Bass notes

Radio networks' tone and style are often defined by their newsreaders, and BBC World Service has just said farewell to a key voice of the past two decades or so, Iain Purdon.

Iain's career progressed through news and continuity for Radio 4 Scottish opt-out, which he joined in 1973, through to Presentation Organiser for Radio Scotland, which replaced the opt-out in 1978. London beckoned in 1982, as presentation editor for Radio 2, under controllers David Hatch, Bryant Marriott and Frances Line.

In 1994 he re-emerged at the microphone with World Service, where his wit and wisdom endeared him to a new set of friends. It wasn't surprising that he was picked to be last voice from the studios at Bush House.

For Iain, an amplified life continues, playing bass for Rock of Ages - this Saturday at Amersham Royal British Legion....