The show retold the story of Ships Taken Up From Trade (STUFT) during the 1982 Falklands Campaign that were based, modified and/or stored in the Solent area. This included Southampton, Marchwood, Portsmouth and Gosport.
The narration was by a professional broadcaster and was recorded at the BBC studios in Southampton. This gave the whole show a very professional feel and was augmented by interviews with Captain C.J.C. Clark (OBE) of the Europic Ferry, and Captain P. Jackson of the Queen Elizabeth 2 at various stages through the commentary. Our only small criticism would be the slide change-over signal, seemingly universally annoying on all shows, which on this commentary, seemed to vary in volume, tone and length.
The show was a reminder and tribute to all those dockside workers who refitted ships, fitted helicopter pads, and generally structurally modified ships in only a matter of hours. Many of these workers were under threat of redundancy if not having their redundancy notice in their pocket. The show included R.N. vessels and STUFT vessels leaving the Solent ports, voyaging down to Ascension Island, at South Georgia and within the Total Exclusion Zone around the Falkland Islands. Poignant slides of vessels returning to port after the regaining of the Islands completed the show.
Congratulations must go to all those at Southampton who put together such an interesting and professional show. This must surely be the benchmark for future shows.