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Bruce Moffat (1956 Leaver) – An Engineering Research Career in Broadcasting

Bruce Moffat (1956 Leaver)

An Engineering Research Career in Broadcasting

 Bruce Moffat

I started in Merchants’ aged 9 in 1947, already sketching TV cameras on dollies, and when I was 11 I was offered a part in a play at the Liverpool Playhouse; I’d been seen by Gerald Cross, the producer there, in Dear Octopus with the Blundellsands ADS. Six weeks off school was needed but there was legally insufficient tutoring available for me and so, much to my relief, I didn’t do it. Instead the boy’s part was played by a girl, Beryl Bainbridge (later Dame Beryl Bainbridge) who was 16 and had left our Girls’ School and become a member of the repertory company. An exciting spin-off was my tiny ‘extra’ part in the film Waterfront, set in Liverpool – see it free on YouTube; the engineering and technology in the making of the film fascinated me.

 

Techniques involved in theatre, film, television, radio, recording and, above all, music in all of those media greatly stimulated me. I saw myself backstage rather than trembling before a live audience. I sang in the school choir and I stage-directed several school plays and made numerous recordings and films using borrowed state of the art equipment. Through this and experience in CCF Signals I learned about electronics, enough to make me realize that I wanted to become an electronics engineer. With a State Scholarship I went to Keble College Oxford to read Engineering Science. All of this prepared me well to apply successfully for an engineering job in the BBC in 1959 in the pioneering days when engineers had a big say in running broadcasting, but I didn’t take up the job. Instead I stayed at Oxford to pursue a doctorate in microwave electronics, specifically to study the design and testing of dielectric-loaded linear electron accelerator structures; ‘linacs’ have many applications in nuclear physics and medicine. I must admit I stayed partly because my girlfriend Anne Phillips, now my wife for 52 years, was a nurse at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford.

 

In 1962 the hairs on the back of my neck stood up when I saw in New Scientist a job advert for a musical engineer in BBC Research Department at Kingswood Warren in Surrey; I just knew I was right for the job and to my delight the BBC appointed me. Their decision was partly because I gave the ‘right’ answer about the acoustics of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall – they’re good! But there was a snag: I didn’t complete my DPhil until 1964 and so it was studio acoustics by day and microwave electronics by night! My wife and the BBC were enormously helpful in the production of my thesis.

 

One of my first tasks at Kingswood Warren was to make a stereo sound recording of the opera Turandot from a ‘clean feed’ of the left and right signals from the desk in Covent Garden for use in assessing the acoustics of the newly refurbished Royal Opera House. One of my last tasks in the BBC in 1990 was to help to make a digital TV recording in high-definition with surround sound of the ballet The Prince of the Pagodas at Covent Garden, starring Darcey Bussell. In between those tasks lay the better part of 30 years in engineering research in broadcasting. After studio acoustics I worked on video tape recording and then spent 1968-70 as R&D Manager of Ilford Zonal, developing magnetic tape, disc and film products. Returning to BBC Research in 1970 I worked on digital audio and video signal transmission including NICAM. I was gradually promoted in the 1970s, heading sections dealing with baseband transmission systems and storage/recording, moving to head Studio Group in the early 1980s focused on all-digital studios and HDTV, and finishing up as Head of Research Department in 1984. The Department covered all areas of broadcast engineering and had about 200 staff, 100 of them professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; today it has bases in London and Salford.

 

In the mid-1980s the BBC came close to launching Direct Broadcasting of TV by Satellite using higher-power Olympus satellites before deciding to hold back for commercial reasons while Rupert Murdoch began his satellite broadcasts using lower-power satellites designed for telecommunications, not broadcasting. Fortunately receiver sensitivity was rapidly improving so comprehensive satellite broadcasting using lower power became practicable. Much of the technology used in these and many other kinds of broadcasting system emanates commercially from BBC R&D.

 

I retired from the BBC in 1991. Looking back I can see that my training as a chartered engineer gave me wonderful experiences, and a very good salary, working in the UK and abroad alongside stimulating people ranging from brilliant ‘back-room boys and girls’ to ‘front of camera’ stars like Peter Gabriel and David Attenborough.

