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.
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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
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Hm Quenn's visit to the OU at Milton Keynes 27/05/79
The late John Cassidy with a rare example of a working Link 120 |
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OU outside broadcast at a scrapyard in Greenwich in May 76
Cheers - thirsty work for a rigger! |
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Bob Coles(SM)and Derek Firmin consider putting the Link camera on the tip |
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