There were two good reasons for watching Magpie in the 70's:Jenny Hanley.
Before Jenny Hanley the programme was hosted by Susan Stranks, Tony Bastable (he's the one in the funky orange shirt) and some other bloke history has chosen to forget. Tony Bastable was one of childrens television's iconic presenters, in terms of getting information across to the viewers he's up there with Fred Dienage (How?). Bastable had been a journalist and a television reporter before he got the job of co-presenting ITV's answer to Blue Peter.
Blue Peter was for middle class kids who wanted to have a go at something but didn't want to get dirty, Magpie was for people who wanted to get dirty and Tony Bastable (or Tony Bastard as he was affectionately known at my school) was like a slightly anorakish older brother. He was also incredibly hard working and when he left Magpie (to be replaced by Brian May lookalike Mick Robertson) he went on and presented, directed and produced television programmes for another thirty odd years.
4 comments:
hehehehe, yes those two reasons; funnily enough I remember Susan Stranks too. god knows who the boring blokes were ;-)
However, I dare to emtion we were more of a Blue Peter House...now that seems strange but I know someone has mentioned this before (maybe Mags) but iTv was sort of 'down market' for those that had snobbish pretentions (รก la what's her name 'bucket')
Pete Brady a DJ(possibly a Pirate of the 60's)was a presenter. I remember Mick and Tony too. By Mick's changed. He was interviewed a few months back.
I'm being picky but I'm not sure that is Tony on picture. Maybe it wasn't meant to be and that was the only image available.
If it wasn't for you I had no idea of this even happening.
I've forgotten how to hyperlink in comments section of blogs(I used to know)
The following image(though squashed up)is how I remember Tony and that's why I am unsure about those on the cover of the annual...I don't remember him looking "Trendy"
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article1873288.ece
Thanks Gildy, I think the line proves it is him!
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