A volume of the reminiscences of Teleri Bevan in her long and successful career as a broadcaster, producer and chief administrator with BBC Wales, 1955-90, comprising a glimpse of Welsh culture, politics and economics, together with accounts of world-wide travels. 17 black-and-white illustrations.

Cyfrol o atgofion Teleri Bevan yn ystod ei gyrfa hir a llwyddiannus yn ddarlledwaraig, cynhyrchydd a phrif weinyddydd BBC Wales, 1955-90, yn cynnwys golwg ar ddiwylliant, gwleidyddiaeth ac economi Cymru, ynghyd â hanesion am deithiau byd-eang. 17 llun du-a-gwyn.

Teleri Bevan enjoyed a long and successful career with the BBC in Wales. In her time she has been an accomplished interviewer, a producer, editor and manager. In this memoir she writes of the various stages of her working life culminating in her appointment as Head of Programmes from which she retired in 1991.

It seems to me that those who may be tempted to read the book may well be those of an older generation, like myself, who can recall the radio personalities of the 'fifties and 'sixties: Nan Davies, Mai Jones, Hywel Davies, T. Glynne Davies, Emrys Cleaver and Morfudd Mason Lewis. These are names to conjure with and it was good to be reminded of them again.

Bevan was the last media person to interview Indira Ghandi, just six months before she was murdered:

‘Now, Mrs Ghandi, fach,’ exclaimed John Watkins the producer, ‘you’ll be all right with us. Teleri and I come from Cardiganshire.’
‘How kind,’ responded the Prime Minister gracefully.

On a visit to Tom Jones at his Hollywood mansion, Bevan seems to have been in awe. She describes his ‘gold chain and medallion glinting in the Californian afternoon sun, on a chest of rippling muscles’. I was not impressed, but I have never been a Tom Jones fan so I would say that, wouldn’t I?

One of the strongest impressions which emerges of the author is of a strong minded and very innovative person who enjoyed a warm working relationship with colleagues. Inevitably, parts of the book are concerned with the internal workings of the Beeb and it is to the author’s credit that she is even able to make these interesting. As well as her working life, Teleri Bevan focuses on various aspects of her private life, including the breakdown of her marriage and having to face up to a diagnosis of cancer.

Dewi Roberts

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.