BBC Trip

Members managed to get up close and personal with the nation's favour­ite television shows when they took part in a backstage tour of BBC Television Cen­tre. Their trip to the studios in White City, west London, was led by an experienced tour guide.The lucky visitors got to see how the news is broad­cast and visited the studios where many classic shows, including Blue Peter, Blackadder and Only Fools and Horses have been made.One of the highlights of the day last month, was in­specting the Tardis from Doctor Who. Other members had the opportunity to present a mock weather re­port.The group also created a short news broadcast and some took part in a game show based on The Weakest Link.Group member Terry Lit­tle said: "This was the first opportunity I've had to go to the BBC studios. I liked learning how the shows are produced behind the scenes and seeing the high-tech equipment used."Members also enjoyed a tour around some of the so-called haunted parts of Lon­don, including visits to some of the best known sites in the capital, such as London Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the Monument.The group meets on Fri­days at 8.30pm in the York Room, Central Library, Cle­ments Road, llford.To see a list of up-coming events, visit: www.redbridge18plus.org.uk.