Welcome to another episode of My 70s TV Childhood. This time, we’re returning to the world of Gerry Anderson’s iconic puppet series. Growing up in 1970s Britain, Thunderbirds and other Anderson creations like Stingray, Captain Scarlet, and Joe 90 were a big part of my TV memories.

We explore the genius of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and their revolutionary Supermarionation technique, which brought their characters to life. I reminisce about the Tracy family of Thunderbirds, their heroic missions with International Rescue, and the incredible vehicles like Thunderbird 2 and the underused Thunderbird 3 (Why?). There’s also Lady Penelope and Parker, whose quirky British humour added charm to the show.

I share my fond memories of playing with a Thunderbird 2 toy and the amusing fact that it was blue instead of its original green, thanks to advice from a child psychologist!!

In this episode, we also touch on the cultural backdrop of space exploration in the 60s and 70s, which heavily influenced these shows, and revisit the darker tones of Captain Scarlet and the fantastical gadgetry of Joe 90. These shows, despite their puppetry, offered drama, adventure, and a sense of wonder that still resonates today.

Were you captivated by the heroics of Thunderbirds or intrigued by the darker world of Captain Scarlet? Or perhaps you have your own Gerry Anderson favourite? Want to share your memories of these unique characters? Let us know on our blog, Facebook, or Twitter! Your stories make this podcast even better.

Take care,
Oliver

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I’m not sure what possessed me to venture into the dusty cellar this week, but I’m glad I did. Deep in the archives of My 70’s TV Childhood Towers, I unearthed copies of the Radio Times and TV Times from 19th November 1975. Armed with these fragile treasures, I pieced together a fascinating snapshot of what was on TV that chilly Wednesday evening nearly 50 years ago.

It was a typical night of 70’s British television, full of familiar favourites and forgotten gems. BBC1 was its dependable self, with shows like Play School, Magic Roundabout, and Nationwide. Of course, there was Till Death Us Do Part, a sitcom that even now divides opinions as sharply as it did then. On BBC2, things took a more refined turn, but the schedule reminded me of something I had almost forgotten—just how often the channel was off-air. Imagine that today, staring at a blank screen for hours!

ITV offered more variety and, dare I say, flair. Rainbow and The Sooty Show added a splash of colour, while Boy Dominic intrigued me. The drama followed a young boy navigating life in 19th-century Yorkshire, but I’ll admit, it’s not one I remember watching. Maybe you do?

It was also a night that highlighted how much TV has changed. Back then, families were often divided on whether to watch ITV at all—Granny, for example, might have disapproved of its “immorality.” Thinking about that now, compared to the vast and varied content available at the touch of a button, it feels like a story from another century.

So, what were you watching on 19th November 1975? Did you love the warm familiarity of Nationwide or the sports-filled excitement of Sportsnight? Or perhaps Boy Dominic rings a bell?

Let me know—I’d love to hear your memories.

Oliver

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Hello, 70s TV lovers! Welcome to a brand-new episode of My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! We’re excited to take you on another journey through the colourful, quirky, and unforgettable world of British TV in the 1970s. Get ready for four rounds packed with nostalgia, surprises, and a few fresh twists!

First up is Round One: Animal Magic, where we’ll test your memory of the famous four-legged (and sometimes winged!) friends that brightened our screens. How many of these iconic animal stars can you remember?

Next, we move on to Round Two: Marathon - Fil Rouge, where we revisit episodes from the podcast. Do you remember the dynamic duo from Vision On, or that cheeky troublemaker from the Tufty Club who was always getting into scrapes? This round is a little treat for our loyal listeners!

Then it’s time for Round Three: Mystery Voice, an exciting new addition! We’ll play you snippets from legendary voices of the 70s—think you can recognise them just by sound? Listen closely and see if you can identify each one!

And finally, Round Four: TV Times brings you a whirlwind of trivia from the golden age of television. From The Six Wives of Henry VIII to Worzel Gummidge, it’s a round that will put your memory to the test!

We’re also gearing up for our Christmas quiz, and we’d love your input! We’re looking for the very best questions from our listeners. Send your favourite questions and answers to quiz@my70stvchildhood.com, and you might see them featured in our festive special!

So, how did you do? Let us know! And if you enjoyed this episode, why not share the fun with a friend and keep the 70s TV spirit alive?

Until next time, take care and happy quizzing!

