirls, two strip-cartoon series at BBC Radio Blackburn (later Radio stories about Vincent that you could share radio repairman of Jane (of the Mirror), The Ghost Downstairs and Lancashire), and then a producer. with her, no matter how scurrilous (for he before joining the The Pyrates. Several won BAFTA and RTS awards. She then moved into television, working was a colourful character) she would be BBC in 1943 at In 1986 we did a cheeky half-hour as an assistant producer on Friday Night – extremely grateful if you could contact her a Bournemouth film, A Question of Fact, described as being Saturday Morning, among other London- by email: [email protected] transmitter. ‘…the Rolls Royce of April Fool jokes’. National Service in the Royal Navy based shows. Andrew also directed a musical in Canada, followed and then back to the Beeb. The bulk of her career in television was The King of Friday Night, and after leaving the We first met in 1950, both then being at the BBC Children’s Television department Beeb in 1990, worked on Gardener’s World for BBC driver for 45 years Dennis Thomas sadly passed away after a programme engineers, and by the 1960s we in Manchester, starting with the history Catalyst Television, developed TV projects in had become producers with Radio Variety show That Was The Year. The programmes she Kenya and Uganda, and directed a documentary long illness on 16 July 2016. Born in 1947, Dennis Department and shared a large office. produced included multi-faith series such as in , Song of the Outback (2010). On one occasion I severely upset him Moveable Feasts, and summer programmes like Andrew’s home life was idyllic – he lived worked for around 45 years as a BBC driver in what by having a row with our boss and being Why Don’t You...?. on two islands in the Blackwater Estuary, demoted from co-producer to stage manager After the Children’s Television department Essex – Osea, and then West Mersea. was then called BBC Transport Division. of an important concert. in Manchester was closed in the ’90s, He had two daughters, Amanda and Returning to our office I found a furious Judy became self-employed. The majority Catherine, with first wife Rosie, and a third, A dedicated member of staff and popular with Fenton demanding to know what on earth I of the work she did was creating features Matilda, with his second wife Imogen. had done to cause him to suddenly become for Radio 4 programmes, particularly He also leaves a sister Annabel and brothers colleagues, his funeral was held last month in associate producer of ‘that bloody concert’. Woman’s Hour, covering subjects as diverse as Alexander and Robert. ‘I hate those things,’ he said, ‘which is ironing, Elizabeth Gaskell, and children Ian Keill Southampton, where he had lived for many years after retiring from the BBC. why I want a transfer to Sports Department.’ with HIV. He remained in touch with many of He got his transfer and became a highly Other radio work she did in this time TV playwright, script his ex-BBC colleagues and attended their regarded golf commentator. included working on the Sony Gold award- Christmas get-togethers until around three In more recent retirement years we winning series On Saying Goodbye with editor and producer frequently joined Donald Maclean, a Michael Rosen. Vincent Tilsley was born on 3 June 1931 in years ago when he fell ill. previous Radio Two boss, for luncheon Stockport, son to the novelist Frank Tilsley. He is survived by his wife, Rose, and will She also worked with the BBC Religion and happy reminiscences. He was educated at Dulwich College, and be missed by all. and Ethics department, producing several went on to study History at Trinity College, Paul McArdle Brian Willey radio series (including People Get Ready), Oxford. He joined the BBC as a scriptwriter/ Arriving in OBs in the mid-Sixties, John appearing on Good Morning Sunday to review adaptor in 1955 at the age of 24. Stalwart of Foreign found himself spending Saturday afternoons books, and presenting editions of the Daily His first commission, The Makepeace Story, producing Sports Service, later to become Service, (both Radio 4) and co-written with his father, was televised that Affairs Department Sport on 2. But his crowning achievement Pause for Thought (Radio 2). There were also a same year. Following this, he adapted classic Many colleagues and former colleagues at BBC in three decades in Radio Sport was the number of Religion and Ethics TV shows that novels by Dickens, Jane Austen and Walter Television News will have been saddened by pioneering of the coverage of golf. she presented. Scott, before a year on secondment to the death of Denis Donovan at the age of 85. Radio coverage of the game had been In addition to her broadcast work, Judy FR Crawley in Canada, working on A stalwart of the Foreign sparse, but John was given licence by Robert taught English, Radio Production and Media CBC/BBC productions. Affairs Department, he Hudson, head of OBs, to expand it and do Studies at a variety of Further Education On his return in 1959, he helped to was a journalist of the much of the reporting himself. Colleges in the North West and lectured for establish the popularity of BBC series such highest order. He started For the larger tournaments he was able the Journalism degree at the University of as Maigret, Dr Finlay’s Casebook and The Third Man. his career as a court usher, to employ an increased use of radio links. Central Lancashire, as well as writing a book In 1962, he co-authored, with Evelyn then got into journalism as Hudson’s successor, Cliff Morgan, went with Clare Jenkins about the experience of Fraser, the thriller serial The Monsters, as a reporter for the Kilburn further, sending him to report on the US bereavement within the family, Relative Grief. well as acting as script editor on the First Times in north-west London. He then took Masters in Atlanta. She led training in how to interact with the Night series of single plays, produced by a job in Africa, which included working for John also took on the duties of racing media in both industry (with AMTV) and in John Elliot. Visnews, before joining the BBC. producer, finding not-easily-given favour the voluntary sector.

