DAVID BADDIEL
Truth is, I can’t pinpoint what my favourite kids’ show was when I was a
child, as memory and nostalgia play strange tricks on adults.
The programmes that virtually make me cry with Proustian pain when I see them
again (I recently bought a set on DVD for my kids) are the gentle English
ones – Camberwick Green and Trumpton, especially the
song “Time goes by when you’re the driver of a train”. And the merest sound
of Oliver Postgate’s voice can make me ache for my long-lost innocence.
When I actually force my mind back, however, I think what I really liked at
the time were brash American imports: Scooby Doo, Wacky Races
and Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines (catchphrase:
“Stop the pigeon!”), all of which raise no goose pimples when I stumble
across repeats of them now. Strange.
MICHAEL ROSEN
My first TV heroes were the Lone Ranger and Tonto. I was gripped by the idea
of the stranger who does good but then disappears before anyone can thank
him. “Who was that masked man?” “Why, that was the Lone Ranger.” Tonto
seemed to me, in the space of a suburban front room, to be a perfect human
being: handsome, athletic, outdoor, modest and wise. We didn’t really know
the actors who played these people. In fact, I’m pretty sure we thought
there really was someone walking about with a mask on saving people with the
help of his loyal Indian companion. But who was it, at the beginning of the
programme, who called out in that off-screen, stentorian voice: “A fiery
horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty ‘Hi-yo,
Silver’. . . the Lone Ranger!”? We didn’t know, but we practised it in the
playground over and over again – along with the William Tell
Overture and a good deal of galloping about whacking our backsides to
make us run faster. No, no, no...it has to beBertha’s cogwheels
LIBBY PURVES
We believed in watching alongside our small children, but some shows were a
trial. Thomas the Tank Engine had that dreary Ringo voice and the
Mussolini Fat Controller; Postman Pat led a life of unspeakable rural
tedium. But the one we gladly snuggled up for was Bertha the Big Machine.
In the mid1980s, even as Thatcher wore down our industrial base in favour of
City asset-strippers, the adventures of Spottiswoode’s factory evoked the
thrill of manufacturing. Bertha (I was forced to make a model of her out of
cardboard boxes) throbbed at the factory’s core, tended by Ivor Wood
puppets: she could be programmed to make anything. Ted the engineer lovingly
tended Bertha’s whirring cogwheels, backed by Mr Sprott the designer; in the
warehouse Nell and Flo sang “Packing and stacking, no, we don’t believe in
slacking!”, and up in the office the manager, Mr Willmake, and his
secretary, Miss McClackerty, struggled with paperwork. I can still sing that
song, too – “Mr Willmake will make sure/ Orders coming through the door/
Will be treated as they should/ Down at Spot-tis-woode!” Everyone was happy
– “Going to work on Monday never seems too hard/ When you’ve got yer
workmates waiting when you’ve punched yer card!” When Bertha is making
jigsaws and a piece is missing, it is Roy Willing the apprentice who spots
it, and when the decorators are in and Miss McClackerty can’t find the phone
under the dustsheets, Mr Sprott designs a painting robot.
Even as the 1980s threw real factories to the wolves, our children played at
Bertha all day long: the three-year-old standing over his sister with a
makeshift clipboard as she crouched earnestly in her nappy stacking bricks –
“Come on, Rose! Tea break over! We’ve got a big order in from Boffingtons!”
Sometimes he was the foreman, sometimes (with a tea cosy on his head) the
Sikh forklift driver Panjit. Rose was Nell, Flo, or Mrs Tupp the tea lady,
but I once caught her singing the apprentice’s song – “Dweaming of de day
his name will be – on de manager’s dooooor!” Sometimes, late in the evening,
we would hear a faint chorus of the song about Mr Willmake – “His family
pictures on the wall looking down on him/ Remind us of the past when they
all went out there to win / Making Spottiswoode the place where orders kept
on rolling in . . .” It was like having Sir Terence Beckett of the CBI
singing at you down the baby alarm.
But somehow the show faded – not unlike British industry – to be replaced by
stupid, hippyish Tele-tubbies with VDUs stuck in their fat guts, and
coked-up fools in dungarees introducing pop videos.
But for a brief golden time we all dreamt of sturdy British engineering,
family firms manned by cheery workers, Nell and Flo packing and stacking and
Mr Willmake the trusted manager announcing “a surprise for the shopfloor”
that didn’t mean mass redundancies but Bertha’s birthday party. Ah, innocent
days!
Tell us your favourite children's TV programme below
I was a 90's chi;d and for me it wasold bear stories. With old bear, bramble brown, little bear and teir friends. They were based on the books by Jane Hissey. I wish it would make a comeback!
Emily, Hove, East Sussex
I Loved Zzzap! because i like series 1 i also love Adventures of Sonic the Hedgegog it had Scratch and Grounder on it Rainbow is good because there was a tap dancing sketch on it I Love Wolf It because Bro and Bro are the two wolves Sesame Street is cool and so is The Riddlers
Martin King, Alcester, England
Defiently Playdays or Fun Song Factory
Why has nobody mentioned either of those 2 shows ?
