Last Word

Matthew Bannister on Ralph Ehrmann, the German-born businessman behind the success of the Airfix model kits that delighted a generation of young boys in the 1960s and 70s. Sylvia Syms (pictured), the actor whose roles ranged from beautiful heroines in the 1950s and 60s to Margaret Thatcher and The Queen Mother later in life. Rabbi Dr Abraham Levy, the leader of the UK’s oldest Jewish community who was awarded the OBE for services to interfaith relations. Jo Sandilands, who edited the magazines Honey and Woman and became Programme Controller of Capital Radio in London.Producer: Neil George Interviewed guest: Melanie Williams Interviewed guest: Jenny Agutter Interviewed guest: Jonathan Sacerdoti Interviewed guest: Alexandra Ehrmann Interviewed guest: Jeremy Brook Interviewed guest: Gay SearchArchive clips used: East of Sudan (clip), YouTube: MorningsideMovies channel, uploaded 28/11/2021; In Town Today, BBC Radio TX 21/08/1965; My Teenage Daughter (clip), YouTube: Network Distributing channel, uploaded 01/09/2014; Ice Cold in Alex (clip), YouTube: Coolmacatrain channel, uploaded 09/02/2019; Clip from ITV news item about Intermission Youth Theatre School, YouTube: Ricardo P Lloyd channel, uploaded 04/11/2019;Excerpt of Les Barker reading his poem ‘Déjà Vu’, YouTube: Les Barker channel, uploaded 03/03/2020; Relighting the Candle, BBC 1 TX 14/10/1993; Mazeltov Israel, BBC 1 TX 30/04/1998; Woman Magazine advertisement, YouTube: Nina Perez channel, uploaded 18/01/2015; Chris Tarrant jingle, YouTube: MayDay51 channel, uploaded 22/12/2017; Airfix advertisement, YouTube: British Nostalgia channel, uploaded 06/03/2015

Matthew Bannister onHoward Baderman, the hospital consultant who transformed the discipline of emergency medicine and treated casualties from high profile events like the Kings Cross Tube Fire and the sinking of the Thames river boat The Marchioness.David Crosby (pictured), the singer and songwriter with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young whose life went through periods of chaos through drug addiction.Milly Thompson, the artist who, as a member of the BANK collective, satirised the pretentiousness of the art world.Brenda Heywood, the archaeologist who was fascinated by the stories behind the building of Hadrian’s Wall.Producer: Neil George Interviewed guest: James Baderman Interviewed guest: Simon Bedwell Interviewed guest: Sacha Craddock Interviewed guest: Suzanne HeywoodArchive clips used: BBC Radio 4, The World Tonight – King’s Cross fire 18/11/1987; BBC One, Breakfast Time – King’s Cross fire 19/11/1987; BBC One, The Nine O’Clock News 20/08/1989; BBC One, BBC Breakfast News 03/06/1991; WNYC, Here’s The Thing – David Crosby 24/04/2018; BBC Radio 4, Mastertapes – David Crosby (The B-Side) 19/11/2013; BBC Radio 4, Mastertapes – David Crosby (The A-Side) 18/11/2013; Channel 5 News (US) – Today 12/12/1985; AXS TV, The Big Interview with Dan Rather – Crosby, Stills & Nash 07/02/2020.

Matthew Bannister onJeff Beck (pictured), who was acclaimed as one of the most influential and innovative rock guitarists of all time.Alice Mahon, the left wing Labour MP who often rebelled against her own party.Tom Karen OBE, the designer who came up with the Raleigh Chopper Bike, the Bond Bug, the Reliant Robin and the Popemobile.Gina Lollobrigida, the first post war Italian actress to gain an international reputation as a sex symbol. She was known for her rivalry with Sophia Loren. Producer: Neil GeorgeInterviewed guest: Martin Power Interviewed guest: Jeremy Corbyn Interviewed guest: Julia Langdon Interviewed guest: Eugenie Karen Interviewed guest: Josephine Bahns Interviewed guest: Angie ErrigoArchive clips used: BrianMay.Com, Thoughts on sad loss of Jeff Beck 12/01/2023; UK Parliament, Margaret Thatcher's last Prime Minister's Questions 27/11/1990; Raleigh, Noel Edmonds' Raleigh bike advert 1978; Discovery Real Time, Wheeler Dealers S07E06 Bond Bug 12/10/2010; krc/ YouTube, sound effect Landspeeder - Star Wars 18/01/2017; BBC Sound Archive, The Pope in Liverpool 30/05/1982; BBC Sound Archive, The Morning Show - African Service 07/01/1970; Excelsa Film/ Omnium International du Film/ Ponti-De Laurentiis Cinematografica, Women of Rome - clip (1954); Hecht-Lancaster Productions/ Joanna Productions/ Susan Productions, Trapeze - trailer (1956); 7 Pictures/ Raoul Walsh Enterprises, Come September - trailer (1961); BBC One, Parkinson 28/09/1974; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/ Canterbury Production, Never So Few - trailer (1959).

