This Is Your Life: George Thomas

George THOMAS Rt. Hon. VISCOUNT TONYPANDY, PC (1909-1997)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - George Thomas, politician, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews ahead of a charity concert in aid of the National Children's Home at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

George, who was born in Port Talbot, Wales, worked as a teacher before entering politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Cardiff in 1945, and held office in Harold Wilson's Labour administration, notably as Secretary of State for Wales between 1968 and 1970.

In 1976 George was elected Speaker of the House of Commons, a role in which the first broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings brought him unprecedented public attention. He retired from parliament in 1983 and was elevated to the peerage as Viscount Tonypandy.

"I don't believe it! I know you, but I don't believe it!"

programme details...

Edition No: 632
Subject No: 625
Broadcast date: Wed 7 Dec 1983
Broadcast time: 8.00-8.30pm
Recorded: Tue 25 Oct 1983
Venue: Royalty Theatre
Series: 24
Edition: 7
Code name: Chair

on the guest list...

Nerys Hughes
Iris Williams
Frank Topping
Norman Beaton
Sian Phillips
Fiona Kennedy
Angela Rippon
Richard Briers
Arthur - nephew
Ken - nephew
Marlene Philips - niece
Ruth - niece
John Webb - nephew
Reggie Webb - nephew
Dorothy - niece
Raydene Jones - niece
Olive Gwyther
Rev Cyril Gwyther
Max Boyce
Cliff Morgan
letter from HRH Prince Charles
Tydfil Thiry
Philippe Thiry
Muriel Thiry
Etienne Thiry
Penelope Keith
James Callaghan
Harold Wilson
Harry Secombe

production team...

Researcher: Claudia Horvath
Writers: Tom Brennand, Roy Bottomley
Directors: Terry Yarwood, Michael D Kent
Associate Producer: Brian Klein
Producer: Malcolm Morris

names above in bold indicate subjects of This Is Your Life

related pages...

Life on the Hustings

a cross-party celebration

Screenshots of George Thomas This Is Your Life

Scriptwriter Roy Bottomley recalls this edition of This Is Your Life in his book, This Is Your Life: The Story of Television's Famous Big Red Book...

'It's amazing what God can do with a lad from the Rhonndda with a patch on his trousers,' was how the holder of the historic office of Speaker of the House of Commons once described himself.

Few politicians have closed their Parliamentary careers engulfed by such a tidal wave of all-party affection as Lord Tonypandy, formerly George Thomas MP, whose lilting Welsh calls for 'Order! Order!' also made him a firm favourite on the radio.

The newly retired Speaker was due to take up a new post as honorary chairman of the National Children's Home on 25 October 1983. A special concert – in aid of the charity – was being staged at the Royal Albert Hall to honour the incoming chairman. A celebrity gathering at the rehearsal was in on the secret, and included Nerys Hughes, Iris Williams, Sian Phillips, Angela Rippon and Richard Briers.

When Lord Tonypandy arrived, an extra celebrity was there – Eamonn Andrews with the Big Red Book. Back at the studios viewers heard how George's younger brother had gone down the pit at thirteen to help support the family so that George could stay on at school and become a teacher. He went into the Commons in 1945 as MP for Cardiff Central. Elected for Cardiff South was future Prime Minister the Right Honourable James Callaghan, who joined in the tributes along with Lord Wilson.

Prince Charles sent his 'warmest good wishes to one of the most distinguished Speakers the House of Commons has ever known in its long and proud history'.

And in the historic Speaker's Rooms at the Commons Lord Tonypandy's coat of arms featured the Crown and Portcullis sign of the House of Commons, surmounted by a miner's lamp.

Welsh rugby legend and veteran broadcaster Cliff Morgan told a story which summed up Lord Tonypandy's eight years as Speaker.

A member from Liverpool with a somewhat thick 'scouse' accent was speaking. A Scottish member complained he could not understand a word. Uproar broke out.

'Order! Order!' called the Speaker. Nothing. The uproar continued. Then, in the full majesty of office, he stood up – decreeing that everyone be silent. He glanced caustically around the chamber, eyes glaring.

'There are many accents in this House,' he said, reprovingly. 'I only wish I had one myself.'

A split second of silence – then the House of Commons rocked with laughter.

Series 24 subjects