Oliver

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Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood! In today’s episode, we’re on a wild ride through the zany five-minute gems that made British teatime magical in the 1970s. Just before the news, these teatime treats burst onto our screens, packing unforgettable characters and stories into a few short minutes. From the peculiar Hector fussing over his garden, to Dougal’s dry wit on The Magic Roundabout, to Ludwig’s bizarre egg-shaped antics, each one brought something unique, and sometimes a bit strange, to our living rooms.

Take Hector’s House—Hector the meticulous dog was all about keeping order, with Kiki the Frog and Madame Zaza the Cat stirring things up just enough to keep us laughing. Meanwhile, The Magic Roundabout gave us surreal humour mixed with wisdom as Dougal the dog, Florence, and Zebedee took us on quirky adventures. And let’s not forget The Wombles, recycling Wimbledon Common’s rubbish long before it was cool—teaching us all to find treasure in the trash!

Then there was Ivor the Engine, the little Welsh steam train chugging through gentle tales of dragons and runaway donkeys. And what about Captain Pugwash, the bumbling pirate whose “fearless” antics always needed Tom the cabin boy’s help? It was the perfect mix of pirate mischief and wit.

In the world of Crystal Tipps and Alistair, everything was a rainbow-coloured, wordless adventure with groovy music to match. Or Barbapapa, the shape-shifting blobs who turned every story into a kaleidoscope of transformations. And for pure, delightful oddity, there was Ludwig, the glass egg who played classical violin while saving woodland creatures—unforgettable in the most surreal way.

Of course, there’s no teatime without Paddington Bear, whose kind-hearted mischief became a British icon. With his marmalade sandwiches and a sense of wonder, Paddington made teatime that much sweeter.

These five-minute marvels were more than just shows—they were little daily escapes into worlds of humour, adventure, and pure imagination. Want to share your memories of these unique characters? Let us know on our blog, Facebook, or Twitter! Your stories make this nostalgia journey even better.

Take care,

Oliver

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Welcome to the latest episode of My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! Today, we’re taking another nostalgic journey through the 1970s, revisiting unforgettable moments from British TV. In this episode, we’ve got four rounds packed with fun and challenging questions about classic 70s TV. Whether you’re here for the first time or you’re a seasoned listener, it’s all just for fun—so come along and test your knowledge!

We kick things off with a Halloween special that returns to some chilling 70s classics, from the frights of Tales of the Unexpected to spooky moments like the faceless nun from Armchair Thriller. And for the true fans—do you know who originally voiced Shaggy in Scooby Doo? This round is definitely for you!

Next, we’ll revisit memorable shows and personalities we’ve covered on the podcast, such as The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club, Rainbow, and Happy Days. We’ll bring back episodes from My 70’s TV Childhood to test your memory of iconic characters and unforgettable moments.

Then, we’ll have our Spin the Wheel/Name That Tune mash up, where we play five theme tunes from shows that aired in 1979. Think you can name them all? It’s a test of your tune-spotting skills to see just how well you know your 70s soundtracks!

Finally, we’ll wrap up with a tribute to 70s TV trivia, featuring questions that explore everything from iconic characters in Space: 1999 to theme song composers and the beloved gardener Percy Thrower from Blue Peter. This round is perfect for any trivia enthusiast.

And don’t forget this week’s bonus question! We’re asking about a classic children’s show that’s been a BBC favourite since 1972 and is still going strong. If you think you know the answer, email us at quiz@my70stvchildhood.com, and don’t miss your chance to contribute to our upcoming Christmas quiz!

Tune in to relive these classic moments with us. If you enjoy the episode, why not tell a friend and share the joy of revisiting 70s TV together? Until next time, keep those memories alive, and we’ll see you soon for more from My 70’s TV Childhood!

Take care

Oliver

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Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood! This episode is an absolute treat for fans of 1970s British sci-fi as we take a journey into the time-bending world of Timeslip.

But before we leap into the past—or the future—I’m thrilled to announce some fantastic news! We’ve been shortlisted for Best TV and Film Podcast at the UK Independent Podcast Awards for the second consecutive year! It’s a real honour, and I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. We couldn’t have made it this far without you!

Now, onto the show! In this episode, we’re revisiting Timeslip, a lesser-known gem from 1970s British television. Airing in 1970, this sci-fi series followed two teenagers, Simon (played by Spencer Banks) and Liz (played by Cheryl Burfield), who stumble upon a mysterious time barrier and are suddenly thrust into different time periods and even parallel universes.

Timeslip was not just your average adventure show. It cleverly mixed scientific ideas with deep philosophical themes like ageing, identity, and memory—heady stuff for a children's program! One storyline that left a lasting impression on me was "The Time of the Ice Box," where Simon and Liz meet their future selves. The concept of seeing what you might become was both exciting and a little unsettling, especially as a young viewer.

