Forum for former BBC staff

Forum for former BBC staff
http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> Notices, obituaries and tributes >> Bill Bebb http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1460019332 Message started by JohnW on Apr 7^th, 2016, 8:56am

Title: Bill Bebb
Post by JohnW on Apr 7^th, 2016, 8:56am

Just a brief announcement to inform that ... Bill Bebb sadly passed away on Wednesday 6th April 2016.

I know a little of Bill's history - and there are surely many who know even more than I! - but Bill started his 'working' life as a musician, playing Guitar and Banjo in various bands, before joining the BBC as a producer back in the early/mid sixties, where he was eventually responsible for many of the BBC studio recordings of the many, many famous groups of the day.

A sublime producer, he was responsible for such programmes as Country meets Folk (with Wally Whyton), Sing Something Simple, and eventually The Jimmy Young Show.

In the mid-80s, he transferred across to BFBS, which allowed him to display his considerable abilities in management as well, and he made many, many friends in that organisation too.

I'm sure others will eventually provide much more background to Bill's life, so I'll leave it to them.

Suffice to say that his passing leaves a very big hole in my heart .. for a dear, dear friend. I'm missing him already. :'(

Title: Re: Bill Bebb
Post by JohnW on Apr 19^th, 2016, 10:41am

Following the untimely death of Bill Bebb, his sons would like to invite his friends to a celebration for this incredible man's amazing life.
The service will be held at Bournemouth Crematorium at 1.00pm on Monday 25 April:

Bournemouth Crematorium
Strouden Avenue
Bournemouth. BH8 9HX
http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/BirthsDeathsMarriages/CemeteriesCrematoriums/BournemouthCrematorium.aspx

Please wear colourful and dapper attire to reflect Bill's personality!

They would be grateful if instead of giving flowers you would donate to the charity MIND, and have set up a Just Giving page where you can make your donation https://www.justgiving.com/Bill-Bebb
Alternatively, there will be collection boxes on the day if you would prefer to give cash.

A celebration party will commence (at approximately 3pm) in The Liston Hotel ...
5 Wollstonecraft Road
Boscombe Spa
Bournemouth. BH5 1JQ
The Hotel has rooms available should you be travelling down and require accommodation. www.listonhotel.co.uk

Should you wish to book a room, please contact Dani Bebb at daniellebebb@yahoo.co.uk, or on 07766 768222 and she will arrange with the hotel for you.

Please bring your stories and laughter so we can give 'Banjo' Bill Bebb an amazing send off. Also, they would be delighted if the assorted musicians could bring their instruments down and perform in Bill’s memory. There is a good set up at the hotel for live music and it’s what Bill would have wanted.

Title: Re: Bill Bebb
Post by Mike_D on May 5^th, 2017, 10:39am

You might be interested in an interview I recorded with Bill Bebb, Bernie Andrews and Jimmy Grant recorded in 2007. You can access it on the British Entertainment History Project website at http://historyproject.org.uk/content/0591

Title: Re: Bill Bebb
Post by JohnW on May 5^th, 2017, 3:53pm

Thanks for the pointer to that material, Mike.

I've heard Bill B speak of much of this content before, but it was good to see him recount those stories again.
Also very good to see and listen to Bernie Andrews, and his feelings about things. He really was badly treated by his Management.

Given the context of that interview, perhaps you should get hold of Bev Phillips, down Dorking way. He'll have some wonderful stories to fill out the catalogue!!