Wireless Programmes, Films, Songs from our Pasts

Below I have listed some of the old steam radio programmes that featured strongly both during and after the War.  How often did we recap the following day with the question "did you hear such and such on the wireless last night?"  We would then repeat the jokes and situations that featured and laugh out at them.

All those listed I have recalled without recourse to any reference books.  Surely proof, if any is required, that they played an important part in our lives before television.

"It`s All Yours"   A Monday evening comedy programme in the late 40s and early 50s that featured up and coming stars Stanley Baxter and Jimmy Logan.  Jimmy had a character called "Sammy Dreep".

"The McFlannels" The life and times of a fictitious Glasgow family and their neighbours and friends who all had surnames of materials.   Sarah, Willie, Sadie and Uncle Matha.  Sadie was engaged to the Rv. David McCrepe who was played by Rikki Fulton.

"Down at the Mains"  "Sammy Troot"  Both Children`s Hour programmes.  Aunt Kathleen being the main presenter of programmes featured on Children`s Hour.

"Dick Barton, Special Agent"  Who never listened to this long running serial at 7.00pm?

"Radio Luxembourg"   208 Medium Wave.  Pete Murray

"Much Binding in the Marsh" Richard Murdoch, Maurice Denholm, Kenneth Horne, and Sam Costa.

"Twenty Questions" Popular panel game with the redoubtable Gilbert Harding.

"Take it from Here"  Great favourite with Jimmy Edwards, Dick Bentley, Joyce Nicholls (the Glum family) and the singing group, The Stargazers.

"Family Favourites"  "Forces Favourites" Cliff Michelmore and Jean Metcalfe presenters.  The theme tune of these  being "With a song in my heart".

"Billy Cotton Bandshow" `Wakey, Wakeeee!!!"

"Have a Go, Joe"  Wilfred Pickles` simple questions and chat with the contestants.

"Top of the Form" The quiz that had school teams vying with each other for the title.

"Just William"   With that horrible girl, Violet Elizabeth always threatening `I`ll squeem and squeem".

"Ignorance is Bliss"  The zany quiz where the resident panel could never answer the questions with the answers framed in them. sic `What year did the 1926 Strike take place?" 

"Variety Bandbox"  Stand-up comedians, Derek Roy and Frankie Howard taking it in turn to present this weekly programme.

"Breakfast With Braden" Featuring Bernard Braden with among others, Benny Lee the singer.

"The Goon Show"  Hilarity with Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe, Spike Milligan and Michael Bentine.

These are some that I can recall.  I am sure there are others that you can remember.  How about letting me know?

What about the songs?

"You belong to me"  Jo Stafford

"Lay down your Arms"  Anne Shelton

"Jealousy"  "Jezebel"   Two of Frankie Laines hits of the early 50s.

"The Little White Cloud that cried" Johnny Ray

"Pawnshop on the Corner"  "Truly Truly Fair"  Just two of the many by Guy Mitchell

"Softly, Softly" Ruby Murray`s first hit.

"Oh Mein Papa"  Trumpeter Eddie Calvert`s rendition

"The Night the Floor Fell in"  "Lovely Bunch of Coconuts"  Billy Cotton Band with Alan Breeze.

"By a Babbling Brook"  Do you remember Donald Peers?

And The Bands?

"Ted Heath"   Ted and his vocalists - Dickie Valentine, Dennis Lotis, and Lita Roza

"Geraldo", "Cyril Stapleton", "Joe Loss", "Stanley Black", "Tommy Sampson", "Carl Bariteau", "Lou Preager", "Billy Ternent", "Edmundo Ros", and our own "Alexanders" at the `Rooms` in Constitution Street.

Right then, that is enough from me. You must remember some that roll back the years for you.