16 June 1966

[LanceM]

I agree, a most impressive lineup to say the least. I have talked to many of the members and contributors on the great BBC-VT Tech Ops site. A true treasure trove of recollections, photos, and invaluable archival broadcast info, not to be sourced anywhere else. Highly recommended if have not had a look. I believe most all there are aware that a good deal of classic BBC-TV material is still listed as missing-lost. Have had a few good leads there of late, one was from a chap who ( Nick Maingay ? )" stated that it was a good thing his colleague ( Nick ) put those supposedly wiped TOTP tapes back". He has just sent me a follow up e-mail just this last week actually, states will be getting back to me there soon. Oh, and just looking back over the site guess who I saw had posted some recollections back in 2007? None other than the man himself, Bob Pratt!! For which he had also left an e-mail address, for which I am just now about to send a message to. Know everyone here will be most interested in hearing this news! I will keep all informed as I learn anything, never fear.

I was also interested to read the Unit 4 Plus 2-Concrete and Clay performance listed. As saw a video site online which listed a promo for this very group and track. As I have not heard of anything in regards to this performance, am left hoping may be a TOTP performance-promo? Might anyone be able to state further here, would be very much appreciated in regards.

Cheers, Lance.

[Bob Savage (robstar)]

I've seen a colour Pathe" film (Promo) dating from 1966 of Unit 4 Plus 2 performing "Concrete & Clay on ITN source- could this be the same one?

[LanceM]

I am left wishing I could state there with any amount of certainty. As I really cannot state, as there was no footage provided, just the listing for the aforementioned promo among other items in this collection of materials. They also have the Prelude- After The Goldrush clip from a now wiped TOTP 74' edition ( is monochrome ), with decent picture quality as well. As they had their own YouTube channel at one point, then was taken down by the YT mod's for some reason? Cannot remember exactly there, never heard the end on that one. However their website is still up and running, and with some new additions to their collection of materials. This Unit 4 Plus 2 promo listed among them. I will see if I might be able to obtain a screen grab from the said promo, that would go a long way here in placing this item with any amount of certainty.

I also received a postmaster message failure on the Bob Pratt e-mail. I am looking around again to see if may have an alternate address listed, or may ask the site moderators in regards to Mr. Pratt. As am really hoping may be able to conduct an online interview, and post here on the forum, as would be amazing to hear from the horses mouth so to speak. He should be a part of the new Tales From Television Center Documentary, however can see the BBC not wanting to put in a good light the (at the time illegal actions) of hiding supposedly wiped tapes within the BBC. However, he still should be commended for saving so much material, which would have surely been wiped, destroyed like so many other items of note. At the very least documented in some manner!

Cheers, Lance.

[nicadare]

Dec 14, 2011 22:26:34 GMT Bob Savage (robstar) said:

I've seen a colour Pathe" film (Promo) dating from 1966 of Unit 4 Plus 2 performing "Concrete & Clay on ITN source- could this be the same one?

April 1965 I think, shot on finest 35mm colour film and available on a couple of those Dutch compilation DVDs.

my.jetscreenshot.com/8419/20111215-pi51-80kb.jpg