Here are brief details of my 21 different talks:
1) The BBC and World War 2
Beerling recalls how the BBC was the only source of news for many; the Churchill speeches; V for Victory; The Radio Doctor; Vera Lynn; The Battle of Britain; The Blitz; ITMA; Bandwagon; VE Day and much more.
2) BBC Radio in the Good Old Days
A nostalgic look back on BBC Radio in the 50’s and 60’s when “wireless was king” and everyone listened. Elvis ruled the airwaves and the most popular programmes were Mrs Dale’s Diary, Music While You Work, The Goon Show, Housewives Choice, Sports Report, the Billy Cotton Band Show and Dick Barton Special Agent.
3) Inside Radio 1
Beerling was the producer of the first ever programme 43 years ago. In 1985 he was put in charge of the BBC’s biggest radio station with a weekly audience of over 19 million listeners. He is the author of a recent book on Radio 1 and in this talk you will hear the voices of Tony Blackburn, Kenny Everett, Dave Lee Travis and Emperor Rosko as well as many other unique recordings.
4) The “Naughty Songs”
The story of censorship of music on BBC Radio, including George Formby’s Little Stick of Blackpool Rock, Chuck Berry’s “My Ding a Ling” and Johnny explains why the BBC didn’t play “Stranger in Paradise”, “Only 16”, “Day in the Life” and “Je T’Aime”.
5) Light Entertainment on the Wireless
The way in which BBC variety programmes have developed over the years with illustrations from “Take it from here”, “ITMA”, “Workers Playtime”, “Much Binding in the Marsh” and the “Billy Cotton Band” Show to “The News Huddlines” and “Little Britain”.
6) Remember the Beatles?
Beerling tells how he travelled the world in search of material for the radio story of the world’s greatest group. Hear and see how he made the 14 hour series with many Beatle words and songs.
7) The Story of the Radio 1 Roadshow
Beerling, who devised the programme, will talk about the BBC’s biggest travelling music show. It was the show that every Radio 1 fan went to in the summer. Hear how he started the Roadshow, what went on behind the scenes, the practical jokes and how it grew and grew.
8) Jingles, what’s it all about Alfie?
Johnny Beerling, who started the Radio 1 Network tells all he knows about radio jingles. There’s a lot more to them than you might think. There is an opportunity to hear the only radio jingle made by John Lennon as well as many other interesting little jingles from pirate radio and the BBC.
9) Changes in BBC Radio
In 36 years working inside the BBC Johnny has seen enormous changes and in his next illustrated lecture he will explain how and why some of those things have changed. From the old days of the Home, Light and Third programmes to the 9 Digital Radio Networks on offer today.
10) Tales of Famous Personalities
During his many years Beerling worked with hundreds of household names and in this lecture he will tell you what they are really like. From Margaret Thatcher to Ted Heath, Tony Blackburn to Kenny Everett and Neil Diamond to Jim Reeves. Find out more in this lecture.
11) NEW Hey Mr DJ!
The story of the broadcasting DJ’s, how they started, what they do and what makes them “tick”. Johnny Beerling takes an affectionate look at this band of assorted people with illustrations of many well known voices, Terry Wogan, Tony Blackburn, Noel Edmonds, Kenny Everett and many more. Come and treat your ears to a feast of nostalgic memories.
12) NEW The Music of Muscle Shoals, Alabama “Hit recording capital of the World”
An illustrated musical talk showing how much of the best music to emerge from America was recorded in two small studios “down south”. A must for all fans of popular music, featuring Joe Tex, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones and many more.
13) PLUS A SPECIAL AFTER DINNER PRESENTATION ON POPULAR BROADCASTING WHICH EMBRACES ELEMENTS FROM THREE OF THE ABOVE
14) Those Radio Times
A light hearted quiz for all lovers of BBC radio with a range of questions on signature tunes, news and current affairs, light and pop music. An hour of fun and a chance to win a major ship’s prize.
