A programme officially opening and introducing Anglia Television.
Genre:
Arts; Television
On Tuesday 27 October 1959, an animated transmitter sends signals across East Anglia as a clock counts down to 4.15pm and the first ever broadcast by the latest addition to the Independent Television network, Anglia Television. Aerial views introduce the regions covered by Anglia's broadcast range, before the station is officially opened by Independent Television Authority chairman Sir Ivone Kirkpatrick and Chair of Anglia Television Lord Townshend of Raynham.
With the regional station officially on the air, Chief Announcer Drew Russell introduces the modern studios and facilities at Anglia House, followed by a live studio performance by Betty Bass and the Bachelors. Behind the scenes, Russell highlights the work of the control rooms, make-up, wardrobe and set design, as Petula Clark selects music in the record library. Local programming is introduced, from the activities of the news room and outside broadcast unit, to regular shows such as 'Farming Diary' with local farmer Dick Joice, live Sunday morning church services, and 'Town & Gown' with Cambridge professor Dr. Glyn Daniel. Also highlighted are two Anglia-produced TV plays in rehearsal; 'The Violent Years' starring Laurence Harvey and Hildegarde Knef, and 'Sweet Poison' with Dawn Addams and John Ireland.
Russell returns to introduce a packed schedule from Anglia's Independent Television associates, ranging from entertainment programmes such as 'Sunday Night at the London Palladium' and 'Spot the Tune', serial dramas including 'Emergency Ward 10', 'Interpol Calling' and 'No Hiding Place', and current affairs on 'This Week', pop music on 'Boy Meets Girl', western adventures with 'Rawhide' and 'Wagon Train' and quiz shows 'Take Your Pick' and 'Double Your Money'. Meanwhile, Marie Sheringham introduces Anglia's children's programming and producer Philip Bray introduces the 'Mid Day Show' with Roger Gage and Susan Hampshire. Gage and Hampshire perform 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' with the 'Mid Day Show' house band Betty Bass and the Bachelors, who then play out the programme under the leadership of Anglia's musical director Norman Hacknell.
Featured People:
Sir Ivone Kirkpatrick, Chair of Independent Television Authority; Sir John Townshend (Lord Townshend of Raynham), Chair of Anglia Television; Drew Russell, Chief Announcer; Peter Fenn, musician (and future Musical Director); Susan Hampshire, actor; Petula Clark, singer; Norman Hacknell, Musical Director; Peter Kennerley, Head of News; Dave Dawson, stills photographer; Peter Fuller, cameraman; Richard Attenborough, actor; Guy Green, film director; Michael Craig, actor; Newman Sanders, announcer; Colin Bower, announcer; Dick Joice, presenter; Dr. Glyn Daniel, presenter; Laurence Harvey, actor; Hildegarde Knef, actor; George More O'Ferrall, Head of Drama; Dawn Addams, actor; John Ireland, actor; Marie Sheringham, presenter; Richard Greene, actor; Philip Bray, producer; Roger Gage, actor; Betty Bass, musician; Roy Webster, musician; Bob Bisitow, musician
Featured Organisations:
Anglia Television; ITV (Independent Television)
Featured Events:
Opening of Anglia Television, 1959
Featured Buildings:
Anglia House, Norwich; Norwich Cathedral; King's College, Cambridge; Cambridge Arts Theatre