Pebble Mill at One – Page 9 – What Was Pebble Mill?

Harold Rich’s 90th Birthday

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This cutting is from the Solihull Observer from March 2017, and celebrates the 90th birthday of Harold Rich. Harold was the pianist of the BBC Midland Light Orchestra, and later its conductor, before becoming the orchestral pianist with the Midland Radio Orchestra. He also formed his own broadcasting Quartet in 1961, and was a member of the Palm Court Trio, which produced a number of broadcasts and recordings, and even played for the Queen Mother. In the 1970s, Harold became the Musical Director of Pebble Mill at One, conducting stars like Tom Jones, Cilla Black, Eartha Kitt and James Galway.

Thanks to Pete Simpkin for sharing the cutting.

The following comment was shared on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:

Ed Billington: ‘What a gent, always happy and great to work with, happy birthday Harold’

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The Harrier

Photos by Andy Stowe, no reproduction without permission

Photos by Andy Stowe, taken from the roof of the Pebble Mill office block, of the arrival of the Harrier, in 1982, as part of Pebble Mill at One.

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Pebble Mill at Ten

This is the ten year anniversary show of Pebble Mill at One, from 1982. It features the landing of the Harrier, amongst other memorable items. Some, like the ‘Black and White Minstrels’ are very much of their time, and seem quite shocking when viewed today. It is presented by Marian Foster, Donny Mcleod and Bob Langley.

Screen grab of the opening titles. Copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission.

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Andy Payne filming on the roof

Photo by Andy Stowe, no reproduction without permission

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This photo shows cameraman, Andy Payne, filming the arrival of a harrier jump-jet at BBC Pebble Mill, from the roof of the building, for Pebble Mill at One. Andy’s great friend, Andy Stowe, was allowed up onto the roof by Security to take photos. They were accompanied by two sappers in case of any security issues!

Thanks to Andy Stowe for sharing the photo.

Andy Payne sadly died in the summer of 2016, he was a great cameraman, and a great bloke, and is sadly missed.

The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:

Pete Simpkin: ‘I recall no-one had told us at Local Radio that this was about to happen and as the noise got louder and louder we had to cut a live interview we were doing and play records until the dratted thing had landed!’

Julie Hill: ‘I remember it well. I was one of many “trapped” in the Pebble Mill Club (not that we minded of course) and watched it take off vertically on playing field. The whole building shook, the noise was incredible but awesome sight! There were often amazing other stunts too – who remembers the parachutists who landed all over the Bristol Road ha ha!!’

Philip Morgan: ‘I seem to recall leaning out of a fifth floor window to watch it land. What a way to spend lunchtime.’

Marie Phillips: ‘I remember that so well. I worked in Personnel on the sixth floor at the time and we watched the Harrier approach and then land. It was awesome and I can only describe the noise as making all my insides rattle !!’

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Pebble Mill at One sewing pattern

The lunchtime magazine show, Pebble Mill at One used to bring out all sorts of merchandise and information for viewers, such as sewing patterns, fact-sheets and recipes. Here are a couple of sewing patterns from the early 1980s which were bought by a viewer, but seem to be unused!

I remember buying a similar pattern Pebble Mill pattern as a teenager, and making quite a successful vest top for myself!

Thanks to Sue Sweet for sharing the photo of the patterns.

The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:

Jane Clement: ‘That brings back memories. Hilary James made a fortune out of these. It was one of the most successful regular segments ever on PM – we sold thousands of her patterns. I was the researcher who introduced her to the show and looked after her whenever she was there – we became quite good friends. Ironically, I can’t sew a thing myself!’

Mike Hayes: ‘…and so The Clothes Show was born…’

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