ROCHESTER BLIND BOWLING GROUP

IN TOUCH AT 50

    On Friday, October 7th, The BBC celebrated the 50th birthday of it's programme for visually impaired listeners. One of our members, Hans, was fortunate enough to be invited to the recording of the 'Birthday Party'. He writes an account of the day, here:

  The BBC’s ‘In Touch’ programme is celebrating its 50th birthday, this week. As both a KAB Volunteer and service user, I was invited to attend the recording of a special one-hour programme, at the BBC, which will be aired on Friday (details below). We travelled up to London, by train, on Tuesday afternoon:

  Arriving at the Oxford Circus underground station, just after 5 p.m., we had plenty of time for a leisurely stroll along Oxford Street and back, then along Regent Street and into Langham Place. We were reassured that we were heading in the right direction, as we were overtaken by several individuals, boldly swinging their long canes, and at least four others striding along with their guide dogs that seemed to know their way, to Broadcasting House.

  In the foyer, we queued, briefly, whilst invitations were checked, then made our way to the (usually) spacious reception room, where drinks were being served. On this occasion, the room could have been four times larger and still been lacking in space. As we mingled with fellow guests, it was also necessary to be careful enough to avoid stepping on a sweeping tail or resting paw! As the numbers swelled, the temperature rose and several of us stood in the corridor, grateful for a cool breeze, wafting through. It was a timely relief, when we were eventually ushered through to the recording theatre, which soon filled to capacity for between three and four hundred.

  Peter White, the host of ‘In Touch’, Radio 4’s weekly programme for visually impaired listeners, was introduced to the audience, and was met with rapturous applause and boisterous barking from excited dogs. He explained the format of this special hour-long programme and got the ball rolling with a welcome to the listeners, followed by a roll-call of guests, live and recorded. These would include:

  David Blunkett, MP and former Home Secretary,
  Susan Townsend, author
  Dennis Norden, presenter and comic writer
  Marcelo Brakte, internationally renowned, Brazilian pianist
  Denise Leigh, opera singer (winner of Channel 4’s Operatunity (2003)
  Ryan Kelly, the Archers ‘Jazzer’
  Amadou & Mariam, musical duo from Mali –
  and more, including presenters and producers

  The recording took in music, an interview with David Blunkett, memories from former producers, and many laughs (led by the wit of Dennis Norden) and contributions from all the guests. There was enough material to fill two programmes, which are a must to hear! It was a privilege and a pleasure to have been invited to this special event. We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and hope you can share some of this by listening to the two programmes, to be broadcast in the next few days:
Programme details:

  Friday, October 7th. 12:04 You and Yours, “IN TOUCH, at 50”

  Tuesday, October 11th, 8.40 – 9.00 pm. In Touch ... “After the Party” Click here to listen