SPECIFICALLY FOR NEW ORLEANS VISIT
15) New Orleans and all that jazz
Jazz started in this wonderful city and this talk tells how the early pioneers became superstars. With contributions from Louis Armstrong and many others and it looks at how their legacy lived on into the sixties. Lots of great toe tapping music and musical history.
SPECIFICALLY FOR CUBAN VISIT
16) The Buena Vista Social Club
How Ry Cooder discovered and recorded these veteran musicians and promoted them to world wide fame.
SINGING LEGENDS SERIES
17) Cliff Richard, a singing legend
Cliff is the UK’s biggest selling singles artist of all time, with over 27 million total sales of pop singles and album sales of over 18 million. He’s had a career that’s lasted for over 50 years and in this lecture Johnny tells his story with many of his best known songs.
18)Roy Orbison, a tragic tale
A story of the tragedy and premature death surrounding the career of that wonderful singer, Roy Orbison. In this lecture you will hear the man himself, talking about his career and explaining how he wrote some of his greatest hits. Naturally this talk being about a singer you are going to hear a lot of examples of his music too. A treat for all Orbison fans.
19) Tom Jones, the winner from Wales
How Tom dragged himself out of the valleys to become a worldwide super star and close friend of Elvis Presley. Hear Tom telling in his own words his unique story and how he has maintained his star status for so long. Of course there will be many samples of his vocal magic too.
20) Rod Stewart, Mod the Rod to Superstar
Lots of great music as well as the life story of this singing legend who has sold over 100 million records in 50 years of music making with Rod himself telling part of the story.
21)Dolly Parton, Queen of Country
Many of her great songs as well as the life story of another singing legend who has been entertaining fans since 1959. There will be plenty of Dolly’s songs as well as her story told in her own words.
22) Rocketman, Elton John
Johnny Beerling, former Controller of BBC Radio 1, tells the story of this wonderful entertainer with words and music from the man himself and his co-writer Bernie Taupin. In this talk there will be many interesting stories told by Elton and Bernie and fans of the pianist will be offered a feast of his music too.
1) The BBC and World War 2
Beerling recalls how the BBC was the only source of news for many; the Churchill speeches; V for Victory; The Radio Doctor; Vera Lynn; The Battle of Britain; The Blitz; ITMA; Bandwagon; VE Day and much more.
2) BBC Radio in the Good Old Days
A nostalgic look back on BBC Radio in the 50’s and 60’s when “wireless was king” and everyone listened. Elvis ruled the airwaves and the most popular programmes were Mrs Dale’s Diary, Music While You Work, The Goon Show, Housewives Choice, Sports Report, the Billy Cotton Band Show and Dick Barton Special Agent.
3) Inside Radio 1
Beerling was the producer of the first ever programme 43 years ago. In 1985 he was put in charge of the BBC’s biggest radio station with a weekly audience of over 19 million listeners. He is the author of a recent book on Radio 1 and in this talk you will hear the voices of Tony Blackburn, Kenny Everett, Dave Lee Travis and Emperor Rosko as well as many other unique recordings.
4) The “Naughty Songs”
The story of censorship of music on BBC Radio, including George Formby’s Little Stick of Blackpool Rock, Chuck Berry’s “My Ding a Ling” and Johnny explains why the BBC didn’t play “Stranger in Paradise”, “Only 16”, “Day in the Life” and “Je T’Aime”.
5) Light Entertainment on the Wireless
The way in which BBC variety programmes have developed over the years with illustrations from “Take it from here”, “ITMA”, “Workers Playtime”, “Much Binding in the Marsh” and the “Billy Cotton Band” Show to “The News Huddlines” and “Little Britain”.
6) Remember the Beatles?
Beerling tells how he travelled the world in search of material for the radio story of the world’s greatest group. Hear and see how he made the 14 hour series with many Beatle words and songs.
