Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
Foreign Secretary described as a good man in a blizzard, one of the most decent and well-liked men in British politics.
On the island
Eight records
Well, it has to be something from that background. Callon Laun, sung by the Triorke male choir. Difficult to choose which one of the famous hymn tunes one would have.
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
The second choice is Rachmaninoff's second piano concerto. One can take almost any part of it. I've chosen the end of the concerto.
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra
A marvellously professional piece of music.
I'm choosing a number by the Beatles because they were very much part of the flavour of life on Merseyside at that time. It was a time when Merseyside was confident and seeming to do better.
Partly because I've always admired professionalism and I think that Cliff Richard is a very good example of professionalism that has survived changing conditions with remarkable skill and tenacity.
The Magic Flute (Papageno/Papagena Duet)
Well, one to illustrate, I think, one of my favourite leisure pastimes, opera, my wife and I go to a lot whenever we have the chance, from the magic flute. The Papageno Duet.
It's a strange record made by A Miss Beatrice Harrison. playing the cello herself alongside a nightingale, a piece of music by Vorjak.
Well, it's Noel Card, with a record that reminds me of at least some of the places I've visited during the last few years. where Englishmen as well as Welshmen and Scotsmen have made something of a role for Britain round the world.
In conversation
Presenter asks
0:52Did music play a big part in your life [growing up in Wales]?
It always has, yes, but as a listener rather than a performer … music is an inescapable part of the background of a Welshman.
Presenter asks
4:38What was it about politics that first fascinated you?
Well, I suppose that when I first went away to boarding school to Winchester, one became interested in the life of the house … and I found myself irresistibly drawn into trying to organize things. And a politician I suppose is by definition, for those who don't like him, a busybody. For himself, he's someone who cares about the society in which he lives.
Presenter asks
12:12What kind of an experience was [fighting Aberavon twice] for the young politician?
Great fun, actually, because one was fighting in one's home territory. Virtually all the people around met … most of them were friends of myself, my family. So it was a good way in which to earn one's political spurs.
Presenter asks
The keepsakes
The book
Uh partly'cause it'll give me something nice to think about, and partly'cause it might give me some ideas as to what I'm else to eat.
The luxury
Computer bridge game with solar battery
A computer bridge game, if I'm allowed that. If I'm allowed the solar battery to make it work.
What were the qualities of Ted Heath?
I think the determination … he was committed with great passion. And I think it was a great misfortune that the oil price changes were followed by the minor strike, which dislodged that government, which was doing many things right.
Presenter asks
19:07What are [Margaret Thatcher's] qualities?
I think the first thing is the one that everyone is familiar with. tenacity, the determination, the qualities that led to her being dubbed the Iron Lady. A terrific insight and toughness. But alongside that, what people don't as readily appreciate, an immense humanity as well
Presenter asks
27:02What perspective of Britain do you have when you get back [from travelling abroad]?
I think most often one is most struck by the greenness of Britain. There's so much fish in almost any other country. and also, I suppose, by the immense diversity of our history.
“A politician I suppose is by definition, for those who don't like him, a busybody. For himself, he's someone who cares about the society in which he lives.”
“I felt I had to try and convince the labor majority of my fellow countrymen that Tories were not born with horns and tails and cloven hooves, and that I think has been part of my mission ever since.”
“I think that a lot of leadership, particularly in today's society, can be advanced by being human and approachable and calm and not too melodramatic.”