Also a 1971 baby and Play School, Play Away etc hold a place in my heart as part of my happy childhood. 60 years this year since Play School began and unfortunately more of the fabulous presenters are no longer here. I wonder if there’ll be another of these gatherings…..
I am six months younger than Play School. I was lucky enough to have Brian Cant, Floella Benjamin, Derek Griffiths, Toni Arthur and Chloe Ashcroft as my TV early years teachers.
I saw Mr Griffiths in Mollier's the Miser , and having worked as a crew member palace Theatre manchester had seen many a star , Derrick Griffiths was outstanding a Joy to watch
Born in 1971, Brian Cant, Johnny Ball and Derek Griffiths were all huge presenters of childrens programmes back in the day. Brian Cant presenting Play Away and Bric a Brac, remember them all so well. Childhood memories for me right here!
Bric a Brac was fantastic: Brian Cant just brilliant. Have looked for it on dvd, etc. but no luck. I loved Carol Chell as she was so friendly and kind on tv. Big Ted and Little Ted. Brian Cant on Play School, Play Away and Trumptonshire progs was outstanding. Lovely memories ❤❤❤🎉
Play School was a huge part of my childhood. A comfort to lose myself in when the real world wasn’t so great. A wonderful show made in the golden age of the BBC. Thanks for posting this up. So nice to see everyone and re-kindle memories of my long past childhood.
A tough watch i started watching it in 1973 aged 3 Seeing Brian had me in tears as you knew he was not long on this planet Great to see and happy 60 years Playschool you will never be forgotten
@@Chris_34 So many. So many. The 60s and 70s were the perfect era for children's television. The 80s too, but the simplicity and gentleness it was sort of fading away at that time.
@@Chris_34 That was when stuff like Transformers and Ninja Turtles were coming out. Then Power Rangers came in the 90s. All these American shows that were more or less toy advertisements rather than quality kids TV. Then in the 2000s, toddlers were no doubt watching High School Musical and CBeebies' patronising nonsense.
I too loved this programme and all the great presenters. They were a key part to a child’s upbringing. I loved Brian Cant and Derek Griffiths particularly. Fred Harris Johnny Ball, Toni and the whole female team. A few years ago, I saw Jonathan Cohen (the Pianist) at the Shakespeare theatre in Stratford. I so wanted to say hello and thank him, but I didn’t want to interrupt his meal. I regret it now. Fond fond memories of that great show and team. Thankyou to everyone who took part. X
One of the most surreal moments of my life was coming home from school to find Brian Cant and Jonathan Cohen sitting on my sofa drinking tea. They were playing at the local theatre where my mum worked. I remember bubbling something incoherent and running upstairs to hide.😮
Wow. That must have been quite a shock. I bet you had a lot to tell your mates at school the next day. Did you ask Brian anything? Did you chat with him and Jonathan afterwards?
1965 vintage - loved all the gang, but especially Brian Cant & Toni Arthur (my first crush). I think we all loved Brian because we also had his wonderful voice in Trumpton, Camberwick Green & Chigley. But speaking of voices, none were more relaxing than that of Rick Jones (Yoffy in Fingerbobs) another Play School regular into the 70's. Much love & gratitude to all the gang. For us child viewers there is an honour much higher than The House of Lords - and you are all in it.
@@kikidevine694I'm two months late on telling you this. But he was. And he wasn't afraid of admitting it at the time. When Rick was doing Fingerbobs, it was at the very end of his Play School career. One day, he had a spliff posted to him by one of his friends. The BBC eventually found out, and he was called into the Play School offices, where he bluntly asked the producers "Grass or Hash?" Paul R Jackson's first book of the show, "Here's A House" documents some rather funny stories about Rick. From the time in December 1972 where he and Lionel Morton got plastered in the dressing room before going on camera, to where Julie Stevens recalled being frightened to do a scene with him where he had to play the front of a pantomime horse, and she had to play the back. She was terrified because he had just binged on a large plate of beans during the lunch, so you could probably imagine that if he passed wind, it wouldn't have been pleasant for Julie, but probably rather amusing for any dirty minded children if it happened. But the funniest story in my eyes was mentioned only briefly. Paul interviewed Johnny Ball for both books, and he recalled Rick being very "anti-establishment". He went onto explain that Rick had a sort of mini strike in the 1970s. He wasn't pleased with the hosts being payed £5 less if they were also the storyteller. So he didn't rehearse with everyone else.
