April 2017 – Page 2 – What Was Pebble Mill?

Studio B in action

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Studio B in action at BBC Pebble Mill circa 1975/6. Jack Rooke on the left hand camera and Dave Doogood on the right hand one. The presenter looks like a young Tom Coyne, who presented Midlands Today.

Studio B was used for Midlands Today as well as many other programmes, which didn’t need the much larger, Studio A.

Thanks to Stuart Gandy for making the photograph available.

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

Malcolm Hickman: ‘EMI 2001s on HP peds.’

Richard Stevenson: ‘Although the cameras changed, pretty sure those peds stayed until the end.’

Carole Haysom: ‘Early Sunday mornings for Farming today…remember getting a few shorts straws for that!!!!’

Susan Astle: ‘Farming and Asian progs on a Sunday, early days at Pebble Mill! I remember Samantha once coming in the night before frock! They were early starts!!’

Helen Smith: ‘Love this – that is my Dad on the right hand camera!’

Richard Stevenson: ‘Many happy days being trained by your father. He taught me a lot for which I will always be grateful.’

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Blue Plaque for Pebble Mill – press release

Pebble Mill building circa 1970, copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission

Former Pebble Mill series editor, Steve Weddle has sent out the press release below, about Pebble Mill’s Blue Plaque status:

BLUE PLAQUE FOR PM

Our iconic BBC Pebble Mill has been awarded a Blue Plaque in honour of its unique contribution to broadcasting.

Since a recent coffee morning when Jim Dumighan commented that there wasn’t any indication that Pebble Mill ever existed, ‘not even a Blue Plaque’, Jenny Brewer and Steve Weddle have been campaigning to get our former home recognised.

The Heritage Foundation, who award Blue Plaques to a select few in the field of entertainment have granted this rare honour.

The Blue Plaque will be displayed on the front of a new private hospital about to start construction on the old site, thanks to its owners Circle Health, who have agreed to help us out.

There will be an unveiling ceremony soon after the hospital has been completed in around two years’ time – just enough time to plan a party!!!

The good news also featured on a recent edition of Midlands Today, and the BBC Radio WM and Hereford and Worcestershire breakfast shows.

The Implaquables

Blue Plaque for Pebble Mill

Steve Weddle has been leading a campaign for a Blue Plaque to commemorate BBC Pebble Mill. His hard work has been rewarded with success! Here is how Steve revealed the news last Friday, 7th April 2017:

“I’m pleased to announce that we have been granted a Blue Plaque for BBC Pebble Mill, in honour of its status as an inconic broadcasting institution. The Heritage Foundation, who recently awarded plaques for Morecambe and Wise, The Who and Eric Sykes have made this award in recognition of our innovative work there. And thank you also to Circle Health, who have agreed to display the plaque on the front of their new hospital, which will soon start construction on the site where BBC Pebble Mill once stood. So, we anticipate the unveiling of the Plaque in about two years time – just enough time to plan a party! Rejoice!!!”

Steve Weddle

Cutting of the First Sod – 50th Anniversary

Today (7th April, 2017) is the 50th anniversary of the ceremonial cutting of the first sod for the BBC Pebble Mill building.

The director general, Sir Hugh Carleton Greene did the honours with the spade.

Please add a comment if you can identify any of the great and the good who attended.

Thanks to Pete Simpkin for sharing the photograph.

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Andy Payne – Kings Heath Cricket Club Plaque

This plaque has recently been erected at Kings Heath Cricket Club, in memory of cameraman, Andy Payne, who died last year – much too young!

It’s a really fitting tribute to Andy, who spent much of his time at Kings Heath Cricket Club.

Thanks to Jane Mclean, Jill Moorcroft and Laura McNeill for sharing the photo.

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