PROSPERO OCOBER 2016 MEMORIES 11

Outside work, Judy volunteered with He took early retirement in the late 1980s to Royal Artillery band. Being a marching band, The Samaritans, sang in choirs and was concentrate on a career dealing in antiques, he was given a clarinet and was told to ‘learn involved in several amateur dramatics groups. specialising in antique clocks and watches. it’, which he did, and was soon playing with After battling with cancer for over Sadly, in 2012, he was diagnosed as having the solo clarinettists. He described it as a two years, she passed away on Sunday, Alzheimer’s (shortly before his second wife, wonderfully varied musical life. 27 March 2016 at home, in the company Patricia, passed away). Following National Service, he played with of her husband, two sons, daughter-in-law At his insistence, he remained in his own several London orchestras before deciding and baby granddaughter. home with help from carers and his ex-wife, to return to . Two events in 1961 Josie, until he died on 3 March 2016. changed his life. He married Gaynor Thomas, the music teacher who had appointed him to He was lovably eccentric, humorous and Peter Matthews one of his teaching posts, and he became generous to a fault. His ebullient, larger- Peter Alan Matthews a member of the newly enlarged BBC than-life personality will be greatly missed Lottery news joined Pathe Films as Welsh Orchestra. There were three lucky retired winners in a sound recordist and by his many friends, colleagues, his two step- During his 27 years of playing, he saw daughters, Annie and Cay, and Josie. the BBC Club Extra August lottery draw. was later promoted the orchestra’s growth into full symphonic To be in with a chance of winning, join Brian Jenkinson to be their news film strength, working under international via the website: [email protected], cameraman, before conductors and playing in concert halls select Club Extra, Lottery and click ‘join he joined BBC TV Welsh musician across the globe. the Lottery’ or call Michelle on News at Alexandra Francis Howard, who died peacefully at He was also a tutor at the (now Royal) 020 8752 6666. Palace in 1959. home on 12 June, was a violinist, born in Welsh College of Music and Drama. Minimum entry is £5 per month. There He filmed his first Swansea in 1929, into a family in which In 1979 came the threat of blindness, is a monthly draw with 13 cash prizes material on silent black and white films, then music was an important feature. when both retinas detached at the same time. of £100 and £1,000 PLUS a quarterly went on to pictures and sound, colour films As a teenager, he, with his elder sister and There followed operations and treatments, jackpot prize of £10,000! and latterly to electronic cameras. younger brother, formed the Howard Piano with the eventual loss of sight in one eye. He was part of that generation of news Trio which was well known locally, and came He remained with the orchestra until 1987 Club Life members cameramen who excelled in covering stories to the notice of the BBC in Cardiff. when, owing to increasing slight problems, Thank you so much to all the Club Life with pictures to which a few fine quality This led to broadcasts in the ‘Young he decided to retire. Throughout this period, members who contacted BBC Club in words were added to compliment the pictures. Artists’ series of programmes, and, though the BBC Music Department encouraged and response to our mailshot! Peter was considered to be an excellent, he didn’t know it at the time, it was the helped him in every way, and he never As a result, many of you will now reliable and dependable cameraman by his beginning of a long association with BBC forgot that. be receiving BBC Club news via email. superiors, whatever assignment was assigned Music in Wales. He will be long remembered by his many It was lovely to hear from so many of our to him. He always talked about his Royal tour In 1946 both brothers auditioned friends and ex-pupils for his humour, his retired members who have been with us with Prince Charles and Princess Diana and successfully for the first course of the kindness – particularly to new members of for so long. his favourite places were Zimbabwe, St Kitts National Youth Orchestra of Wales – the the orchestra – and as a family man. He was It is worth mentioning, due to data Island in the Caribbean and Washington first youth orchestra in the world. National a gentleman, in every sense of the word, and protection laws, the BBC is unable to DC, USA. Service however, loomed for Francis, and is greatly missed by all who knew him. share information with BBC Club so Peter was a very supportive and as he wanted to keep playing, he joined the Gaynor Howard please make sure that you notify BBC understanding character with a creative Club directly of any changes to your spirit. He was friendly to all the young contact details. reporters and producers starting their job in television news journalism; they always 100th birthday celebrations remarked how wonderful and remarkable a BBC