Born in 1969...i can remember staring at the tesr card girl many a time....playschool with humpty dumpty jemima & Hamble.....thats my childhood right there
Born in '64 I was lucky enough to have these wonderful people entertain me, my brother and my dear sister. Thankyou to all of them. In my humble opinion that was the golden age of children's tv.
@@stephielulu9096 It's Monday! Well, it's not, but hopefully the BBC looks through their Useful Archive Boxes for the big occasion, if they have one planned.
Born in 74, I absolutely loved play school it played a big part in my life. I always wanted big Ted little Ted and humpty. It brings me so much joy to see it again.
Born in '72 Obsessed by What window we picked, Hanbel, Humpty, Big Ted, Little Ted, it was the one programme that made me feel safe. Johnny Ball, made numbers my friend, and, Floella and her Polo Earrings. Thankuou for giving me a safe space and love.
I was born in 1975 (49 at time of writing). Play School is so nostalgic for my generation and people like the wonderful Brian Cant, Floella Benjamin, Chloe Ashcroft, and many more were outstanding examples of fun and learning for this young age group. They were the first inspirational people who enabled me to consider a career in Nursery Nursing. 32 years later I’m still using this inspiration to work with young children.
This is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. But seeing poor old Brian Cant in that state is incredibly sad. You can tell he was dying and not really all there, and Cherry Britton having to say what he was going to say about Jonathan Cohen was just heart wrenching. But hearing from Julie Stevens, Carol Chell, Derek Griffiths, Johnny Ball, Virginia Stride, Valerie Pitts and Phyllida Law was great. Don Spencer at the end was a wonderful touch, and inviting Joy Whitby was brilliant as well. Chris Jarvis and Justin Fletcher being there too just makes this even more brilliant. In time for Sunday, the show's 60th Anniversary, as well as BBC2's, I want to take this moment to say thank you to.... Rick Jones Brian Cant Cynthia Felgate Nancy Quayle Gordon Rollings Eric Thompson Sarah Long Gordon Clyde Valerie Pitts Paul Reade Diane Dorgan Judy Kenny Michael Cole William Blezard Molly Cox Terrence Frisby Paul Danquah And every other "Play School" member we've sadly lost over the years. We miss you greatly. No matter how long or how short you stayed, you took part into either creating or shaping this show.
Very sad indeed to see Brian so ill, and I did tear up at that point seeing that, but I then I realised that we can probably be comforted by the fact that however ill he was at the time he must surely have been so keen and determined to still be there and see his old friends, to not let his illness prevent him attending, so it must have still been a very happy day for him.
@@MrDannyDetail Absolutely. Even though he didn't look as though he knew what was happening, I'm sure Cherry and his family told him about it and took care of him that day. There's a very good photograph on Google of Derek Griffiths, Johnny Ball, Carol Chell and Virginia Stride all surrounding Brian with the toys. When Brian died, Derek even posted a tweet on his now deactivated Twitter page giving his love to Brian's loved ones.
So many great programmes I was brought up with. From playschool to trumpon from camblwick green to grange I'll jonny morris and Brian can't, blue Peter, jackanory and so any more.. Thank you for the entertainment and education in the 70s and early 80s
Even though I didn't know any of these presenters and never watched the UK Play School, it was such a delight to watch. Was lovely to also see the Aussie Play School and Don Spencer sending their best wishes. I was born in 1968 and grew up watching Play School.
I was such a young child, but I watched the latter few years of Play School and Play Away, and I can forever hear Brian Cants soft voice (not to downplay the rest of the team). When he reappeared in the 90's on Dappledown it was a small amount of a guilty pleasure to watch it with my then youngest sister.
A wonderful children's programme that had an innocent, uncomplicated, educational pre-learning, lovely musical scores including through the windows and the clock - and, (wow!), what a theme tune from mid-seventies into the early nineteen-eighties. This programme should never have been tampered with or axed.
