Forum for former BBC staff

Forum for former BBC staff
http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> Notices, obituaries and tributes >> Vince Hills http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1376326872 Message started by JohnW on Aug 12^th, 2013, 5:02pm

Title: Vince Hills
Post by JohnW on Aug 12^th, 2013, 5:02pm

A note for those that may have known him but haven't received Prospero ...

His wife, Carol, reports the sad passing of Vince Hills.

Vince joined the BBC in 1967 as a Technical Draughtsman, before leaving to join the Ashcroft Theatre where he became an ASM, something he loved doing. He enjoyed working the sound desk there, and so in 1969 when the opportunity arose, he rejoined the BBC, this time as a Technical Operator in London Control Room, a job he thoroughly enjoyed for several years - particularly doing The Jimmy Young Show, where he played up to Jim outrageously!! On at least one occasion I remember him bringing his pet ferrets in to work - not many takers for the dare of putting one down the front of your trousers!
However, as something of a perfectionist, he quickly rose through the ranks being very much a 'people person' becoming first a Supervisor (ATOM) and then ultimately one of the TOMs (Technical Operations Manager) - pretty much the top rung of the ladder in the department! However, during one of the re-organisations which took place in the 80s, Vince unfortunately found himself 'without a job', and so left his beloved Beeb, taking on the management of a small forest in Kent that he'd acquired.

Not much was heard from him for several years, although he did make a few 'guest appearances' at the farewell parties for several of his contemporaries! He seemed as ebullient as ever at thos events, but I think he really missed broadcasting.

There is no cause of death given in the note from his wife Carol to Prospero - nor indeed any date of his passing - but those of us who knew him well will remember him with great fondness. :(