Wolf Hall breaks BBC Two box office records
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The newspaper for BBC pensioners – with highlights from Ariel online
Wolf Hall breaks BBC Two
box office records
Page 10
APRIL 2015 • Issue 2
New State Remembering Launch of BBC
pension Ealing Studios Studios
Page 2 Page 6 Page 10
NEWS • MEMORIES • CLASSIFIEDS • YOUR LETTERS • OBITUARIES • CROSPERO
02 BENEFITS
Looking ahead to 2016:
changes to the State
pension system
On 6 April 2016, the State pension system is changing. You might already be getting your State
pension, or you might still be a few years away from State pension age. Either way, it’s a good idea Can you spare
to know more about what is coming and how the changes might affect you.
five minutes?
get still depends on your National Insurance Contracting out
record. You build up your National Insurance If you were in a salary-related pension
record by making National Insurance scheme at work (for example, ‘final salary’ or
contributions (these are usually deducted ‘career average’), or you were in any type of
from your salary) or getting National pension scheme at work before April 2012,
Insurance credits by claiming certain you are likely to have been ‘contracted out’
benefits, such as Child Benefit. of the additional State pension scheme (part
Years in which you’ve already worked of the current State pension scheme). Some
(and paid National Insurance) and years in stakeholder and personal pension schemes
which you got National Insurance credits, were also ‘contracted out’.
before April 2016, will still count in the If you’ve been ‘contracted out’ at any time
new State pension scheme, as will the years before 6 April 2016, your ‘starting amount’
in which you work (and pay National in the new State pension scheme will include
Insurance) or get National Insurance credits a reduction because:
in the future (up to a limit). From time to time the Trustees of
If you were born before • you’ll have paid National Insurance the BBC Pension Scheme ask you
You will normally need a minimum of 10 contributions at a lower rate; or
6 April 1953 (women) or qualifying years on your record to get any State for feedback on the Scheme-related
before 6 April 1951 (men) pension. But you don’t have to have 10 years
• some of the National Insurance services provided.
You will continue to get your State pension contributions you paid were used to If you would like to tell us how
in a row – they can be years here and there. contribute to your stakeholder or
based on the current State pension system, we’re doing and help us to improve
Generally the more years you have, the more personal pension instead of the our processes then take five minutes to
even if you defer your State pension until
State pension you will get (up to a limit). additional State pension complete the survey on our website
after 6 April 2016.
The full amount of the new State pension A reduction for being ‘contracted out’ also bbc.co.uk/mypension.
You can learn more about the current
will be at least £148.40 a week (this is an exists in the current State pension scheme. If you would prefer a paper copy
scheme here: www.gov.uk/mystatepension.
illustrative figure for 2014-2015). Not please call us on 029 203 22811. All
You also have the opportunity to ‘top
up’ your retirement income by between £1
everyone will get the full amount – it will Any questions survey questions are optional and your
depend on your National Insurance record. If you have any further questions visit answers are confidential.
and £25 a week through the State pension
You could get less than the full amount www.gov.uk or call your local Pension Centre. The survey will remain open until
Top Up scheme. You have an 18-month
depending on the number of qualifying You can find your local Pension Centre’s 30 June. We will publish the results in
window to make a lump sum payment
years you have on your record and the types number at www.gov.uk/find-pension-centre. the October edition of Prospero.
(between October 2015 and April 2017) and
of contributions you have made. You could
the scheme will give you guaranteed extra
also get more than the full amount if you
income for life.
Register your interest now by emailing
paid.caxtonhouse@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
have built up a certain amount of additional
State pension in the current scheme. Go online to find Leslie Huss-Smickler
out more
The qualifying years you have from before
has been elected as
to receive more information when the
6 April 2016 will be used to calculate your
scheme opens. Or visit
‘starting amount’ in the new State pension
Pensioner Trustee
www.gov.uk/statepensiontopup There are lots of videos about pensions
scheme. This is the least amount you will
to find out more. at the Department for
get provided you have at least 10 qualifying
Work and Pension’s
years when you reach State pension age. You
If you were born on or after new YouTube channel, Leslie Huss-Smickler has been elected
6 April 1953 (women) or on will be able to increase this amount if you PensionTube. Visit as the Pensioner Trustee for the period
or after 6 April 1951 (men) get qualifying years after April 2016 up to www.youtube.com/ 6 February 2015 to 31 December 2019.
You are part of the new State pension the full amount of the new State pension, or pensiontube
scheme. The amount of State pension you up until you reach State pension age.
Please send your editorial contributions, or comments/
feedback, to: Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre,
Prospero is provided free of charge to retired BBC Broadcasting House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ.
employees, or to their spouses and dependants. Email: 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 June 2015.
To view Ariel online, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/ariel. The copy deadline is Friday, 8 May 2015.
PROSPERO APRIL 2015
03
Do you need a NAO: toughest BBC history under
helping hand? years ahead
for DQF
the spotlight
In February 2015, the
Applications are invited for grants from the Grace The BBC has so far BBC’s official historian, Jean
exceeded its Delivering Seaton, published Pinkoes
Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund, which exists to and Traitors: the BBC and
Quality First targets but
help those engaged in broadcasting or an associated it faces ‘significantly the Nation 1970-1987.
activity, now or in the past, as well as their children greater challenges’ in the This study of a critical and turbulent
and dependants. latter years of the savings period in the history of the BBC takes
its title from one of the ‘Dear Bill’
programme, according to a letters in Private Eye, ostensibly written
The Trustees, in their discretion, will gym membership, sky digital, high mobile National Audit Office report. by Margaret Thatcher’s husband, Denis,
consider giving assistance towards telephone charges or non-essential car costs The public spending watchdog found and fulminating against the BBC as
educational costs in small ways, such as then you will be expected to be able to pay that the BBC has made overall savings ‘that nest of Pinkoes and Traitors’. The
travelling expenses, school outfits, books for these yourself. of £374m so far, exceeding its target phrase captures one of the many strands
and additions to educational awards. Those wishing to apply this year should of anti-BBC feeling at a time when the
of £367m by 2013/14. Most of this
Other grants can be made in respect of a write for an application form to: corporation was under attack as
was achieved by renegotiating existing
specific short-term unexpected need, which BBC Pension and Benefits Centre
contracts, limiting salary increases and a public service from across the
is beyond the means of the beneficiary and Broadcasting House
reducing the number of more expensive political spectrum.