Matthew Bannister onGianluca Vialli (pictured), the Italian footballer who won many major trophies with Sampdoria and Juventus before moving to Chelsea as a player and then manager.Fay Weldon, the author who told stories of women taking control of their own destinies, including ‘The Life and Loves of A She Devil’.Michael Dower, the former Director General of the Countryside Commission who devoted his life to conserving and developing the British countryside.Anita Pointer, one of three Pointer Sisters who recorded hits like ‘Jump (For My Love)’ and ‘I’m So Excited’. Producer: Neil George Interviewed guest: John Foot Interviewed guest: Fiona Reynolds Interviewed guest: Katrina LeskanichArchive clips used: BBC One, The FA Cup: 2022/23: Third Round 08/01/2023; BBC 5Live, Football Daily – Remembering Gianluca Vialli 06/01/2023; Sky Sports Retro, Gianluca Vialli looks back on his career 06/01/2023; Everything FOOTBALL/ YouTube Channel, Barcelona 2 – 0 Sampdoria 1989 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final 1989; RAI, Roberto Mancini e Gianluca Vialli – Che Tempo Che Fa 27/11/2022; BBC 5Live, Headliners (Gianluca Vialli interview) 14/05/2020; Sky Sports News, Graeme Souness pays tribute to his friend and former teammate – 06/01/2023; Chelsea Fan Clips/ YouTube, Chelsea fans pay respects to Gianluca Vialli 08/01/2023; BBC Two, Frank Delaney – Men and Women Writers 26/11/1984; AP/ British Movietone, Go To Work On An Egg advert 21/04/1966; BBC Radio 4, Desert Island Discs Fay Weldon 23/02/1980; Thames TV, Afternoon Plus – interview with Fay Weldon 26/10/982; BBC Newsnight YouTube Channel, Fay Weldon interview 06/04/2017; BBC TV/ Arts & Entertainment Network/ Seven Network Australia, The Life and Loves of a She-Devil 08/10/1986; arc2020eu, Michael Dower’s speech on behalf of ARC2020 at the ‘CAP’ post ‘2013’ 20/07/2010; Thomas Müller/ YouTube Channel, Michael Dower 14/11/2022; ABC News, Barbara Walters interview with Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad 07/12/2011; YouTube, Anita Pointer interview at her Beverly Hills home for German TV 2009.

Matthew Bannister onPope Benedict XVI, the religious conservative who was the first Pontiff to resign from the job in almost 600 years.Dame Vivienne Westwood (pictured), punk pioneer, high fashion designer and eco warrior.James Caan, the American actor best known for playing Sonny Corleone in The Godfather.Georgia Holt, the singer who enjoyed success late in life thanks to her daughter Cher. Producer: Tim BanoInterviewed guest: Catherine Pepinster Interviewed guest: Ian Kelly Interviewed guest: Laird Borelli-Persson Interviewed guest: David Thomson Interviewed guest: P David EbersoleArchive clips used: YouTube/ Rome Reports.com, Habemus Papam - Uploaded 2012; BBC Radio 4 News 19/04/2005; YouTube, The Regensburg Speech 12/09/2006; BBC Radio 4, Thought for the Day 24/12/2010; BBC News Archive, Pope Benedict XVI announces resignation 11/02/2013; Netflix/ Rideback, The Two Popes (2019); BBC One, The British Fashion Awards 15/10/1991; BBC Radio 4, Desert Island Discs - Vivienne Westwood 28/06/1992; BBC Four, Vivenne Westwood Talks To Kirsty Wark 13/04/2004; BBC One, Wogan with Sue Lawley 11/03/1988; Finished Films, Westwood - Punk, Icon, Activist (2018); BBC One, Wogan In Hollywood - James Caan interview 02/01/1991; Paramount Pictures/ Albert S. Ruddy Productions/ Alfran Productions, The Godfather (1972); Castle Rock Entertainment/ Nelson Entertainment, Misery (1990); Broadway Video/ Conaco/ NBC Studios, Late Night with Conan O'Brien 31/10/2003; New Line Cinema/ Guy Walks into A Bar Productions/ Gold/Miller Productions, Elf (2003); Mann/Caan Productions, Thief (1981); WJZ-TV13 Baltimore 1979; Westinghouse Broadcasting Company/ Mike Douglas Entertainments, Mike Douglas Show 1979; Paramount Domestic TV, Entertainment Tonight 1988.

