Step 'Outside the Box' and into the Tardis
NSSAW Television Day and Annual Lecture'The Professionals', 'A55', 'Doctor Who' - the renowned television director Pennant Roberts will be re-visiting the 'Golden Age' of these classic programmes during The National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales 'Television Day and Annual Lecture' which will be held at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre on 26 February 2003. Iain Tweedale, from BBC Wales New Media department will also be joining the Archive to step into the 'Tardis' for a journey through the history - and into the future - of television as a medium.
The Archive, now located at The National Library in Aberystwyth, is responsible for safeguarding and commemorating the sound and moving image heritage of Wales in all it's varied formats, and whilst the Archive hits the road to celebrate the rich film heritage in it's care this winter - with a 'Classic Reels on Wheels' film tour - this day's event in Aberystwyth will see the focus shift to another medium that forms a large part of the collection, and in all our lives, - television.
A full day of activities will give students, industry representatives and members of the public an opportunity to step 'Outside the Box', and to take a fresh look, from new and different perspectives, at the history of the development of television in Wales - and beyond. The day's activities begin, and end, in the company of Pennant Roberts - who will be taking part in a Q&A session in the Arts Centre Cinema from 2.00pm. Throughout the day the Arts Centre will be a hive of media activity, but there will also be an opportunity to escape to The National Library and be amongst the first to visit the Archive's new offices, which were opened officially to the public in January. The services, which include state of the art viewing and listening facilities and screen and sound jukeboxes, have already made quite an impression on students and readers.
The Archive's collection continues to grow and develop every day, and Iain Tweedale, Editor with BBC Wales New Media, will examine some of the far-reaching changes currently taking place in this ever-advancing world. In contrast, the highlight of the day will be the Archive's Annual Lecture, presented this year by Pennant Roberts, who will be re-visiting 'The Golden Age of Television' from his own personal perspective as an acclaimed and experienced director of programmes such as 'A55' and 'Teulu'r Mans' for S4C and 'The Professionals', 'Doomwatch', the 'Snow Spider' trilogy and 'Doctor Who'. Who better to guide the 'Tardis' through the history of the development of the medium?
A buffet and drinks reception, sponsored by Aberystwyth University and the Thomson Foundation will be held, for everyone attending the evening lecture, in the Arts Centre bar from 6.30 onwards. Free tickets for any of the day's activities - including the evening lecture and reception - or for the full day, can be booked by contacting the Arts Centre Box Office on 01970 623232.
HAVE ALL DALEKS BEEN EXTERMINATED?
The NSSAW has been looking for 'props' from popular cult TV programme 'Doctor Who', including the series' famous 'Daleks', to take part and help to steward the day. Despite rumours that Daleks can be found wandering the corridors of The National Library, exterminating noisy and unruly Readers, the Archive has failed to find a Dalek in the Aberystwyth area that wishes to take participate in the event. If there is a Dalek sitting in your attic, or if you know of a group of Daleks in your area - contact the Archive immediately on 01970 632535.Mari Stevens
Access Officer
10.02.2003