Born in the late 60's, I truly believe that british childrens TV was never better than it was in my childhood. Always watched Playschool after coming home from infant school, my favourite presenter being fellow Surreyite, Derek Griffiths.
The past is not so much a foreign country but a different planet and watching this now gives an appreciation for how older generations felt watching their history many decades later.
I can’t believe I’m in my late 50’s and I sat there crying watching this. Crying watching Playschool… in my fifties. 🤣🤣 There’s a house with a door… windows 1,2,3,4. 😭 I was so upset to learn Brian Cant had passed away since this was filmed. That’s when I realised this must be from about 2014. He had Parkinson’s. It’s a shame we didn’t really get to hear him talk. This was my first tv programme that I remember watching. Carole Ward, Carol Chell and Chloe Ashcroft were my main ladies, Toni Arthur and Flo. Also Brian Can’t, Derek Griffiths, Johnny Ball, and I had a crush on Jonathan Cohen. 🤣 I don’t remember the other men much but more the women when I was young as it was all bout the women at that age as Dad was at work and mum at hime. Plus women had softer voices and I was scared of men that were loud. The clock music i’d forgotten and the rolling days of the week thingy. I loved that. Gutted about Hamble. I read that they brought a black doll into replace her to be inclusive. Yes the BBC up to its tricks back them. If true why not just being in a new doll. No need to sack poor Hamble. But I don’t know for sure. Thank you to all the presenters that were part of my life from the mid 60’s. Even now it’s a calming programme to watch. Until the songs. RIP Brian Cant and Sarah Long. 🙏♥️ Thank you.
RIP to Rick Jones, Diane Dorgan, Johnny Silvo, Gordon Clyde and Valerie Pitts as well. Not to mention all the other hosts who lost their lives, like Eric Thompson and Gordon Rollings. Growing up, you don't realise just how much the hosts did behind the scenes. Carole Ward is a good example. When she stopped hosting the show, she went on to write, produce and direct tons of other weeks of editions.
@@humphreyjohnstone6783 Yes. I was just talking about Rick Jones. I’m not sure I remember him but I thought he looked like the guy from Fingerbobs, and yes, it’s him. I really liked him on that. Great voice. There are a lot that have gone but it’s not surprising given our age now. We’re lucky that most of the people here were still alive in 2014 so this tribute could be done. I hope they can read these comments to see how much they were loved and what a difference they made. Sadly not Brian. They were like part of the family. Tv babysitters.
@@WinterLove13 Absolutely. And also, we can't not talk about Eric Thompson. Although he definitely wasn't around long (he only did three full years on the show, 1964-1966, then a brief week in 67), he was the one who told those wonderful stories about a certain magic roundabout.... "Where are my SUGAR LUMPS???" said Dougal, angrily.
It's great to know that Derek Griffiths is still alive and doing well for himself today. Same with Floella Benjamin, Fred Harris and Johnny Ball. Toni and Carol are definitely still alive today, as well. It's been years since we lost Eric Thompson, Sarah Long, Gordon Rollings, Diane Dorgan and Brian Cant, and we've only lost people like Rick Jones and Terry Holland a couple years ago. They will all be missed greatly.
What do you mean "flower clock"? I know the Australian version had the flower clock and the rocketship clock. The BBC just had one storytime clock that changed overtime. I think you mean the one with the little leaves that revolve around the face. In case you meant the Australian Play School, this is not the Australian version. This was a reunion for the original BBC version. As it turned 60 today, they decided to release this video 10 years after it was filmed in order to celebrate it.
@@joh22293 Are you from Australia? If you're not then I'm very sorry, it's just when someone says "the flower clock", I always think they're referring to the Australian version's clocks.
Remember derek in play school, didnt really see or hear of him, till i went to see miss saigon in 96, where he played the engineer. Great presenter, actor, singer and man. This is great, so many memories. Happy 60th
It was lovely to some of the faces of my childhood again. The music and titles took me right back to the 70s of my youth. It was a shame we couldn’t see some of the less known presenters like Carol Leader or Stuart McGugan.
