Ian Collins – Page 19 – What Was Pebble Mill?

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.’

Military Band on Pebble Mill at One

Military band on ‘Pebble Mill at One’.

Thanks to Ian Collins for making the still available.

Mixing Desk

VT Editor, Ian Collins, took a lot of photos of defunct post production kit, when Pebble Mill was being decommissioned, and equipment sold off. This mixing desk is one such piece of equipment.

The desk is probably from one of the PSC (portable single camera) suites, used for cutting inserts and programmes recorded on beta, beta sp, and later digibeta tapes. It would have been used for mixing down the audio on the edit tape.

Look! Hear! Toyah Willcox & Duran Duran

These grabs are from the Pebble Mill regional youth entertainment programme, ‘Look! Hear!’. The programme was presented by Toyah Willcox, and regularly hosted performances by well known bands, like Duran, Duran.

Thanks to Ian Collins for making them available.

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

Stuart Gandy: ‘Yes I certainly remember working on this show with Duran Duran in it. It was I suppose unusual for a regional opt out programme to have such a big production as this. Each show would have 3 bands on at least and they always as far as I can remember played live, unlike TOTP where they usually didn’t. One of the first programmes I worked on in 1980 when I joined as a TA in opps, this was exciting stuff to get to see all these bands live.’

David Ackrill: ‘Don’t remember the actual show, but would have watched Toyah and Duran Duran on Look! Hear! if Mum and Dad had let me (until I left home and got married and no time to myself at the time). Strange to think a queen of punk would end up doing voice overs for the children’s program called Brum !’

TK & old Transfer area

Ian Collins in TK

John Williams, Paul Richards, Ian Collins in old transfer area

Photos by Jim Gregory, no reproduction without permission.

Information from VT editor Ian Collins: John Williams was TK supervisor in the early 70’s. I think this picture was taken around 1972-3. I worked in TK before going into VT around 1974.