{"id":5216,"date":"2015-12-04T17:21:51","date_gmt":"2015-12-04T17:21:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/?page_id=5216"},"modified":"2024-03-24T14:26:49","modified_gmt":"2024-03-24T14:26:49","slug":"wood-norton-hall-1961-1964","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wood-norton-hall-1961-1964\/","title":{"rendered":"Wood Norton Hall 1961 \u2013 1964"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are a whole lot of stories about the BBC Engineering Training Department at Wood Norton Hall scattered though the Tech Ops site Contributions and Conversations.  Here are some more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WNH in 1961<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dave Mundy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a nice picture of the main block control room as it was in 1961 (it is now the kitchen area for the new Wood Norton hotel!), and the continuity panel from the same era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main Block Control Room:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(Click on the pictures below to see a larger or clearer version of the picture:
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Click the “X” button (top right) to close the newly opened picture.)<\/em>
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\"WNH_1961-4_01\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Continuity Panel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"WNH_1961-4_02\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Training 1961<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dave Mundy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just for old times sake, here’s a picture of TO11’s practice program of  \u201cJuke Box Jury\u201d with Trevor Vaisey on camera, John Scott as David Jacobs, Tony Giles, Margaret Clifford, Jimmy Bruce, and a.n.other (smoking) Radio SM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"WNH_1961-4_03\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dave Mundy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once upon a time, many years ago, in a distant galaxy called Wood Norton, a motley crew of adventurers were setting out on a lifetime voyage of broadcasting. We were indoctrinated into the art and methods of professional broadcasters and showed examples of the finest results that we should aspire to. The attached music track was the very first real stereo that most of us had heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pat Heigham<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pat Heigham, Geoff Fletcher, John Henshall, Alex Thomas<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here is the course photo for PTO 13 and names as far as we can recall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"WNH_1961-4_04\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Back Row: Peter Hider, Michael McCarthy, Patrick Heigham, (?), Ian Perry<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Middle Row: Ian Ridley, Julian Clapham, John Lopes, John Henshall, John Sandiford<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Front Row: Mike Thomas?, Paul Salinger, J.C. Chris Glass, Frank Smith, John D. Ward, Eddie Baker<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alex Thomas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Julian Clapham\u2019s father, John, was a leading authority on Dvorak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Henshall<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pat and I shared a room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eddie Baker (front row right) used to sing \u201cBalls to Father Banglestein\u201d on the way back from the pub in the back of Mike McCarthy\u2019s van. One day he was called to Doc. Sturley\u2019s office and \u201cterminated\u201d. We never saw him again \u2013 just a note on his bunk. I often wonder what happened to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hugh Sheppard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ah!  The Sturley terminations.  The triumvirate of Sturley, McEwan and the gauleiter (the warden, Major Basil Oldman), showed just how ‘absolute power corrupts absolutely’. Though when I met Duncan McEwan in later life, he seemed a very nice man. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Evesham it was another matter, such as when he frog-marched Mike Pontin back to his Scott motor-bike following his late return after a puncture, to check if his tyres were so worn he might have expected it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Bob Booth, a lovely man from Brighton as I recall, had the Sturley treatment having poked fun at him in our end of course ‘review’.  Instructors Henderson and Mackenzie saved the day for many of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chris Wickham<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I am reminded of a story told me by the late great Dickie Ashman R.I.P. He went to a session of the Scottish Country Dancing one evening which was a favourite of Dr and Mrs Sturley.  Dickie entered into the dancing with great enthusiasm as was his wont and was emitting whoops and yells of pleasure. This did not meet with approval from Sturley who accosted Dickie and said, \u201cHave you come here to scoff?\u201d Dickie politely replied, \u201cNo thank you. I have just eaten.\u201d He was fortunately passed the point of termination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pat Heigham<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Calling him warden made the place seem like a prison, although ‘open’!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having just come from secondary education, I resented WN as a schooling establishment (having spent six months in studios and boom operating on first class LE shows).  I backpedalled a bit and in the middle of a photography exercise, got called to Sturley’s den, whereupon I was politely informed that if I wished to continue in the BBC, I had better pull my finger out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(As I had been called away in the middle of the exercise, my photo plate reticulated,
and produced a lousy print – but I was able to write something sensible in my self-report on the exercise – I blamed Sturley!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After that, I vowed to be the best I could in whatever job I got thrown into, it worked, as in one year, whilst Gram Opping I got a special merit award – two annual salary increments in the same year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One Sunday evening, I had hitched a lift back with Mike McCarthy and finding no spaces on the drive, Mike parked in the reserved staff spaces at the top. Major accosted him at lunchtime: “Mr.McCarthy,
your car’s in the top ten!” “Great,” says Mike, “When do I get the gold hubcaps!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geoff Fletcher<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember Hilary Sturley? TO 19<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"WNH_1961-4_05\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

