For the past couple of weeks I have spent a lot of time researching my family history. The most interesting character is my Great Grandfather Walter Barnes. I can remember him, I think he died when I was about 5. His big black hat and pipe stuck in my mind.
He was a deep sea fisherman in the days of sailing trawlers but in later life became a contributor to BBC radio. He appeared on several programs in the 1930’s and 40’s including “Children’s Hour” , “Dialect Spelling Bee”, “West From Bristol” and “Western Magazine” Some of these programs were also broadcast to the USA and he had a telegram from Eleanor Roosevelt concerning one of his broadcasts. Unfortunately a prospective biographer made off with this and other documents, writings and stories, never to be seen again.
There was a
radio dramatization of his life story broadcast in 1938 with members of the extended family playing most of the parts. My Father still has his copy of the script annotated with his notes. I have now scanned this document which quite a social history and a history of the fishing industry.
I have made contact with the BBC Genome site and hope to make a few updates to their records, such as the full cast list. I believe family members contacted the BBC years ago and were told there were no recordings in existence. So I am scheming and wondering what I can do to being this to life. Recently the local Heritage Fleet of restored sailing trawlers has grown significantly and there should be plenty of interested parties - Watch this space.