94-501: Blue Peter is a British children's television entertainment programme created by John Hunter Blair . It is the longest-running children's TV show in the world, having been broadcast since October 1958. It was broadcast primarily from BBC Television Centre in London until September 2011, when the programme moved to dock10 studios at MediaCityUK in Salford , Greater Manchester . It
188-700: A competition was launched to design Blue Peter ' s second birthday balloon to be flown. In May, the Millennium Time Capsule formally buried under the Millennium Dome , which was dug up accidentally in 2017 by builders went on tour with various past presenters around the country. A play, "Once Seen On Blue Peter ", ran at the Edinburgh Festival fringe in August, with six former presenters appearing in it. On 16 October 2018,
282-565: A demonstration of an activity in the studio, or a music or dance performance. Between the 1960s and 2011 the programme was made at BBC Television Centre , and often came from Studio 1, the fourth-largest TV studio in Britain and one of the largest in Europe. This enabled Blue Peter to include large-scale demonstrations and performances within the live programme. From the September 2007 series,
376-619: A different design. In the show before these weeks, the team show viewers how to make something to keep their badges in/on and continue the theme through the weeks, these have included the Badge Baton Relay in 2016, where badges stored within a baton tube and the Big Badge Boat Bonanza in 2017, where badges displayed on the iconic BP ship, a 2D model that can be made from paper. Ahead of their Jubilee celebrations, Blue Peter introduced its first ever Guest Editor to
470-560: A garden in both London and Salford , known as the Blue Peter Garden, which is used during the summer and for outdoor activities. The programme has featured a number of pets including dogs, tortoises, cats and parrots. The longevity of Blue Peter has established it as a significant part of British culture and British heritage. Blue Peter 's content is wide-ranging. Most programmes are broadcast live, but usually include at least one filmed report. There will also often be
564-516: A good turn every day. For effective administration of Girlguiding, the UK is split into smaller areas. At the top level there are ten Countries and Regions. The Countries are: The Regions are: Countries and Regions are split into Counties. These in turn are split into Divisions. Divisions are split into Districts. In some areas with few members, County, Division or District level may be omitted because effective communication occurs without it. Each area
658-750: A green badge in November 1988 for achievements related to the environment. Shortly before, in October 1988, the show celebrated its thirtieth anniversary with a competition to design the cover of a commemorative issue of the Radio Times and Valerie Singleton presented the Outstanding Endeavour Award on the birthday show itself. The following year, the award was presented for the last time. On 13 September 1984, champion trampolinist and professional performer Michael Sundin presented for
752-477: A more classic take on the show, as well as beginning Blue Peter Bites , which are five-minute clips showing just one challenge or video from episodes broadcast on CBBC. Blue Peter guide pup Iggy joined the team in 2014 and Shelley the Tortoise continues to make occasional appearances. The Blue Peter Garden is currently maintained by child gardener George who appears throughout the year. The team made more use of
846-401: A new producer who was committed to Blue Peter was required, so Biddy Baxter was appointed. At the time she was contracted to schools' programmes on the radio, and therefore unable to take up her new post immediately. It was suggested that Edward Barnes, a production assistant, would temporarily produce the show until Baxter arrived, at which point he would become her assistant. This suggestion
940-495: A new producer, Lewis Bronze, joined in 1982. Janet Ellis joined Sarah Greene and Peter Duncan on 28 April 1983. The 1980s saw the Blue Peter studio become more colourful and bright, with the presenters gradually wearing more fashionable outfits, in contrast to the more formal appearance of previous decades. Several videos of Blue Peter were made available from 1982, the first being Blue Peter Makes , and an omnibus comprising
1034-480: A perfect and completed version of the object they are making – a phrase credited to Christopher Trace , though Marguerite Patten is another possibility. Trace also used the line "And now for something completely different", which was later taken up by Monty Python . Time is also often given over to reading letters and showing pictures sent in by viewers. Over 5,000 editions have been produced since 1958, and almost every episode from 1964 onwards still exists in
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#17327799494451128-507: A promise that mentions god, particularly atheists and this has attracted criticism from the National Secular Society . In 2013 a nationwide consultation of the promise was carried out by Girlguiding. This took the form of a questionnaire with 44,000 respondents being asked for opinions on each line of the promise (not just 'Love my God') and gave a number of options of different wordings. Effective from 1 September 2013,
