They're looking for a new TIM, or TIMette.
Brian Cobby, the voice of the speaking clock, is being retired after 21 years. And BT is running a competition in conjunction with Children in Need to find a new voice. The organisers say they don't mind if it's a male or female voice, or what part of the country it comes from as long as it's clear and warm.
The BT Speaking Clock has been ticking 24-hours a day, seven days a week since 24th July 1936 – which is 67 years or 35 million minutes. Originally its accuracy was one-tenth of a second, it's now correct to within five thousandths of a second.
There have only ever been three voices for the BT Speaking Clock, apart from a two week period in 2003 when Lenny Henry did a special version of the Speaking Clock in aid of Comic Relief and a week long stint by 12 year old Alicia Roland.
Before Brian Cobby, the current voice, worked for BT, he recorded the “5-4-3-2-1… Thunderbirds are go!” bit for the theme tune to the TV series. And he has received fan mail from ‘mature ladies’ who say they listen to him late at night when they can’t sleep.
So if you think you could send old people to sleep, call 09067 533 533, and follow the instructions. (Calls cost a maximum of £1.50 with £1.10 from each call going to help children in need.)
3 comments:
Have you phoned? I bet they pick someone who is 5. Or from Yorkshire. Or Scotland. Maybe not Scotland.
I am tempted to call, though... wouldn't that be a claim to fame?!!
I'll tell you who would make a good Speaking Clock - Grandad!!
He'd be about as good as Arkwright (Open All Hours)!
I don't think they'll choose a broad Geordie either.
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