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A country singer, a Labour Party General Secretary, a film star, a cellist and a co-housing campaigner

Matthew Bannister on country star George Jones, Labour Party general secretary Jim Mortimer, film star Deanna Durbin, cellist Janos Starker and co-housing campaigner Sarah Berger.

Matthew Bannister on

The country singer George Jones whose turbulent life of divorce and drunkenness matched the subject matter of many of his songs. Hank Wangford pays tribute.

Jim Mortimer who was General Secretary of the Labour Party during the troubled 1980s and the first chair of the conciliation service ACAS during the industrial strife of the 70s.

Deanna Durbin, the film star known as "America's perfect daughter" who retired from the public eye when she grew out of the role.

Sarah Berger who was a leading campaigner for the British co-housing movement.

And the Hungarian cellist Janos Starker - Steven Isserlis shares his memories.

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28 minutes

George Jones

Matthew spoke to English country and western songwriter Hank Wangford.

Born 12 September 1931; died 26 April 2013 aged 81.

Jim Mortimer

Last Word spoke to the Labour politician Dennis Skinner and to John Taylor, former CEO of ACAS.

Born 12 January 1921; died 23 April 2013 aged 92.

Deanna Durbin

Last Word spoke to film critic Karen Krizanovich.

Born 4 December 1921; died 20 April 2013 aged 91.

Sarah Berger

Last Word spoke to her friend Vivienne Barton, her son Jake Berger and to fellow co-housing pioneer Melanie Nock.

Born 25 August 1943; died 23 March 2013 aged 69.

J谩nos Starker

Matthew spoke to his friend, the British cellist Steven Isserlis.

Born 8 July 1924; died 28 April 2013 aged 88.

Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Laura Northedge
Presenter Matthew Bannister
Interviewed Guest Hank Wangford
Editor Philip Sellars

Broadcasts

  • Fri 3 May 2013 16:00
  • Sun 5 May 2013 20:30

Podcast