Comments on: Who’s who in presentation

By: Dawn Thomson

Dawn Thomson — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:33:36 +0000

My late mum Eileen Mulcahy worked there as a secretary in 1960s. She probably left in 1967 when she got married. Apparently she used to answer the phone Whitehall 1212.

By: Sam Simmonds

Sam Simmonds — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 14:19:18 +0000

In reply to Ann Eker.

I well remember you, dear Ann, being introduced to all us “Programme Officers” (e.g. Transmission Controllers) – even before you married! Such a long time ago now. You may not recall this but, one day, as you were about to refer on-air to an upcoming televised wrestling match, you asked me if the correct colloquial reference would be to some “grumble and grunt”. I recall correcting this to “grunt and groan”, because your suggested alternative was actually ryhming slang for some other contact sport entirely! Those were the days, my friend.

By: Ann Eker

Ann Eker — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 19:52:33 +0000

I was Ann Aldred – now Ann Eker- and worked there, doing the weather forecasts and continuity announcing – during 1965 to 1967.
I wore different outfits suitable for the coming weather.

By: Shaqui

Shaqui — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 07:42:47 +0000

In reply to Sam Simmonds. So you were actually working at Associated-Rediffusion in the 1960s? Would it be okay to contact you direct with few questions, please? :-)

By: Sam Simmonds

Sam Simmonds — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 15:17:54 +0000

Small Time, like all other programmes passed for transmission, would have been recorded in its allotted studio by the crew scheduled for the recording day. However, certain well-known and popular performers and contributors to Small Time – such as Muriel Young and Wally Whyton, accompanied by assorted hand puppets, etc. – would frequently be available to appear in the tiny Presentation Studio to provide live links (to the local London audience) throughout the afternoon transmissions.
These spots were very well received by young audiences and would be transmitted by myself and my colleagues after minimal rehearsal (or sometimes none at all!), with, occasionally, hilarious and hair-raising results.
Life in the television industry was a great deal more experimental and exciting in the 1960s!
Sam Simmonds

By: Shaqui

Shaqui — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 09:18:05 +0000

Out of curiosity, how would presentation have been involved with a children’s slot like Small Time (which I think was A-R but also shown on other channels simultaneously) throughout the 1960s?