BBC radio’s ‘Children’s Favourites’ – The hidden history with Stephen Barnard
For any child in the 50s, 60s or 70s, the Saturday morning radio request show ‘Children’s Favourites’ -later renamed ‘Junior Choice’ – was a big part of growing up. Presented by ‘Uncle Mac’ and created by the BBC’s quaintly named Gramophone Department, the show introduced us to characters like Nellie the Elephant, the three billy goats gruff and a magic piano called Sparky, and the indelible strains of such records as ‘Right Said Fred’, ‘The Ugly Duckling’ and ‘Morningtown Ride’. Join radio historian Stephen Barnard as he dips into the programme’s hidden history and explores its quirky role in entertaining and educating the post-war generation.
Event Information
Price: £17.00
Course Weeks: 1
Room: Brunt Room
Your Tutor
Name: Stephen Barnard
Bio: Stephen Barnard has been writing and lecturing on broadcasting, film, popular music and social history on a part-time basis for over 40 years. He has run courses for the WEA, De Montfort University, the City University and a number of Hertfordshire arts groups.
Originally a music journalist, Stephen’s writing career included a long spell with the UK arm of Reader’s Digest. His five books include ‘Studying Radio’, the standard academic textbook on the subject. He lives in Letchworth and has taught at the Settlement since 2012.
Department: Huumanities