Scrapbook 3: This is England—or what Telstar might have shown

This is England—or what Telstar might have shown

By Rosemary McLellan

BRITAIN planned to flash the first live programme to America by Telstar last night.

Typically British scenes were chosen—scenes agreed upon by the BBC and ITV as symbolising Britain in 1962 in this historic programme.

But what does symbolise Britain?

What do some of Britain’s best known household names think should have symbolised Britain last night?

I asked. And here are the results.

First, we sought the thoughts of a duke: THE DUKE OF BEDFORD.

“Look, the Americans don’t think of us as a scientific nation. They think we’re historic and quaint,” he said.

“First, I’d have shown them Woburn Abbey and me,” he said modestly.

“THEN I’d show them the Queen at home at Windsor Castle.

“THEN I’d show them Sir Winston Churchill in bed. Sir Winston is Britain.

“THEN I’d show them a typical English village—perhaps Broadway—and naturally the dart-playing scene in the local pub.

“And lastly I’d show them the Trooping the Colour.

JOYCE GRENFELL, the most English, and among the most delightful, of all our British actresses was the next choice.

“I would try to show that although Britain may be an old country she’s got young talent.

“We should have shown the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts.

“Here you have something that has been going on for years, but look at all the young people who go.

“Then I’d go to Stratford-upon-Avon and show what young talent we have.

“And finally I’d show how Britain is developing its nuclear power for peaceful purposes.”

On to LORD BOOTHBY, Britain’s most British politician.

“Britain can best be symbolised by showing the Coronation. Emphasise the Coronation. This is Britain,” said Lord Boothby.

“Then show the Derby.

“But you must give the history and pageantry of our country.”

And what about BARBARA CARTLAND, Britain’s upper-class, women’s author—and the mother of Lady Lewisham.

“We’ll start with the Changing of the Guard. After all . . . you MUST.

“Then the Twist. You realise that everyone, old and young, are doing it, even on the most formal occasions. It quite astonishes me.”

“And then there are the sky-scrapers.

“They’re everywhere—Hackney, for example. They should be shown.”

NUBAR GULBENKIAN, the flamboyant, orchid-loving multi-millionaire, said:

“You must show that Britain has a past, a present and a future . . . and a darned sight longer past than America.

“The Houses of Parliament symbolise Britain.

“So does the Cup Final.

“And I’d like to see some of the newer industries of Britain shown to America.

“Make the Americans see that Britain isn’t just old, it’s new as well.”

From this brief survey it’s obvious that no one has the same idea of how to symbolise Britain.

Perhaps, even with Telstar, the tourist’s will still have to see for themselves.