Club Western House is hosting a man he was to work with. BBC 50 Years on Ascension very special lunch celebration for Arline His patented uniform was his tropical suit. Firth, still a regular attendee at many On assignments away from base, he narrated Island Stamps Prospero Society trips. We wish her and stories in his typical dry sense of humour to all our other centenarians a very happy the attentive news gathering team, ending up and healthy birthday. Details of this event with much laughter or raised eyebrows. are in the Prospero Society newsletter. He was a supportive union person and To find out how to get a copy, please see he played an important role before the BBC the bottom of this article. introduced Breakfast Time on 17 January 1983. He managed to get the BBC to agree to Prospero Society events extra payments and time off for working the Among the events lined up for the last night shift. quarter of 2016 are trips to see the Kinks He worked on the AP shift 2 (i.e. four days Musical ‘Sunny Afternoon’ at the Harold on and four days off, rolling 12-hour shifts). Pinter theatre and a trip to Vintners hall. Both Bill Norman and Roy Benford were Sadly we will not be having lunch at Peter’s long-standing soundmen. Ealing Golf Club this year, but another On his 60th birthday, he retired from great Prospero tradition is being revived – the BBC and moved permanently to that is, a trip to the Panto! Martock, Somerset. If you would like to join us to boo Peter died on 13 August 2016, aged 86, the baddies and cheer the goodies, The Ascension Island Government has the centre of the South Atlantic Ocean leaving behind his wife, Marion and two the details are available in the Society’s marked the 50th anniversary of the BBC roughly midway between the continents daughters, Sally and Sue and their families. newsletter Atlantic Relay Station by issuing a set of Africa and South America. www.bbcclub.com/connect/ of commemorative stamps, which are They located a reasonably flat site on prospero/newsletters available to purchase direct from this volcanic island, on the Northern Coast David Simpson The Prospero Society is BBC Club’s the Island’s Government shop: of the island, at English Bay, and a suitable After National Service in the RAF, David Connect group for retired members. It www.ascension-island.gov.ac/ location for a short-wave receiving station Simpson joined the BBC as a recording is totally separate from this Prospero post-office-shop in a screened valley at Butt Crater. engineer in the Overseas Service at 200 newspaper! The set of six stamps commemorate The power requirements for the Oxford Street. Membership is £15 per year and the 50 years of the BBC Relay station at transmitters required a large, diesel-fired He transferred to the Television Service in membership is growing. The Society is Ascension Island. power station to be constructed. 1956 as a boom operator on Crew 7. a great way to meet up with friends old Way back in 1964 a party of BBC A village at Two Boats was constructed He then transferred to the Film and new! engineers set sail on the Union Castle to house the new influx of BBC employees. Department circa 1960 as an assistant You need to be a BBC Club member line from Southampton to Ascension Some two years later, on 3 July 1966, film recordist. to join Prospero Society. For details or to Island to carry out a site survey for a the first short-wave broadcasts from the After becoming a dubbing mixer, he join, contact the Club. short-wave relay station to be located BBC Atlantic Relay Station were heard in worked at Lime Grove, Ealing Studios and on Ascension Island. Africa and South America. BBC Club Broadcast Centre, BC2 B3, Television Centre, working on many Their findings were favourable, Robert Hammond, Manager Developments, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TP varied programmes, including Tonight Ascension Island being ideally located in BBC World Service Group and Panorama. 020 8752 6666 [email protected]

PROSPERO OCTOBER 2016 12 BITS ‘N’ PIECES Creative output from former BBC finance manager Having made a name for himself as a poet, former BBC finance manager Richard Brooks is now Reunions breaking into the field of artistic photography. BBC Scotland Three calendars The annual BBC Scotland retired staff featuring his pictures lunchtime reunion will take place on are available for Friday 18 November at the regular venue 2017. One of them of the Castle Conservatory in the Crowne was chosen for the Plaza Hotel, just across the River Clyde Gold Edition by from BBC Scotland’s headquarters at publisher Calvendo. Pacific Quay. ‘Photography is a If you haven’t already received an keen interest, a email notification of this, then you’re passion,’ says Richard. In particular, he likes missing from our list – so please contact to photograph his locality in and around either [email protected] Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, a corner of or [email protected] or peaceful tranquillity. ‘Most of my photos [email protected] for are taken within walking distance of home further details. and include various lakes, woodlands and he says. Likewise, Richard is no fan of calendars, Lakescapes and Skyscapes. As if that general countryside.’ excessive post-production. ‘The fun is wasn’t enough creative output for one year, Pebble Mill Rum One of Richard’s pictures made it into the being out in the field with my camera, not his fourth poetry volume Touch Wood was Punch Xmas shortlist of the Outdoor Photographer of the spending time manipulating photos at the published by Lapwing Publications earlier Retired members of Pebble Mill are Year Competition in 2015. computer afterwards.’ this year. holding their annual Xmas ‘Rum Punch’ It’s worth noting that Richard needs Richard was delighted when his calendar at The Tally Ho Trophy Suite, B5 7RN on neither spectacular scenery nor sophisticated Colours of the Countryside was chosen for Wednesday, 14 December, 12 noon - 4pm. expensive gear for his successful pictures. the first UK Gold Edition of the Calvendo Help needed with Buffet tickets £10 ordered in advance He uses a compact camera with manual publishing company. The accolade has been only by 29 November. On the door £2 but controls which he has gotten to know inside awarded to 33 out of thousands of calendars, BBC book no buffet. out, and a few accessories. based on criteria such as layout, image quality, For tickets, please contact Ann ‘Many people think it’s the camera that composition of images and originality. I have recently been approached by a Gumbley-Williams. Tel: 07779 944 370. makes a good photo but actually it’s not,’ For 2017 Richard has compiled two further publishing company who, having seen my Email: [email protected] articles in the Best of British magazine, would All welcome, even those still working. like me to put a book together, with a working title of Tales from the Golden Age: Behind BBC Transport Group the Scenes of BBC TV. Christmas Reunion The book would be 144 pages with full BBC Transport Group Kendall Avenue are colour images throughout (unless the invited to come for a drink and a chat originals are black and white of course!) at the Chiswick Society Club, Chiswick I need considerably more input from High Road, London W6 from 8pm on ex-BBC Staff ranging from the early years Saturday, 3 December 2016. when TV sets were a novelty in our homes, For further information, please contact up until the early 1990s, when the Paul McArdle on 07957 592326 or email establishment system was discontinued in [email protected] favour of outsourcing. Believe it or not we have between us a wealth of interesting, funny, unique stories to tell, from an era when the BBC was renowned worldwide for its standards of CLASSIFIEDS WIN well-crafted excellence. Photos would be a CAPTION competition bonus. Have a look at your albums - you’ll £10 be surprised how the images will jog your FOR SALE. memories. We can help with the actual Two-bed apartment, near Garrucha, writing – we just need the facts. Almeria, Spain. Front and top terraces. Fully furnished. Ten-minute walk to beach. We gave away Stories about well-known programmes £45,000. Tel Mr B Janes: 01424 843989 three sets of like Doctor Who, Dad’s Army, Only Fools and Horses COSTA BLANCA, SPAIN. tickets to The would be ideal, but let us not forget light Beautiful two-bedroom apartment. History of entertainment shows, children’s TV and Stunning views over beach. Children’s drama series like Colditz, Smiley’s People, Aircon, shared pool, parking. Television Duchess of Duke Street. Visit www.apartmentlavila.com exhibition in This proposal need not be limited to or call 07454 286868 Bristol, with just programme making. The running of Venice, Giudecca. the winners the organisation was key, so any Beautiful apartment in quiet, private being Richard Robinson (Don’t look now reminiscences from Design, Lighting, courtyard, sleeps 5, fully equipped. Experience the real Venice. boys and girls, I’m about to spank Muffin Costume, Make-up, Scene Crew, Tel: 01260 227262 because he has been very naughty!); Construction, Cast, Internal Post, Catering, Email: [email protected] Terry Elms (That’s five takes we’ve done Firemen, Commissionaires, Drivers and so and the mule still can’t get it right.); and entry to [email protected], with ‘caption on would also be very welcome. Prospero Classifieds, BBC Pension and Nigel Meakin (Muffin the Mule attempts to competition 5’ in the subject line. Please Les McCallum Benefits Centre, Broadcasting House, steal the watch from Mrs Mills while she is include your BBC pension number. Mobile: 07940 280 268 Cardiff CF5 2YQ. waving goodbye to the audience.) Good luck! Email: [email protected] Please enclose a cheque made payable to: Post your entry to Prospero by Monday, Picture shows That’s Life (1973), George BBC Central Directorate. 7 November 2016. Or, you can email your Layton, Esther Rantzen and Bob Wellings. Rate: £6 for 20 words. In a covering letter please include your pension number.

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