Gerry Wells in the media.

[Heatercathodeshort]

Does anyone remember the Channel 4 series from a good while back called 'The Long Summer' [1918-1939] Gerry portrayed a 1920's 'listener in' with a GEC crystal receiver. It really was very good, in fact the whole series was fascinating. Gerry at his best. It was narrated by Alan Bennett and they could not have a chosen a better chap. I have the whole series on VHS recordings. John.

[Restoration73]

It would be nice to see them, indeed I believe either the museum or BVWS was hoping to compile all the video appearances of Gerry and/or the Museum, although I wonder if copyright issues would prevent this. I can transfer, VHS, SVHS, or U-matic to DVD if it is of help.
Despite the sad news, all I can think of is first chatting to Gerry on the phone in 1992 when I had a huge collection of old valves and a few early CRTs to dispose of - these were duly collected. I first met him in person in 2005 when he offered a private guided tour of the museum to myself and two colleagues, and again in 2010 when our amateur radio club visited. Table top sales and of course the Garden Parties merit mention. R.I.P.

[dave walsh]

"The Long Summer " sounds fascinating John. The perhaps appropriately named "Restoration" is on the right track and compiling all the Gerry Wells appearances would seem to be a very appropriate [perhaps BVWS] tribute to me. There are quite a few related threads here and I refer those interested to "Some Forgotten Gerry Wells" ThreeSeven 12/9/10, revived by Robin Coleman in 2013 with a reference to an obscure program [post 15]. I'm sure that I have some clips including the Quiz Show where Gerry identified a series of radios.
I'd suggest getting the material together first. Copyright isn't a problem if it's not preserved in the first place.
Dave W.

[dave walsh]

This separate thread [extracted by Graham from GW 1929-2014] is a very good idea
In conjunction with the "Some Forgotten Gerry Wells" one, as already mentioned, it's the start of a data base. Re copyright, I see the film that John mentioned is actually available on-line.
Dave W

Re copyright, I see the film that John mentioned is actually available on-line

Had a look about, can't find it, any chance of a link?

[dave walsh]

Can't do links Merlin but it's myrarefilms.com [Long Summer 1993]

I couldn't find it for ages and then typed in Alan Bennett Bingo.

Then I realised there was already a link on the "Some Forgotten Gerry Wells" thread that I flagged up earlier

Ironically myrarefilms covers obscure stuff considered to be out of copyright.
Dave

[Station X]

Actually it's:-

www.myrarefilms.co.uk

Here's a link to "The Long Summer":-

http://www.myrarefilms.co.uk/store/p...TV_on_dvd.html

[GEC 1972]

Managed to find my copy of the Long Summer episode the other day (originally a second generation VHS copy from a work colleague many years ago then onto DVD). Didn't know it was a channel 4 programme, had thought it was BBC2 for some reason. Also on the disc is the Obession documentary that a film company did of Gerry and also part of an antiques show with Gerry, Carl Glover and Simon Wade.

[McMurdo]

I thought I'd seen most Gerry Wells TV appearances but I've just watched a 2-part BBC Arena called 'tuning in' and he is the subject of the second part.

[Heatercathodeshort]

The edition featuring Gerry was titled 'Gathering Speed'. John

[Nicklyons2]

John is correct, so called because the two features in this episode are the rise of electricity (before the break) and the motor industry (after the break). Contains some splendid stock shots of aerial farms, power station control rooms etc cut to the accompaniment of the Manchester Children's Choir led by Sir Hamilton Harty and the song from Hansel and Gretel.

[dave walsh]

I referred to Gerry talking about the TV trade recently [post 24* Sparks Will Fly thread]. This was the Pioneers of Television Documentary shown on BBC4 6/7/02 which would be three months after the new service opened. 30 mins and actually pretty good plus it's presented by Mariella Frostrup.

Dave W

[ianj]

All of Gerry's many television appearances dating back to 1978 from U-Matic and VHS cassette have been digitised very kindly by a BVWS specialist in the North of the UK two 2 years ago and is back at the Museum.

As funding for duplication wasn't raised the project rests there.

[dave walsh]

Thanks for that Ian. I'd read a comment on the project but I wasn't sure how comprehensive the collection might be? I'm wondering if the program never identified on the "Some Long Lost Gerry Wells" thread is included? Is there a list and do we know how much duplication and distribution would cost? This sort of thing requires time, money and much voluntary effort I know but sadly, it may be an ideal time to seek donations. Others may disagree of course. It would be a very handy item for the Museum to have on sale as well perhaps.
Dave W

BVWS Member since 1995 [I think]. That long ago really? Seems relevant to mention it here somehow.

[McMurdo]

I'm not sure if we're at crossed purposes here but the Arena I was referring to was about wireless and was called 'Tuning In' from 1994 and the second half was subtitled 'Wireless World'..unless it's been re-edited of course.

[dave walsh]

I don't know about your difference in recollection with HCS Kevin but it does rather highlight my comments about a data base via the BVWS or the Museum.
I'm getting a bit confused myself.
Cheers,
Dave

[dave walsh]

i still can't find any reference to the death of Gerry Wells more generally. There was no reluctance when it suited or perhaps they just don't know?
The Guardian article "The Wireless World of Gerry Wells" [23/8/10] is a typical example but I'm not that critical-it's largely accurate I would think. So would Gerry! The photo on the front of the BVWS website is a perfect example of media placement and good taste. It should be permanent as it would be difficult to think of any individual who had summed up the ethos of the BVWS or the UKVRRR more absolutely.
Dave W

BVWS Member

[Aerodyne]

For anyone wishing to see the above-mentioned Arena programme, here's the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPg-D33RnS8
Gerry appears from 34mins in.

Tony

Brilliant, just watched all of it. The last time I saw Gerry was at the end of Crystal Palace analogue party at the museum, I showed him my pocket digital TV (bought because the FM radio bit is very good when out and about), he said "It'll never catch on". Perhaps a 'quotes from Gerry' thread should be started.

[HamishBoxer]

Bom Bom siss is a classic from Gerry in reference to car stereos being wound up to high heaven. He said that one to me a few times. Remembered from the 70/80s

Meaning in context that is all your hear.