We’ll also chat about those iconic 1970s special effects, which, while simple by today’s standards, had their own charm and magic. The time barrier might have been created using basic lighting tricks, but it transported us to different worlds, capturing the imagination of a generation.

And, of course, we can’t forget the incredible performances from Spencer Banks and Cheryl Burfield, who really brought Simon and Liz’s adventures to life. They made us believe in the emotional weight of their journey, as much as the thrilling escapades through time.

Although Timeslip only lasted for 26 episodes, its legacy has endured, especially for those of us who fondly remember the thought-provoking questions it raised about the future and the choices we make in life.

I’d love to hear your memories of Timeslip. Did it inspire your love for time travel? Or were you captivated by its deeper themes? Let me know by sharing your thoughts on our blog or social media!

Take care,

Oliver

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Welcome to another episode of My 70’s TV Childhood, the podcast where we take a nostalgic look back at the television and memories of growing up in 1970s Britain. Today, we bring you quiz number 29, filled with questions about the TV shows, characters, and actors who defined our childhoods. It’s an Octoberfest special, so expect to encounter some iconic figures linked to the month of October.

This quiz will test your knowledge across several rounds, starting with our Octoberfest Round. We’re celebrating the birthdays of some unforgettable TV stars born in October, including Brian Blessed, Bob Hoskins, Roger Moore, and Michael Gambon—guaranteed to stir memories of classic 70s television.

Next, we move on to the Marathon - Fil Rouge Round, revisiting some of the TV shows we’ve discussed in previous episodes. With questions on Rentaghost, Mr. Benn, Rainbow, Follyfoot, and Crackerjack or CRACKERJACK!!!!! - well that's the way it sounds in my head.

Then, it’s time for the Spin the Wheel/Name That Tune Round, featuring questions on theme tunes from 1978! You might remember the tune, but can you name the show?

Finally, our TV Times Round will test your knowledge of classic 70s TV in a big way.

Don’t miss the Bonus Question this week! In 1975, ITV released a sitcom set in Liverpool about a sailor who returned home after two years at sea. It starred Ken Jones, alongside Alison Steadman and a young Keith Chegwin. It was so poorly received that the final episode was never aired. What was it called?

We’d love for you to get involved in our Christmas Quiz this year—submit your quiz questions at quiz@my70stvchildhood.com and don’t forget to share your scores with us on social media or by email.

Thanks for listening!

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Oliver

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Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood! I’m Oliver Colling, and this episode holds a special place in my heart.

Before we dive into the wonderful world of Tony Hart, I’d like to take a moment to dedicate this episode to my dear friend, Anthony Martin, who sadly passed away suddenly on September 18th, 2024. Anthony was a great fan of this podcast, always excited to join in on our quizzes—even if he didn't always get the answers right! We will truly miss you, Anthony. This episode is for you.

I wanted to also share that we’ve been recognised in the podcast industry for the second consecutive year! We’ve been shortlisted for Best TV and Film Podcast at the UK Independent Podcast Awards, with the winner to be announced at the glamorous ceremony later this month. Thank you to all our listeners for your incredible support that has helped us reach this milestone!

That’s not all! We were also featured on BBC Radio 2 in their Midnight Mastermind segment, where I had the pleasure of challenging host Phil Williams with three questions about Trumpton. If you’d like to catch the segment, it’s available on BBC Sounds from the OJ Borg show aired on September 20, 2024. You can find us about 26 minutes into the episode. I’ll also share a link to the audio on our blog for easy access. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

Now, let’s journey back to the happy times of the 60's, 70's and early 1980s, when Tony Hart was a household name and a source of inspiration for countless budding young artists. His gentle and encouraging style made art accessible to everyone, leaving a lasting impression on British television.

Tony introduced us to the joys of drawing, painting, and creativity, making it feel like anyone could create something beautiful. For many children, his show was the first step toward a lifelong passion for art.

We’ll also reminisce about his collaborations with beloved characters like Morph and the brilliant animation team that brought these ideas to life. Tony’s iconic sketches, delivered with charm and warmth, sparked creativity in living rooms across the UK. And who could forget that wonderful theme music that would lull us into a dreamy state as we admired the artwork of other children in the gallery? Each week, Tony took us on a delightful artistic journey, inspiring us to explore our own creativity.

If you have any memories of watching Tony Hart or were inspired by his creativity, I’d love to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts by commenting on our blog at www.my70stvchildhood.com or joining the conversation on social media.

Take care,

Oliver

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