14 Jan 1926 - 29 Apr 2014
Victor Gwent Poole was born on 14 January 1926. His was a difficult birth, hence his Christian names, the first being the name of the gynaecologist and the second the name of the hospital.
Having promisingly gained a scholarship to Newport Grammar School, financial constraints denied him a university place. His redemption was National Service when, in 1945, he secured a posting to Ceylon as an announcer with the forces radio station broadcasting to South Eat Asia. Victor returned to the UK in 1948, approached the BBC and so began a career lasting 38 years.
The first 10 years were spent in radio, then in 1958 he transferred to television as a production assistant, progressing to Senior Producer (Arts) in the Further Education Department.
There, he pioneered many innovations including “The Parkers at Saltram 1769-89”, the first drama series ever to be recorded on location by the Bristol based Outside Broadcast Unit, normally used for only wildlife and sport.
Next came “Bess of Hardwick”, then “The Case of Eliza Armstrong: a child bought for £5”; and “A Life of Mozart”, based entirely on contemporaneous correspondence.
There was also series with the personality cook Fanny Cradock, programmes about acting, painting, drawing, singing, playing the guitar, the structure of an orchestra and many more including the series “Shakespeare in Perspective”, individual introductions to all 37 of his plays presented by eminent figures from the world of academia.
Victor retired in 1986 and, having been fortunate to discover Pear Tree Cottage in Maugersbury in 1974, spent the following years with Tony, his Partner of 47 years, happily commuting to and from London. He died peacefully there on April 29 2014 and his memorial plaque is in Stow Churchyard.