Alex Levy, Nottingham, England
How wonderful! What fabulous and evocative memories there are to be had whilst reminiscing about ones childhood favourite TV shows. Wish we could all have them on sky so our own children can enjoy them. As a Mum in her 30's who vets her childrens viewing, most of it now is making children grow up too fast for my liking, i wish we could bring back things like, Trumpton, Chigley, Mary Mungo and MIdge, and playaway! When our children we younger we watched Postman Pat, Balamory, Come outside together and discussed what had happened and all we educational. The natural goodness and innocence seems to have gone from british culture certainly in its programmes so we switch off now and read or play games. I Wish with all my heart that things move back (culturally) in a more positive way so that all children can be who they are without having to feel pressure of any kind to grow up, be cool or have the latest gadgets.childhood is so precious and seems to disappear as soon as they go to school.x
sally rhodes, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Top Cat - I thought he was so cool, I wanted to marry him...
Rachel Blythe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Dangermouse!
Way too clever for kids. Agent 57? Brilliant.
Andy Bird, West Bromwich, England
Mr Benn has to be number one in my book closely follwed by The Flumps, best theme tune as well !
Julia Cooper, Hinckley, Leicestershire
Barnaby Bear
It was made in France in 1973 and we only got to see half of the episodes. My favourite episode was when Brnaby was captured by pirates and I was really worried about the fact that the pirates could have done something horrible to him. I think it should go back on telly today.
I also used to like Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Chigley, but Camberwick Green was always my favourite because I used to love guessing who was going to come out of the box at the start.
John Wilcox, Mold, Wales
I remember in primary school being called dodo the kid from outer space and was asked too often... if I had oxygum.. this was unfortunately (for me) because my ears stuck out and had little lumps on top. This wasn't my favourite though that has to be between Mr Benn and Robinbson Crusoe.. for the opening music it had to be Joe 90, Also I think there was a good one called Flashing Blades or something similar. All bring back very fond memories though, nostagia isn't what it used to be, eh?
Stephen Gray, Kiev, Ukraine
Shush! Danger Mouse!
Joe, Edinburgh,
My favourite was The Herb Garden. I have bought it for my children! So much better than the mind numbing trach they dole out these days. They've also got The Clangers, Mr Benn and Camberwick Green.
Elizabeth Farrar, Doncaster,
The magic roundabout, bagpuss, Jamie and his magic torch, fraggle Rock and the muppets those were definatley the best times but who can remember worzel gummidge and aunt sally absolutley hilarious
Nothing violent just great tv just what our youngsters should be watching with the fond memories we carry to this day.
Tracy Wood, Torfaen, S.wales
I have to agree with my mum Noggin the Nog and Ivor the engine are wonderful programmes.
But you also can't forget the wonderful Bertha!
Elizabeth Jarvis, Birmingham,
Finger Bobs!
"I am a mouse called Finger Mouse....."
Utter genious!
Kerry, Northampton,
Dogtanian & the 3 Muskerhounds
Irene, Horsham,
Tom Slick, Bullwinkle and Rocky but my paticular favourite was Super Chicken, he was the one with Fred the lion as his loyal sidekick, he wore a red pullover with a 'F' on.
phil, dalton-in-furness, cumbria
pocoyo and im 35!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
alex , worlds end,
Noggin the Nog
I loved the characters and the slightly melancholy feel of the whole setting.
Why is it never shown now?
Ivor the Engine would be my second choice and that is shown all the time.
Joanna Jarvis, Birmingham, W. Mids.
Rag, Tag and Bobtail
My introduction to BBC Wildlife programming.
Gwyn Harrison, Menai Bridge,
maggie and the ferocious beast... of course....great gooooogley mooogley...
michael paraskevas, Southampton, ny
Swap Shop was the king of Saturday morning kids TV ... and has never been bettered
Calvin, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Sesame Street hands down while Children's Workshop had control of it. Now? Not so much!
John McClellan, Blue Ridge, PA
The Clangers, Mr Ben, Barnaby the Bear, Paddington, Trumpton, Chigley, Camberwick Green and Mary Mungo and Midge - oh and Pipkins!!
andrea, Onchan, Isle of Man
Disney's Gargoyles. A cartoon that constantly references Shakespeare, while also juggling themes like gun violence, prejudice, and feminism.
David, Auburn Hills, Mi, USA
My favourite programme was a child, (I am so old) was Rag Tag & Bobtail.
Linda Head, Moreton Pinkney, Daventry, Northamptonshire
my son was always spell bound by Mr Benn. I think the wonder of it was he never knew what would happen when Mr Benn came out on the dressing room. As he in now 44 years old he might ne horrified that i have just e-mailed this.
greatwood, bury, england
Whirligig - (with Humphrey Lestoq) - Now there's a blast from the past!
Neil Williams-Jones, Budapest , Hungary
Count Duckula, a MUST!!! OOOOOOO Nannny!!!
Ray, London, UK
Noggin the Nog was without doubt the favourite kids TV programme of my daughter. It was fascinating, educational and fun.
