• Homepage
  • Admissions
  • Strategy 2022-2027
  • Stanfield Prep
    • A Word From Our Headmistress
    • About Our Wonderful School
    • An Excellent Education
    • Unrivalled Facilities
    • Pastoral Care – Merchants’ Mindset
    • Endless Opportunities
    • Out Of Hours Care
    • Learning Support
    • Key Information
  • Senior Boys
    • A Word From Our Headmaster
    • About Our School
    • Departments & Curriculum
    • Co-Curricular & Enrichment
    • Pastoral Care
    • Learning Support
    • Key Information
  • Senior Girls
    • About Our School
    • Departments & Curriculum
    • Co-Curricular & Enrichment
    • Pastoral Care
    • Learning Support
    • Key Information
  • Sixth Form
    • About Our Sixth Form
    • Boys’ Sixth Form
    • Girls’ Sixth Form
    • Academic Excellence
    • Leadership Opportunities
    • Co-Curricular & Enrichment
    • Extended Project Qualification
    • Pastoral Care
    • Careers
    • University Applications
  • Merchants+ Facility Hire and Children’s Activities
  • Calendar
  • Events
  • Latest News
  • Contact Us
  • Job Vacancies
  • Alumni & Development
  • SOCS Sports
  • Our Family
  • Stanfield Prep
  • Senior Boys
  • Menu Spacer ALWAYS KEEP IN MIDDLE
  • Senior Girls
  • Sixth Form
  • Admissions

MENU

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.

 

SHARE:

Previous Post All News Next Post

Latest News

  • Acclaimed Musicians Lead Inspiring Music Masterclasses at Merchant Taylors’ School
  • Introducing Our New Pupil Leadership Team
  • Merchant Taylors’ Pupils Champion Student Wellbeing at London Conference
  • Merchant Taylors’ Pupils Shine at Alderley Edge Festival
  • Seven Pupils Offered Coveted Places with National Youth Theatre
View All News

Upcoming Events

  • Summer Holiday Club 2025 on July 3, 2025 8:30 am
  • Summer Holiday Club 2025 on July 4, 2025 8:30 am
  • Summer Holiday Club 2025 on July 7, 2025 8:30 am
  • Summer Holiday Club 2025 on July 8, 2025 8:30 am
  • Summer Holiday Club 2025 on July 9, 2025 8:30 am
View All Events

Join our family

admissions information sign up to our newsletter

SHARE:

Back to top

Instagram Feed

Yesterday, our brilliant Year 4 pupils took to the Yesterday, our brilliant Year 4 pupils took to the stage for their end-of-year production of Mystery at Magpie Manor, and what a show it was! 🎭✨

Set in the roaring 1920s and filled with mystery, mischief and marvellous characters, the children brought the story to life with energy, confidence and plenty of joy. We are incredibly proud of every single performer for their hard work and enthusiasm.

A huge well done to all involved! 👏🎩🔍

Full gallery available via our Facebook page 📸
Yesterday, our Junior pupils enjoyed a special vis Yesterday, our Junior pupils enjoyed a special visit from the @rnli, who delivered an engaging and informative assembly.

Pupils learned about the history of the RNLI, the vital role it plays in saving lives at sea, and the importance of staying safe at the beach, including how to recognise the different flags and what they mean.

A big thank you to the RNLI team for helping our pupils stay safe and informed ahead of the summer holidays! 👏
Senior Sports Day 2025 brought a full day of energ Senior Sports Day 2025 brought a full day of energy, effort and outstanding performances from our pupils and what a day it was! 🏆🔥 

From sprints and relays to field events and house spirit, our Senior pupils gave it their all, and we couldn’t be prouder of their enthusiasm, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout. 💪👏

We’re so grateful to our parents for coming along to support, and especially to those who took part in the parents’ race - always a highlight! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🎉

A huge thank you also to our brilliant Sports staff for their hard work behind the scenes and on the day, ensuring everything ran smoothly and making the event such a memorable experience for everyone. 🙌
After a brilliant morning with our Infants, the fu After a brilliant morning with our Infants, the fun continued yesterday afternoon with our Junior Sports Day! 🏃‍♂️🎉

Well done to all our Year 3 to Year 6 pupils for showing such determination, enthusiasm and team spirit in every event 💪👏

A big thank you to all the families who came along to support and cheer from the sidelines and to the parents who joined in the races, keeping the energy high right to the end!
What a fantastic morning at our Infant Sports Day! What a fantastic morning at our Infant Sports Day! 🏅

Well done to all our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils who gave it their all with smiles, teamwork and brilliant energy throughout every race and activity.

A huge thank you to our wonderful parents for coming along to cheer everyone on, especially to those who took part in the parents’ race! 👏

And not forgetting our amazing staff who joined in the fun with the staff race, thank you for helping make the day such a memorable one.
Yesterday, our Lower Sixth pupils enjoyed a brilli Yesterday, our Lower Sixth pupils enjoyed a brilliant day at the Concordia Connects Conference, featuring a range of expert guest speakers, including some of our inspiring alumni.

From exploring purpose and squiggly careers to mastering presentation skills, workplace behaviours, and digital networking, the day was packed with practical advice and meaningful conversations.

Concordia Connects is our alumni mentoring programme, run by the Old Boys’ and Old Girls’ Associations, supporting pupils and alumni alike - whether it’s internships, mock interviews, life coaching or career advice.

A huge thank you to all our mentors who gave their time to support the next generation yesterday. Your guidance is invaluable. 👏
Earlier today, our Year 1 pupils visited the Harri Earlier today, our Year 1 pupils visited the Harrison Site for a fascinating introduction to the history of Merchant Taylors’.

As part of their learning, the children explored key areas around the school site, discovering how it has changed over time and the role it has played in our community for over 400 years. 

A particular highlight was the chance to study our newly installed school timeline, which helped bring the story of Merchant Taylors’ to life through important dates, events and figures from the past.

To round off the visit, pupils even got to try on some old school blazers from the archives, a fun and memorable way to step back in time!
Yesterday, our Year 2 and Year 3 pupils enjoyed so Yesterday, our Year 2 and Year 3 pupils enjoyed some extra playtime together as part of Year 2’s transition into the Juniors.

It was lovely to see new friendships forming and plenty of smiles as they played, explored and got to know each other better. 

A small step that makes a big difference in helping our younger pupils feel confident and excited about the move up! 😊👏
Merchant Taylors' image

ADDITIONAL INFO
Disclaimer
Privacy
Cookie Usage
Terms & Conditions
Website Credits

LINKS
Intranet
iSAMS – Staff Portal
iSAMS – Student Portal
iSAMS – Parent Portal
SOCS Login
SOCS Calendar
Library

 
Contact
Join Our Team
Policies
Events
Governance

Admissions: 0151 949 9366
Primary School: 0151 924 1506
Senior Girls: 0151 924 3140
Senior Boys: 0151 928 3308
Sports Centre: 0151 949 9355

The Merchant Taylors’ School
Liverpool Road
Crosby
Liverpool
L23 0QP

Our social links

© The Merchant Taylors’ Schools, Crosby
Company No: 6654276
Registered Charity No: 1125485

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT