Appreciation - George Dougall

Eric Montfort, writes:

George Dougall was one of many Maltese ex-patriates who lived and prospered in the UK during the post-World War II era. He emigrated to Britain to pursue a career in drama and broadcasting.

After completing a BBC course, in 1956 he was commissioned to present Din Hija Londra, as part of the BBC's overseas service.

His daily five-minute commentary used to be broadcast at 6.55 p.m. on the then "B" Switch of the Rediffusion Network, which eventually became known as the National Network in 1969.

At times during the weekends, Dougall used to alternate his commentaries with Vincent Ungaro, who passed away some years ago. He covered a variety of topics, from the multi-partite talks in London concerning Malta's independence, to the 1966 World Cup, the death of Winston Churchill in 1965, the election of Edward Heath in 1970 and the subsequent election of Harold Wilson in 1974, as well as some terse yet highly interesting observations of an ever-changing British society - a society which changed considerably even in Stockwell, London, where he resided for a considerable number of years, before his return to Malta.

Listeners would recall his commentaries when Malta and the UK were involved in the British Services' crisis early in 1972. Dougall's factual, unbiased commentaries on the ensuing talks between Dom Mintoff and Secretary of State Lord Carrington, were eagerly followed by all and sundry during that uncertain period in Malta's post-colonial history.

Dougall's programmes continued to be aired on the Rediffusion National Network until it was eventually wound up, due to cost-cutting measures in 1982.

The last time I met George Dougall was 22 years ago at the then Alhambra Theatre in Sliema, where he would meet friends and watch the occasional film. Dougall, a cat lover, used to recount the times with his furry friends in Stockwell, and the profound changes that Thatcherite Britain was undergoing.

Dougall will also be remembered for his abilities as a drama stage designer and tutor.

His deep involvement in the Maltese community in London saw him chair the Malta League and establish an association to help patients needing medical treatment in Britain.

In 1999 George Dougall was awarded the Midalja tal-Qadi tar-Repubblika.