Mrs M Weston, Witney, Oxon
The Clangers was the best! I'd watch it now if they would bring it back even though my children left home years ago!.
Elizabeth Fletcher, London, UK
My son, now aged 39, learned to read via Trumpton. Having watched every programme, he received the Trumpton story book for Christmas 1970 and wanted the stories reading to him, every evening, before bed, for six months. He mouthed the stories and soon knew them word for word. Two years ago he bought the re-released vidoe recordings of the Trumpton series for his own little boy! We still remember those names, too, from Chigley. I believe, - Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grub - poetry! Wonderful memories
Judith Pearson, Cleckheaton, England
I found some Dangermouse DVDs recently and bought them, although I wasn't actually expecting to enjoy them as much as I had as a kid... but I did. This show rocked then, rocks now, and will rock always.
I was mad on Rocky and Bullwinkle repeats as a kid, too, but spent far too much money on DVDs only to discover it wasn't nearly as good as I remembered. And the DVDs had a totally different theme tune, which I found strangely traumatic - as if those distant childhood memories were being interfered with.
The Goodies wasn't actually a kids show at all, but it got shown in the after-school spot on the ABC for years and is a seminal childhood memory for most Aussies of my generation.
Ethel, Bundaberg, Australia
I absolutely loved the slapstick fun in the circus show 'Right Charlie!' with Charlie Cairoli. Also have fond memories of Vision On, Banana Splits, Crackerjack, Camberwick Green, Hector House and Jon Pertwee's Doctor Who.
Simon Myers, Pinner,
Noggin the Nog; the characters were so well depicted, and the stories had the feel of old legends. The wry humour was a pleasure, too: "Noggin! It's not Graculus."
V Warren, Cambridge,
Popeye the Sailor Man.
I liked to see him burst open that can of spinach and win the hand of the lovely (eek) Olive Oyl, leaving rival Bluto gnashing his teeth. I loved Popeye's mirror that he turned round in his hand enabling him to see the back of his head. Brilliant.
Julie, Lee-on-the-Solent,
The Clangers-for sheer inventiveness!
I speak as thwe father of 3 all with different interests'and as a Childrens Librarian for 25 yrs...
Henry Edwards, Orpington, Kent, UK
The best as far as our family was concerned was Vision On - it was magic. Never failed to entertain and inspire. Also loved was Camberwick Green. We wondered which figure would be revealed when the music box stopped. These programmes did not rely on loud voices, loud music to grip the viewer and they did not talk down to them.
J Devaney, London,
Definitely Noggin the Nog. Surprisingly affective animation, great narration and brilliantly drawn characters. A few years ago I even came across a board game with two different games in it!
John Anzani, Edinburgh,
Noggin the Nog - fantastical tales of dragons and sagas from the North - the artistry of the animation and the characterisation was marvellous.
I still feel soothed by the thought of Oliver Postagte's dreamy storytelling voice - it brings back happy feelings about high tea in front of the fire at my grandparents house.
Lynne Locker, Bath, UK
It has to be Jamie and the Magic Torch which aried at the end of the 70's though very few of my friends remember it. Apart from that Scooby Doo, although it has to be the original one with the full gang and definetly no Scrappy Doo, he ruined it !!
Paul Coates, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire
What about Mary, Mungo and Midge. I'd love to see that again.
Liza, London,
For me it has to be The Magic Roundabout, narrated by Eric Thompson. Nothing could tear me away from the TV when it was on. I have since purchased the books of Eric's transcripts and they are simply wonderful and imaginative children's writing that entertained a 37 year old and revived some of my earliest memories. Dougal for President! Now where did I put that sugar cube?
Jason Noble, Holloway, London.,
I loved The Pogles (rarely remembered by the contemporaries I've mentioned it to) and also a strange Eastern European cartoon called The Mole. It was all a bit dark and tragic I seem to remember. And anything by Olver Postgate.
Helen Logan, London,
I can't believe nobody has mentioned my favourite Catweazle.
Sheila, Northampton,
I am amazed that no one yet has mentioned that most magical of childrens'programmes - 'The Clangers'. Sheer enchantment of the most gentle, simple and imaginative kind.
Peter Locke, Richmond, U K
I'v e just rediscovered Paddington Bear- those short 4 minute episodes which preceeded the 5:45 news .
The juxtaposition of the 3 D bear textured figure in colour with 2D monochrome humans and scenery is improbably but highly effective. My 3 year old is transfixed.
rosie richmond, otley, yorkshire
The Moomins. Straight out of someone's nightmares and straight in mine. Never mind bloodsucker horror films, that was one seriously creepy cartoon.
Greg Whitehead, Northampton,
He-Man, Portland Bill, Bagpuss, The Magic Roundabout (repeats), James The Cat, Wilderness Edge, Seal Morning, Wack-a-day, Fun House. All gems of children's programming from a bygone era, dearly missed.
Dan, Bangor, Wales
I think Muffin the Mule and the flower pot men were my favourite
kids T.V. Why hasn't the Times mentioned the original pprogrammes
stella, stamford, LINCS
Noggin the Nog and more recently The Adventures of Pete and Pete, on Nickelodeon, both great kids programmes.
