Blog – Page 328 – What Was Pebble Mill?

Pebble Mill Signs – from Russell Parker

Photos by Russell Parker, no reproduction without permission.

The first sign used to hang in MFA (multi format area) of Post Production, where tapes and film would be transferred. I don’t know what the machine was that the sign was pointing out the dangers to, nor what the ‘liquid’ was, but I love the dramatic nature of it!

The second sign obviously was displayed on the BBC Birmingham Club, which was a separate single storey building over the brook from the main Pebble Mill block.

The sign may have been referring to the film processing equipment, which was run by Alan Barnby and John Brian.

It’s reassuring to know that these little bits of history were not consigned to landfill when the building was demolished – but live on to be enjoyed!

Electrical Safety Sign – from Andy Frizzell

Photo by Andy Frizzell, no reproduction without permission.

This sign was salvaged from BBC Pebble Mill, before the building was demolished, and rehomed.

It used to hang on the wall between the inner and outer doors of studio A (airlock) nearest the Foyer. There must have been others at the other entrances.

Judging by the BBC logo it must have been there from the day the studios opened.

Golden Oldie Picture Show – Christmas 1986

The ‘Golden Oldie Picture Show’ was presented by Radio 1 D.J., Dave Lee Travis. The show created music videos for Hits which pre-dated the era of music videos, and directors were encouraged to choose a track and create a story around it. It was produced at Pebble Mill by Exec, John King.

This photo dates from Christmas 1986, and was taken on location at the Red Lion, Somerton, Somerset, where the links for that show were recorded. Left to right, back row it includes: Dave Lee Travis (presenter), John King (exec), Mike Williams (lighting cameraman), John Parker (sound), Jim Hatchard (set design). Front row: Andy Frizzell (lighting), Nigel Davey (camera), Phil O’Shea (props), Gail Herbert (P.A.), Veronica McAleer (Brebner)(make-up).

Thanks to Gail Herbert for making the photo available, and to Andy Frizzell, Kevin Lakin and Lesley Weaver for adding information.

Radio WM, Paul Franks

Paul Franks had a career as an executive with Ford, before winning a competition at Radio WM and beginning a whole new career as a Sports front man for the station.

Thanks to Stuart Gandy for making this photocard available.

Chelsea Flower Show – photo from Laura McNeill

Photo from Laura McNeill, no reproduction without permission.

The photo shows Laura McNeill (sound), with John Moorcroft (camera). It was taken at an outside broadcast at the Chelsea Flower Show, probably around 1990. Given the champagne, and dinner jacket, it was probably taken on the Monday evening during the Royal Gala.

Working on the ‘Chelsea Flower Show’ was always a great occasion, and great fun. At this time we tended to make a ‘Chelsea Special’ programme, and a ‘Gardeners’ World’ from Chelsea that would go out on the Friday night, in the normal slot.