1222-508: A result, Blue Peter ' s ratings initially dropped to as low as 100,000 viewers in the age 6–12 bracket, before steadily improving. As with the previous decade, numerous presenters joined and left the programme. This included the exits of Thomas, Baker and Barker and the additions of Zöe Salmon , Gethin Jones and Andy Akinwolere . Early 2008 saw the departure of Huq, who had become the longest serving female presenter with over ten years on
1316-708: A separate organisation for girls. The Guide Association was a founding member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 1928. Girlguiding is supported by around 100,000 volunteers. Following the origin of the Boy Scouts in 1907 many girls took up Scouting. In 1909, a number of Girl Scouts attended the Boy Scout Rally in Crystal Palace Park The girls told Robert Baden Powell that they wanted 'to do
1410-566: A special edition of the programme when Christopher Trace, Leila Williams, Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves returned. John Noakes contributed a message pre-recorded on film. At this time, Trace introduced the Blue Peter Outstanding Endeavour Award. In 1979, its theme music was updated by Mike Oldfield , and at the end of the decade a new presenting team was brought in, consisting of Simon Groom , Tina Heath and Christopher Wenner . They were overshadowed by
1504-475: A special one-hour live edition of the programme, entitled Blue Peter: Big 60th Birthday , was broadcast on CBBC. Guests included The Vamps , Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ed Sheeran , who was presented with a gold Blue Peter badge. Many former presenters returned for the show and contributed to the broadcast. Matt Baker contributed a pre-recorded message and Mark Curry was represented by a Lego model as he had to cancel his contribution due to ill health. The programme
1598-450: A temporary producer while Baxter was doing jury service) becoming the programme's producers. The first Blue Peter book, an annual in all but name, was published that year, and one was produced nearly every year after that, until 2010. A third presenter, John Noakes, was introduced at the end of 1965 and became the longest-serving presenter. A complete contrast to Trace, Noakes set the scene for "daredevil" presenters that has continued through
1692-476: A third edition of Blue Peter each week. This meant that it was sometimes pre-recorded; Joe Godwin, the director, suggested that the Friday edition should be a lighter version of the show, which would concentrate on music, celebrities and games. Helen Lederer presented a documentary on BBC2 to celebrate the show's 35th anniversary Here's One I Made Earlier , with a special edition of the regular programme featuring
1786-889: A variety of themes including flowers, Winnie the Pooh characters, gems or even stars. Brownies have mix and match clothing based around the colours of yellow, brown and blue. Items include baseball caps, gilets, cycle shorts, hoodies, leggings, long-sleeved tops, short sleeved tops, skorts, trousers and a sash. Brownie units may also wear neckers. Guides are aged 10 to 14 years old. Guides work within six core themes: Know Myself, Be Well, Express Myself, Take Action, Have Adventures, Skills For My Future. Guides can choose to work on unit meeting activities, skills builders and interest badges. They take part in indoor and outdoor activities that challenge them to do their best. Guides choose and plan most of their own activities, which can include themed evenings and trips. Guide units meet regularly, usually once
1880-441: A week during school terms. There are often other opportunities for Guides to take part in special activities and events throughout the year. Many Guide units go away on holiday, to camp or on overnight sleepovers. Guides work in small groups between 4 and 8 called a patrol. Patrol names vary between different units but include flowers, like rose and poppy, animals, like panda and parrot and famous landmarks, like pyramids. Each patrol
1974-459: A week, its original premiere being on CBBC on Thursdays at 5:45pm, changed to 5:30pm from April 2013 then 5pm from March 2015. It was usually repeated on Fridays on BBC One , although this ceased in December 2012. A repeat airs at 9am on Sundays. At this time, Levell left to work at BBC Radio 5 Live ; he was replaced (initially in an acting capacity) as editor by Ewan Vinnicombe, who had worked on
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#17327799494452068-614: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Girlguiding UK Girlguiding is the operating name of The Guide Association , previously named The Girl Guides Association . It is the national guiding organisation of the United Kingdom . It is the UK's largest girl-only youth organisation. Girlguiding is a charitable organisation. Within Girlguiding, participants take on adventurous activities, such as climbing, canoeing, sailing and orienteering and have
2162-571: Is appropriate for the activities. Rainbows and Brownies can choose from skorts, cycling shorts, leggings, joggers or trousers. All adult members of Girlguiding make a promise upon joining but young members only have to do so before achieving section awards. The current promises for each section are: Rainbows: I promise that I will do my best, to think about my beliefs, and to be kind and helpful. Brownies, Guides, members of The Senior Section and Leaders: I promise that I will do my best; To be true to myself and develop my beliefs, To serve
