Keith Warrender – What Was Pebble Mill?

Harrier landing 1982

Here is a photo from Keith Warrender of the landing of the Harrier in 1982, during an episode of Pebble Mill at One. It was one of director John Smith’s episodes. You’ll see the new club building visible on the right of the picture, which hadn’t been open long. Keith thinks he must have popped in to the Club for a lunchtime drink after taking this picture on an off-shift day from TAR (Technical Apparatus Room).

Royal Navy helicopter landing at Pebble Mill

Photo by Keith Warrender, no reproduction without permission

Thanks to Keith Warrender for sharing this photo of a Royal Navy helicopter landing on the back lawn at Pebble Mill. This dates from the late 1970s. The landing would have been part of Pebble Mill at One, and was no doubt one of John Smith’s shows, as he had very good contacts with the military.

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

David Shute: ‘I often had the job of doing Hearts & Minds visits to the neighbours when we had noisy visitors expected. Great fun.’

Julie Hill: ‘I was at Pebble Mill then and we had harrier jump jets/ parachutes and all sorts of crazy stunts landing for Pebble Mill at One! Being told not to leave the BBC Club bar whilst the Harrier landed and took off went down very well! Oh happy days….’

Indian Cookery – Pebble Mill at One

Thanks to Keith Warrender for sharing this photo of his well worn Indian Cookery book. Here is a comment from him:

‘who remembers this little 6 x 3 inch paperback? My first Indian cookbook and still in use 40 years on. Although late night Indian food could be had at Salim’s for about £2. Limited menu but very good food.’

Keith Warrender

Keith Warrender BBC Club Card

BBC Club cards were highly valued, they allowed you access to the BBC bar, with its competitively priced alcohol and food, and endless networking opportunities. The BBC bar in Birmingham was originally on the 2nd floor of the office block, and later moved to a small building across the Bourn brook from Pebble Mill, by the sports field.

Thanks to Keith Warrender for sharing his card.

Pebble Mill’s 10th Anniversary Event

Photo by Julian Sharp, no reproduction without permission

Here is a photo from the 10th Anniversary event in 1981, courtesy of Julian Sharp. On the main table clockwise from left, Keith Warrender, Claire Pilson, Jane ?, James Young, nearside, Colin Fearnley and companion, Julian Sharp, Trish Allen. Holding cracker is Basil Cottrill and on the table behind I can identify Pete Prior and Tony Newbury. There are other faces in the gloom if anyone can identify them.

Thanks to Keith Warrender for sharing the photo.