The Reunion/radio 4

Yesterday was the last in the Reunion series presented by Sue MacGregor.

I have written before how much I enjoy it.

A group gather before Sue MacGregor and remember a past event in which they were all involved.

Yesterday’s topic was the young girl singers of the sixties: the contributors were Petula Clark – who incredibly started her career in the 40s, Sandie Shaw, Jackie Trent, Helen Shapiro and Vicky Wickham, who produced Ready Steady Go and then managed Patti Labelle and Dusty Springfield.

It was not the best I have heard as the group knew of, rather than knew, each other.

There was also a lack of warmth.

For example, when Sandie  Shaw spoke of the financial strains she incurred after the bankruptcy of her husband Jeff Banks, one of the group could not resist a brusque  remark.

Sue MacGregor sets the scene for each programme with a masterly three minute intro and then poses the right questions, not being afraid to probe where necessary   She s the type of experienced broadcaster that is rare to find in the BBC these days

The programme works better when there is a distinct event, for instance the handover of Hong Kong, or a group of ninety-somethings recalling their roles in the French resistance.

The latter was of historical importance in understanding Charles de Gaulle.

He came to London in 1940 with no money or status but still appointed himself as head of the conquered nation.

He was a pain in the arse to Churchill and the Allies. He neither showed much gratitude to the Allies, nor the Resistance, but his patriotism by one in the SOE was grudgingly conceded, although he said he was regarded as a traitor.

You can pick your choice here: RADIO 4 – THE REUNION