2256-462: Is currently shown live on the CBBC television channel on Fridays at 5 p.m. The show is also repeated on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and a BSL version is shown on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. Following its original creation, the programme was developed by a BBC team led by Biddy Baxter ; she became the programme editor in 1965, relinquishing the role in 1988. Throughout
2350-561: Is led by a Commissioner. Girlguiding is also active outside the United Kingdom . In nine British overseas territories , there are branch associations with slightly different Guiding programmes adapted to the local conditions. Most of the branch associations use different uniforms or lighter textiles. Branch Associations are active in More details can be found in The Branch Association Members website. Guiding in
2444-421: Is run by a patrol leader who is assisted by her patrol seconder. The Patrol Leader can be elected by her patrol, elected by the whole unit or chosen by the leadership team. The Patrol Leader is given extra assistance from the leader team to develop her Leadership skills. For girls between 14 and 18 years old, there are a variety of schemes and groups to choose from. With the new program Rangers have new badges in
2538-569: Is the 41st Blue Peter presenter. John Hunter Blair John Hunter Blair (4 August 1903 – 31 December 1964) was a British television producer. He was the creator of Blue Peter , and was its producer from 1958 to 1961. Asked by Owen Read, head of BBC children's television, to devise a programme for children who were now too old for Watch with Mother , the programme began on 16 October 1958 and lasted for fifteen minutes. Illness forced Hunter Blair to leave Blue Peter in 1961. This biographical article related to British television
2632-419: The Blue Peter theme tune as a part of the celebrations of BBC's 100th Anniversary. On 25 October 2022, Joel Mawhinney was announced as the latest presenter. Mawhinney is a magician and content creator who first appeared in 2018 as a guest. He is known for his illusions on social media where he has a large following. He also starred in his own BBC Northern Ireland TV series Life is Magic in 2020. Mawhinney
2726-429: The 1971 eruption of Mount Etna . In May 1976, presenter Lesley Judd interviewed Otto Frank , father of Anne Frank , after he had agreed to bring his daughter's diaries to Britain. From 1971 the summer expedition from the previous year was edited into special programmes broadcast under the title Blue Peter Flies The World , televised during the summer break when the team were recording the latest expedition. The first
2820-473: The 1980s and 1990s, Rainbows wore a tabard in one of the colours of the Rainbow. Nowadays, the red uniform is worn, with Rainbows often referred to as “Little Reds.” There is a baseball cap, cycling shorts, hoodie, joggers, and polo shirt to choose from. Each girl makes a promise on their enrolment in a Rainbow unit and must be able to understand and carry out the promise. This Promise is a simplified version of
2914-670: The BBC archives. This is unusual for programmes of that era; editor Biddy Baxter personally ensured that telerecordings and, from 1970, video recording were kept of each episode. The earliest surviving footage, a 35mm film sequence, comes from Programme 204 produced and broadcast in 1962. The earliest edition to survive in a complete form is Programme 238 from 1963, which survives as a 16mm film recording. Many items from Blue Peter 's history have become embedded in British popular culture, especially moments when things have gone wrong, such as
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3008-484: The BBC's Television Centre in London was broadcast on 28 June 2011, before a move to Dock10 studios , MediaCityUK . The set left behind at BBC Television Centre was subsequently purchased and installed at Sunderland University 's David Puttnam Media Centre in August 2013. When the new series started on 26 September 2011, after the usual summer break, Harwood and Skelton revealed the new look Blue Peter studio along with
3102-488: The King and my community, To help other people and To keep the (Brownie) Guide Law. The guide's promise was changed several times due to religious beliefs being offended. In 1994, the promise was altered from 'To do my duty to God' to 'To love my God', in order to accommodate different faiths and the word 'God' was allowed to be replaced with a faith's own word for their god (e.g. Allah). Some do not feel they are able to make
3196-597: The Queen Mother) in a dinghy. She became Chief Ranger of the British Empire in 1946. When she married Lieutenant Mountbatten two of her bridesmaids were former members of the Buckingham Palace company. Girl Guides Australia provided the ingredients for the couple's principal wedding cake as Britain was still under post-war rationing conditions. In 1952 when she ascended the throne she became
3290-596: The UK has had a long association with the British royal family , in 1920 Princess Mary , daughter of George V became President of the Association, 1937 saw Princess Elizabeth, who would go on to be Queen Elizabeth II become a Guide, and Princess Margaret become a Brownie. Princess Elizabeth joined the 1st Buckingham Palace Unit , whose first meeting was held on 9 June. She became the Second of Kingfisher Patrol, and
