The fortieth anniversary of VE Day in 1985 brought a little surprise for Pres fans.
The regular test card and Ceefax music on BBC Television was replaced for the day.
Instead nostalgic wartime music was played featuring big bands and artistes from the 40s such as Glenn Miller, The Squadronaires and Vera Lynn.
The special music got its first outing on BBC One accompanying Ceefax AM before Breakfast Time. Inevitably though, VE Day coverage and sport meant there were no daytime gaps on BBC One that day.
However there was plenty of time for the music on BBC Two.
First it appeared with the test card at 8.52am before accompanying Ceefax through all the main daytime gaps up until 5.30pm.
The wartime music was also heard during some of the longer intervals between schools programmes during the Daytime on Two sequence.
It was a lovely, thoughtful touch by Presentation.
The music was, of course, not publicised in advance but I wonder if some from the wartime generation came across it by chance and appreciated the effort.
It is worth reflecting on the fact that listening to wartime music in 1985 is the equivalent of playing a Duran Duran album today.
As far as we know, this is the only time regular test card or Ceefax music was replaced in this way.
Christmas music was played through much of December and mindful staff often made sure the classical music tapes were played on sombre or noteworthy occasions.
Two special tapes of sombre light instrumental music were compiled specifically to accompany Ceefax during the Falklands War although they remained in normal use for more than two years afterwards.
However the VE Day music was different. It was an attempt to add to the mood of an important day.
The 40th anniversary of VE Day was the first to be marked quite so extensively.
In those days Presentation was often mindful of trying to set the right tone. It was about far more than marketing and playout.
In its own way, this helped to define the character of BBC Television and give it a distinctive feel.
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