Alan Marks, Broxburn, West Lothian
Magic Roundabout was brilliant. Also the Herbs and Pugwash - I was an adult watching these with my children.
Sally, Bath, UK
My brother and I never used to miss Joe 90
Tracey SCHNEIDER, NANCY, FRANCE
Does anyone remember an animated 5 minute short of "The Banana Boat Song" - it used to replace The Magic Roundabout on random occasions at 5:40 on BBC1. I will never forget the main character (who I remember as a rabbit?) saying "too loud man", and then the singing character (a monkey?) jumping through the studio window.
Jeff, leeds,
The best kids show I ever watched was the Electric Company. If it was still available today, I might actually subscribe to cable so my kids could watch it.
Sarah Mellowship, Putney, VT
Matthew Parris said it all for me , Rag Tail and bob Tail was the best show ever.
Angela Nayar, Wombwell , Southyorkshire
Angels Nayar, Wombwell, Southyorkshire
The best children's programme in my view is
Vision On. It was superb
Ruth Myers, Rickmansworth, Herts
Without a doubt, my favorite was Jackanory. Thank you to all the wonderful actors and actresses who brightened my afternoons with their wonderful ability to bring books to life.
Why did the BBC cancel this? It was a great show for bringing new books to children.
Other favourites included Thunderbirds, Camberwick Green, Trumpton, Poggles Wood and Crackerjack. Also the excitement of hiding behind Grandma's sofa in case the cybermen or darleks spotted you during Dr Who. And how many people used to do "Land of the Giants" swooping your hand over a flashlight?
Good times!
Christine Horton, Rochester, NY, USA
my kids love august underground's mordem. some say it's a little on the violent side but i dont think so.
ren, jersey,
Oliver Postgate's voice in Ivor the Engine and Noggin The Nog was the best thing. Still is. I bought a DVD of Ivor and my frantic great nephew aged 3 is lulled and enchanted by it. The magic worked on my children and it still does. The best serial ever was an adaption of The Children of Green Knowe by Lucy Boston shown years ago. Our tape has been put on to DVD to keep and hopefully enjoyed by many more family children. Incidentally. this production has its own website where people bewail the fact that it was never shown again. Children in these busy times need to wind down, not up ,while watching television.
Anne, Wallingford,
Best children's TV? The Clangers without a doubt. The Music Tree, the Iron Chicken and a Hoot, magical. An added bonus - it was best watched in black and white which was all we had at the time!
audrey Meldrum, Harpenden, England
I grew up with stuff like WizzBit, The Shoe People,Wizadora and the still amazing Greenclaws but remeber an ITV show called The Spooks of Bottle Bay which was great fun and it still looks good now that some God-like person has put it on youtube!! I enjoy kids TV nowadays though, Charlie and Lola is my personal favourite but I also love The Sarah Jane Adventures, which I have to say I enjoyed more than Dr Who!!
rach, London, UK
I was born in 1980, so caught most of the aforementioned programmes. I believe - like most people here I think - that the 80s comes closest to being the disputed 'golden age' of children's TV. For the most part because I can't remember a thing from the 90s yet I can remember almost everything from the previous decade with fond affection. What most sticks in my mind is Thundercats - absolutely brilliant. i was given the special sword for my birthday, and felt invincible charging around shouting "Thunder, thunder, thundercats - ho!!!" Also, who could forget fellow cast members - Snarf and Mumm-ra being absolute stand-outs. Plus cheetera was disturbingly attractive. Always hilarious and action packed. There has been nothing like it since. Except maybe shaun the sheep.
George, Edinburgh, UK
So many good shows growing up but without a doubt Mysterious Cities of Gold was my all time favourite show.
Ronan Gibson, London, England
1973 child for context.
Best programmes were:
Play Away
Valley of the Dinosaurs - Sat morning cartoon
Jigsaw (Janet Ellis, Adrian, Wilf Lunn, Nosey Bonk & Jig)
Battle of the Planets (Gatchaman) - Epic Japanese reedited and dubbed cartoon series
Dangermouse (David Jason voiced crimebusting eye patch wearing super crime fighter)
Vicky the Viking (Rubbed his nose for special powers)
Moomin (Maudlin Finnish epic stop animation)
Then when a bit older awful US action imports:
Whizzkids - American computer crimefighters
The A team
Knight Rider
Streethawk
Automan
Blue Thunder
Air Wolf
James, London,
The Family Ness, The Trap Door, and obviously the Turtles and Thomas the Tank Engine, not to mention Thundercats!
Mike Grady, South Sheilds,
The Magic Roundabout and my all time favourite Noggin the Nog.
Alan Rasberry, Downham Market, UK
Simple. Captain Pugwash.
Nick -expat, Tbilisi, Georgia
Can anyone remember Mike & Angelo? Round The Twist is a classic. Still hilarious to this very day and the with best opening and end credit music ever.
Jay, Stoke, UK
Obviously Rocko's Modern Life...without a doubt
Ferg, Dunmore, Pa, USA
Magic Rounabout
absolutely marvellous.