3384-566: The World . This new arrangement involved a complex schedule of live programmes and pre-recorded material, being broadcast on BBC One and CBBC . Marson also introduced a brand new set, graphics and music. In September 2007, a new editor, Tim Levell, took over. At the same time, budget cuts meant that the programme came from a smaller studio. In February 2008 the BBC One programme was moved from 5pm to 4:35pm to accommodate The Weakest Link , and as
3478-495: The anniversary with many returning presenters and a 60-minute documentary on BBC1 featuring interviews with many previous presenters and production staff, including Edward Barnes, Biddy Baxter and Rosemary Gill. Writing in the BBC's in-house magazine, Ariel , in 2009, BBC Children's Controller Richard Deverell announced plans to re-invent the show to be more like the BBC's motoring programme Top Gear . Deverell hopes that by adding "danger and excitement", Blue Peter will achieve
3572-510: The annual Outstanding Endeavour Award and Valerie Singleton, Peter Purves, Christopher Wenner, Tina Heath and Sarah Greene returned to celebrate the show's birthday with the current presenting trio of Simon Groom, Peter Duncan and Janet Ellis who launched a national balloon treasure hunt. On 27 June 1988, Baxter took part in her final show, after nearly 26 years of involvement, and Bronze took her place as editor. Around this time, Blue Peter became distinctively environmentally aware, and introduced
3666-740: The association patron. When Princess Mary died Princess Margaret became the new president in 1965. In turn on the death of Princess Margaret, the Duchess of Edinburgh (then the Countess of Wessex), wife to Prince Edward became president in 2003. Following the Queen's death in 2022, the Duchess of Edinburgh became the organisation's patron in 2024. The highest award in Guiding, the Queen's Guide award
3760-522: The decade. The 1990s also saw many more live broadcasts on location, with many shot entirely away from the studio. Blue Peter was also one of the first television series to launch a website. Oliver Macfarlane replaced Bronze as editor in 1996. The 40th anniversary of the show was marked in 1998. Apart from two summer proms concerts, the most talked about event to celebrate the milestone was a trip behind LNER Peppercorn Class A2 60532 Blue Peter on an Edinburgh to London railtour. The special train in question
3854-436: The first programme in the UK to broadcast an entire show in 360 degrees on the web. Viewers were able to watch the programme via their TVs and simultaneously interact with the television studio in front of and behind the cameras on the website. Viewers were also challenged to play a game where they had to find particular crew members and staff dressed up in distinctive costumes. The final edition of Blue Peter to broadcast from
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3948-413: The first time, as a replacement for Peter Duncan. He had been talent spotted by the Blue Peter team when they filmed an item on the set of Return to Oz ; Sundin was playing the part of Tik-Tok. After 77 appearances as a Blue Peter presenter his contract was not renewed. It has since been explained by Biddy Baxter that he attracted complaints from viewers. She stated in her autobiography that homophobia
4042-585: The footplate between Newark-on-Trent and Peterborough . This was the stretch of track which, on 3 July 1938, saw the world speed record for steam locomotives of 126 mph (203 km/h) set by LNER A4 Locomotive no. 4468 Mallard (a segment in the same episode showed Katy Hill exploring the National Railway Museum and viewing locomotives like Mallard, Stephenson's Rocket , Midland Compound no.1000 , LMS Black 5 no.5000 and 92220 Evening Star alongside Stuart Miles helping with
4136-545: The generations of presenters. Trace left Blue Peter in July 1967, and was replaced by Peter Purves in November. The trio of Valerie Singleton, John Noakes and Peter Purves lasted five years, and according to Richard Marson were 'the most famous presenting team in the show's history'. In 1965, the first Summer Expedition (a filming trip abroad) was held in Norway, and continued every year (except 1986 and 2011) until 2012, all over
4230-785: The girls get ready to move on to Brownies, girls undertake the personal Pot of Gold Challenge. Brownie Guides or Brownies are aged seven to ten years old. They go along to camps, holidays, day trips and sleepovers. They get together with their friends at regular meetings where they learn new hobbies, get creative, develop skills and have outdoor adventures. Brownies work within six themes: Know Myself, Be Well, Express Myself, Take Action, Have Adventures, Skills For My Future. Brownies can choose to work on unit meeting activities, skills builders and interest badges. Brownies units are divided into Sixes, small groups of girls who work together. Sixes are traditionally named after fairies e.g., Gnomes, Elves, Leprechauns; however, many Units have adopted
4324-657: The latter show as a successor to his programme Out of School , broadcast on BBC Radio's Children's Hour ; Hill networked the programme from BBC Manchester and launched it aboard the MV Royal Iris ferry on the River Mersey , Liverpool with presenter Judith Chalmers welcoming everyone aboard at the bottom of the gangplank. It was subsequently televised about once a month. Hill relates how Reed came to stay with him and his wife, Margaret Potter, in Cheshire, and
