Mind the Gap

Throughout my childhood, I had two primary interests: radio and trains.

I needn’t comment on the former, as you know where I am with that (it’s probably why you’re here after all!)

My once immense interest in the latter has since dwindled, but I still remember a lot and still find them impressive. I mean - who doesn’t love a train?!

The most obvious links between the two are tech and announcements.

To many, Phil Sayer and Celia Drummond were the voices of the railways.

Sadly both no longer with us, their automated platform announcements were first rolled out in the mid 90s and used at many stations around the country before being gradually replaced by new systems.

Unfortunately, most South Western Railway operated stations phased Phil & Celia’s voices out during 2019.

Phil started his career as a newsreader on BBC North West Tonight before presenting shows at Piccadilly Radio, Red Rose Radio, BBC GMR, Radio City, Jazz FM and Smooth FM.

Together with his wife, Elinor Hamilton, they founded Sayer Hamilton voiceovers in 2002 and both became familiar voices on the London Underground. They both featured in a Manchester Evening News report in 2010.

Celia, a professional voice actor, also voiced adverts, radio drama and cartoon characters. In the early 70s, she was the lead vocalist in Trees, a British folk rock band, and owned a wedding business. She was interviewed on Simon Mayo’s Radio 2 drivetime show four years ago.

Many years ago, when I was massively into trains as a child, the utterly sublime Phil Sayer recorded me a surprise message:

Many years ago I was massively into trains and the sublime Phil Sayer recorded me a surprise message. A familiar voice at stations around the country for over 20 years. Very sadly, both he and his co-announcer Celia Drummond are no longer with us and deeply missed. @sayerhamilton pic.twitter.com/Keh1pjfSGN

— Harrison RB (@HarrisonRBRadio) May 20, 2021

Two stations I regularly visited were Micheldever and Newbury hence them being picked as calling points! No question, his impeccable delivery was always a huge inspiration.