Joan and Paul Samet
Harrow
Paul Samet, Hatch End, UK
Stoppit and Tidyup, narrated by the wonderful Sir Terry of Wogan was fantastic!!! Weird, but fantastic.
Jenny, Liverpool,
Sarah and Hoppitty, I can remember the opening scene of her swinging on her gate. I also enjoyed Twizzle.
Mum to 4, Sandown, UK
Tintin is brilliant; it made me wish I was Belgian
Simon, Cambridge,
I love Paddington Bear, Chiggly, ( I used to think all factories used to have a dance at 6pm) Trumpton, Camblewick Green, Herb Garden and my absolute fav was Animal Magic. Johney Morris and his voices for the animals. I still walk around the Zoo and think what they would sound like if they spoke. Thank goodness for the Childrens channels on Sky where I can re live my child hood.
Mandie from Luton
Amanda Deacon, Luton, Bedfordshire
In those days of B&W TV with only 2 channels, I thought these were superb and I think they would pass the test of time:
1) Noggin The Nog - my first experience of the wonderful Oliver Postgate as narrator
2) Tales From Europe - they all seemed to be from Czechoslovakia. Really scary stuff like "The singing ringing tree", "The Tinderbox", "The Goose that laid the golden eggs", "Rumpelstiltskin" etc
3) Robinson Crusoe - my all time favourite. The haunting music, fabulous scenery and I cried buckets when his dog died!!
Kevin, London, UK
For me, being a child of the 90's, it was the best time to be
a kid in the last thirty years especially the CBBC ouput.
You had great comedies like Round The Twist and The
Wild House, the highly underrated Bitsa (which despite
been made in the early to mid 90's needs a long overdue repeat run) as well as the earlier years of SMart, whih were so much better than today, along with compelling children's dramas which didn't condescend such as Elidor (which I must admit, was so scary, on one occasion I tried and failed to come home late, in order to deliberately miss watching it).
Other 90's gems I remember fondly were Gladiators; Train to Win, The Raccoons, Potsworth and Company & Elstree-era Grange Hill.
Matthew, Dolgellau, Gwynedd
Mr Benn.....an 80's classic - remains my favourite (nothing has tarnished or touched it through time - not even realisation of its overt campness or identifying the man behind the voice-over from his stint in Eastenders - i've got nothing but love for Ray Brooks)
How about Dogtanian & the 3 Muskerhounds? Sometimes a show comes out of the left field and innocently proves itself far more entertaining than its makers ever intended. For the 80’s school generation it was undoubtedly the sword-wielding heroes of Dogtanian and the Three Muskerhounds! Originally made in Spain in 1981, this cartoon adaptation of Alexander Dumas’ classic novel stayed remarkably faithful to the plot, even if it repopulated it with animals. It had charm and was often unintentionally very funny. In its own little way it was as subversive as Dangermouse and easily as watchable.
Others:
Monkey (Magic)
Banana Bunch
Box of delights
Moomins
Cities of Gold
The Night Garden ......oh yes indeed
JB, Southampton, UK
I always enjoyed BOD and have got a DVD of it now and it still makes me giggle like a fool.
Jacqui Palfrey, Reading, Berkshire
I'm with shug. When I was a child there wasn't anything that could beat a glass of milk a digestive and Marine Boy after school. Hey kids, get this, in those days we had to wait a whole week before we could see it again!
Grease Weekly, London,
Marine Boy - oh how I loved him!
Judith, West Yorks, Uk
Someone has to remember Atom Ant, Secret Squirrel, Morroco Mole and the Jetsons!
Then of course the Hillbilly Bears, Winnie the Winsome Witch, and Squiddly Diddly the Octopus!
Required viewing after as stressful week at primary school in the '60s!!
Simon STG, Oxford, UK
I used to love all the classics - Mr Benn, Pigeon Street, Bagpuss etc. Round the Twist was a particular favourite of mine when I was a bit older.
Does anyone remember Stoppit & TidyUp? This was a series narrated by Terry Wogan and had characters with names such as Bee-Have, Bee-Quiet, Eat-Your-Greens and the big bad I-Said-No! It was great!
Helen, Birmingham, UK
Why has nobody mentioned The Muppet Show? OK - maybe it wasn't technically a kid's show, but I grew up the better for its influence.
Kate Dapre, Witney, Oxfordshire, UK
I have vague memories of loving 'The Herbs' when I was a little girl - especially the Lion - was he called Parsley? Andy Pandy was also a favourite and all I remember is that it didn't matter at all rthat you could see the strings - It was all still magical!
Atalanta Harmsworth, Staplefield, West Sussex.
My favourite kids TV programme is Oakie Doke. Unfortunately it was not available when I was a kid but discovered it in middle-age, and quickly became "addicted", and introduced my husband to it,as well.