4418-409: The much-repeated clip of Lulu the baby elephant (from a 1969 edition) who urinated and defecated on the studio floor, appeared to tread on the foot of presenter John Noakes and then proceeded to attempt an exit, dragging her keeper along behind her. Although it is often assumed to have been broadcast live, the edition featuring Lulu was one of the rare occasions when the programme was pre-recorded, as
4512-456: The new music and title sequence. Departed presenter Andy Akinwolere was not initially replaced, and for the first time in 50 years only two presenters remained on the programme. The new Blue Peter Garden, located outside the studios, was officially opened by Princess Anne in February 2012. From 12 January 2012, Blue Peter has been broadcast all year round (with no break for summer) once
4606-523: The new team of herself, Konnie Huq , Simon Thomas , and Matt Baker were consistent for the next few years. The Friday edition, as in the previous decade, featured games, competitions and celebrities, but additionally there was a drama series, The Quest , which featured cameos of many former presenters. It was at this time that the new Head of the BBC Children's Department, Nigel Pickard , asked for Blue Peter to be broadcast all year round. This
4700-419: The newer six naming style of woodland animals. Each six has a leader named a 'Sixer' and a deputy leader, a 'Second'. The adult leader in charge was traditionally called Brown Owl with other leaders being named after other owls, such as Snowy, Tawny, and Barn. However, these days, only some units still use owl naming – although the variety of owls has increased much, e.g., Wise, Little, Rainbow. But most units have
4794-455: The north-west frontier in India, their main task was to go on hazardous expeditions. These men had particularly influenced Baden-Powell as they continued training minds and body even when off duty. As a result, Baden Powell decided Girl Guides would be a suitable name for the pioneering young women's movement he wished to establish. In 1914 Rosebuds were established for girls aged 8–10, this name
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#17327799494454888-468: The opportunity to get involved in camps and international events, including girl-only festivals and overseas development projects. In local groups – called 'units' – girls complete badges and challenges that cover topics from circus skills, stargazing and scientific investigation, to first aid, camping and community action. Each year, the organisation publishes the Girls' Attitudes Survey, which surveys
4982-436: The position. Judges Cel Spellman , Eamonn Holmes and Myleene Klass decided the final three, before viewers were given the chance to vote online. Russell joined Blue Peter in September of that year, shortly before Skelton's departure and the introduction of her replacement Radzi Chinyanganya . From October 2013, the team consisted of Harwood, Russell and Chinyanganya. The format adapted with slightly different branding and
5076-419: The presenters were en route to Ceylon for the summer expedition at the time of transmission. Other well-remembered and much-repeated items from this era include a Girl Guides ' campfire that got out of hand on the 1970 Christmas edition, John Noakes's report on the cleaning of Nelson's Column and Simon Groom referring to a previous item on the production of a facsimile door knocker for Durham Cathedral which
5170-517: The programme as a producer since 2007. The reformatted Blue Peter occasionally also included specials and spin-offs such as "Helen's Polar Adventure" or the Stargazing Live special on other days of the week. In 2013, Lindsey Russell was voted the 36th presenter via Blue Peter - You Decide! , a series of five programmes hosted by Dick and Dom , where ten aspiring presenters were set a number of challenges to prove that they were worthy of
5264-490: The programme was broadcast from a small fixed set in Studio 2. However, from 2009 the series began to use the larger studios once more; also more programmes were broadcast in their entirety from the Blue Peter Garden. The show is also famous for its "makes", which are demonstrations of how to construct a useful object or prepare food. These have given rise to the oft-used phrase "Here's one I made earlier", as presenters bring out
5358-413: The promise that older members make. Rainbows can also receive other badges for activities that they attend (possibly with other units), and other activities they complete within their unit, maybe after a themed half term. During 2008, a special challenge book Olivia's Favourites was produced to commemorate the 21st Birthday of the section and a badge was produced. At the end of the Rainbow programme, as
5452-416: The returns of Leila Williams, John Noakes and Lesley Judd amongst many other presenters. Neither Noakes or Judd had appeared in the studio since leaving the programme and Williams was returning for the first time in 15 years. A fourth presenter, Katy Hill , was introduced in 1995, but unlike earlier decades, there was little stability in the line-up, with resignations and new additions made almost every year of
5546-419: The same "playground buzz" among children as Top Gear . In January 2011, Barney Harwood was introduced to the programme as replacement for Defries, who had departed in late 2010 after two years. Unusually, Harwood was no stranger to Blue Peter viewers, having appeared as a presenter on CBBC for many years, on shows including Prank Patrol and Bear Behaving Badly . On 29 March 2011, Blue Peter became