not covered by aid from other sources. Cardiff CF5 2YQ or visit the website
The resource of the Fund is limited. So where you can download an application senior staff. Jean Seaton’s compelling account takes
that help can be given where it is most form: www.bbc.co.uk/charityappeals/ The report concluded that this up the BBC story in 1974, at a time of
needed, applicants must be prepared to give, about/grants/grace-wyndham-goldie. was good value for money and so national decline and disorder under the
in confidence, full information about the Application forms should be returned no far has had only a limited impact on Labour governments of Harold Wilson
circumstances supporting their applications. later than 31 July. audience perceptions. and James Callaghan. It culminates in
It is important to recognise that the Fund Applicants are considered annually in But the NAO also concluded that 1987, during Thatcher’s energetic and
has been established to act as a safety net and September and in no circumstances can future savings ‘involve more significant iconoclastic Conservative premiership,
not to fund expensive lifestyle choices. If you continuing help over a number of years and potentially riskier changes to with the forced resignation of Alasdair
therefore have expenses such as holidays, be promised. organisational structures and ways Milne as director-general, a convulsive
of working’. episode that encapsulated the complex
The 48-page report argued that if the and often strained relationship between
BBC is not able to make the majority
the BBC and the state.
of its savings through ‘improved
During the intervening years, Britain
productivity’, it will risk having to
experienced mass unemployment, trade
reduce its scope.
union strikes, war in Northern Ireland
The BBC’s target is to make annual
savings of £700m by 2017. and the Falklands, and a fundamental
Amyas Morse, head of the National threat to the very existence of its public
Audit Office, said: ‘The BBC has taken service broadcaster.
a systematic approach to how it can At the same time, the BBC produced
achieve future savings, but it needs to memorable and groundbreaking
keep the implementation of its plans programmes, from Live Aid and the
under review. This will lessen the risk wedding of Charles and Diana, to iconic
of the BBC’s having to make further comedy (Fawlty Towers, Blackadder,
reductions to scope by, for example, Dad’s Army), drama (The Singing Detective
cutting the number of new programmes and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and factual
it commissions or acquires.’ programming (Life on Earth).
Jean Seaton’s examination of these
years pulls no punches. Drawing on
CROSPERO 184 devised and compiled by Jim Palm
devised and compiled by Jim Palm
previously unseen state and BBC papers,
as well as a wide range of in-depth
interviews, she deftly dissects the stormy
1 Complete the square by using the clues; these apply only to words controversies and the magnificent
running across. Then take these words in numerical order and triumphs of an institution that both
2 3 extract the letters indicated by a dot. If your answers are correct, reflects Britain and has helped to
these letters will spell out the name of a TV programme.
define it. Along with new insights into
4 5 Please send your answers in an envelope marked ‘Crospero’ to The the BBC’s inner workings and frank
Editor, Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, Broadcasting
6 House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ, by 8 May 2015. The winner will receive a
acknowledgement of more recent and
7
£10 voucher. shocking revelations of longstanding
8 sexual abuse, she presents a detailed and
CLUES absorbing analysis of an institution at the
1. In that place (5); 2. Contest (4); 3. Green area (4); 4. Fruits (5);
9 10
5. Underground worker (5); 6. Plaster base (5); 7. Somerset village (5);
heart of Britain and of the nation’s sense
8. American lizard (3); 9. Vegetable (5); 10. Make a speech (5); of itself.
11
11. Moisture (3); 12. Adhesive (5); 13. Hidden London river (5); ‘This fine history makes Jean Seaton the
14. Mammal (5); 15. Water escape (5); 16. Dairymaids (4); 17. Black (4); country’s top navigator through the BBC practices,
12 13
18. Have faith in (5). its emotional geography and its outputs.’
14 15 Solutions to Crospero 183: Pest; Sober; Eye; Tow; Roe; Woe; One; Nor; Peter Hennessy, Attlee Professor of Contemporary
Straw; Mete; Ague; Corruption; Edna; Apex; Vales; Red; Elo; Ire; Tag; Men; History, Queen Mary College, University of London
16 17 Die; Sense; Toes.
18 The Children’s Hour series were Toytown and Nature Parliament.
The winner of Crospero 183 was Mrs E Beynon of Haverfordwest.
PROSPERO APRIL 2015
04 LETTERS
A wartime story Lime Grove As an independent association of former
BBC staff, BBCPA AGMs always provide an
of the BBC, explaining that copies of films
are straight telecine transfers without any of
Like Nick Jennings, whom I remember, opportunity for members to voice opinions the sort of correction that would take place
I spent much of my career working in about the BBC Pension Scheme and how the on a live transmission. It also explained that
Film Maintenance (later Film Engineering Association can best help to ensure that our correction was possible but would cost more.
Services). If you wanted to be a versatile members’ views are known to the Scheme Although I have not yet been able to check
engineer, it was an ideal place to work. You Trustees and within the wider BBC. all of the DVDs completely, I have already
had to know about audio tape recorders, Last year, the corporation began to set identified a number of problems. And this
both portable and static, sepmag bays, about keeping in touch with former staff raises some questions. While I understand
projectors and their power supplies. through its Alumni project, complementing that this can’t be a priority for the BBC, it
The biggest problems by far were in our capturing of the past through BBCPA’s seems to me that if the service is offered it
dubbing theatres, where you had to have a ‘Memory Bank’ initiative. As with the email should be explained, before taking payment,
film projector and several sepmag bays all exchanges of other groups, such efforts all that it is not a quality service. (Those of us
I was working in the monitoring service running in absolute synchronism, forwards help to add a personal dimension to the who used to work for the BBC like to think
at Caversham Park, Reading, living at the and backwards at up to 4x speed. Each and historic BBC programme archive. of it as a quality organisation! In fact, time
Shiplake Hostel, working six days on two every manufacturer had a different solution, All members are invited to the AGM, was when there used to be complaints that
days off. and some more than one. The Keller was together with friends and other ex-staff engineers were demanding too high quality.)
