from John Hulse

n the 1960’s Harold Wilson had a vision of a University of the Air, and in the 1970’s it came to pass as the Open University. There are many good stories about the academics suddenly turned into tv directors, and perhaps someone who was there (Howard!) could write some down. All most of us who weren’t there remember about those days were the famous lecturers in kipper ties and sideburns, much imitated in comedy shows.
Quite a few technical people went to work at the OU, first at Alexandra Palace – in the world’s first tv studio – and later at Milton Keynes.
It’s all closed down now, the web having taken over. John was one of those who were there.

John says: “The very last BBC programme in black & white was made by the OU at Ally Pally on the 18th April 1975 in Studio A. It was then ‘colourised’ and stayed in use till everything was carted off to a field somewhere up the M1 in 1980/81.
Now even that has closed down. The ‘party’ to mark the end of BBC OUPC was held at the OU on 27th July 2003.

The end of image orthicons was marked by the graphics department with a ‘certificate’. It is a bit difficult to name everybody in the picture but see if you can spot; Phil Hinchcliffe, Martin Tillman, Alan Cathie, Dan Scala, Martin Rowbotham, John Cassidy, Linton Howell-Hughes amongst a studio crew and members of production ,all clutching the statutory paper cup of warm wine.

The Open University Scanner was the first Link Scanner made and needed a full supporting cast circa 1975

From the top ‘hanging’ from the rail: ?, Jeff Smith, Geoff Wheeler, Hugh?, Gordon Blockley and a long way away Linton Howell-Hughes (did somebody say something to him?)
In Drivers seat – Don Craske
Looking out the window – Bill Harman
Supporting door – Dan Scala
Looking away in horror – ?
(isn’t that Head of OU? B)
Under cab – Wilf Cynon, Colin Tugwood, John Hulse, Jerry Lawrence (RIP), Derek Firmin, Tony Sturman, Dave Tucker, Dave Godin
Under front wheel -?
Holding up front steps – Bob Coles, Bill Eustace, Bill O’Brien
Holding wheel arch – Tony Powell

Hm Queen’s visit to the OU at Milton Keynes 27/05/79
The late John Cassidy with a rare example of a working Link 120

OU outside broadcast at a scrapyard in Greenwich in May 76

Cheers – thirsty work for a rigger!

Bob Coles(SM)and Derek Firmin consider putting the Link camera on the tip