St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

PH245

Photograph

CIC

D T Bassett

1931-1932

Newspaper cutting: a reproduced photograph of St Helen’s Cricket & Rugby Ground. Numbered squares superimposed by newspaper publisher (unknown) for use with radio broadcast of matches. Dimensions: w7 ¼ in. x 3 ¼ in. (w8.5cm x h8.2cm). Title beneath indicates the news cutting is from 5th December 1931, the day of Wales v South Africa at St Helen’s.

This image of St Helen's ground is from an original aerial photograph taken in 1929. The Radio Times editors have superimposed a 'grid' onto the pitch in order that a square can be read out when the action described on the radio enters that part of the pitch. This early system of engaging with a listening audience was extensively used for (association) football matches at this time, with varying degrees of success. In this instance, the BBC was to commentate on the Wales v South Africa match played at St Helen's on 5th December 1931. South Africa won the match 8 - 3. This news clip came from the scrapbook of D.J. 'Jack' Bassett, who played on the wing for Swansea between 1933 and 1935. It was kindly donated to the collection by his son David Bassett.

1931-1932, south africa, bbc, bbc radio, st helen's ground,