It happened in 1942 that Tony Abbey, who one of the better systems, using toothed who would like to know more about the After all, a single copy costs many times that
was on the same day off as me, decided to rubber belts and electromagnetic clutches. It Association. We don’t limit numbers, unless of a commercially produced copy (one of my
visit London for the day to look at bomb consisted of eight transports, of which two we pass the point where there is standing own cost less than £10).
damage. We caught the train from Reading were polygonal prism telecines, and the rest room only, so please join us on the day. Second, were, or are, film and VT
and arrived late morning. We walked to sepmags. Each transport could be arranged to Friends House has a restaurant open to libraries separate and operating separate
Trafalgar Square and went to St Paul’s run either 16mm or 35mm film. The whole visitors and there will also be an opportunity policies re junking/retention? In one case
Cathedral. Only part was open because machine, running at 4x speed with 35mm to meet friends for a cup of tea afterwards. where I believed I was ordering a complete
of bomb damage. From the whispering modules installed, was a frightening sight! If getting to the AGM is not convenient, programme it turned out that I was only
gallery it was closed. There was no workmen The whole thing, including the control our Regional Meetings may suit you better. getting a film insert and not the completed
working at the time. desk, was housed in what had been the This year we plan to hold these in Belfast, programme which would have been on
Tony decided to explore and somehow dubbing theatre itself, a corner being Birmingham and Leeds; in October as usual. videotape. It would seem an odd decision to
we managed to get into the inner skin of partitioned off to serve for voiceovers. The Expect more information in due course, also keep the film and not the VT, when the VT
the dome. Workmen had installed double desk itself was a nightmare. It was designed on the website at: www.bbcpa.org.uk would have kept both. It’s a small irony that
planking so it was possible to walk around by P&ID, later SCPD, by an engineer with no Hugh Sheppard I have preserved the audio tape of the studio
the dome and after walking a few yards we understanding of the principles of sound Chairman BBCPA part of the programme but the BBC hasn’t! In
came to where the bomb had entered the engineering. From a zero-level input to fact I have audio tapes of part or all of four
dome. It was possible to look through down output, the signal went through 180dB of programmes altogether, video versions of
onto the ground floor, somehow or other.
With Tony always leading we got into the
amplification, with the corresponding lousy
signal-to-noise consequences. This was Information & Archive two of which could not be found.
Third, one programme preserved on film,
chamber under the cross and we took turns
to climb into the cross which has metal
because there were, at the time, many old-
fashioned engineers in that department, who Contributor Access with less bad picture and sound quality, is
out of sync after a midway point. I assume
rungs inside. held the view that their job was to assemble I am a former producer in the BBC TV Music either the sepmag track had been damaged,
The only person who could confirm my kits of in-house equipment, rather than to and Arts Department. or, more likely, there was a reel change and
story is Tony Abbey. I hope he is still around. apply their skills to solving the problems It was very pleasing to discover recently the second reel was not synced correctly.
The only reason I am telling this story is posed by their customers. Working under one that it is possible to get copies of old Fourth, I would like to know whether the
because of the TV programme that was on of them, I nearly got shot for designing a PA programmes from the BBC, because quite a film transfer that was of really bad quality
last week. mixer to meet my customer’s needs. I still number that I made pre-dated the advent of was itself badly undertaken or whether it
Doug Dunderdale remember a former colleague who designed VHS and the possibility of making copies transferred accurately the quality of the film.
a portable mixer for Film Department. It used during transmission or editing playback, or If the latter it would raise a question about
in-house equipment and, with 24V worth of recording off air. Also I had a few of my VHS how well the film archive is stored, which
Churchill in Ni-Cd batteries, was a two-man lift.
Lime Grove, in those days, was the main
copies stolen during a house move in the 80s.
I identified eight programmes that I really
ought to matter to everyone.
I have recently been learning to use
Opposition Remembering
Winston Church
ill
MEMO RIES
07
base for the Current Affairs film crews, and
for the assembly of their material. The Smiths
wanted to get copies of. Three were on
videotape and the quality of copy I received
Final Cut Pro X, and the above prompted
me to learn, with the help of online video
I very much enjoyed Yard workshop handled the engineering and was excellent. The other five were on film tutorials, how to apply colour correction
of Winston
y of the death
the 50th anniversar buried after
This year marks 1965 and was
died on 24 January r of the 20th century
to
Churchill, who
– the only commone Grahame The retired members’
a full State funeral timely then, that Happy New Year!
merged with the
an honour. It was man. newsletter is now is available
be accorded such memories of the Prospero Society
newsletter and
to Prospero his via email and
to Prospero
Whatling submitted to all members
via post. With
news, puzzles
reading ‘Remembering maintenance. When the dubbing theatre was and the quality ranged from reasonable to the videos I have received. As a result,
Club members to
it is a great way
Chartwell equipment left offers and suggestionsClub where ever you
with the
at Chequers There was no broadcasting home in Kent,
so stay in touch
mobile you are.
Do keep
Mrs Churchill who live and however the Club
now to Mrs Churchill,
We come at Chartwell, Churchill’s from there we
had to in, and contact
a ‘Hullo boys’,
at Chequers.
when he broadcast your letters coming list. Contact
greeted us with for the in a van. Once the subscriber
Christmas Appeal with the equipment back to be added to
It was her annual the Blind Fund (BWBF), travel had been unloaded, it went details below.
British Wireless
for
help blind the van after the transmission
been set up to to base and returned Offers host of offers
a charity that had Chartwell. website has a
own radio set. and playback to The BBC Club theatre
people own their the first BBC radio to keep ourselves members including
We normally had the available for our articles on
Churchill broadcast the charity on wander out into
Winston Churchill’ by A to poor to atrocious. In one case, besides
cooking ideas,
rebuilt, the workshop moved to what had I can now, in a matter of minutes, make
appeals for funds
for amused but could was a series ticket deals, gifts,
and a lot more.
