MOST people find that just thinking about children’s television is enough to conjure feelings of nostalgia.
And whether positive or negative, most have an opinion of children’s shows of past and present.
So with the world’s longest running children’s TV programme, Blue Peter, as well as Paddington Bear both celebrating their golden anniversaries this year, LookBack sounded Southport out on its favourite shows of the past – and what it thinks of today’s offerings...
Broadcaster Dave Turley, who presents Dune fm’s daily Daytime show from 10am-2pm, said: “For me, I don’t think children’s TV has changed a great deal.
“Many classics are still about or being revised, such as Blue Peter, Basil Brush, Thunderbirds and Scooby Doo.

Blue Peter presenters of 1986 vintage, from left: Peter Duncan, Janet Ellis and Simon Groom

“Dick and Dom are OK, as are the Chuckle Brothers. Some newer programmes are quite cool – apart from the Teletubbies and Balamory – or it may be that I’m too old to really appreciate them!”
Dave added: “There does however seem to be a darker side to children’s TV now.
“Grange Hill seems to have been replaced with the very rude, and at sometimes immoral, Hollyoaks.
“Then there is the very scary Charmed and the very violent Buffy The Vampire Slayer.”
Phil King, Sefton’s former tourism chief, said: “When I was younger I remember my favourite children’s programme being Whirligig, which was a black and white puppet show.
“We didn’t have a TV so I had to watch it at my grandmother’s.”

Former tourism chief Phil King had a face-to-face with Sooty at the Institute of Municipal Entertainment’s last Christmas celebration

Mr King spoke of the excitement he and his peers experienced as children, watching something that was genuinely new.
And he keeps up to date with today’s shows courtesy of his grandchildren – who watch BBC’s CBeebies, with Balamory a particular favourite.
Mr King praised how watching TV can help children learn – developing their imagination and skills of self-expression – as well as keeping them entertained.
“But I am a great believer that TV should be switched off at certain times and children should also be encouraged to read,” he added.
David McDonnell, owner of D&J Toys on Tulketh Street, said: “My favourite children’s show was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
“Children’s programmes are now dominated by Japanese cartoons, which are not as good as the shows I watched when I was younger.”
He too cited Balamory – a pre-school programme set amid a fictional Scottish island community – as a great example of fusing education and entertainment.
Alison Buckingham, of The Cherry Tree toy store on Wesley Street, said: “I can’t remember watching much TV as a child but my children were brought up on Sesame Street.
“The programme was very clever in the way it helped children learn the alphabet and numbers, whilst having fun.”
Kelly Brady, assistant manager of Past Times gift shop on Lord Street, opted for Sooty & Co as her childhood favourite.
She added: “All the kids’ shows at the moment are rubbish!
“They don’t compare to the shows that were on when I was younger.”

Kelly (left) and Jade Brady, staff at Past Times nostalgia gift shop on Lord Street, with Peru’s most famous export - Paddington Bear

For more details about Paddington Bear, visit the official website www.paddingtonbear.co.uk
Blue Peter’s 50th birthday is on October 16. If you are the holder of a coveted Blue Peter badge, or ever appeared on the show, let us know by calling Robert Alcock 01704-398276 or e-mail robert.alcock@southport visiter.co.uk

Crackerjack? Captain Pugwash? Bill & Ben? What’s your favourite children’s TV show and why? Let us know below.

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