It was a Cosgrove Hall production, and whilst I guess it was enjoyed by kids, it had so many subtleties of characterisation that it also made compulsive adult viewing. I have to content myself with a video now
Alison Farmer, Cambridge, England
The Singing Ringing Tree was the best ever children's TV for me! I think it was one of those Eastern European programmes which the BBC bought in the sixties. I can remember being mesmorised by the scarey troll, the tremendous waterfall and the enormous fish which lived in the lake. It was both mesmerising and haunting. I wouldn't call it fun - in fact, it was a bit sinister - but I was addicted. It remains very much in my consciousness now. Indeed, I have named my favourite acer in the garden The Singing Ringing Tree!
Also, Robinson Crusoe - which was broadcast at about the same time. I loved what seemed the reality of it especially the mysterious footprints in the sand and the music was fantastic!
Julie Cooke, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire
Julie Cooke, Nottingham, UK
Wombles of Wimbledon, Sesame Street, Playschool and Basil Brush are my first memories of television. Living in the outback of Australia we only grew up with one channel ABC.
Tammi, Deniliquin, Australia, NSW
Rhubarb & Custard - from the moment the thrash rock soundtrack starts, the energy and the shaky animation, it all provided perfect viewing to go along with your tartrazine highs after school. A Classic!!
Giles, London,
White Horses (1960) Germany
Joe 90 (1968) UK
Adventures of Black Beauty (1972) UK
Three Wishes for Cinderealla (1974) Czech
The Lost Islands (1976) Australia
Monkey! (1978) Japan/UK
Once Upon a Time... Man (1978) France
Battle of the Planets (1978) USA/Japan
The Strange Affair of Adelaide Harris (1979) UK
Star Fleet (1980) UK/Japan
The Bagthorpe Saga (1981) UK
Ulysses 31 (1981) France/Japan
The Mysterious Cities of Gold (1982) France/Japan
The Wind in the Willows (1983) UK
The Box of Delights (1984) UK
Gummi Bears (1985) USA/Japan
Bravestarr (1987) USA
Knightmare (1987-94) UK
The Adventures of Tintin (1990) Canada/France
Moomin (1990) UK/Japan
Ocean Girl (1994-98) Australia
Spellbinder (1995) Australia/Czech/China
Jonny Quest The Real Adventures (1996) USA
Maddigan's Quest (2006) UK/New Zealand
I think there is some excellent work in most eras but its no coincidence that the late 90s/21st century seem to have produced so much less of any note or appeal (as audience figures show!)
Mark, UK,
Hands down it has to be Tom Terrific! With his trusted sidekick, Mighty Manfred the Wonder Dog, he was in constant battle against Crabby Appleton (rotten to the core...). Anything else was, as is popularly described, lame.
Arthur , Washington,
I notice that Sesame Street has had no votes yet. And I'm talking about Sesame Street before Elmo ruined it. I watched it 3 times a day, and was reading by age 3 1/2.
Other favorites: Fraggle Rock, Strawberry Shortcake, TNMT, Duck Tales, Garfield & Friends, Scooby Doo!!
Erin, Colorado, USA
Pod
Mr Ben, london,
My top three would have to be;
1. Jamie and the Magic Torch (fantastic soundtrack and just about the most sureal TV show ever)
2. Dangermouse (already mentioned several times, brilliant)
3. Chorlton and the Wheelies (just loved the crazy witch with her flappy spellbook and spinny-round head).
Neil W, Redruth, Cornwall, UK
Captain Pugwash, 'nuff said
Adrian, Fremont, USA, CA
Button Moon was my favourite, with its crazy handmade models and black-gloved hands clearly visible underneath the flying creatures in Space. Thomas the Tank Engine I loved as well. Rainbow was brilliant, and even now I do pretty nifty impressions of Zippy and George.
Shiraz Engineer, Croydon, UK
Apart from most of the already mentioned programmes, I also liked Jackanory, I've had a thing about arched windows ever since! I also fondly remember that cartoon with characters made of wool, "all aboard the skylark", don't remember what it was called.
Remy, London,
We loved Mr Benn. Every week was a different adventure and the fact that a city type gent, ordinary Joe Public, would go to a shop and dress up and go into adventures was quite bizarre!
from Gill Burch and family
Gillian Burch, Nottingham, UK
'Noggin the Nog'
I can still hear the wonderful tone of the narrator's voice - really magical story-telling.
'Tales of the Riverbank' with Hammy and Roddy - narrated by Johnny Morris.
Champion the Wonderhorse, Whirleybirds, Twizzle - I'd love to see some of them again!
Tessa, Coulsdon, England
When I was really little (I'm 57) it was always Bill & Ben, and Rag, Tag & Bobtail on Watch with Mother. Didn't watch Andy Pandy, a bit too wimpy for me. Then Torchy the Battery Boy, Twizzle (with the nasty Toy Inspector who would pinch and punch) and probably the first Gerry Anderson, Four Feather Falls.
Ken Whysall, Hemel Hempstead,
Roobarb and Custard, Top Cat, Paddington, Trumpton, Camberwick Green, Mary, Mungo and Midge, The Clangers and the wonderful Mr Benn. And Brian Cant on Playschool was my first great crush. Amazing I spent so much time outside playing given the amount of programmes I loved.