Why not
a tradition a fine day. There
Christmas Day,
1929, starting until garden if it was there. As the health and therapies membership from
appeals that continued of linked, raised fishpondsmoved into the increase the value of your library,
of broadcast they were your own home,
fish got bigger, the fish the comfort of can get
Winston the
1980s.
Day: the weather had
was We were told that anywhere you
next size pond. called them. resource centre, members only;
niece of mine mentioned It was Christmas snowing and when Churchill the content is
I told her that I terrible. It was came to be fed there and called online! Much of need a NEW-style
Churchill. When absolutely snow was frozen fish food you will
asked me to share days so that We found some response, so one of in order to register
knew him, she been for some was the no which has an eight-digitTo
I decided to type Fortunately, Chequers the fish but got voice. There came
a BBC Club card 100.
my memories. of my into ruts. place to have a permanent set
of back starting with
stories for the benefit us imitated Churchill’s stood. number on the 0208
up some of the for them only other
so we could use a car to behind us and there he a new card, call the Club on
brother asked gear, chuckle of obtain .co.uk
Grahame Whatling in
Sunday, a group
been the projection room. There was a narrow the picture quality being very poor, the a significant improvement to the picture
family (my younger if they might also be broadcasting On another lovely 752 6666 or email
bbc.club@bbc
get there. outside. Churchill
too) – and I wondered reader? people had gathered car and the group Events
of interest to Prospero’s arrived in his chauffeured they calendar is growing and
them if Our events scheduled on
was He asked
‘Mr Churchall
all clapped him. get are now trips
in and he would growing. There theatre
Starting out like change so the same would like to come them around. a regular basis
with lunches and
Churchill did not show
certain that you
engineers always his grandson to trips proving very
popular.
a
two outside broadcasting le day members enjoyed
broadcasts. In December, at Club
covered his outside The long, memorab Christmas lunch
would appreciate
left the BBC, is a cinema. three-course End
One of the engineers time) Underneath Chartwell and some West
I (young and unmarried at the Churchill invited some VIPs Western House
friends and colleagues
old
so the
ny!’ shopping, with
the February edition soundtrack had a hum and buzz throughout,
Winston
passage from there to the control room,
by a showing of
quality – not perhaps up to the standard of
with Bob Ottley,
female compa
at the
was paired up to lunch followed (met some new!)
and a glance
and
other engineer. 12 O’Clock High. had to arrive mid- in Regents Street
Chartwell was Christmas lights
My first visit to Churchill himself That Sunday we send the van away on the way home!
Oxford Street
embarrassing because rushed up to three generations morning, unload
and with some interesting
Bob On arrival we discoveredin party hats, at a Come lunchtime
we We started 2015 in
opened the door. and my presence was family until late evening. wondered what we the Poppy Museum
of the Churchill with a trips including House
explain who I was, boss was told off for that had been set up outside,trying to were stranded and The uniformed Richmond and New BroadcastingHouse in
big bench
accepted, but my that clamped into a
vice,
would do for a
meal. would Tour and Lunch
at Club Western
Churchill beforehand model aircraft Churchill called
out, and told us he have upcoming
trips
not informing
appearance! get it going. Winston soon get chauffeur appeared in Westerham and January. We also Albert
I would make an engineers, they’ll take us into a restaurant to a tour of Royal
‘Here come the a very grand feeling planned that include (February), Madame
return later. It was
of Prospero. We both
lunch
which contained the echo plate. Care making it virtually unwatchable. In this a BBC transmission, but a vast improvement
Rolls Royce. Hall, including and
Downing Street to the Cup Final
it going.’
I’m afraid I don’t
remember whether travel in Mr Churchill’s one of the Butterfly and St
Martins trip (March), have
Churchill had gone a broadcast – and but aside from
that Soon after we returned, had Whitechapel Bell
foundry (April).They
but was due to
make
to go we did or not, of my most told us that Mr Churchill we now only have places
one secretaries film, popular
nobody knew where
he planned it has always been wanted to see the been so
Hall tour and
the
memorable Christmas
moments! said that, if we for the Royal Albert
after the game. back to the car
for in after his guests foundry. You may,
set of broadcasting Later I had to go at an we could creep Whitechapel Bell on 0208
There is a permanent Street, so Bob and and noticed Churchill were seated. later also contact the Club list in
appeared however,
equipment at Downing with something
Just then an Army
despatch
Some tea and cake it was time for added onto waiting
A fast car was outside upper window. – covered in 752 6666 to be
I waited there. if a terrible state and time passed
until become available.
to dash to Chartwell, rider arrived in motorbike with badly playback. A BBC
lines case new places
another set of gear plan. It was very risky, and the the broadcast and liaison with for a Fiver at Western our retired
House!
Churchill’s wet slush, at the He was Lunch
The rider stopped and
worked in London
that was
case I already had a VHS copy but the first
lines to engineer arrived. had tested the lines to welcome
was needed. on what I received. If I, as an 80-year-old
was bad and the bent handlebars. and It is always a pleasure Don’t
as the weather over his despatch the Post Office for a Western House.
doorway, handed and was present members to Club an offer for
BH untested. we had just decided at waited for reply. the day before a Fiver! This is
Time went by and Bob ushered indoors, under
1 transmission. in forget Lunch for to have a two-course
to Chartwell, leaving Next I saw him one of Churchill’s Grade two secretaries, retired Club membersdrink for £5.00, available
that I should go announced asked After the broadcast arrived and said, a hot
when someone
Downing Street, just arrived. protest. Later, I despatch lunch including to 2.30pm. You
happened to the their outdoor clothes, is laid on from 12 noon
that Churchill had what to do.’ aides what had Mr Churchill had says that dinner every Tuesday copy of the
told me that ‘Mr Churchill and added, your complimentary
Bob said, ‘I know
He
the left of rider. arrival and said, ‘Ring that
man’s Arms hotel’, can pick up
small rooms to in the Westerham you would appreciate too.
