Plea to find site of BBC studios on Broad Street
ORGANISERS of Birmingham’s Walk of Stars are looking for anyone who knows precisely where the former BBC studios site was on Broad Street in order to help them place the next of the street’s famous paving stones.
Leamington-Spa-based 84-year-old actor Norman Painting, who has played Philip Archer on the hit Radio 4 series since its early days, will be unveiled as the next star of the Golden Mile on September 12.
Ahead of the event organisers are trying to locate the exact Broad Street site of the BBC studios where The Archers was originally recorded when it first hit the airwaves in May 1950, so that it can be the site of the next star.
Caroline Ashton, from the Broad Street Business Improvement District, said: “Here at the BID we’ve searched on Google, Wikipedia and even asked Jeeves, but with no luck so far. All we know is that the studios were above a car showroom.
“Now we’re asking the public to help us. Back in 1950 where on Broad Street were the BBC studios?
“Are you someone who worked for the BBC in the studios on Broad Street? Did you buy a car from the showroom? Did you work for the car showroom? If so, then you can help us.”
Lifelong Brummie, Deputy Lord Mayor Randal Brew, himself a keen Archers fan, is also mystified over the exact location of the BBC on Broad Street.
“I can say with some certainty it was more towards the town end than Five Ways, but things have changed so much over the years I can’t pinpoint the exact location,” he said.“From an historical point of view we do need to get the stars in the right location. Perhaps the good citizens of Birmingham can help out?”
If anyone can help they can call Caroline Ashton on 0121 693 2566.
Rocker Ozzy Osbourne, commentator Murray Walker, comedian Jasper Carrott and Slade star Noddy Holder were the first four people to grace the city’s most famous stretch of pavement.
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