Wilfred Pickles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wilfred Pickles OBE (13 October 1904 – 26 March 1978) was an English actor and radio presenter.
Born in Halifax, Calderdale, Pickles was a proud Yorkshireman, and having been selected by the BBC as an announcer for its North Region radio service, went on to be an occasional newsreader on the National service during World War II. He was the first newsreader to speak in a regional accent rather than the "BBC English" of the period, and caused some comment with his farewell catchphrase "... and to all in the North, good neet".
Pickles soon became a radio celebrity, and also pursued an acting career in West End theatre. His most significant work was as host of the BBC Radio show Have A Go, which ran from 1946 to 1967 and launched such catchphrases as "How do, how are yer?", "Are yer courting?" and "Give him the money, Mabel", delivered in Pickles' inimitable style. He appeared in the show with his wife Mabel Pickles née Myerscough (1906–1989).
Pickles was awarded the OBE for services to broadcasting in 1950.
Pickles is the uncle of judge James Pickles and actress Christina Pickles, and great-uncle of actress Carolyn Pickles.
A Public House, Portman & Pickles, in Market Street Halifax is named after him and Eric Portman, film actor.