There were two seen his and tell him that
he that Radio Times here
hallway – one was used
where
Commanding Officerand is not leaving here ‘He was certain
Downing Street’s female company!’ Lottery its own
and the other was has had an accident that he is alright.’ was also invited Don’t forget the
BBC Club runs
we kept out gear, other side of the hall in amounts of
Radio OBs, and I too few minutes suffered from some sort of
The lines engineer
The big advantage of the Smiths Yard novice, can do this I would have thought that
until we are satisfied send monthly prizes
as a studio. On
the at that time by we were able to lottery with 15
Bob waited until
Churchill
Chequers was staffed armed services; and had a car so unloaded the next day. £1,000 plus a
quarterly
was a toilet. So he the van away to
be £50, £100 and 020
moved out as though members of the
women’s
had stayed open
for us. Call the Club on
entered, and then back from the Women’s The restaurant Bob jackpot of £10,000. entry is £5 per month.
was going to the
toilet but stepped I think it was volunteers (WAAF). They
cleaned for and, when 8752 6666. Minimum
soon
pass. Sure enough, us that, Auxiliary Air Force him over. The meal was paid the drinks, he was
for
to let Churchill came and told the driver and
the nurse checked offered to pay had paid for or comment?
afterwards someone asked where he would handlebars Got a question
straightened the told that Mrs Churchill very c.co.uk
was The chauffeur know how story was a long but Email us at bbc.club@bb
when Churchill
replied, ‘The engineers on his bike. I don’t a the drinks”. It 6666.
do his broadcast, to Chartwell rider, but it was memorable day! or call 020 8752
are here. I’ll do
it here and go ended for the despatchDay. 2015
consideration. memorable Christmas FEBRUARY
have a vivid memory interference on the video image and I hoped
afterwards.’ What
location was that it was next to the Club! a professional could do something as good
PROSPERO
of covering a late evening broadcast from Frank Wood to get a better copy. In fact my faulty VHS in the time it takes to take film and track
Chartwell by Winston Churchill when he copy is vastly better, in spite of having been reels out of the cans and sync them up
was Leader of the Opposition. left undisturbed for some 30 years before I on telecine. I don’t see how it can be a matter
At the time I was paired with Nogs
Newman. The gear was rigged in a John Tusa to speak at made a digital copy.
A very helpful man in the I & A
of time cost as we pay the same for a half
hour as for an hour. Is it a matter of
room which housed many of Churchill’s
paintings, so we had plenty to interest us. BBCPA AGM Contributor Access section got a response for
me to my first complaint about poor quality
equipment not available?
The colour problems on the DVDs are
The microphones were rigged in his study Sir John Tusa will be the guest speaker at the film reproduction, from Odyssey, which I not shot specific but pretty well consistent
– it was a Grade 1 outside broadcast, and April AGM of the BBC Pensioners’ Association. now understand is a commercial subsidiary throughout the whole DVD, so correction of
that meant two microphones, two sets of This is to be held at Friends Meeting House, one appropriate frame can be applied to the
gear and two lines back to BH. After the Euston Road, London on whole video.
broadcast, Churchill came to thank us and 16 April 2015 at 2pm. (Opposite Euston main- ...it turned out that I realise the BBC can’t devote too much
presented both of us with two cigars, one line and tube stations.) thought to old pensioned off employees, and
to smoke and one to keep. I did smoke the
smaller one and kept the larger one. I still
As a former Managing Director of World
Service and of The Barbican Arts Centre, John
I was only getting I’m very grateful for the opportunity at all
to retrieve these old programmes, but it was
have it, but it is showing signs of its age.
We had to carry all the gear through the
Tusa’s wealth of public experience began as a
main presenter of 24 Hours and of Newsnight.
a film insert and intensely disappointing, for someone who
tried to deliver quality, to see such a poor
front door to the van. Churchill had retired
for the night but decided the draught was
His latest book, Pain in the Arts, champions his
view that Britain consistently undervalues the
not the completed outcome. We don’t have much in the way of
rights in this, but it is still the case that these
too much, so he bellowed ‘Shut that b------
door.’ He’d had enough of us!
arts; a standpoint that is interwoven with the
ongoing debates about the next licence fee or programme... productions are the result of our work, and
that ought to matter.
John Wallis levy and the BBC Royal Charter. David Buckton
PROSPERO APRIL 2015
05
Mob rule It’s the Pitts Does any other person CONTACTS
May I start a campaign in Prospero for
MOB Rule.
Paul Jackson’s letter about early TV
newsreaders mentions Valerie Pitts (later have this trouble? Visiting Scheme
MOB as in ‘Music Off Button’. Music Lady Solti) and the various programmes I sent an email to Is available to BBC pensioners over 70,
disease now infests most programmes she worked on, but omits to say that she the Radio Times those recently bereaved, and anyone in
– especially if someone is talking, when was the occasional presenter of South Today, service helpline on poor health. The scheme is a method of
producers seem to think that it is essential whose regular presenter, when I was there 21 February 2015 keeping in touch and operates throughout
to have an underbubble of irrelevant music. in Southampton in the early sixties, was stating that I had the UK. Visitors are BBC pensioners
themselves. If you want to be visited,
As a VT Editor I often mixed music into Anthony Muncaster. not received the receive a phone call or meet up somewhere
programmes but always took it out either if Paul mentions her marriage to James then edition of mutually convenient call 029 2032 2811.
the cfx were important or if someone started Sargeant. I recall Valerie telling a story about Radio Times. The contact is the same if you would like to
to speak. Obvious really, that if you put a this. She and her husband went to a grand I received become a visitor.
talking head into a programme you want to awards ceremony in a posh London hotel. a reply Queries
hear what they have to say. The major-domo on the door recognised her (22 February) For benefit and pension payroll queries,
We need a button such as the red button as they approached, and without asking her stating that they call the Service Line on 029 2032 2811
to be made available to enable this music name announced loudly ‘Mr and Mrs Pitts!’. expected a delay or email mypension@bbc.co.uk
to be turned off. Technically this is not very Valerie approached him and whispered, ‘No, in receiving the Radio Times overseas, but it Prospero
difficult. The ultimate stupidity was a natural that’s wrong, it’s Sargeant’. The major-domo should arrive before the programmes start To add or delete a name from the
history programme recently where the then roared out ‘As you were! Sergeant and on a Saturday. I drew it to their attention that distribution list, ring the Service Line on
029 2032 2811. Prospero is provided
presenter said ‘listen to the amazing call Mrs Pitts!’ it seemed that Radio Times was no longer sent free of charge to retired BBC employees.
of this bird’. I would have loved to but the Peter Hill via the Royal Mail as was indicated on the On request, we will also send it to spouses
full symphony orchestra gloop drowned it then label! or dependants who want to keep in touch
out completely. It followed that it was sent via the Dutch with the BBC. Prospero is also available on
Ian Rutter
Sheila Tracey Post Office, which may have explained the
delay! I stated that I had visited the Belgian
audio disc for those with sight impairment.
