David Dimbleby’s role as the resident statesman of the BBC, wheeled out for instant gravitas on state occasions where solemnity and a whispered reverence are required, means he is perhaps under greater scrutiny from audiences just waiting for a gaffe.
But one woman with links to the Caribbean island nation of Dominica has been watching (or more accurately, listening) to Dimbleby even closer than others – just hoping he will get the country’s name right.
Each year, as Remembrance Day approaches, advertising executive Matthew Peltier’s mum Micheline hopes that this will be the year that the BBC’s steady Eddie will pronounce Dominca correctly, as representatives from the nation lay a wreath at the Cenotaph.
Repeat after me: Dom-min-EEKA. Dominica. Not Dom-MIN-ica.
For years, every time Dimbleby has said it wrong, Micheline has written to the BBC to try to get the message across. But year after year, the same.
Until this year.
Peltier has created a YouTube video celebrating his mother’s triumph over the BBC. He explains the video as follows: “My English mother has repeatedly been frustrated by David Dimbleby’s mispronunciation of her ex-partner’s motherland, Dominica.
“After years of swearing to write a letter about it and then doing so but not getting any any results something (not very) amazing happened. This is the tale of of Mum vs David Dimbleby.
“Her father (my grandfather) and grandfather (my great grandfather) fought for this country in both world wars but today we salute you mama.”
Mama Peltier, we salute your doggedness too.
