Photos taken by Ketih Ackrill, not to be reproduced without permission. ‘Weekend Live’ was a live entertainment show, staged in the courtyard behind Studio 3.
Sophia & Constance – Maggie Thomas’s photos
These photos were taken by Makeup Artist, Maggie Thomas, on location in France (Paris and Rouen), in the Black Country Museum in Dudley, and in Studio A at BBC Pebble Mill. ‘Sophia & Constance’ was a 6 part period drama, transmitted by the BBC in 1988. It was an adaptation of Arnold Bennett’s novel: ‘The Old Wives’ Tale’. It is set in 1964 in the town of Bursley in the potteries. It is the tale of 2 sisters: Sophia and Constance. Constance is the older and quieter sister, and is content to live and work in the family’s draper’s shop, whilst Sophia is more adventurous and outrages the family by becoming a schoolteacher. The series was directed by Allison Romey and David Hugh, and produced by John Harris. The Executive Producer was Colin Rogers. The cast included: Catherine Cusack, Melissa Greenwood, Patricia Routledge, Alfred Burke, Nigel Bradshaw, Freda Davies and John Scott Martin.
Pebble Mill at One – Keith Ackrill’s photos
Most of these photos of Pebble Mill at One 
were taken by Director Keith Ackrill, and must not be reproduced without his permission. They include photos of Donny Mcleod interviewing Ron Moody and Jimmy Saville, George Hamilton IV and Andy Williams in rehearsal, as well as a black and white photo from 1975 of the Pebble Mill film crew on location in Burnley. This photo features, left to right: Richard Ganniclift (cam), Sam Hanna (contributor), Peter Casselberg (sound), Keith Ackrill (director), Tim Johnson (cam).
All Creatures Great and Small – Maggie Thomas
Photos taken by make up artist Maggie Thomas, whilst on location with ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, in the Yorkshire Dales.
Paul Balmer – Memories of working at Pebble Mill
I worked at Pebble Mill for 17 years from 1974.
I initially worked as a sound guy on many of the continuing dramas including many Second City Firsts and Classic Serials.
I also worked developing the soundscapes for the BBC’s first stereo drama serial – Juliet Bravo.
As a musician I was the ‘off screen’ guitarist for Alison Steadman in ‘Nuts In May’ – Mike Leigh’s direction was “No! No, worse much WORSE!” (difficult for a trained classical guitarist). I was in the dubbing suite for ‘The Boys From The Blackstuff’.
Alan Platers ‘Curriculi Curricula’ was also a major undertaking – the first lightweight on location electronic drama also with stereo sound – ‘hand synced’ by Roger Guest and videoed on location at Birmingham University!
I stood next to the writer on the very first ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ as the horse produced copious manure and the props guys argued over whether poo was an action prop or litter?
I also wrote music for Pebble Mill at One films – McClouds Mysteries – re enacted ghost stories! – Great fun. I have VHS copies somewhere!
I became a radio producer for Radio 1/2/3 and 4 and eventually a TV director having moved to Television Centre writing and directing multi camera drama for BBC Schools TV.
At Pebble Mill In 1976 I had met Stephane Grappelli – the great violinist and wrote his biography, produced a 1 hour biog on Radio 2 and a two hour DVD which was nominated for a BAFTA in 2002.
I also directed the multi award winning ‘Africa I Remember’ – shot on location in Africa.
Pebble Mill was an amazing place to work – in the same day you could work on Radio 3, The Archers and the local news!
One day I staged a ZULU charge on the front lawn.
Faintly bizarre in hindsight! But truly wonderful.
I now work as a full time writer.
All the best
Paul Balmer,
Author ‘The Haynes Guitar Manuals’, Penguin Encyclopaedia of Music, Julian Bream etc