To register, please ring the Service Line.
Alternatively, it is also available online
Post Office distribution service here in
at www.bbc.co.uk/mypension,
And sound levels… Roeselare, but they had nothing on premises.
I was given information that my
under ‘Documents’.
BBC Club
Many others have made these points, so I know subscription was in order (25 February). The BBC Club in London has a retired
I’m wasting my time complaining about sound I duly thanked them for this information category membership costing £30 a year
levels because the BBC is always right! (27 February). I sent another email or £39 a year for family membership.
Today, listening to Desert Island Discs, it was (27 February) stating that I still have not Pre-1997 life members are not affected.
impossible to hear the commentary, unless one received my copy. However, I received the Regional clubs may have different
is being deafened by the music. I’m simply fed sals Radio Times for Week 21/27 February on arrangements. Please call BBC Club
at the TV during rehear
This is a picture taken w. London administration office on 020 8752
up with turning the volume up and down. I Minstrel Sho 2 March 2015, and the next issue
for the Black and White 6666 or email bbc.club@bbc.co.uk
have complained about this before! (28 February/6 March 2015) on 6 March
Another thing the public has complained 2015 – rendering both issues redundant! Benevolent Fund
This is funded by voluntary contributions
about is the background music in dramas and Sheila Tracey (whose obituary appeared in I was given information that they could from the BBC and its purpose is to protect
trailers. Once, to my amusement, I complained Prospero December 2014) is with George confirm that they are currently investigating the welfare of staff, pensioners and their
I was unable to hear the music properly Chisholm. I am the shadowy boom operator. the delivery delays and would contact me families. Grants are made at the discretion
because there were voices over. Whoever read it In the shot are Stan Dorfman who was the in due course and also investigate their of the Trustees. They may provide
missed the point, and said I wasn’t supposed to designer at the time and Simon the floor despatch method. assistance in cases of unforeseen financial
hear the music, so why play it? assistant is leaning against the left hand flat. I bring this matter to your attention hardship, for which help from other sources
If you would like another complaint? I hate It may well be Ian Gibb on the camera. as other subscribers may have the same is not available. Telephone: 029 2032 2811.
two presenters, as I spend all my time looking Happy days, we did the Minstrels one week experience. I should be grateful if you could Prospero Society
at them, looking at each other! and the Billy Cotton Band Show the next week help me and others in this matter in order to Prospero Society is the only section of the
BBC Club run by and for retired BBC staff
I have spent about 50 years trying to do plus Crackerjack and other theatre shows ascertain the latest position. and their spouses. Its aim is to enable BBC
something about some of these points with thrown in. Arthur Lincoln pensioners to meet on a social basis for
zero result. But I know I’m right, as I used to Mike Cotton theatre visits, luncheons, coach outings etc.
work for the ‘Beeb’ for 35 years or so. The Prospero Society is supported by
I’m nearly 80 now, so you will be happy to BBC Club funds so as to make events
know that this will simply be the last ever of affordable. if you would like an application
my complaints. form please contact:
John Dixon Gayner Leach, BBC Club, BC2 B3 Broadcast
Centre, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TP
Tel: 0208 752 6666
Perceptions Email: bbc.club@bbc.co.uk
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I found the letters from Alan Muirhead and
Matt Spicer interesting for the memories they Enter code BBC0001 under ‘redeem
triggered. History, particularly remembered a promotion code’ at checkout
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me, though often for very different reasons.
Maybe it was just me but at the time, I didn’t Terms & Conditions: Discount code
BBC0001 entitles BBC pensioners to 10%
find the little wax doll particularly effective. off your order at BBCShop.com. Offer is not
The weekly programme Matt mentioned valid with any other promotional discount
was a general programme of Scottish events or offer and subject to availability. Only one
rather than a news programme, though it was discount code can be used per transaction.
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In terms of staffing, I took over as GPP from apply. Promoter: BBC Worldwide Ltd.
Matt for a couple of years then Alan took over Contact (UK) 01788 821107 (charged at
from me. He was followed by Donald Munro. basic rate) with any queries. See website
So if Alan entered the Falkirk tunnel from one for full Terms & Conditions.
end to take over from Matt who was entering BBC PA
the tunnel at the other end, the tunnel must For details of how to join the Pensioners’
be longer than I remember. Association, see the panel on the left.
Ken Stewart
PROSPERO APRIL 2015
06 MEMORIES
Ealing Studios remembered
Oliver Bayldon, former art director and designer, shares his reminiscences…
I
n 1902, the original White Lodge
building on Ealing Green was
purchased for film production, and
Ealing Studios were founded. Since
that date this site has been in continual
use for production. As demand increased,
new studios were added in 1931 and
straightaway began to produce a regular
output of popular films hastened by the
introduction of sound.
By the 1940s this included such popular
classics as Scott of the Antarctic and The Cruel Sea
as well as the famous Ealing Comedies. Today
this is what most people mean when they
talk about classic Ealing films. However by
the 1950s the producers had been affected
by the growing impact of Pinewood and
Elstree and were facing liquidation.
In 1955, Ealing Studios were purchased
by the BBC. From that date they became the Ealing Film Studios. Ealing Studio 2.
heart of BBC filming, editing and dubbing
for 40 years.