5640-471: The same thing as the boys'. Guiding was introduced to respond to the demand. In 1910 Robert Baden-Powell formed the Girl Guides and asked his sister Agnes to look after the Girl Guides organisation. A few years later Baden-Powell's new wife Olave became involved and, in 1918, was appointed Chief Guide. The name Guides was chosen from Baden-Powell's military background, "Guides" had operated in
5734-485: The same vein as the younger sections. This group choose to wear a hoodie, jacket, polo shirt, or smart shirt. The Girlguiding uniform has evolved over the years, from its first design by Baden-Powell and his sister: long dresses, neckerchiefs (like the Scouts) and wide hats. The previous uniform was designed by Ally Capellino in 2000. There are no compulsory trousers, for guides and rangers but girls in guiding wear what
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#17327799494455828-724: The servicing of 60532 in the NRM's yard). In October 1998, Richard Bacon was sacked, following reports in News of the World that he had taken cocaine . This incident followed shortly after the show's 40th anniversary, when previous presenters returned for a special programme. Those returning included Leila Williams, Valerie Singleton, John Noakes, Peter Purves, Diane Louise Jordan, Anthea Turner, John Leslie, Tim Vincent, Yvette Fielding, Caron Keating, Mark Curry, Janet Ellis, Peter Duncan, Sarah Greene, Tina Heath, Simon Groom and Christopher Wenner. Steve Hocking then replaced Macfarlane as editor, at what
5922-433: The ship logo, who told stories about an elephant called Packi (or Packie). It was broadcast every Thursday for fifteen minutes (17:00–17:15) on BBC TV (which later became BBC One ). Over the first few months more features were added, including competitions, documentaries, cartoons, and stories. Early programmes were almost entirely studio-based, with very few filmed inserts being made. From Monday 10 October 1960, Blue Peter
6016-426: The show on 19 October 2017 which was children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson . Guest Editors have control for the day and plan what they what to show on their edition, as well as taking control behind the scenes. A special programme broadcast on 1 February 2018, marked Blue Peter' s 5000th edition. A brand new Diamond badge was revealed for the first time, designed by Henry Holland. This was only to be awarded within
6110-440: The show's history there have been forty-two official presenters ; currently, it is hosted by Joel Mawhinney , Abby Cook and Shini Muthukrishnan . The show uses a nautical title and theme. Its content, which follows a magazine /entertainment format, features viewer and presenter challenges, competitions, celebrity interviews, popular culture, and sections on making arts and crafts items from household items. The show has had
6204-429: The show, after eight years. Her final show aired on 15 July 2021. On 17 June 2022, Adam Beales announced that he would be leaving the show, in July 2022, after 2 years. His final show aired on 15 July 2022. He announced on YouTube that he was gay the next week on 22 July 2022. On 22 October 2022, former presenter Helen Skelton danced a Charleston with professional partner Gorka Marquez on Strictly Come Dancing to
6298-427: The show. From April 2017, the show reverted to 5:30 pm. In September 2017, Harwood left the show, again leaving just two presenters. In the summer, Blue Peter often challenges its viewers to earn all of their Blue Peter badges (with the exception of orange and gold) through five weeks, where the team look at each individual badge for a week, finishing with the limited time Sports badge which appears every summer with
6392-402: The show. Later that year, Salmon and Jones both left and the presenting team of Akinwolere with new additions Helen Skelton and Joel Defries was introduced. On 16 October 2008, Blue Peter celebrated its 50th anniversary with a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by Queen Elizabeth II and featuring several former presenters. There was a special live edition of the show broadcast to celebrate
6486-416: The special 60th year of 2018. On 12 October 2017, it was revealed that outside of MediaCityUK , a Hollywood style walk of fame would be created with the names of famous people who have received a Gold Blue Peter badge. The walkway would lead up to the front of the studios and would help to mark 60 years of Blue Peter . There were various celebrations across the UK for "The Big Birthday Year". In January,
6580-743: The success of the previous two decades, and failed to make as much of an impact. Heath decided to leave after a year when she discovered she was pregnant, but agreed to have a live scan of her baby, something which had never been done on television before. Blue Peter was praised for this by the National Childbirth Trust who told the BBC that in 'five minutes, Blue Peter had done more to educate children about birth than they'd achieved in ten years of sending out leaflets'. The production team decided not to renew Wenner's contract, resulting in him leaving along with Heath on 23 June 1980. Sarah Greene and Peter Duncan both joined in 1980, and
