H E Bates

The first short story to be broadcast on Radio 4 as part of its Morning Story strand was "The Lily" by H E Bates (1905 - 1974). It was narrated by Bernard Miles, founder of the Mermaid Theatre in London.

"The Lily" was the first of Bates's stories to feature the comic character Uncle Silas. It was written in 1933 and followed by two more Uncle Silas stories: "The Wedding" and "The Death of Uncle Silas". A collection of short stories "My Uncle Silas" was published in 1939. In 1957 twelve more Uncle Silas stories were published in "Sugar for the Horse".

During his career Bates was a prolific writer of novels, novellas, short stories, autobiography and articles. He is probably now best remembered for "The Darling Buds of May", which was made into a very successful television series, produced by his son Robert.

A second short story by Bates was broadcast on the 11th July 1973. "Perhaps We Shall Meet Again" was narrated by Barbara Mitchell.

On 5th November 1973 a third Bates story was broadcast on Morning Story. It was "The Spring Hat", the story of a spinster milliner and her unrealised dreams. It was narrated by Thora Hird. At the time of recording Hird was appearing in "No, No, Nanette" at the Drury Lane Theatre, London.

You can find out more about H E Bates at the H E Bates Society website (www.hebates.co.uk) and read more about his work at the very informative H E Bates Companion (http://hebatescompanion.com).