Ee by gum yes Fifties kid, young folk today, they don't know they're born, when I were a lass we lived down t' pit.... Of course, in the '50s most young folk had far more sophisticated and highbrow musical taste, like, er, Rosemary Clooney, Max Bygraves, Perry Como, etc. (which, doubtless, the parents of the day moaned endlessly about)....oh yes, infinitely more serious than today's kids' tastes, er...The old will always moan about the young's music, I guess, but this says more about age than it does about the actual quality of the music - 95% of which in any age, whether classical or pop, was and always will be ephemeral pap.
Ruth , Glasgow, Scotland
Pogles Wood,Top Cat and Roadrunner - and the absolute top of the heap - no one else has mentioned this one! - The Pink Panther! What a gentleman, a scholar, what a.... acrobat!!
Also, am I the only person who remembers the Shadoks and the Gibis?
Grayman, Gravesend, Kent
The best childrens programme of all time has to be Tiswas. Anarchy at it's best when compared with the boring safe Swapshop.
Christopher Linthwaite, Beverley , East Yorkshire
Noggin, the Nog
'Listen, and I will tell you the tale, as it was told in days of old by the men of the northlands as they sat by their great log fires...
Rik, Matlock,
The Smurfing Smurfs were Smurf-tastic.
Jonathan, Pineville, La. USA
Mr Benn was the best. Children of the Stones, Black Beauty, Bagpuss, Teddy Edward. The programmes for schools were great in the seventies, too - Watch, Words & Pictures, Scene. Who remembers the US series Fantastic Journey, shown in the summer holidays?
Stuart, Manchester, England
Don't Adjust Your Set (I grew up in Sweden)
Bo G Eriksson, Washingtonville, USA/NY
"Whirlybirds" and "Thunderbirds"
Rich, Perth, Western Australia
It's The Clangers for me - but I've also got very fond memories of Muffin the Mule
Anne, Greater London,
How about a E European (Czech?) version of Robinson Crusoe with music playing over the surf washing over sand for the credits. Or Beauty and the Beast - also Czech I think - badly dubbed but essential viewing.
Trevo, London, UK
My all time favourite has to be Dangermouse! After all, "He's amazing! He's fantastic! Wherever there is danger, he'll be there! Dangermouse!!!"
Henry Theakston, Leeds, England!
Shawn the Sheep
Anne Wheelhouse, Hawkhurst, Kent
I have got a host of fav programmes: Voltron (5 lions), Space ghost, bird man, pigeon street, Flintstones and captain caveman.
Ade, London, England
Anything with Oliver Postgate was always guaranteed to be good value.
But I absolutely loved ,loved ,loved ,The Wooden Tops. For me it was the ideal family set up . How lovely to have parents who smiled indulgently at (very mild) misbehaviour and that spotty dog was always good for a laugh.
brainne, derby,
BP
R Gray, lenzie,
The children's programmes that spring to mind as favourites the moment I think of the first TV we ever owned are David Attenborough's "Zoo Quest for the Paradise Bird"; Peter Scott's "Faraway Look" and, more than any other, Patrick Moore's "Seeing Stars", a terrific preparation for enjoying "The Sky at Night" for the next five decades and more.
And there would be a great fuss in the house if I ever missed Popeye or Junior Criss Cross Quiz.
Dafydd, Pwllglas, Sir Ddinbych
I have lovely memories of Worzel Gummidge.
Clare, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Postman Pat. That village rocked - every day there was excitement of some sort from 'Magpie hens' to snow drifts. Pat is a hero for our times.
Alison Williams, Cardiff, Wales
"Champion The Wonder Horse" had everything for which an outdoor-loving, cowboy-playing boy could wish. Even after fifty years the theme music still gallops through my mind. It brings back images of magnificent Chapion rearing up on his back legs and thrashing the air with his front hooves. Real adventure.
Charles Vaughton, Retford, Notts.
A late 50s version of the Railway Children, probabnly screened live, in which the BBC used Grieg's Scandinavian dances as background and theme music. This heped develop a lifelong love of serious music. Today's kids are served mindless disco and electric pap.
Fifties kid, Lancashire, England
Tripods!
Phil, Birmingham,
Does anybody remember Gilberts Fridge?, this show was hilarious......
michael McGinn, Atlanta, U.S
Like David Baddiel it is Oliver Postgate's voice that typifies the best of children's TV for me. My earliest memories include Pogle's Wood, Ivor the Engine (I can't say that name without doing the accent and intonation !!) and Noggin the Nog. And later - The Clangers. Who doesn't try to do the Clanger's voice when reminded of them ?
Again, I agree with David that Camberwick Green and Trumpton (and the later Chigley) are special. Camberwick's music box opening and Windy Miller and Trumpton's fireman's song (Pugh, Pugh... etc) are all iconic. And again, it is another actor's voice that made it all so special. The wonderful Brian Cant.
I know, so far, I'm not giving my favourite as that is so hard to do - and I can't remember my feelings on the matter that far back !
I do, however, remember as an "older" child looking forward to Play Away - again with the brilliant Brian Cant. I still remember the theme tune and the lunacy of the programme so maybe that should be my favourite.
