Andy Cartledge Dies

As reported over at Mike's TV Room....
Former BBC-tv continuity announcer Andy Cartledge has died.
Andy's voice had introduced programmes on BBC One and BBC Two from 1969 until autumn 2001, when he retired from the BBC. He was also a BBC World Service TV announcer during 1992.
Andy passed away on December 23, following a heart attack. He was 67.
His voice can be heard on the "Baboushka" breakdown clip here:
http://www2.tv-ark.org.uk/bbccontinuity/bbc2continuity1979.html

That is terribly sad news, Andy was one of 'my' voices when I was growing up and I remember being gob-smacked when I was introduced to him when I started working in Pres in 1997. He was a lovely kind and gentle man with an incredibly funny and very dry sense of humor which in turn made him a joy to work with.
He will be sadly missed.
My thoughts and condolences to the family.

Yes very sad, he famously did the final closedown with the old TWO logo.

BBC2 Closedown 1991 (Last Showing Of 1986 TWO)

'And away he goes forever.'

RIP Andy Cartledge

Ah, a great voice from the good old days and, yes, a charming and delightful man. Personally, I'd rather hear that vocal sound anytime, rather than today's lot simpering and gurgling or shouting weak puns or trying to do seaside comedy turns.
(Before I'm shot down in flames by the fans of Newmarch, Haines and co, I'd like to emphasise that this is my PERSONAL opinion and I don't expect anyone to agree with me!)

Far from shoot you down, I agree. While there are a few network announcers left who maintain the standard, IMO there are plenty who fall well short of what was once an extremely high mark.

Andy was a charming and friendly man with an excellent voice. Even being asked if you wanted a cuppa was great!

I couldn't agree more with you.

Indeed!

Ah the good old days when BBC announcers could string two sentences together without tripping over words or losing their voice mid link - the new female announcer for example!

You heard her as well?

Andy was from the old school where a good, clear voice was the most important thing that they looked for in a continuity announcer, such as Richard Straker or David Wheal. Nowadays they just seem to sit any old Tom, Dick or Harriet in front of a microphone no matter how God awful they sound!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmaGEEQgTMQ&feature=related

Thanks everyone for your kind words and memories. He will be greatly missed


Adam Cartledge (Andy's youngest)

It's our pleasure.

For me personally his voice is up there with Oliver Postgate as one that reminds me of my childhood in the seventies.

Don't forget Peter Brook as well, who we also lost tragically young.