My first thoughts go to my old friend, actor Francis Matthews, who has died after a long illness. He enjoyed television success as Paul Temple and was the voice of Captain Scarlett. He always supported my requests for open days in the early years and certainly backed the launch of the BBC band. This was probably the last concert by the BBC band at the Ark, which is now scheduled to be demolished next summer. I have still to see the plans for the new Ark Theatre on the new planned Hertswood Academy campus but what I hear is not encouraging.