PROBUS Tour of the Television Centre for 29th April 2009.

Report of VISIT TO BBC TELEVISION STUDIES- 29™ APRIL 2009

A memorable day for the Probus Club of Ewell.  Although we were a small party it was a very interesting experience. We had two guides who commenced with a visit to the BBC Newsroom.

This was very enlightening and informative as we were able to see 'behind the scenes' as to how the News is prepared and the teams work. A certain amount of the news is prepared ahead of time, such as when the Queen or principle leaders are visiting an event. When an unscheduled event has happened then all teams have to work to get Interviewers etc to the situation.  

The BBC World news has also a large team of reporters. Other interesting points: we visited the Blue Peter garden (left). It has a fish pond, totem pole and a small vegetable plot and lawn. These are all very small but on TV they give a much larger appearance.   Occasionally, the Weather forecast is presented from this garden. We were also shown how the Weather forecast is presented and prepared by the Meteorologist. We had an experience of standing before the Weather Map and David Wood gave us an off-the-cuff Weather report. We also went to a large Studio where they record "Come Dancing" and other Comedy shows. 

After each show the Props are removed and the seating is completely collapsed which fold up into a frame. The floor is then cleaned and polished for the next event. On our tour we visited a Dressing Room and our guide explained how the Celebrities make some unusual requests.

Such as, Paul McCartney who is a vegetarian would not use a dressing room that had leather and suede covered furniture. Some celebrities order bottles of wine and goodies, which the BBC does not fund. Reasonable requests are provided, such as fruit, glass of wine and sandwiches.

We finally ended the tour with a visit to a Studio where one of the group was asked if he would like to read the news etc, etc. This is done by a screen in front of the desk from which he reads
 

Finally we had a go at the popular BBC television quiz game for which David and Pamela Staples and Margaret Ball volunteered and Margaret won a BBC Mug.

It was a very enjoyable visit.

Ken Robinson

Tour time: 11 am. Group of 20 and the maximum number is 22. The cost per person £7.50 and payment and confirmation of numbers attending must be with the BBC 14 days prior to the visit. 

The underground is very convenient go to White City on the Central line and from there it is a short walk.

Getting there

BBC Television Centre, Wood Lane, London W12 7RJ  

	Underground - White City (Central line) and Wood Lane (Hammersmith & City line) are opposite.
	Bus - Routes 72, 95, 220 and 272 stop outside.
	Car parking - there is metered parking in nearby side streets and extensive car parking in the
	Westfield Centre on Wood Lane; also an NCP car park off Rockley Road, Shepherd's Bush.

 

More information on this website. http://www.bbc.co.uk/tours/

 

BBC Television Centre

On the award-winning tour of BBC Television Centre you will see what happens inside the most famous TV headquarters in the world!

You are likely to see into studios, visit BBC News, take a peek into a dressing-room and have a play in our interactive studio!

The BBC team of well-informed guides will show you around the centre, making sure you see the most entertaining areas available. Your tour will last between one and a half and two hours.

Please note that Television Centre is a working building so no two tours are ever the same.

 

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