6674-410: The then Girl Guides Association was one of the founding members of The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) , which was created with the aim of promoting and supporting youth development work across England. Girlguiding has remained a member of NCVYS ever since. In 1964, a "Working Party" was established to review and update the whole programme of the association; their 195-page report
6768-434: The two weekly editions appeared in 1986 on Sunday mornings. Ahead of the show's 25th anniversary in October 1983, BBC1 ran a series Blue Peter Goes Silver , revisiting previous summer expeditions. The 25th anniversary itself was commemorated by a documentary presented by Valerie Singleton shown on BBC1 on Sunday 16 October 1983. This was followed the next day by a special edition of the programme when Christopher Trace presented
6862-482: The views of girls and young women on topics such as body image, career aspirations and mental health. Girlguiding is also a campaigning organisation, having supported the No More Page 3 Campaign and lobbied the government on sexual harassment in schools, women's political representation and media sexism. Guiding began in the UK in 1910, when Robert Baden-Powell , founder of The Scout Association , established
6956-405: The website with more quizzes and videos such as 'Blue Peter VS...' and 'Ultimate Challenges' as well as holding a fan club hour after the show where fans could leave comments. A popular game on the programme, Spot Shelley was also introduced, where, in most episodes, an animated version of Shelley the tortoise is hiding somewhere or on something and viewers must leave a comment on the website during
7050-404: The words 'to be true to myself and develop my beliefs' replaced 'to love my God', and the words 'to serve the Queen and my community' replaced 'to serve the Queen and my country'. The rewording has been criticised by some Christian organisations. Upon the royal death in September 2022, it was changed to 'to serve the King and my community'. A Brownie Guide thinks of others before herself, and does
7144-484: The world. The first colour edition of Blue Peter aired on 14 September 1970, and the last black and white edition on 24 June 1974. A regular feature of the 1970s were the Special Assignments, which were essentially reports on interesting topics, filmed on location. Singleton took this role, and in effect became the programme's "roving reporter". Blue Peter also offered breaking news on occasion, such as
7238-409: Was Days Out Limited's "Heart of Midlothian" from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley on Sunday 19 April 1998, with 60532 working the train from Edinburgh. Due to safety rules, none of the presenters were supposed to ride on board the footplate during the trip. Peter Kirk, who was in charge on board the train and who was presenting from the footplate, however, allowed Stuart Miles to travel on board
7332-505: Was a popular colour with children, and Peter was a common name of a typical child's friend. The first two presenters were Christopher Trace , an actor, and Leila Williams , winner of Miss Great Britain in 1957. The two presenters were responsible for activities which matched the traditional gender roles. As broadcasting historian Asa Briggs expressed it in 1995: "Leila played with dolls; Chris played with trains". They were supported on occasion by Tony Hart , an artist who later designed
7426-484: Was achieved by having two editions per week instead of three during the summer months, and using pre-recorded material. The early 2000s also introduced Christmas productions, in which the presenters took part. In 2003, Richard Marson became the new editor, and his first tasks included changing the output of Blue Peter on the digital CBBC . The first year of the channel's launch consisted of repeated editions, plus spin-off series Blue Peter Unleashed and Blue Peter Flies
7520-520: Was broadcast that evening on BBC Radio 2 . It was hosted by Barney Harwood and featured interviews with past and present presenters, as well as members of the production team. On 3 June 2021, the show received a refresh with a new logo, title sequence, music and studio. This was the first major refresh since the show's move to Salford in 2011. The studio is environmentally-friendly and is composed of upcycled materials from past studios. On 24 June 2021, Lindsey Russell announced that she would be leaving
7614-465: Was displayed alongside the original, with the words 'what a beautiful pair of knockers'. Blue Peter was first aired on 16 October 1958. It had been commissioned to producer John Hunter Blair by Owen Reed, the head of children's programmes at the BBC, as there were no programmes for children aged between five and eight. Reed got his inspiration after watching Children's Television Club , the brainchild of former radio producer, Trevor Hill , who created
7708-477: Was enrolled by her aunt Princess Mary, association president, on 13 December. At the start of World War II the company was closed, and Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were attached to a Balmoral Company. In 1942 the Buckingham Palace company reopened at Windsor, and Elizabeth became Patrol Leader of Swallow Patrol. In 1943 she became a Sea Ranger undertaking usual activities including gaining her boating permit and taking out her mother Queen Elizabeth (later
