Category: The Lost BBC

ON June 12, 1960, my future husband was listening to the radio at his home in Lancashire when he heard these words: ‘And now, for Alan Ashworth of Nelson, who … Continue readingChildren’s Favourites

THE BBC, as the state broadcaster and also the only broadcaster, played an important role during World War II. One of its contributions was The Kitchen Front, which combined information … Continue readingThe Kitchen Front

WITH these words: ‘Six years of battle, murder and sudden death just spoil you completely for a nice, peaceful office job. Don’t you agree, Snowey?’ Captain Richard Barton MC, ex-wartime … Continue readingDick Barton – Special Agent

I’M sure that for quite a few readers, nothing will bring back memories of Sunday lunchtimes with the smell of the roast in the oven more than these words: ‘The … Continue readingTwo-Way Family Favourites

ONE of many radio shows which emerged after the war combining the talents of performers who had either served in the forces or had entertained the troops was Take it … Continue readingTake It From Here

REGULAR readers of this column will be aware that throughout the early years of the BBC the only accent heard was Received Pronunciation, which many today would characterise as ‘posh’. … Continue readingHave a Go!

STARTING in 1933, only 11 years after the BBC went on the air as 2LO, In Town Tonight could be described as the prototype BBC chat show. The 30-minute programme … Continue readingIn Town Tonight

THERE won’t be many people of a certain age who are not instantly transported back to childhood by this: The opening seconds of Listen with Mother preceded 15 minutes of … Continue readingListen with Mother

WE tend to think that Left-wing bias is a relatively new phenomenon at the BBC, but it has been going on for a long time. The difference is that decades … Continue readingThe Brains Trust

THIS is a sentence you will not often read: The BBC admitted it was wrong. It happened in 1975, after the decision was made to end Down Your Way, one … Continue readingDown Your Way