Top Gear on the Isle of Man – Prospero April 2016

 

copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission

copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission

 

This article was published in the BBC retirees’ newsletter, Prospero, in April 16. The photo of a Top Gear shoot in the Isle of Man was originally posted in February by ex-press officer, Chris Bates, and asked readers to identify the cameraman and director, which a number of familiar BBC Pebble Mill names duly did. The cameraman is Jim Knights from Magpie, with Ian Thomas the director, on the far right of the shot.

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

Jim Knights: ‘What great memories of great times and great program makers. All contributed to what laid the foundation for “Top Gear” and many other “follow this” program ideas! Many thanks for all the kind comments from colleagues of that ground breaking era. Today I’m still into horse power but at the Royal Windsor Horse show!! As far as name checks go, I don’t think Pete Smith was on that shoot and I think the late Brian Jennings was the Recordist or a freelance called Robin?’

Countryfile – photo from Pam Relton

Copyright resides with the original holder; no reproduction without permission.

This is an early photo of the ‘Countryfile’ production team, and includes:
Back row l to r: Dan Cherrington, ?, Susie Lightfoot, Mark Jobst, ?, Julia Gillet, Caroline Smith, Anne Stevens.
next row: Mike Derby, Janice Wallace, Mike Fitzgerald, Patrick Flavelle, Jo Toye, Penny Searley, Mick Murphy
next row: John Clarke, Pam Relton, ?, Ruth Patterson, Yasmin Archer, Katharine Lapworth, Lynn Cullimore
Next row: ?, Ian Breach, Anne Brown, Chris Baines.

Apparently the photo was taken by the Press Office either as part of a publicity drive, or just before the Christmas Party.

The ‘Countryfile’ team did get together from time to time and had several epic Xmas parties hosted by Mike Fitzgerald. Long lunch and a return to the Club bar where revelry would include Mick Murphy playing the piano for a sing-song.

Countryfile’ began life in 1988.  The rural affairs magazine show was fronted by John Craven for the next twenty years.  It used to be transmitted on a Sunday morning, until the move to the 7pm Sunday evening slot in 2009.  It is still made by BBC Birmingham.

The photo was taken on the front lawn of Pebble Mill, with Reception behind.

Thanks to Patrick Flavelle and Mike Fitzgerald for the additional information.

Patrick makes the following comment about working on ‘Countryfile’:

“I remain convinced that while it was a Press Office pic….it was actually taken on the day of the first Xmas party….we’re all togged up esp Murph with his DJ….Janice’s hair-do etc….but no matter the circ’s it bringsback v fond memories of a lovely team of people…I still tease my dear friend John Craven about the fact I worked in Countryfile before he did!!! ( He joined about 1year in)
In fact my claim to fame (Fitz would put me right on this one)…I think I was the first person after Fitz himself to work on Countryfile on a rolling weekly contract in the crossover between Farming and CF…I was so happy to be involved….and ended up there for over 10 years…happy memories galore.”