Julie, New Malden, UK
All the Warner Brothers Cartoons: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, etc. They've stood the test of time, as well. I still enjoy watching them. I don't think I understood many of the jokes when I was a child, but I still enjoyed the characters.
Teri, San Francisco, USA
Billy Bean ....... built a machine to see what it would do.
He built it out of sticks and stones and nuts and bolts and glue.
How's that after 55 years ?
Together with Meccano, Bako and Hornby, it must have played a great part in moving a large number of my generation into science and technology.
Mike Kay, Sheffield, South Yorkshire
I agree with Libby Purves. Bertha was brilliant. "Packing and stacking" still gets sung in our home whilst loading and unloading the dishwasher !
CHARLIE CHALK warrants a mention too. A great range of eccentric characters including one of the first environmentally-aware ones for children ---- LITTERBUG. Charlie Chalk was shipwrecked on an island, lived in a colourful wooden caravan [which I tried to replicate in the garden for my son] ,and had several adventures with the locals --- Trader Jones, Arnold the Elephant , Edward the Gorilla , Captain Mildred, Mary the Hover Fairy, Lewis T. Duck, and the "I'm SO bored" Bert, all whilst trying to avoid the frequently falling coconuts.
Liz Driscoll, UK
Liz Driscoll, London, UK
Gerry Anderson was, surely, the king of children's TV in the 1960s and early 1970s. Above all, Thunderbirds gets my vote.
Glyn Chapman, Reutlingen, Germany
Definitely Camberwick Green and Trumpton, but also Bagpuss and Mr. Ben
Michelle Fuller, Victoria, BC, Canada
I grew up watching Centurions, Ninja Turtles, Droopy, El Kabong, Space Ghost, and Beavis and Butthead (when mama wasn't home).
David H., San Angelo , TX
The anarchy of the BANANA BUNCH ........... uh oh Chongo !!!
Ian , Portsmouth, UK
Its got to be Thunderbirds but closely followed by Trumpton,The Herbs, Camberwick Green & Tales from the Riverbank
DC, Margate, England
Hong Kong Phooey. Scatman Crowthers. Bongos replacing the vroom vroom of cars. Spot the Cat. Rosemary's accent that could cut glass. Sergeant Flint running despite the lack of legs. The criminals waiting patiently whilst the doggy hero consults the Hong Kong book of Kung Fu.
Pure HB gold.
Simon Martin, London,
Surely the greatest kids tv show ever was Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles (the word 'Hero' replacing 'Ninja' for us sensitive British types). As a young boy, watching the turtles dispense of the evil Shredder (he was voiced by The Fresh Prince of Bel Air's Uncle Phil you know) would get the adrenaline flowing and my friends and I would spend countless hours in the garden fighting invisible enemies. I've yet to find a modern day cartoon that has the same effect on kids.
Jon Mansour, Liverpool, Merseyside
Bill and Ben, without a doubt. Memories of a secure and loving family upbringing and curled up on Grandma's lap for Watch With Mother.
Pogles Wood, The Clangers and Trumpton were all good, and that great version of Robinson Crusoe (and I'm sure we all remember the theme tune) prompted me to read the book at an early age.
Alan, London,
Pogle's Wood. I had no clue what it was about, but it was entrancing. And anything else by Oliver Postgate - wot, no knighthood?
Richard Coulam, Worthing,
Snagglepuss, The Clangers, Jamie And His Magic Torch, The Hairbear Bunch, and an Oliver Postgate show which has never been released on DVD called "Tottie, The Story Of A Dolls House"
Steve W, London, UK
I used to love Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Chigley! Who am I kidding, I still love them ha ha ha !
Alexandra Jewett, Cowes, Isle of Wight
The 60's b&w series "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe". The series is etched on my mind, possibly because the BBC seemed to have it playing on a loop through the 70's.
David, Melbourne,
Road Runner - watched it with my kids - they've grown up - left home - most of the time - and I'm still addicted to Roadrunner
Ian James Graham, Edinburgh,
I agree, Rhubarb and Custard!
Annie, Bath, UK
Oh corks! Oh cripey! Danger Mouse for me.
Frank Upton, Solihull,
"Whirligig" in the 1950s - Mexican Pete with Steve Race "at the piano". Bliss!
Neil Page, Nottingham, England
Without doubt it was 'Rhubarb and Custard'. Who could forget the mayhem created by the scribbly characterisation and the 'Nah nah nah nah' theme tune would have us scrambling over the back of the sofa to get prime viewing position!
Kathy, Perth, West Australia
What abut best children's radio programme? I grew up without a telly and to this day I thank my parents for it.
Esther, Bonn, Germany
Marine Boy- Splaaasher and magic chewing gum.
shug, London,
Without a doubt it was the Magic Roundabout. Even as a child I sensed it entertained the adults more than us kids - a bit like Sponge Bob now.
Toni Summers Hargis, Chicago, USA
Bod. Bagpuss. Chorlton & the Wheelies. And on behalf of my German husband, who could argue with cuddly Dr Snuggles.
Ann, Sydney, Australia