December 2012 – Page 2 – What Was Pebble Mill?

Jerry Clegg talking about the Scanner CMCR 9

Jerry Clegg in CMCR9 from pebblemill on Vimeo.

Specially recorded video with Jerry Clegg, who used to be a sound assistant on North 3, the outside broadcast scanner, which was Pebble Mill’s original CM1. The scanner was built in 1969, and I think started life in London, before coming to Pebble Mill. Jerry describes how some of the equipment on the truck works.

The scanner was restored recently by its owner, Steve Harris, and a group of enthusiasts in Manchester, including Jerry. The truck was on display as part of a history of technology exhibition in October 2012, at Salford University.

Keith Salmon on Children in Need

Photo by Sue Robinson, no reproduction without permission.

The photo shows cameraman, Keith Salmon, and camera, dressed up for a ‘Children in Need’ evening show, from the Studio C, Foyer, with pledge call takers in the background, circa 1991.

Patrick Moore

Patrick Moore, astronomer and presenter of ‘The Sky at Night’, died at his home today at the age of 89. He presented the monthly astronomy programme for over 50 years, making him the longest serving presenter on the same title. The first episode of ‘The Sky at Night’ was broadcast on 24 April, 1957, and he last appeared in an episode broadcast on 3 Dec 2012.

The series was originally produced in London, it moved to BBC Pebble Mill around 2002.

Thanks to Ian Collins for making the still available.

The following comments were added on the Pebble Mill Facebook Group:

Mike Taynton: ‘I remember meeting him when my dad Interviewed him for his radio show. He gave me some signed books on astronomy, I was one happy 10 year old.’

Gary Williams: ‘Did many graphics for the prog, always a challenge, always interesting, always worthwhile.’

Tim Jones: ‘I had the pleasure of getting somewhat tipsy with him on a few occasions after a filming from his home over the last year or two. Even when his medication was not doing him any favours his quick wit and cutting remarks remained razor sharp. His body tried to give up 10 years ago but his mind and personality always made him a powerful force in this universe. He will be missed by so many. I am just very grateful I got to meet a childhood hero.
Patrick you are a legend .’

Pete Simpkin: ‘I interviewed Patrick a couple of times at PM and really enjoyed his ‘off mike’ conversation too, he had very strong views on many things but had the ability to make anyone want to take up astronomy at a moments notice!I think Mike Taynton may be referring to Patrick’s Astronomy for beginners, I had one too but we used it as a prize for an on air competition. A great man who will be missed in a world increasingly losing it’s eccentrics.’

PABX Ladies inspecting the Harrier

Photo by Eurwyn Jones, no reproduction without permission.

Two ladies from PABX (private automatic branch exchange) checking out a Harrier Jet that landed at Pebble Mill, 1982. Left – Iris White, Right – Ruth Smith (Supervisor).

The Harrier Jump Jet was part of a Pebble Mill at One item, arranged by producer John Smith.

Thanks to Eurwyn Jones for making the photo available.

Pye Camera Demonstration

Pye Camera demonstration from pebblemill on Vimeo.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Specially recorded video of former BBC Manchester cameraman, Malcolm Carr, demonstrating the Pye outside broadcast camera.

The video was recorded at a history of technology exhibition in Salford in October 2012. The restored outside broadcast scanner, CMCR9, built in 1969, which was Pebble Mill’s original CM1, before becoming BBC Manchester’s, North 3, was on display at the exhibition, and the Pye camera was part of this exhibit.

Keith Brook (Scouse) posted the following comment on the Pebble Mill Facebook Group:

‘Great to see Malcolm again. Last time I saw him he was gainfully employed with 360 media, the joint venture between Granada and BBC Manchester. We were in the canteen at GTV and he was keeping his head down to reach retirement without any problems!! My memory of those Pye cameras was that on really hot days, the sides had to stay up to give ventilation, otherwise they’d overheat!!’