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Enid Blyton and the BBC | Revealing the writer's troubled relationship with the BBC
About this collection
Enid Blyton's relationship with the BBC began in 1936 when her first husband asked the then Director General, John Reith, to help her to make a radio appearance. However, despite this help from the top there aren't any known BBC recordings of her until some 25 years later.
In this collection, letters from Blyton herself and internal BBC documents tell the story of Blyton's battles with the BBC and how her determination to broadcast on the BBC was rebuffed.
Features
- Memo from BBC Schools Department.
Memo from BBC Schools Department.
A recommendation for a change in policy regarding Enid Blyton.
- Letter from Enid Blyton to 'Woman's Hour'.
Letter from Enid Blyton to 'Woman's Hour'.
- Enid Blyton writes to Sir John Reith.
Enid Blyton writes to Sir John Reith.
The children's author tells the BBC Director General her 'story so far'.
- Letter from Enid Blyton to Lionel Gamlin.
Letter from Enid Blyton to Lionel Gamlin.
Enid Blyton and the BBC Collection
Letter from Enid Blyton to Head of BBC Programmes.
The children's author pitches ideas for a radio broadcast.
Enid Blyton's husband writes to the BBC Director General.
Hugh Pollock drops a line to Sir John Reith on behalf of his wife.
Sir John Reith replies to Hugh Pollock's letter.
The BBC Director General offers to help Enid Blyton.
Enid Blyton writes to Sir John Reith.
The children's author tells the BBC Director General her 'story so far'.
Internal Memo from Schools Department about Enid Blyton.
The work of Enid Blyton receives a critical review.
Letter from Enid Blyton to 'Children's Hour' director.
The children's author tries again to work for the BBC.
Internal memo reviews an Enid Blyton story.
It's thumbs down for 'The Monkey and the Barrel-Organ'.
Letter from Enid Blyton to Rev JW Welch.
A presenter of BBC religious programme learns of Blyton's thoughts on 'Christian training'.
Reply from Rev JW Welch to Enid Blyton.
A BBC broadcaster asks the children's author for ideas.
Enid Blyton replies to Rev JW Welch.
The writer reveals the difficulties of adapting the Bible for children.
Letter from Enid Blyton to 'Woman's Hour'.
The 'children's heroine' chooses not to talk to adults.
Introductory Letter from Lionel Gamlin to Enid Blyton.
A BBC producer tries to arrange an interview with celebrated children's author.
Letter from Enid Blyton to Lionel Gamlin.
Enid writes to a BBC producer with surprising news.
A diplomatic response from Lionel Gamlin.
BBC producer Lionel Gamlin doesn't confirm or deny a Blyton ban.
Blyton sets Mr Gamlin straight.
Blyton lets Lionel Gamlin know that she didn't jump but was pushed.
Internal Memo from Derek McCulloch to Lionel Gamlin.
Head of BBC 'Children's Hour' confirms the existence of Blyton ban.
Enid Blyton writes about her fan mail.
The author outlines her busy life to BBC producer.
Memo from Janet Quigley to Jean Sutcliffe.
The 'Woman's Hour' editor asks a Schools expert about Enid Blyton.
Memo from BBC Schools Department.
Jean Sutcliffe explains the policy regarding Enid Blyton.
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