At first the stages were mainly used to to be edited in-house later. These stages were times over the years for anything from serials like Downton Abbey and as a successful
shoot film inserts for electronic productions, also essential for many set-ups involving flooded mines to drifting boats in thick fog Film School for aspiring directors and crew.
including such regulars as Z Cars,Troubleshooters, complex visual FX. Furthermore, enclosed as in Poldark, not to mention its used when This irony is not lost as we hear that a major
Doctor Who, Dickens serials etc, as well as such studios offered security and reliability. drained for lower depths of basements and planning application has just been approved
wholly filmed dramas such as The Singing Ironically, as cameras and film stock cellars to multi-storey sets. by Ealing Council, to turn the whole
Detective. By the 1960s, to service these ever- improved and monochrome evolved into Meanwhile, as television’s influence Forum/ABC Cinema site into a massive
increasing demands, it had recruited and colour, more and more filming moved out grew, cinemas became less profitable. Today housing/shopping scheme with minimal
trained many fine cameramen and crews onto location so that exteriors could be shot [in 2014] there is not one single cinema cinema presence!
with the famed Tubby Englander as over- on site and not reproduced in TV Centre. remaining in Ealing, despite the borough’s Extracted from an article which first appeared
riding influence. Many such trainees later One of the joys of Ealing was its tank, recent rapid growth and an increasing in THE VETERAN, the magazine of the British
became independent lighting cameramen, which was used, together with Denham demand. One by one, each cinema was shut Cinema and Television Veterans.
moving into big feature films and taking Studios, for several scenes in the great down, converted, or simply demolished.
The next issue of Prospero will include
their editors with them. 1953 movie The Cruel Sea. Later during its When the last house of make believe
Oliver’s stories of location recces and
Ealing Studios were an essential part of BBC times, TFS (Television Film Studios) was demolished in 2008, its 1930s neo-
filming around the world. Does anyone
BBC Television, having none of the set-and- was run as a separate entity within BBC classical façade was saved, propped up in a
else have memories of shooting on
strike turnover of electronic studios that Television. Tony Cornell was its regular scaffolding frame like an abandoned set.
location that they would like to share?
operated like a production line. Here, sets designer/consultant helping to keep the But Ealing Studios still exists and
Send us your memories using the
could be built, lit, and shot out of sequence show running. I used the Ealing tanks several continues to thrive, being used for major TV
contact details on page 2.
Connie celebrates a century
An amazing BBC pensioner celebrated her 100th birthday on 29 November last year.
B
orn in Leeds, Connie Suffell was a 1pm, they were married at 2pm and she was
musician who played with the BBC back on the bandstand by 7pm!
Northern Symphony Orchestra in He worked in Africa for Sudanese
the 60s and 70s. She started on the Railways. Connie joined him in Khartoum
piano at age six but when she was nine she in 1937, where their daughter Diane was
was given a half-sized fiddle – she NEVER born, in 1940. She sailed to England, back to
called it a violin. Africa, then home again several times during
From Thirsk, aged nine, she travelled alone, the war and has vivid memories of the Nile.
by train, to Harrogate for lessons, practising in She started playing professionally again
an empty carriage on the way home. in 1953 – now with saxophone and Spanish
By the age of 12 she was leading (!) a guitar as well as fiddle – in summer season
small group of older musicians in Blackpool with stars like Alma Cogan and David Whitfield.
and playing in churches, cafes, cinemas, Then came the Liverpool Philharmonic and
theatres and competitions nationwide. She then in 1960, the BBC Northern Symphony
still has certificates with extraordinary marks Orchestra, playing in the Proms under Reggie
– 99 out of 100! Stead and every kind of programme.
She started a full-time musical career after Her husband died in 1967 and the
finishing school. Photos of her wearing a BBC offered her more work beyond
pink taffeta skirt, with a Marcel hairwave, retirement in 1974, but she wanted
won many small jobs, in Hull, Leeds, change and sold her beloved fiddle.
the Isle of Man and festivals in Blackpool Connie’s an extraordinary woman, lives
and Lytham. in her own flat, dresses like a 25-year-old,
At one of these engagements she met her still cooks all her own meals, is fiercely
future husband, Reg Humm. They married in independent and could talk for England!
1936 – she was playing on the bandstand at James Latham Connie, bottom left. Connie at 100.
PROSPERO APRIL 2015
OBITUARIES 07
Ed Stewart’s his wife in Caernarvonshire. He excelled
at school and went on to study Maths and
foreign language services. He also made
documentaries on topics ranging from First woman to manage
‘No 1 Pick’ Physics at the University College of North Edward Elgar, the Wall Street Crash, Lloyds of a local station, then on
to Woman’s Hour
Wales, Bangor, before spending two very London and North Sea Oil. He had a special
enjoyable years in the RAF, where he became interest in East-West affairs and produced
a pilot officer features on both the CIA and the KGB. His
and navigator. commitment, energy and knowledge were a
It was by chance that he then joined the great asset to World Service.
BBC, leading to a lifelong career in television. Derek had a consuming interest in the
Soon after he started in 1954, Stan joined two World Wars. In 1981, he took his
an experimental unit in London where he then 81-year-old father back to the area of
became the first person in the UK to use a Northern France where he had fought in
radio camera. With his airforce background, the trenches during the Great War. Later, to
he was chosen to go up in a Gannett to film commemorate the 50th anniversary of the
the aeroplane landing on the Ark Royal. D-Day landings, he was asked by WHSmith
During these early days in the BBC he to write a book on the subject.
worked on shows such as Saturday Night Out, Apart from his BBC work, Derek’s great
broadcasting from the summit of Snowdon love was cycling. He cycled all over Europe
on one occasion. He filmed Churchill’s funeral and Britain. It was on a trip to Finland by
from a helicopter and Princess Margaret’s bike that he met his future wife, Raija, at a
wedding from Buckingham Palace. He also midsummer’s dance in Helsinki. Three years
Peter Simpson’s BBC career spanned 35
worked on the first series of Doctor Who. He before his retirement he rode from John
years in the Gramophone/Music Library,
became known as ‘Stan Tele-cine’. O’Groats to Lands End.
where he worked in virtually every post and One of the first people I met on joining
He became an engineering manager, Shortly after leaving the BBC, Derek and
gained an enviable reputation for customer BBC North Region in the 1950s was
working almost entirely on outside broadcasts, his family moved to Evesham, then later to
service amongst his many ‘clients’. Sandra (Sandy) Chalmers who has died at
which enabled him to travel and meet all sorts Broadwell, near Moreton-in-Marsh. Although
Peter was born in Vauxhall in 1940 and the age of 74 after a short illness.
