Programme One:  28.31
First broadcast, 1 December 1984.

J P Simpkiss & Son Ltd, Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill.  Interviews with Managing Director Jonathan Simpkiss and Mrs Vera Simpkiss, Head Brewer John Simmonds, ex-Head Brewer Frank Riley, and Deputy Brewer Brian Bradley.  Retired landlady Mrs Emily Whittaker, Potter’s Arms.  Smith & Williams Brewery Supervisor Roy Smith.  Home Brewery, Quarry Bank, Dolly Proctor, daughter of the old Head Brewer William Proctor.

Managing Director Jonathan Simpkiss received an offer from Greenall Whitley for the Dennis Brewery and fifteen public houses worth 1.9 million in cash and shares.  He immediately accepted and the brewery ceased trading on Friday, 5 July 1985. Simpkiss Bitter and Mild were removed from the vats and poured down the drain. The final act of vandalism was the demolition of the brewery a few months later

Johnson & Phipps, Wolverhampton.

Music:

‘I Likes a Drop of Good Beer’

‘The British Toper’

‘Ale, Ale, Glorious Ale’

Programme Two:  28.38

First broadcast 7 January 1982

A ROUND OF ALE

Interviews were recorded with –

Robin Thompson, Chairman and Managing Director of Ansells Brewery Ltd.

Charles Darby, Chairman of Bass/M&B, Cape Hill, Birmingham.

Tony Munser, Director, Davenports, Bath Row, Birmingham.

‘Teddy’ Thompson, Chairman, Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries Ltd.

Trevor Pratt, Head Brewer J P Simpkiss & Son Ltd, Brierley Hill.

Edwin Holden, Managing Director Holden’s Brewery Ltd.

Arthur Batham, Director, Daniel Batham & Son Ltd, Delph, Brierley Hill.

George Cooksey, Brewer, Ma Pardoes, Netherton.  This historic pub is now brewing again on the old premises.  February, 2001.

Music:

‘I Likes a Drop of Good Beer’

‘The British Toper’