"The Guardian" reports that the BBC  "is willing to consider following other European countries and implement a funding model “linked directly to an existing common household bill” such as an internet connection, council tax, or electricity supply."


Their report is here.

We have received this tribute to Betty from a member of her family:-

Betty Clarkson – aka Gail Leslie,


Betty Clarkson, known to her theatre friends as Gail, has died aged 99 following a short illness. This remarkable lady had a varied and busy career, leaving Edinburgh to start work as a dancer at the tender age of 15 with the Danny Lipton Trio (later Danny Lipton and the Liptonettes) in the 1930s and going on to form a duo with her husband George Clarkson.
After the war the pair worked for Combined Services Entertainment (CSE) for a year, travelling to Singapore, Malaya, Burma (Myanmar) and India where they had many great adventures.

Back in London, they continued performing as ‘George Clarkson and Gail Leslie – the Essence of Versatility’, an act comprising tap and Highland dancing in full kilts – touring around the country and abroad to Kenya, the Middle East the US and Canada and working with such folk as Betty Hutton, Howard Keel and Morecombe & Wise, Terry Scott and Bill Maynard to name but a few. After a two-year break from show-business running a restaurant in Canada, the pair returned to the UK where they appeared in Lionel Bart’s musical, Oliver. After filming ended, Gail started work as a dresser in the Costume Department, working on a variety of shows including the Six Wives of Henry the Eighth, starring Keith Michell, Annette Crosbie and Dorothy Tutin, the Morecambe & Wise Show (friends from their variety days), Dr Who and Blue Peter and many more programmes. Gail enjoyed many location shoots and travelled widely – memorably for her to Venice to film the series Casanova. She formed many fond and long-lasting friendships amongst her BBC colleagues.

After the death of her husband in 1970, Gail left the BBC for a brief period to work as Des O’Connor’s secretary but re-joined the Beeb after two years, again in the costume department, where she was based at White City and she worked on many popular dramas and sit coms of the 1980s until her retirement.

Moving back home to Edinburgh, she continued to fill her life with activity - joining the Grand Order of Lady Ratlings, of which she was immensely proud, attending balls and parties and other gatherings to raise money for the charity. More recently, Gail was contacted by Janice Parker, the Edinburgh-based artist and choreographer, to take part in her project ‘An Audience with...’ where former Variety era dancers who had performed at
the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh (formerly the Empire Palace Theatre) were brought together to talk about their experiences. Gail had a tremendous memory and could recall names and events and recount numerous marvellous stories from across her lengthy career
right until the end.

Gail is survived by her brother Bill Wemyss, sister-in-law Valerie, nieces Lisbeth Dow and Fiona Wemyss and their families.

Elizabeth Gemmell Leslie Clarkson (nee Wemyss) – Stage Name Gail Leslie:  Born 31 December 1920 died 25 March 2020.


Fiona Wemyss (Fiona(dot)wemyss(at)icloud.com)

This, from TVB Europe ..

The BBC has donated £700,000 to The Film and TV Charity to assist those affected by the hiatus in film and TV production caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The corporation said £500,000 would go towards the new Film and TV COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, in partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI).

The other £200,000 will go into the charity’s two-year mental health action plan, known as the Whole Picture Programme, to address the mental health crisis found in the sector.

The funds will come principally from the BBC’s commercial production and distribution arm, BBC Studios, with contributions from public service commissioning teams, including BBC Content.

BFI, Film and TV Charity, Netflix establish Covid-19 relief fund
Film and TV Charity finds “a mental health crisis within the UK film and TV industry”
BBC content director Charlotte Moore said: “Freelancers are the lifeblood of our industry, keeping our shows creatively brilliant for all audiences. At times like these it is critical we stand by them. We are proud to contribute to The Film and TV Charity, to support our industry’s freelance community during these unprecedented times.”

BBC Studios CEO Tim Davie added: “This is a critical time for our industry, and we want to do all we can to support the talented and hard-working individuals who are so essential to our sector. As part of that, we are glad to back The Film and TV Charity’s important mission. I hope that this will play a part to ease the difficulties some are facing, and protect those who help to make the UK’s creative sector the envy of the world.”

Hi Maggie. Can one assume that your friend has done a little research already? A simple search brings up Wikipaedia page & a IDMB resource including references to 3 DVD set and loads more.
Try google search "bbc "Warship" series 1973"

A young man called Alex Moore (a dot moore one hundred at ymail dot com)  contacted me because he is putting together a book on the TV series of WARSHIP, which the BBC Broadcast during the 1970s. I was able to help with some of his questions, but he is struggling to find good bone fide information, and would very much appreciate any links or assistance from ex staff. Many thanks Maggie

BBC local radio is teaming up with manufacturers, retailers and a loneliness charity to offer free DAB radios to the most vulnerable people aged over 70:

BBC Media Centre Press Release

Though why DAB? Have to push it?  FM has greater coverage and radios are cheaper!

From TVB Europe today (26/3)

"The BBC is suspending its plan to cut 450 jobs in its news operation as it deals with covering the coronavirus pandemic.

In January it was announced the jobs would go as the broadcaster looks to save £80 million by 2022.

Among the programmes affected were The Victoria Derbyshire Show and Newsnight.

DG Tony Hall said some BBC services could be “out of action” due to coronavirus
However, he's now informed staff that the broadcaster will “suspend” those cuts, although didn’t say how long the suspension would last.

It’s thought that decision will be made by Hall’s successor after he steps down as DG in the summer.

WG - have you not yet discovered Ch 81 on Freeview?
"Talking Pictures TV" features some glorious "proper old classic movies" - just like you describe - from the 40s and 50s.
Keep you amused for hours and hours!!

Sad to report that Tom Beesley, well known for his various roles in local; radio and regional TV in the Midlands, died last night. He had not been in good health for a while and at one stage was using a wheelchair. His son tells me that he had had a few falls recently but seemed to be bouncing back. RIP Tom.

YES YOU ARE!!!!!