ERNIE  in the Media
ERNIE in the Media
ERNIE has many famous friends who publicise his work. In a similar manner that the Lottery draws of today attract celebrities, so did the monthly jackpot draws in the early days of Premium Bonds.






Photo: "To that dear old gentleman 'ERNIE'- from Judi Dench". Dame Judi Dench officiates and announces the lucky winners in the prize draw of 1st May 1962.
| EXIT | ERNIE in the Media | ERNIE on Film | References |
ERNIE in the Media

In a similar manner that the Lottery draws of today attract celebrities, so did the monthly jackpot draws in the early days of Premium Bonds. Famous names who started the prize draws include, Bruce Forsythe, Norman Wisdom, Bob Hope, Roger Moore, Dame Judi Dench, to name but a few. The culture of the era was such that the Post Office devised a  'Miss Personality' competition for female telephonists and clerical workers and 'Miss Premium Bond' for National Savings. It was inevitable that those closest to ERNIE, such as Post Office engineer Jack Armitage, would also be featured in publicity as he played an essential part in keeping all of the circuits and associated equipment in working order at the time the draws were taking place.

Sir Bruce Forsythe
ERNIE has many famous friends who publicise his work.




Photo: Sir Bruce Forsythe presses the button to commence the draw on ERNIE's 5th birthday in 1962.
Jack Armitage
ERNIE has many famous friends who publicise his work.





Photo: Post Office Engineer Jack Armitage attending to ERNIE, while Miss Premium Bond 1957 checks the teleprinter for the list of winning bonds.
Sir Norman Wisdom
ERNIE has many famous friends who publicise his work.





Photo: Sir Norman Wisdom.
Sir Roger Moore
ERNIE has many famous friends who publicise his work.





Photo: Miss Premium Bond and James Bond, Sir Roger Moore.
Lord Alan Sugar
ERNIE has many famous friends who publicise his work.





Photo: Lord Alan Sugar donated his fee for this advert to GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital).
ERNIE on Film
What does ERNIE do?








Film clip from NS & I YouTube channel.
   
References

Disclaimer: These pages are an unofficial review of ERNIE and Premium Bonds. Photos copyright Light Straw Archives, as marked. Other photos and images used with kind permission of National Savings and Investments (NS & I). With thanks to the Science Museum, NS & I, and BT Heritage.

If you have a query about money or bonds held in National Savings, please visit the National Savings and Investments site.

Design, images and text compiled by © Light-Straw. Page last updated June 2015 revision. Checked May 2021.

All logos and trade marks are the property of their respective owners and are used on the Light Straw site(s) for review only. Students and researchers are recommended to make their own independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information contained therein.