Black and white televisions still a hit in Norfolk

Richard Howard from Cawston who still regularly watches on a black and white TV and even has the original purchase receipt and Broadcast Receiving Licenses. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

New figures have revealed the numbers of black and white TV licenses being issued in our region.

The data, from TV licensing, shows that, almost half a century since colour television was introduced to the UK, there are still more than 50 people in Norfolk with a monochrome set. These include 30 people in the Norwich area, 12 in King's Lynn and 10 in Great Yarmouth.

Among those still clinging to a black and white set is Richard Howard, from Cawston, who has kept his Bush TUG58 ever since his father purchased it for £113 on September 4 1957.

'As you get older you appreciate the things from your youth,' he said. 'I started to collect TV programmes from the 50s and 60s that I remember watching, and I found it was nice to watch them on the original TV.

'From 1957 to 1976 I watched nothing but black and white TV and I just find it a very restful way of watching it. I often go in at lunchtime to watch the news on it.'

Black and white licences cost just £49 compared to their colour counterparts at £145.50 per year. Despite the switchover to digital transmissions and an increase in the use of HD televisions, there are still 9,356 black and white licences in force across the UK.

Mr Howard, from Aylsham Road, had his set fitted with a special box around eight years ago to allow him watch digital programmes and DVDs. And although he also has a colour TV and appropriate licence, he said he had considered making a permanent switch back to monochrome.

'I have thought many times about chucking out my colour sets and to just buy a black and white TV licence,' he added.

'I would rather watch the toddle they show on TV in black and white, than in colour.'

Do you watch television on a set older than Mr Howard's? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684