7802-402: Was eventually fired, leaving Christopher Trace on his own or with one-off presenters. Parkhurst was replaced by John Furness , and Anita West joined Trace on 7 May 1962. She featured in just 16 editions, making her the shortest-serving presenter, and was replaced by Valerie Singleton , who presented regularly until 1972, and on special assignments until 1981. Following the departure of Furness,
7896-475: Was introduced in 1963, along with the programme's new logo designed by Tony Hart. Baxter introduced a system that ensured replies sent to viewers' letters were personal; as a girl, she had written to Enid Blyton and twice received a standard reply, which had upset her. The next year, from 28 September 1964, Blue Peter began to be broadcast twice weekly, with Baxter becoming the editor in 1965, and Barnes and Rosemary Gill (an assistant producer who had joined as
7990-448: Was introduced on 17 December 1962. The puppy soon died of distemper, and having decided against upsetting young viewers over the news, Barnes and Baxter had to search London pet shops for a convincing clandestine replacement. Features such as "makes" (normally involving creating something such as an advent crown , out of household junk) and cooking became regular instalments on Blue Peter and continue to be used today. The Blue Peter badge
8084-549: Was later changed to Brownies. Two years later in 1916 the first Senior Guide groups were formed, in 1920 these groups became Rangers. 1943 saw the establishment of the Trefoil Guild for members over 21 (now 18) who wished to remain a part of the movement but couldn't remain active with a unit. The section for the youngest members of the association, Rainbows, was introduced in 1987 for girls aged 5–7 (4–7 in Ulster ). In 1936
8178-408: Was not the reason for his departure: "he came across as a whinger.... and an effeminate whinger to boot... it was nothing to do with his sexual proclivities". Sundin successfully continued his performing career but died from an AIDS -related illness in 1989. In 1989 (and again in 1992 and 1994), new arrangements of the theme tune were introduced. In 1995, BBC1 controller Alan Yentob suggested airing
8272-596: Was published in 1966 under the title Tomorrow's Guide . These recommendations were implemented in 1968 and included new uniforms, badges and awards across all the sections of the association. Land, Sea and Air Rangers were merged into a single Ranger Guide Service Section. Girls are organised into sections by age. These are Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Rainbow Guides or Rainbows are aged from 4 to 7 years old (5 in some areas). Activities are organised around six core areas: Know Myself, Be Well, Express Myself, Take Action, Have Adventures, Skills For My Future. In
8366-466: Was regarded as a difficult period for the programme. He introduced a further re-arrangement of the theme tune and a new graphics package in September 1999. The 2000s began with the opening of two previously buried time capsules. Former presenters including Singleton, Purves and Noakes were invited back to assist, and the programme also looked at life in the 1970s when the first capsule was buried. With Hill's departure and replacement by Liz Barker in 2000,
8460-466: Was repeated on BBC Two on 20 October. The 60th Birthday celebrations were also marked by other BBC programming, including The One Show hosted by Matt Baker and former Blue Peter contributor Gabby Logan , which featured Sarah Greene, Mark Curry, Simon Thomas and Konnie Huq; ITV's Lorraine , where Greene appeared with Leila Williams and Anthea Turner; and BBC Breakfast which featured Lesley Judd. A documentary entitled Happy Birthday Blue Peter
8554-504: Was shown in July 1971 and featured the expedition to Jamaica. In 1974, the Blue Peter Garden was officially opened in a green space outside the Television Centre restaurant block. By this time, Blue Peter had become an established children's programme, with regular features which have since become traditions. In 1978, the show celebrated its twentieth anniversary with a nationwide balloon launch from five regional cities during
8648-444: Was so taken with the "Blue Peter" flag on the side of the ship and the programme in general, that he asked to rename it and take it to London to be broadcast on a weekly basis (see Reed's obituary). The "Blue Peter" is used as a maritime signal , indicating that the vessel flying it is about to leave, and Reed chose the name to represent "a voyage of adventure" on which the programme would set out. Hunter Blair also pointed out that blue
8742-471: Was switched to every Monday and extended from 15 minutes to 20 minutes (17.00–17.20). In 1961, Hunter Blair became ill, and was often absent. After he produced his last edition on 12 June 1961, a series of temporary producers took up the post. Hunter Blair was replaced the following September by Clive Parkhurst who did not get along with Leila Williams. "He could not find anything for me to do," Williams recalled. In October, she did not appear for six editions, and
8836-427: Was turned down, and Leonard Chase was appointed, with Barnes as his assistant. Baxter eventually joined Blue Peter at the end of October 1962. During this period, many iconic features of Blue Peter were introduced. The first appeal took place in December 1962, replacing the practice of reviewing toys that children would ask for themselves. Blue Peter ' s first pet, a brown and white mongrel dog named Petra ,
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