Matthew Bannistertells the life stories of people who have died recently: Sharat Sardana, Rose Davis, Hans Beck and Bob Doyle.
Sharat Sardana Comedy writer who has died aged 40
Sharat Sardana was one of the key writers behind the pioneering comedies “Goodness Gracious Me” and “The Kumars at Number 42”. He drew on his own family to create memorable characters like the man who believes that everything originates from India and The Kapoors, an Indian family so Anglicised that they want to be known as the Coopers.
Matthew Bannister talks to comedy producer Anil Gupta and co-writer and childhood friend Richard Pinto.
Sharat Sardana was born August 20 1968 and died January 27 2009.
Rose Davis
Campaigner who has died aged 67
“George Davis is Innocent OK?” graffiti appeared across the UK in 1975. It was a symbol of an energetic and high profile campaign to secure the release of George Davis who was serving a long prison sentence for a violent armed robbery. His wife – Rose Dean Davis - believed passionately that her husband had been wrongly convicted. She became the tireless figurehead for the campaign, making regular appearances on TV whilst others carried out high profile stunts like digging up the wicket at Headingly Cricket ground on the eve of the final Ashes Test between England and Australia. But eighteen months after his release, George was caught red handed taking part in an armed robbery at the Bank of Cyprus in North London.
Matthew Bannister talks to Rose Davis’ son Rick Davis and Paul Woods, who helped Rose to write her autobiography: “The Wars of Rosie.”
Rose Davis was born 19 May 1941 and died 31 January 2009.
Hans Beck Toy designer who has died aged 79
Hans Beck was a furniture maker and model enthusiast who invented the successful children’s toy Playmobil. The little figures with clip on clothes, moveable arms and legs and removable hair, were an instant success when they were first marketed thirty five years ago. Hans Beck was working for a German toy firm in the 1970s when an oil crisis caused the cost of raw materials to rocket. To use less plastic, Beck came up with a miniature toy system. The figures were just 7.5 centimetres tall and were designed to appeal equally to boys and girls.
Matthew Bannister talks to toy historian Deborah Jaffe and to Geobra Brandstatter Chief Executive Andrea Schauer.
Hans Beck was born May 6 1929 and died 4 February 2009.
Bob Doyle Political activist who has died aged 92
Bob Doyle was a lifelong rebel with many causes. Born in Ireland, he was brought up in the harsh regime of a Catholic orphanage run by nuns. As a young man Bob joined the IRA for a time and then fought with the anti-Franco International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. On his return, he moved to London and became a print worker and activist in the union SOGAT. In 1993 he made a video diary film for the ѿý about his time in Spain.
Matthew Bannister talks to Bob Doyle’s son Robert Doyle and to television producer Karen Hamilton.
Bob Doyle was born February 12 1916 and died 22 January 2009.
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