R2OK!

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

Just heard Desmond announce, rather emotionally, that he is giving up at the end of October. Sad news but he is 90.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/desmond-carrington

I had no idea he had been ill last Christmas.

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

FleetingEileenM · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 5789 Location: Hampshire

No, Helen, it seems that nobody knew, not even BBC Management. What a lovely broadcaster he is. He is sounding frail these days but at the same time his voice is so youthful. He is truly one of the "greats". I first heard him when I was a devotee of "Movie-Go-Round on Sunday afternoons.

Did you ever hear a wonderful edition of The Music Goes Round when he and David Jacobs presented it between them to celebrate their respective big birthdays at the ages of, I think, 70?? It was great fun, they chatted about their early days when they first knew each other in Sri Lanka in the 1940s and played lovely music.

I hope it will be repeated sometime in the future.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

I think I did hear the edition with David Jacobs Eileen, it certainly rings a bell.

My first recolletion of Desmond was from Emergeny Ward 10 when he was one of the doctors, can't remember what his name was. I also saw him in a play at Newcastle Theatre Royal with my Mum around 1965. I've no idea what it was though!

He'll be missed that is for sure. I love the way Simon Mayo refers to him as 'hot Rockin Desmond Carrington' when he name checks the show every Friday night as well!

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

Number Six · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 439 Location: In the village

This is sad news. I'll miss Desmond on Fridays, such a natural broadcaster.

I also remember Desmond on Movie Go Round and Emergency, Ward 10.

Paul Donovan writing in the Sunday Times mentions this, as well as rumours that Brian Matthew may be retiring, he is 88 after all, and Tony Blackburne may be returning
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I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

I read Paul Donovan this morning as well Number Six. Interesting about Tony Blackburn..........

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

FleetingEileenM · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 5789 Location: Hampshire

Clare Teal has just included a very delightful tribute to Desmond as it was he who got her onto Radio 2.

Apparently he heard her being interviewed by Russell Davies, liked the sound of her and rang the Radio 2 Controller at the time (Lesley Douglas). He invited Clare up to his home in Scotland and spent a lot of time with great patience teaching her the art of broadcasting.

On LA it would be about 90 minutes into the programme.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

I remember when she first broadcast Eileen, I think it was the Friday night after 7pm slot from memory. I'll listen again to her tribute.

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6851