7) The Story of the Radio 1 Roadshow
Beerling, who devised the programme, will talk about the BBC’s biggest travelling music show. It was the show that every Radio 1 fan went to in the summer. Hear how he started the Roadshow, what went on behind the scenes, the practical jokes and how it grew and grew.
8) Jingles, what’s it all about Alfie?
Johnny Beerling, who started the Radio 1 Network tells all he knows about radio jingles. There’s a lot more to them than you might think. There is an opportunity to hear the only radio jingle made by John Lennon as well as many other interesting little jingles from pirate radio and the BBC.
9) Changes in BBC Radio
In 36 years working inside the BBC Johnny has seen enormous changes and in his next illustrated lecture he will explain how and why some of those things have changed. From the old days of the Home, Light and Third programmes to the 9 Digital Radio Networks on offer today.
10) Tales of Famous Personalities
During his many years Beerling worked with hundreds of household names and in this lecture he will tell you what they are really like. From Margaret Thatcher to Ted Heath, Tony Blackburn to Kenny Everett and Neil Diamond to Jim Reeves. Find out more in this lecture.
11) NEW Hey Mr DJ!
The story of the broadcasting DJ’s, how they started, what they do and what makes them “tick”. Johnny Beerling takes an affectionate look at this band of assorted people with illustrations of many well known voices, Terry Wogan, Tony Blackburn, Noel Edmonds, Kenny Everett and many more. Come and treat your ears to a feast of nostalgic memories.
12) NEW The Music of Muscle Shoals, Alabama “Hit recording capital of the World”
An illustrated musical talk showing how much of the best music to emerge from America was recorded in two small studios “down south”. A must for all fans of popular music, featuring Joe Tex, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones and many more.
13) PLUS A SPECIAL AFTER DINNER PRESENTATION ON POPULAR BROADCASTING WHICH EMBRACES ELEMENTS FROM THREE OF THE ABOVE
14) Those Radio Times
A light hearted quiz for all lovers of BBC radio with a range of questions on signature tunes, news and current affairs, light and pop music. An hour of fun and a chance to win a major ship’s prize.
SPECIFICALLY FOR NEW ORLEANS VISIT
15) New Orleans and all that jazz
Jazz started in this wonderful city and this talk tells how the early pioneers became superstars. With contributions from Louis Armstrong and many others and it looks at how their legacy lived on into the sixties. Lots of great toe tapping music and musical history.
SPECIFICALLY FOR CUBAN VISIT
16) The Buena Vista Social Club
How Ry Cooder discovered and recorded these veteran musicians and promoted them to world wide fame.
SINGING LEGENDS SERIES
17) Cliff Richard, a singing legend
Cliff is the UK’s biggest selling singles artist of all time, with over 27 million total sales of pop singles and album sales of over 18 million. He’s had a career that’s lasted for over 50 years and in this lecture Johnny tells his story with many of his best known songs.
18)Roy Orbison, a tragic tale
A story of the tragedy and premature death surrounding the career of that wonderful singer, Roy Orbison. In this lecture you will hear the man himself, talking about his career and explaining how he wrote some of his greatest hits. Naturally this talk being about a singer you are going to hear a lot of examples of his music too. A treat for all Orbison fans.
19) Tom Jones, the winner from Wales
How Tom dragged himself out of the valleys to become a worldwide super star and close friend of Elvis Presley. Hear Tom telling in his own words his unique story and how he has maintained his star status for so long. Of course there will be many samples of his vocal magic too.
20) Rod Stewart, Mod the Rod to Superstar
Lots of great music as well as the life story of this singing legend who has sold over 100 million records in 50 years of music making with Rod himself telling part of the story.
21)Dolly Parton, Queen of Country
Many of her great songs as well as the life story of another singing legend who has been entertaining fans since 1959. There will be plenty of Dolly’s songs as well as her story told in her own words.
22) Rocketman, Elton John
Johnny Beerling, former Controller of BBC Radio 1, tells the story of this wonderful entertainer with words and music from the man himself and his co-writer Bernie Taupin. In this talk there will be many interesting stories told by Elton and Bernie and fans of the pianist will be offered a feast of his music too.
