Frank Hatherley
Frank Hatherley, also known as 'Bobby Bluegum
Early life
Born Frank Hatherleigh Matters, on 26 June 1890, in Semaphore, a coastal suburb of Adelaide, South Australia, he was the third of four children to Richard Matters, an ironmonger, and Emily Williams. His elder siblings were Rosa and Gladys. A younger brother followed 11 years later, Arnold Hatherleigh Matters, the Australian operatic baritone and producer.He was educated at Adelaide's St. Peter's College, and told Radio Pictorial of Australia that he won a bursary from his state school to the private Pulteney School, and a later bursary to the Prince Alfred College.
Early career
Hatherley's first job out of school was as a commercial traveller, selling wholesale clothing and furnishings in south Australia. His interest soon turned to acting, and when he was cast as the hero in a theatrical production of the 1861 book East Lynne, he began touring as a professional actor. During this time he elected to become known as Frank Hatherley, a contraction of his given middle name. By 1914, at 23, Hatherley was touring Australia as support actor and Assistant Stage Manager with Canadian stage actress Muriel Starr for J.C. Williamson's productions.Radio career
Radio 3LO Melbourne
Making his Stage Manager’s report to the J.C. Williamson's management in Melbourne in 1925, Frank had to report to the JCW-owned radio station 3LO. After a voice test, he was hired as an announcer and soon after replaced the ill conductor of the station’s weekly community singing session. He stayed with 3LO for the next five years and his reputation grew.‘Story readers’ for child listeners were an important part of early radio and all the 3LO announcers adopted child-friendly aliases. Hatherley’s alter ego was Bobby Bluegum, a name that was to stick with him for the rest of his life. From 5pm to 6.30pm he was on the air at 3LO Melbourne in the 'Children's Session' with birthday calls, ‘singable songs and simple stories’.
Radio 2FC National
In 1930, Hatherley was signed to the brand new ABC national broadcaster 2FC Sydney as ‘Announcer and Community Singing Conductor’. ABC history states: ‘At 8.00pm on 1 July 1932, the Prime Minister Joseph Lyons launched the ABC, the national broadcaster, and opening day programs on the wireless included the first Children's Session with Bobby Bluegum.’ His broadcast sessions moved from the old Opera House to the cavernous Sydney Town Hall, and from once to twice a week.For 2FC, he created The Sunshine Soldiers, a radio club for children dedicated to bringing ‘sunshine’ to mums and dads, and to less fortunate children. Children received a certificate from Bobby Bluegum stating that ‘You are accepted with pleasure into the BIG ARMY that promises at all times to SPREAD SUNSHINE’. The club, forerunner to The Argonauts, was a huge success.
Hatherley left the national broadcaster in 1935.