Can You Help? - Dalek found in East Dulwich 1973

[RichardB]

I wonder if anyone can help with some information?

I'm doing some research for a feature that's going to be going on one of the BBC's DVDs of the classic Doctor Who series, looking at the links between the series and the other long-standing series, Blue Peter.

Back in June 1973, two Daleks were stolen from outside BBC Television Centre and their disappearance was publicised on Blue Peter that week. The next day, the two Daleks were recovered with help from viewers - one turning up in Ealing and the other in East Dulwich. The following Monday, Blue Peter did another report about their recovery which included Peter Purves interviewing one police constable Forward from the East Dulwich station. I've been asked to see if we could trace PC Forward in the hope that we can do a quick interview with him, but it's difficult tracing people when you don't know their first name!

Can anyone tell me if there was a local newspaper that specifically served the East Dulwich area back in 1973 as I'm hoping that the story may have been carried in the newspaper in greater depth than the brief pieces that appeared in the nationals? If so, is their any local history centres or archives that might carry copies?

Alternatively, if anyone knew or indeed still knows the Forward family (assuming they lived in the area), then do let me know!

Richard

[HAL9000]

Can't you just borrow the Tardis?

[SimonM]

The "South London Press" was bound to have covered it.

[PeckhamRose]

God how fascinating!

[plimsoul]

i'm sure you've done already this...

but i'd but go to south london metropolitan police press office and ask for help. they'll either have a list of retired or working officers. they should then be able to put you in touch with some network of retired officers or tell you if he's still working.

it's a great story, who nicked it i wonder...

[RichardB]

The producer of this particular feature has contacted the police pensions department, who are trying to provide some help, but they are a bit...slow! :)

The Dalek was actually found some three hours after the original alert on Blue Peter. Mr Hardy of Champion Hill had come out of his house to find an extra shape under the tarpaulin that was covering his sports car. No guesses as to what it was!

I'll certainly check in to see if the South London Press covered the story, so thanks for that.

Richard

[Sherwick]

if I had checked an extra shape under my tarpaulin and found a dalek, I'd probably have had a heart attack!