A Look at some recent cruises
The Last Cruise of the Saga Ruby
December 21 to January 10 2014
Over Christmas we were lucky enough to be invited to speak on the last ever cruise of the Sag Ruby. This was to have been a cruise around the Caribbean but three days before we were due to fly out to join the ship we had message to say we were off to Naples. It seems the poor old ship was getting near the end of her life and one of the generators had packed up and there was insufficient power to run appropriate air conditioning for the Caribbean climate. A hasty decision by Saga management resulted in a replanted itinerary around the Med. Personally Sue and I were not unhappy in that we didn't have to cross the Atlantic in Winter and we went to some very nice places and the weather turned out generally to be better there than it was in the Caribbean.
So having left Naples in warm sunshine we cruised up to Civitavwchia, th local port for Rome. We caught the train in and were lucky enough to tour St Peters and see the Pope giving his Christmas message as well as having a walk around the city looking at the local markets where Sue bought a Prada Hand bag very cheaply.
Next stop was Livorno for Pisa where we had a god look around the leaning tower and local cathedral, again good warm weather.
Continuing northwards it was Monte Carlo next, a few showers but plenty of bling everywhere. Sue managed to photograph a dog with bejewelled coat in the imitation snow outside the casino on Christmas Eve.
We were at sea for Christmas day sailing across the Med in a westerly direction but the Saga staff pull rout all the stops to make it a truly memorable day as you can see from the photos below.
Our next stop on December 26 was in Barcelona, very windy there but impressive buildings though the famous cathedral was shrouded in scaffolding so not looking at it's best. From there it was on to Valencia, where I was keen to see the site of the Spanish Grand Prix which runs all round the port area where we were moored. Th sold town is particularly impressive, fine buildings and good restaurants too.
Up to Gibraltar next on December 29 where we met up with our friends from Spain, Vivianne and Tony for a pleasant lunch in one of the local pubs.
For New Years Eve we were scheduled to be in Madiera and our Captain got us there late afternoon in time for the splendid fireworks at midnight which followed a masked ball on board. Weather was very pleasant too, despite the news from England of torrential rain, floods and gales.
This only caught up with us when we arrived at our next port Lisbon. Portugal was just catching the tail end of the storms further north and as a consequence the Captain decided it would be too rough for us to sail northwards to A Coruna, our next scheduled port. So we were stuck there in Lisbon for four days until it was safe to cruise back toSouthampton, where the dear old Saga Ruby was signed off. She is set to sail to the far east where she will become a floating hotel.
We have many happy memories as it was thought our first cruise on her, to celebrate my 70th birthday that we were hooked into lecturing on subsequent cruses. So thank you Ruby for getting us started.
Now click on "Cruise Photos" tab to see some of the pictures we took on that trip.
"In Search of the Northern Lights" on Boudicca
February 7 to 21 2014
So there we were all set to go to Southampton to join our ship when we heard the news that its arrival was delayed due to all the severe storms the UK had been experiencing for the last month. Eventually we set sail, a day late, across a surprisingly smooth English channel heading NE towards Norway. The wind was behind us so it didn't upset our journey too much. This was much to Sue's relief as she had to start presenting her talks about our various destinations.
Her talks were very well attended, full house every time and she did a great job, with lots of very interesting stories about what went on in Norway during the Second World War. It was the first time we had both been onboard as lecturers and I did my entertainment ones which also seemed to be appreciated by the passengers.
Our first stop was Molde, all these ports are quite quiet little towns with some ice but less snow then they normally expect at t his time of the year. We were lucky enough to have made good friends with the Tour Manager so she made sure we were given the opportunity to escort parties of passengers on the many excisions on offer. Thus we had some good trips to very interesting places.
The scenery was spectacular as you can see by clicking on the "Cruise Photos" tab at the top of this section. We really enjoyed the cruise northwards as the ship sailed very close to the shore and in order not to miss any of it we sat on deck for most of the day, supping a hot chocolate as the splendid views were unveiled, the "Seven Sisters" range and the "Hole in the Mountain" and so on.
When we crossed the Arctic Circle the Captain broke out free ice creams for everyone as we sailed past the special monument which marks the point of entry.
As we progressed Northwards is became colder but there was still a noticeable shortage of snow. It was rumoured that the expedition to go dog sledging might have to be cancelled du to lack of white stuff. In fact it was alright and Sue had a great time with the huskies as you can see.
When we got to Alta, the northernmost point on the cruise I went on a trip to Hammerfest, this is the most northerly town in the world. Having been to the southernmost one Punta Arenas in Chile to was interesting to see the one at the opposite end of the world. Not dissimilar in fact, a touch of the wild west about these remote places where everyone has to wrap up against the cold and face several months without seeing the sun at all in the middle of winter. Again the scenery on the two and a half hour coach ride to Hammerfest was stunning including a drive across the Finsmarkvide Plateau, a big contrast to the mountains seen lower down,
What about the Aurora Borealus? Well we did get to see it eventually, having spent two nights sitting out half frozen under the moonlit skies. The idea of these excursions is to bus people away from any light pollution in order to have the best chance of seeing the lights.
The first time we were there from 8pm to nearly 1 in the morning and the lights didn't show until 11.45 ! Luckily the organisers supplied lots of hot chocolate and big log fires inside the Sami People's Wig Wams.
The second excursion was even worse in that soon after we arrived the skies clouded over and we sat until midnight with no view at all, very disappointing!
We trooped back to the ship, somewhat depressed, and the very next evening just as were were about to sit down for dinner there was the most wonderful display, clearly visible from the promenade deck of the ship. The crew turned off the local lights too which made them even more visible. So eventually everyone who wished to did see the display.
I was a lovely trip, Sue and I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the opportunity to see the country again in the summer when we are booked on a Saga cruise back there, Something else to look forward to, now please scroll up and click on "Cruise Photos".
The Last Cruise of the Saga Ruby
December 21 to January 10 2014
Over Christmas we were lucky enough to be invited to speak on the last ever cruise of the Sag Ruby. This was to have been a cruise around the Caribbean but three days before we were due to fly out to join the ship we had message to say we were off to Naples. It seems the poor old ship was getting near the end of her life and one of the generators had packed up and there was insufficient power to run appropriate air conditioning for the Caribbean climate. A hasty decision by Saga management resulted in a replanted itinerary around the Med. Personally Sue and I were not unhappy in that we didn't have to cross the Atlantic in Winter and we went to some very nice places and the weather turned out generally to be better there than it was in the Caribbean.
So having left Naples in warm sunshine we cruised up to Civitavwchia, th local port for Rome. We caught the train in and were lucky enough to tour St Peters and see the Pope giving his Christmas message as well as having a walk around the city looking at the local markets where Sue bought a Prada Hand bag very cheaply.
Next stop was Livorno for Pisa where we had a god look around the leaning tower and local cathedral, again good warm weather.
Continuing northwards it was Monte Carlo next, a few showers but plenty of bling everywhere. Sue managed to photograph a dog with bejewelled coat in the imitation snow outside the casino on Christmas Eve.
We were at sea for Christmas day sailing across the Med in a westerly direction but the Saga staff pull rout all the stops to make it a truly memorable day as you can see from the photos below.
Our next stop on December 26 was in Barcelona, very windy there but impressive buildings though the famous cathedral was shrouded in scaffolding so not looking at it's best. From there it was on to Valencia, where I was keen to see the site of the Spanish Grand Prix which runs all round the port area where we were moored. Th sold town is particularly impressive, fine buildings and good restaurants too.
Up to Gibraltar next on December 29 where we met up with our friends from Spain, Vivianne and Tony for a pleasant lunch in one of the local pubs.