Matthew Bannister onTerry Hall (pictured), the singer who captured the disillusionment of a generation with The Specials’ biggest hit “Ghost Town”. Heather Iandolo, the daughter of the notorious Nazi propaganda broadcaster known as Lord Haw Haw.Eric Allison, who turned his back on a life of crime to become the Guardian’s prisons correspondent.Dame Beryl Grey, the acclaimed ballerina who went on to run the London Festival Ballet. Producer: Tim BanoInterviewed Guests: Professor Colin Holmes, Simon Hattenstone and Alastair Macaulay

Matthew Bannister onThe columnist, broadcaster, producer, musician and outrageous hoaxer Victor Lewis-Smith (pictured).Maureen Doherty, the designer who worked with Issey Miyake and founded the influential fashion brand Egg. Edmund de Waal pays tribute.Pablo Milanés, the Cuban musician who was one of the founders of the nueva trova singer/songwriter movement.Ailsa Irving, who started and ran the UK Endometriosis Society after a long battle to get her own symptoms diagnosed. Producer: Neil GeorgeInterviewed guest: Graham Pass Interviewed guest: Edmund de Waal Interviewed guest: Robin Denselow Interviewed guest: Rob Irving Interviewed guest: Emma CoxArchive clips used: BBC Two, Inside Victor Lewis-Smith 06/12/1993; YouTube, Opera Spoof by Victor Lewis-Smith; BBC Radio 4, You and Yours - the revival of Brylcreem 02/12/1985; BBC Radio 4, Midweek 21/05/1986; BBC Radio 4 Extra, Victor Lewis-Smith s1e08, 05/10/2017; Associated Rediffusion Productions Ltd/ Victor Lewis-Smith, Mary Whitehouse Sketch; YouTube, Victor Lewis-Smith - BBC Reception General Pinochet Prank Call; BBC Radio 4, Loose Ends - Victor Lewis-Smith 01/01/1987; BBC Radio 1, Victor Lewis-Smith Christmas Message, 26/12/1989; YouTube/ CriticalPast channel, Fidel Castro and his army fight against Batista's forces 12/06/2014; Juan Pil Vila, Pablo Milanés documentary (2017).

Matthew Bannister onJoyce Bryant (pictured), the American singer who was named by Ebony magazine as one of the five most beautiful black women in the world.Squadron Leader George 'Johnny' Johnson MBE, the last surviving airman who took part in the Dambuster raids.Dame Clare Marx, the first woman to be elected President of the Royal College of Surgeons.Joseph Kittinger, who held the record for the world’s highest skydive for over 50 years. He jumped from 19.5 miles above sea level.Producer: Neil GeorgeInterviewed guest: Jim Byers Interviewed guest: Andrew Reed Interviewed guest: John McDonaldArchive clips used: Metromedia Television, WNEW-TV interview with Joyce Bryant; Benedict Bogeaus Production, Mr Ace (1946) film clip; BBC News 24, HARDtalk- George ‘Johnny’ Johnson interview 05/01/2018; Associated British Picture Corporation, The Dam Busters (1955) film clip; BBC Radio 3, Private Passions 24/04/2022; BBC One, Hi-De-Hi! 26/02/1981; BBC Radio 4, The Men Who Fell to Earth 31/03/2009; 1895 Films, Apollo – Missions to the Moon (2019) documentary clip.

Matthew Bannister onChristine McVie who wrote some of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits and was a key player in the turbulent history of the band.Jiang Zemin, who became Chinese President after the 1989 protests in Tiananmen Square and presided over the opening up of the country’s economy.Derek Granger, the TV and film producer best known for the acclaimed adaptation of Brideshead Revisited.Producer: Neil GeorgeInterviewed guest: Tim Sullivan Interviewed guest: Isabel Hilton Interviewed guest: Matt O’Casey Interviewed guest: Anthony Andrews

Matthew Bannister onDoddie Weir (pictured), the leading Scottish rugby player who spent the last few years of his life raising funds for research into the causes of Motor Neurone Disease. Hebe de Bonafini, the human rights activist from Argentina who led the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo in campaigning to trace victims of the country’s so-called “Dirty War”.Irene Cara, the singer and actor best known for her role in the film “Fame” and for co-writing the hit song “Flashdance”. Cornelia Schroeder, the virologist from East Germany who made a significant contribution to the treatment of herpes and influenza.Producer: Neil George Interviewed guest: Prof Kai Simons Interviewed guest: Jill Douglas Interviewed guest: James Grainger Interviewed guest: Paul Schroeder Archive clips used: Dr Ludwig/YouTube channel, ‘Der heimliche Aufmarsch‘ 22/08/2021; British Pathe/YouTube channel, Soviets close off East Germany 1952 10/11/2020; British Pathe/YouTube channel, Berlin riots in 1953 13/04/2014; BBC ARCHIVE: rugby commentary, BBC Scotland TX 04/03/1995; M P YouTube channel, Jim Telfer’s tribute to Doddie Weir 26/11/2022; British and Irish Lions YouTube channel, Doddie’s ‘mistaken identity’ 04/07/2020; Lorraine YouTube channel, Doddie Weir interview 29/11/2018; Rugby Republic YouTube channel, Doddie honoured NZ rugby stadium this autumn 13/11/2022; lozleo/YouTube channel, Irene Cara performs on ‘The Original Amateur Hour’ in 1967 29/08/2011; BBC ARCHIVE: Pebble Mill, BBC Two TX 27/02/1996; PROFILES Featuring Mickey Burns channel, Profiles host Mickey Burns interviews Singer, Songwriter and Actress Irene Cara 14/01/2014; Al Jazeera/YouTube channel, Tribute to Hebe de Bonafine 22/11/2022; BBC ARCHIVE: International Assignment, Radio 4 TX 4/9/1981