Thanks to Alec’s son, Michael for sharing these photos. They are of cameraman Alec Robson’s retirement party at BBC Pebble Mill. Alec sadly died in 2020.
L-R: Jim Dumighan, Glyn Elledge, Ruby Robson, Alec, Fred Hale (house services), Don Cooper in glasses on the right.
L-R Chris Howard (studio sparks), Alec Robson, Keith Moreton
Alec Robson with Derek Price
Copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission
This photo is of Jim Dumighan and producer Reg Perrin on the popular snooker series, Pot Black, which was made at Pebble Mill. It looks like the programme planning blackboard in the background.
The following comments were posted on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:
Julian Hitchcock: ‘We recorded it just after Christmas. Wonderful convivial days.’
Gordon Astley: ‘Pot Black was my first job when I joined the Beeb. On the first episode it was my responsibility to press ‘play’ on the tape machine for the iconic theme tune !’
Dawn and Kevin Hudson, with their Pot Black T-shirts
copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission
This photo is of key members of the Pot Black team. Left to right: John Smith, director; Jane Mclean, PA; Steve Davis, snooker player; Jim Dumighan, series producer. Pot Black was the BBC’s snooker tournament which was broadcast from 1969. It was produced at Pebble Mill. Steve Davis won the tournament in 1982. The photo dates from 1991 and was published in Midlands News.
Thanks to Jim Dumighan for sharing the photo.
Midlands News Sept 1991
The following comment was left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page by Jane McLean:
“This is the piece – Midlands News September 1991. Can’t remember when Smithy started up White Rabbit but 1991 will be about right. Two things I remember well – Ronnie O’Sullivan won the first Junior Pot Black I did aged about 15 (him not me) and was incredibly embarrassed when I congratulated him. He was only a sprog and so shy. When I started Pot Black, I hadn’t a clue how snooker worked. Just before we went into the Gallery, Smithy told me it was up to me to keep score – like only Smithy could. The TM – can’t remember which – gave me a lesson and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission
Jim Dumighan showing the Queen around Pebble Mill in 1981.
The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:
Malcolm Hickman: ‘I remember it as Roy Thompson and I were on shift in the comms centre when security phoned to say they had a bomb warning. We scoured the area and found a bag under a table in the corner. We didn’t know who’s it was, so security removed it. Turned out one of our colleagues, who was not on shift, had all his cameras gear in the bag as he had been photographing the queen.’
Roy Thompson: ‘Thanks Malcolm for reminding me of that had totally forgotten it. How intrepid we were searching for the bag!!! Do you remember the other time the comms centre was “under attack”. We thought we were being shot at when a loud bang was heard and a chip mark appeared on the large toughened glass window facing the road. Turned out to be the gardener’s lawn mower throwing a stone in our direction from the front lawn. Happy days!!’
Copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission
Pebble Mill producer Jim Dumighan, on the left, working on the World Cup. Bobby Charlton in the centre, with Jack Charlton to the right. Commentator John Motson arguing with someone in the foreground.
The following comments are left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:
Pete Simpkin: ‘My memory of the 1966 Final is that I was the engineer for a radio cricket broadcast at Hove cricket ground. John Arlott was commentating on the game but at the same time watching the football on a portable tv. Things must have been terrible for the cricketers as all around the ground you could hear transistor radios tuned to the football!’