For New Years Eve we were scheduled to be in Madiera and our Captain got us there late afternoon in time for the splendid fireworks at midnight which followed a masked ball on board. Weather was very pleasant too, despite the news from England of torrential rain, floods and gales.
This only caught up with us when we arrived at our next port Lisbon. Portugal was just catching the tail end of the storms further north and as a consequence the Captain decided it would be too rough for us to sail northwards to A Coruna, our next scheduled port. So we were stuck there in Lisbon for four days until it was safe to cruise back toSouthampton, where the dear old Saga Ruby was signed off. She is set to sail to the far east where she will become a floating hotel.
We have many happy memories as it was thought our first cruise on her, to celebrate my 70th birthday that we were hooked into lecturing on subsequent cruses. So thank you Ruby for getting us started.
Now click on "Cruise Photos" tab to see some of the pictures we took on that trip.
"In Search of the Northern Lights" on Boudicca
February 7 to 21 2014
So there we were all set to go to Southampton to join our ship when we heard the news that its arrival was delayed due to all the severe storms the UK had been experiencing for the last month. Eventually we set sail, a day late, across a surprisingly smooth English channel heading NE towards Norway. The wind was behind us so it didn't upset our journey too much. This was much to Sue's relief as she had to start presenting her talks about our various destinations.
Her talks were very well attended, full house every time and she did a great job, with lots of very interesting stories about what went on in Norway during the Second World War. It was the first time we had both been onboard as lecturers and I did my entertainment ones which also seemed to be appreciated by the passengers.
Our first stop was Molde, all these ports are quite quiet little towns with some ice but less snow then they normally expect at t his time of the year. We were lucky enough to have made good friends with the Tour Manager so she made sure we were given the opportunity to escort parties of passengers on the many excisions on offer. Thus we had some good trips to very interesting places.
The scenery was spectacular as you can see by clicking on the "Cruise Photos" tab at the top of this section. We really enjoyed the cruise northwards as the ship sailed very close to the shore and in order not to miss any of it we sat on deck for most of the day, supping a hot chocolate as the splendid views were unveiled, the "Seven Sisters" range and the "Hole in the Mountain" and so on.
When we crossed the Arctic Circle the Captain broke out free ice creams for everyone as we sailed past the special monument which marks the point of entry.
As we progressed Northwards is became colder but there was still a noticeable shortage of snow. It was rumoured that the expedition to go dog sledging might have to be cancelled du to lack of white stuff. In fact it was alright and Sue had a great time with the huskies as you can see.
When we got to Alta, the northernmost point on the cruise I went on a trip to Hammerfest, this is the most northerly town in the world. Having been to the southernmost one Punta Arenas in Chile to was interesting to see the one at the opposite end of the world. Not dissimilar in fact, a touch of the wild west about these remote places where everyone has to wrap up against the cold and face several months without seeing the sun at all in the middle of winter. Again the scenery on the two and a half hour coach ride to Hammerfest was stunning including a drive across the Finsmarkvide Plateau, a big contrast to the mountains seen lower down,
What about the Aurora Borealus? Well we did get to see it eventually, having spent two nights sitting out half frozen under the moonlit skies. The idea of these excursions is to bus people away from any light pollution in order to have the best chance of seeing the lights.
The first time we were there from 8pm to nearly 1 in the morning and the lights didn't show until 11.45 ! Luckily the organisers supplied lots of hot chocolate and big log fires inside the Sami People's Wig Wams.
The second excursion was even worse in that soon after we arrived the skies clouded over and we sat until midnight with no view at all, very disappointing!
We trooped back to the ship, somewhat depressed, and the very next evening just as were were about to sit down for dinner there was the most wonderful display, clearly visible from the promenade deck of the ship. The crew turned off the local lights too which made them even more visible. So eventually everyone who wished to did see the display.
I was a lovely trip, Sue and I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the opportunity to see the country again in the summer when we are booked on a Saga cruise back there, Something else to look forward to, now please scroll up and click on "Cruise Photos".
