Welcoming Peter Weil

We are delighted to welcome Peter Weil as a new Northern Ireland Screen board member and Chair of the Northern Ireland Moving Image Heritage and Archive Working Group. A fellow of the Royal Television Society, Peter’s illustrious broadcasting career has spanned more than four decades with roles including Head of BBC Radio Ulster; Head of Network Television, BBC North; Senior Vice-President, Discovery Networks International; General Manager, Animal Planet International and Chief Executive, CTVC (part of the Rank Foundation).

In taking on his new role with the Digital Film Archive, Peter brings a genuine enthusiasm for local television. Asked to pick a favourite clip from the archive, he chose ‘With a Fiddle and a Flute’, explaining why he selected this particular UTV programme:

"Back in the sixties "With a Fiddle and a Flute" was ground-breaking television. There simply had never been a series like it before in Northern Ireland. The mixture of traditional dancing, songs and Irish music had never been attempted. It was local television at its best. The series wooed the audience and not only dominated the ratings in Northern Ireland but regularly got a larger audience share than any other ITV or BBC programme in the UK."

The programme was hosted by Peter Tomelty, shown here singing Percy French’s Whistin’ Phil McHugh.

As well as singers, the programme featured musicians like the great Sean Maguire.

Here the Thompson Twins charm the room. One of the duo went on to become a well-known actor -can you recognise him?

You can enjoy the full programme here.