Photo by Peter Poole, no reproduction without permission
Bev Dartnall, who worked in the Afro Caribbean Unit, and in Television Drama, sadly died yesterday, 17th February, after a battle with cancer. She was only 55 years old. Bev was a producer on Dangerfield, and series producer of Doctors for a number of years, before leaving the BBC and moving to Majorca.
Bev’s funeral is going to be held in Majorca, but it is thought that there will be a memorial service in Birmingham.
The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook Page:
John Greening: ‘Bev was the first person I met at Pebble Mill on my first day in TV, on the 3rd March 1984 and we worked together at Pebble Mill for nearly 20 years in all sorts of rolls – finally she was a series producer and me a grateful director. I’ll miss you Bev, and thanks for many happy memories -it was a privilege to work with you in the golden days of English Regions Drama.’
Janice Rider: ‘Beverley lit up any set she worked on. She had the ability to keep every member of her crew happy whilst being firm and in control – qualities not many producers manage to achieve. She was a wonderful colleague and friend and Vote for Them was made all the more special for her being in Egypt with us. Khaled and I will never forget her lovely generous soul.’
Dominic Keavey: ‘Was honoured to be a snib. A kinder, more supportive boss we’ll never find. God bless Bev.’
Herbie Donnelly: ‘You meet many friends and you meet many colleagues but Bev was rare she became both.’
Martha Howe-Douglas: ‘I can’t believe it. Bev gave me my job on Doctors, and was always such a support. I’ll miss our yearly birthday wishes to each other, as we shared the same day. A truly lovely lady.’
Roulla Xenides: ‘Beverley got Nigel Havers to attend a Breakthrough Breast Cancer lunch that I organised a few years ago when she was producing Dangerfield. She was lovely, very supportive of the cause and helped raise a lot of money that day.’
Indra Bhose: ‘Fond memories of a lovely, kind woman. Mid 90’s. Very low budget Pebble Mill drama. No catering budget. Night shoot. Crew grumpy to the point of rebellion. Bev in the kitchen , surrounded by jars of Nescafe, single handedly making and bringing drinks round to all the crew. Sad day but happy memories.’
Sharon Pemberton: ‘Bev was a great gal. Many’s the evening she calmed me down and reassured me in ‘Boris’ the portakabin, whilst I tore my hair out trying to be a producer. Always calm, efficient and a genuine pleasure to be around.’
Zoe Goodwin: ‘The first producer I remember meeting at Doctors. And what a first impression. What a memorable, lovely, kind and supportive woman she was.’
Chris Richards: ‘This is very sad news. Bev was one of the very, very best people I have been lucky enough to work with. A terrific Producer, loved and respected by her colleagues, and a wonderful warm and funny person. Like many, I owe her a great deal.’
Tyrone Huggins: ‘Bev played clarinet for many shows we did at Duddeston Manor. I was a year above her. Later we connected up with productions at Pebble Mill and cups of tea at her parents old house in Bordesley Green which I’d once walked her home to after a school disco. A lovely girl, friendly and supportive woman and friend I’ve missed and will miss.’