of people at events held in stadiums, theatres, he gave up cycling, he was a keen walker,
moved into his grandmother’s house in As teenagers, she and her elder sister
concert halls, chapels and churches. He was doing anything up to 10 to 15 miles when
Battersea aged six. His grandmother, and Judith were regular performers with Children’s
proud to be the first Welsh speaker on the well into his 70s. Sadly, his last few years
then mother, were both caretakers of the Hour, which was to be the launchpad for
technical side of the BBC in Cardiff. were blighted by illness.
local URC church, where Peter subsequently their highly successful careers. Sandy had
He saw enormous changes during his Derek was from a Welsh family and
became an Elder. the broadest of smiles, a ready northern wit
time in broadcasting; perhaps one of the was always proud of his Welsh heritage.
Music was his great love. His musically- and typically she introduced me to almost
most significant was the advent of the colour It was appropriate that at his funeral, his
associated career began at Novellos, everyone in the canteen.
television. Stan was experimental in using coffin was draped in the Welsh flag. He is
delivering sheet music to great conductors Sandy stuck to radio – first as senior
colours to illuminate audiences during the survived by Raija and their two children,
and musicians. Two years later, in 1962, announcer in the north and then, in 1970,
early Max Boyce shows. On a number of Karin and Owen.
he started at the BBC as a messenger in with the new BBC Radio Manchester and her
occasions he was nominated for a BAFTA for Mary Raine
the Gram Library, graduating to the Music own daily phone-in. A passionate enthusiast
lighting direction, winning one in 1994.
Library for Radio 2. Here he was to gain a for ‘community’ radio, there followed a
It was no easy decision for him to leave the
reputation for being a well-informed and groundbreaking appointment to Stoke-on-
thorough researcher, finding music for
BBC, but after almost 35 years, he decided to
become a freelance lighting director in 1988
Robin Adams Trent as the first woman in Britain to manage
several long-running programmes including a local station. The station’s audiences were
and discovered new challenges and pleasures. I first worked in studios with Robin Adams
Desert Island Discs. As his reputation grew, he among the highest in the country – a fact
He worked until he was 70. when he joined TV News at AP in the early
was often asked for by name by the many not unnoticed by radio executives in London
He is survived and greatly missed by 1960s. He was great to work with and
programme producers, who had developed who appointed Sandy as Editor, Woman’s Hour.
Gwyneth, his wife of 57 years, who approached everything he undertook with
an affection and respect for Peter’s work. She immediately refreshed the output with
he met on a BBC treasure hunt, his four drive and enthusiasm. I remember once
When Peter retired in 1997, Ed Stewart a down-to-earth touch, including hitherto
children, Rhian, Bethan, Dilwyn and Iwan, having to persuade him not to take perfectly
wrote a tribute in Ariel: ‘…Peter Simpson ‘taboo’ health issues.
13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. serviceable equipment apart just for the fun
was the one we turned to for an instant And she created It’s Your World, an
Rhian James of it! However, his enthusiasm extended well
record withdrawal…. We got the records but international phone-in series which
beyond the workplace and several of us had
he got into trouble for skipping bureaucracy.’ combined World Service and Radio 4
cause to be grateful for his help with DIY, or
Poor Peter! audiences as they questioned people like
Outside the BBC, his many interests World Service fixing cars.
His technical abilities were soon
Margaret Thatcher and King Hussein. All new
included steam railways, trams, local
history, concerts, theatre groups including
documentary maker recognised and he was seconded to P.I.D.
territory for Radio 4.
Thinking ‘outside the box’ was always a
to assist in equipping the new studios at TC
Wimbledon Theatre, The Music Museum, Chalmers strength, and when BBC network
Spur, ready for TV News to move in 1969.
and the Harry Roy Appreciation Society. radio in the late 80s was facing tough
It must have been during this time that he
Peter met his wife-to-be Beryl late in life, competition it was Sandy, now in charge
cultivated excellent contacts with other
and they were married in 2011. Sadly, Peter of publicity, who launched her next big
departments, including Designs Department
had been previously diagnosed with cancer, initiative, Radio Goes to Town. This touring
and Technical Investigations Department, all
and he died in October last year. radio festival went to 40 cities in the
of which were very valuable to TV News in
Peter was a quiet, modest man but his UK, taking shows from all the networks
the ensuing years.
impact will never be forgotten: he will be to audiences who had never previously
Later, as the result of yet another BBC
very much missed. seen them. She also persuaded the DG to
re-organisation, he became Manager Base
Beryl Simpson & John Sykes surrender the basement of BH and create the
Operations (TV News), a post he held
first ever BBC visitor centre; it was opened by
for several years. He then left the BBC to
the Queen in 1997.
pursue a very successful career in the wider
Stan Tele-cine broadcasting industry with companies
On leaving the BBC Sandy worked
tirelessly for the older generation; first as
such as ‘Basys’ and later Drake Electronics,
Stanley (Stan) Director of Communications with Help
eventually being based in Denver for
Jones, who Derek Blizard, for many years a journalist the Aged and then as a peripatetic trainer –
several years.
worked in the and documentary maker in World Service, generously handing over her skills to those
With gradually failing health he finally
BBC for has died aged 84. who need help to use and understand
settled in the Philippines where he lived in
34 years, has After National Service and Oxford (where the media.
quiet retirement until dying on Sunday, 8
died aged 84. he got a degree in Russian and French), Sandy is survived by son Richard,
February, shortly before his 70th birthday.
Stan was one Derek joined the BBC early in his adult life. daughter Becky and five adored
His funeral was held in the Philippines,
of eight children In Central Talks and Features, Derek wrote grandchildren – Emma, Freya, Kate, Daniel
which was his wish.
born to a slate scripts on a wide range of subjects, cultural, and Olly.
Another good friend and colleague gone.
quarryman and social and political, for use by the BBC’s Michael Barton
Ken Oxley
PROSPERO APRIL 2015
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