STO 13<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paul Kay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During STO 13 course Dave Mutton stood by Major Oldman and told him not to make trivial criticisms about us. Someone said, “Watch it, Oldman”: he took it in good spirits. I heard a lot of nasties about Sturley, some of them true<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(see also<\/i>: Personalities – more from the Crews<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STO 41<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mike Cotton<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\"WNH_1961-4_06\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The model of the Gaulaiter used at meetings when he was absent. Background music ” Puppet on a string” The mouth opened and closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"WNH_1961-4_07\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

TO 18<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Peter Cook<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

TO 18 end of course photos:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"WNH_1961-4_08\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"WNH_1961-4_09\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"WNH_1961-4_10\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"WNH_1961-4_11\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here is a photo of Doug Coldwell. We did the lighting exercises together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"WNH_1961-4_12\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Training 1964<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Geoff Fletcher<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sound has always been a bit of a black art to me – but here I am on TO19 working(?) in Sound Corner in the Phoenix. Bob Foley went on to achieve great things on the audio side , I stayed on cameras for many years, but what happened to Simon Fone? He was an OB man and I last met him at a TO19 25 years reunion. His opening words to me as we parked our cars next to each other on arrival were, “Hello Geoff. Where’s that fiver you owe me?” –  which made me smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"WNH_1961-4_13\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Geoff Fletcher, Neil Dormand, Tony Grant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These photos date back to June 1964 – TO19  – and  feature Mike Chislett, Bob Foley and Bob Gillies with Tony Grant on piano in one of them.  The location is Studio 13 behind Pear Tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were rehearsing our contribution to the TO19 production programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(Click on the pictures below to see a larger or clearer version of the picture:
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Click the “X” button (top right) to close the newly opened picture.)<\/em>
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\"WNH_1961-4_14\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\"WNH_1961-4_16\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And when you have finished \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"WNH_1961-4_17\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Another item from the Fletcher filing cabinets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Major (and other ETD Staff)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Barry Bonner<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Major……..we were trying to relaunch his boat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"WNH_1961_18\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We succeeded in launching the boat,  but despite the efforts of Geoff Thonger and Tony Philpot the outboard engine wouldn’t start. The boat ended up going downstream powerless with a couple of us frantically paddling it back to shore!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mike Jordan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We carried his boat up from the river and put it in the swimming pool as an \u201cend of term\u201d jape on TA22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mike Giles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Where\u2019s his duffle coat?  I don\u2019t think I ever saw him without it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tony Crake<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I thought the man with the beige duffle coat was a Mr Skelton who was the security man… lived in the Cottage at the rear entrance ..?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mike Giles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may well be right. I certainly recall him scuttling around in the dark and I fancy he had a wooden hut, with railings outside, where you could get Radio Wood Norton by strapping a pair of cans between the railings and the conduit feeding the outside light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geoff Fletcher<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On TO 19 we called Skelton “Creeping Jesus” as he was always creeping about and turning up unexpectedly. Didn’t he have an annoying corgi dog which yapped a lot?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dave Jervis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Twelve Days of Christmas\u201d was sung, if my memory serves me correctly, by an STO course choir in, maybe, December 1969.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each verse was \u2018modified\u2019 to refer to a member of ETD staff, and from verse two onwards the choir mimed an action or adopted a pose pertinent to the new lyric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I recall correctly, it started with..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the first day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
A Major in a Pear Tree<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the second day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
\u201cRight men\u201d Talbot-Smith   (action of pulling his cuffs up his forearms)
and A Major in a Pear Tree<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Etc. Etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later verses featured :
Big Bad John Sheppard (a choir member in the back row stood up on a block for this line)
Sweeeet Bah-reee Powell (the fifth day…..  the choir placed their hands over their hearts)
Gill \u201cAh-Ha\u201d Walker (a hand held delicately to the mouth for the \u201cAh-Ha\u201d)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

… I cannot remember the actions for:
John \u201cJargon\u201d Greenwood
John \u201cBabbling\u201d Brooks<\/p>\n\n\n\n

…and I can\u2019t just recall the other 5 verses at the moment….<\/p>\n\n\n\n

… and nowadays …<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wood Norton Book<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jeff Booth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I wonder how many secrets it will unearth?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"sat_dishes_WNH_1\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Barry Bonner<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a secret! No photography allowed it says! So you haven’t seen them, OK?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/h1>\n\n\n
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\"ianfootersmall\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are a whole lot of stories about the BBC Engineering Training Department at Wood Norton Hall scattered though the Tech Ops site Contributions and Conversations.  Here are some more. WNH in 1961 Dave Mundy Here’s a nice picture of … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5216","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/author\/alec\/","display_name":"Alec Bray"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 11 years ago","modified":"Updated 2 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on December 4, 2015","modified":"Updated on March 24, 2024"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on December 4, 2015 5:21 pm","modified":"Updated on March 24, 2024 2:26 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","featured_img":false,"series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5216","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5216"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5216\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18632,"href":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5216\/revisions\/18632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5216"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5216"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tech-ops.co.uk\/next\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5216"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}