John West (theatre)
Encyclopedia
John West was an Australian broadcaster remembered for his long-running programmes "Sentimental Journey" and "The Showman" broadcast nationally on ABC radio.
He was born in Paddington, New South Wales
and grew up in Concord
, the only child of John and Jean West. He was brought up by his mother and developed an early interest in theatre, which was encouraged by his grandmother, Mary Bell.
He was educated at Fort Street High School
He joined the ABC
as an announcer in 1942 before enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force
, serving with RAAF Radio "The Voice of the Islands" from 1942 to 1945.
He returned to the ABC as an ordinary announcer, pursuing his theatrical interests at every opportunity in his off-duty time until 1964 when he was able to combine his profession and passion in the weekly programme "The Showman". A second program, "Sentimental Journey" in which he resurrected old gramophone records from the ABC's record library, as well as his own and those of fellow enthusiasts, followed in 1978. Both continued after he "officially" retired in 1989.
His last years were blighted by dementia, cared for by one-time colleague Nona Wood. He had been diagnosed with a brain tumor but died in a nursing home at Collaroy
following a heart attack.
He was born in Paddington, New South Wales
Paddington, New South Wales
Paddington is an inner-city, eastern suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Paddington is located 3 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district and lies across the local government areas of the City of Sydney and the Municipality of Woollahra...
and grew up in Concord
Concord, New South Wales
Concord is a suburb in the inner west of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is located 15 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Canada Bay....
, the only child of John and Jean West. He was brought up by his mother and developed an early interest in theatre, which was encouraged by his grandmother, Mary Bell.
He was educated at Fort Street High School
He joined the ABC
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly referred to as "the ABC" , is Australia's national public broadcaster...
as an announcer in 1942 before enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
, serving with RAAF Radio "The Voice of the Islands" from 1942 to 1945.
He returned to the ABC as an ordinary announcer, pursuing his theatrical interests at every opportunity in his off-duty time until 1964 when he was able to combine his profession and passion in the weekly programme "The Showman". A second program, "Sentimental Journey" in which he resurrected old gramophone records from the ABC's record library, as well as his own and those of fellow enthusiasts, followed in 1978. Both continued after he "officially" retired in 1989.
His last years were blighted by dementia, cared for by one-time colleague Nona Wood. He had been diagnosed with a brain tumor but died in a nursing home at Collaroy
Collaroy, New South Wales
Collaroy is a suburb in northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Collaroy is located 22 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Warringah Council and part of the Northern Beaches region...
following a heart attack.
Programmes
- Sentimental Journey on Saturday nights (1978 – 1995)
- The Showman (1964 – 1990)