 

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Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored the rich architectural heritage of both Merchant Taylors’ school sites, capturing their memories and experiences through art.

With the move to coeducation this September, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the legacy of the MTGS site and reflect on the spaces that have shaped so many lives - while looking forward to the next exciting chapter in our story. 🏫✨
Join us for an action-packed Cricket Camp at Merch Join us for an action-packed Cricket Camp at Merchant Taylors' this August! 🏏

We’re excited to welcome boys and girls aged 8–14 to our two-day Cricket Camp, led by Gary Yates (former Director of the Lancashire CC Academy) and Simon Sutcliffe (former Head of Cricket at Merchant Taylors’). 

Together, they bring years of top-level coaching experience to help young cricketers build their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game.

🗓️ Thursday 14 & Friday 15 August 2025
🕤 9.30am - 3.30pm each day
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School, Harrison Site, L23 0QP
💷 £36 per day or £60 for both days

Throughout the camp, players will work on key aspects of the game, including:

✅ Seam and spin bowling techniques
✅ Batting drills and shot selection
✅ Fielding and catching skills
✅ Game awareness and match situations
✅ Small-sided games and match play

Whether your child is new to cricket or already playing regularly, this camp is a great opportunity to develop their technique, meet new friends and learn from two outstanding coaches.

📲 Places are limited – Book via the link in our bio.
We’re hiring! 📢 Merchant Taylors’ is seeki We’re hiring! 📢

Merchant Taylors’ is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team in the following roles:

🏑 Hockey Coach
🏐 Netball Coach
🎖️ CCF Contingent Commander

If you're committed to inspiring young people and want to be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking school community, we’d love to hear from you.

Find our more via the link in our bio ⤴️
Our Reception pupils marked the end of a fantastic Our Reception pupils marked the end of a fantastic year with a joyful celebration before the end of term.

It was a lovely opportunity to reflect on how far they’ve come - from those first few days in September to the confident, curious learners they are now. There were plenty of smiles, songs and proud moments as we celebrated their achievements together. 💛

We’re so excited to see all they’ll go on to do in Year 1!
A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celeb A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celebrated their achievements and looked ahead to their exciting next chapter in the Juniors.

Our Year 2 Prize Giving was filled with smiles, memories and well-deserved recognition, marking the end of a wonderful journey in the Infants and the start of a new adventure beyond.

Well done, Year 2 - you’re more than ready for the next step! 🌟

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Deve Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Development Camp at Merchant Taylors’! 🏉

📅 Thursday 31 July & Friday 1 August
⏰ 9.00am – 3.30pm
🧒 For U7s to U12s
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School

Delivered by the award-winning @salesharksfoundation, this two-day camp is a fantastic opportunity for young players to sharpen their rugby skills with expert RFU-qualified coaches.

Each day features high-energy activities, adaptive games and core skill development – all built around the Sharks DNA coaching philosophy.

Expect a fun, challenging and inspiring rugby experience – find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
Last week, we celebrated our Stanfield Prize Givin Last week, we celebrated our Stanfield Prize Giving, marking a proud moment for our Year 6 pupils.

We were honoured to welcome Deborah MacLaren, Managing Director of LoveReading and an Old Girl of the School, as our guest speaker. Her thoughtful and inspiring address encouraged pupils to stay curious, keep reading, and embrace the exciting journey ahead.

It was a joyful and memorable occasion for pupils, families and staff and a fitting celebration of all that our Year 6 pupils have achieved during their time at Stanfield.

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us for exciting Summer Holiday Football Camps Join us for exciting Summer Holiday Football Camps led by former professional footballer and UEFA licensed coach, @bobbygrantcoaching! Perfect for young football enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Bobby, who has played for clubs such as Accrington Stanley, Wrexham, Scunthorpe United, and Fleetwood United, brings his expertise and quality coaching to these camps.

As a UEFA licensed coach, Bobby ensures an unforgettable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
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