October 2012 – What Was Pebble Mill?

Kay Alexander leaves BBC Birmingham

‘Midlands Today’ presenter, Kay Alexander, retires today from BBC Birmingham after nearly 40 years. She began working for the BBC in 1974, and yesterday she presented her last bulletin, at lunch time. Besides from ‘Midlands Today’ she has presented ‘Best in Brass’, ‘Children in Need’ for the Midlands region, ‘Miss Great Britain’, and ‘Life File’. Although originally from Surrey, she became an adoptive Brummy after studying English at Birmingham University.

The photo dates from 1977, it includes the regional news presenters, left to right: Guy Thomas, Kay Alexander,Peter Windows, David Stevens, (back row) Michael Hancock,Tom Coyne. Thanks to Annie Gumbley for making the photo available.

The following comments are just some of those left on the Pebble Mill Facebook Group:

Ruth Kiosses: ‘Ahhhhh end of an era! Such a lovely lady with such a beautiful and distinctive voice.’

Julie Mayer: ‘All good things must come to an end, but they are shoes that will be hard to fill. Lovely lady and great friend.’

Pam Relton: ‘I always think Kay must have a portrait in the attic – she looks so lovely. Really is the end of an era. All the best Kay.’

Ros Gower: ‘A true lady and an enormous pleasure to work with. Happy retirement Kay.’

David Crozier: ‘I remember Kay as a warm, intelligent and immensely professional person. Happy days, Kay!’

Fiona Barton: ‘Happy retirement, Kay. Was so lovely to catch up with her and Brian earlier in the year. What a fab couple, so much fun…they didn’t look a day older than when I left Pebble Mill more than 20 years ago!’

Steve Peacock: ‘Fare well Kay and enjoy the next phase’

Dawn Trotman: ‘Always a joy to work with and a consumate professional. Glad to know I am also leaving the BBC in the same week as such a glamourous lady. Enjoy your retirement Kayx’

Manning the Children in Need phones

Photo from Jane Mclean, no reproduction without permission.

The photo is from a ‘Children in Need’ day, when members of production teams would man the phones, taking pledges from the public for the BBC charity.

On the front row are production assistants Liz Derby and Jane Mclean.

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.

Peter Seabrook cutting – Pebble Mill at One

This article in the Sun recently by Peter Seabrook celebrates 40 years since the launch of ‘Pebble Mill at One’ in 1972. Members of the team met up recently to mark the occasion. Included in the photo at the bottom of the article are ‘Pebble Mill at One’ presenters: Peter Seabrook, Marian Foster, David Seymour and Bob Langley.

Peter’s Pebble Mill garden was round the side of the building, overlooking the brook – it was a really windy spot!

Thanks to Andy Foley for finding the cutting.

Daytime Live – Children in Need

Photo from Sue Robinson, no reproduction without permission.

The photo was taken in the Studio C, Foyer. It is of the ‘Daytime Live’ team on a ‘Children in Need’ day – when production staff from many programmes would answer the phones and take pledges from members of the public.

Included left to right are:

Back row: Katie Wright, John McNish,Celia Marks, ?,?,Maria Needle, Pam Creed, Kevin Gill,

Front row:?, Sangeeta ?, Pati Marr, ?

Please add a comment if you can fill in the gaps.