Born in ‘67 and have great memories of Play School. This anniversary special brought so many of those memories back. It made me smile and cry in equal measure. All those fantastic presenters who were such a part of my life, thank you!
I was born in 1965, so many happy memories. But as my father considered the television to be an indulgence not suitable for children, I was only allowed to watch it if I wasn't well! Did I sometimes pretend to be ill so I could lie on the sofa and watch children's TV - yes :o)
Born in '58 with just two channels to choose from, eventually we got three and Play School. I was a bit old for it, but watched it with my younger sister. It was so entertaining that our parents watched it too! Happy memories, thank you Play School!
To be fair to Teletubbies there was The Flowerpot Men in the 1950s and 60s. Seems there's always been a place for daft characters talking nonsense in children's television.
I was born in 65, and I can remember watching this every day after school. I believe my earliest memory of the show would be when I was 5 years old and still continued to watch it to my early teens.
Playschool was made in a much simpler time than we are living in now. I used to watch it after school on BBC 1 or BBC 2 if I was off school sick as Playschool was broadcast at 11.am the 4.pm was a repeat. 😊😊
What a wonderful show and so lovely to see all those regular faces again recreating all those nostalgic memories. So sad that Brian Cant, passed away, what a lovely man he was.
LOL! I was born in the 1970's and I also had a copy of Big Ted. My little brother had a Little Ted. I always wanted a Bagpuss or Zippy from Rainbow but I never got one of those😭.
@@Chris_34 I had Zippy, I didn't have Bagpuss but I now have a daughter, Emily, who does have a Bagpuss (and the dvd) so she knows why I sing 'we will mend it, we will fix it' in a high pitched voice whenever Im repairing something. 😆
Ooooffffff Right in the FEELS Transported right back to the late 60's and 70's ................................ I think someone is chopping onions nearby ...........!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!
Born in 68 and a child of 70’s TV, to many great children’s television shows to mention, so imaginative and talented people. Simpler times, happy times 😊
@@humphreyjohnstone6783 obviously Floella, but also Carol Chell, Carol Leader, Iain Lauchlan are the ones who I remember the most. And I’m sure I have distant recollections of Johnny Ball, Brian Cant and Derek Griffiths too.
@@discogareth A lot of hosts from the 70s and 80s were some of the show's best. All the ones you mentioned there, and also some others like Sarah Long, Fred Harris and Ben Thomas too.
This was brilliant. A great reunion. I was born in 1970 so my childhood was the 70s and remember this programme very well. Brian Can't, Johnny Ball, Derek Griffiths, Floella Benjamin and Toni Arthur etc. And of course the toys of Humpty, Hamble etc. I liked the through the window section, especially when they showed funfairs (I was obsessed with funfairs as a kid). This was very well done with heart and humour.
This was lovely to watch it's awesome very sad seeing Brian I believe he had Parkinsons and he passed on a couple of years after this such a shame he wasn't able to fully participate in this vocally but yes what absolute talent on screen and how the BBC put together such a fantastic Childrens programme .
Born 71,
Such happy days when we could be just “children” ❤
Born 70. Takes me right back to childhood memories. No social media existed and mobile phones to contend with!
I was born in '71 too & my sentiments exactly. Such easier times.
@@splinterbyrd 🙄🙄🙄
Also born in 71 , loved Play School.
Also a 1971 baby and Play School, Play Away etc hold a place in my heart as part of my happy childhood.
60 years this year since Play School began and unfortunately more of the fabulous presenters are no longer here. I wonder if there’ll be another of these gatherings…..
Brian Cant and Derek Griffiths were my two favourite presenters.
They were both phenomenal presenters. I loved them too. Love Playschool, then PlayAway on a Saturday!
Derek Griffiths, Johnny Ball, Floella Benjamin, Brian Cant - Legends!
Children are completely colour-blind. I loved all of them.
Brian Cant. What a Legend of a man :)
I'm so stupid, a 61 year old man, and I started crying watching this. Just lovely.
I am six months younger than Play School. I was lucky enough to have Brian Cant, Floella Benjamin, Derek Griffiths, Toni Arthur and Chloe Ashcroft as my TV early years teachers.
Toni Arthur, Chloe Ashcroft and the fondly remembered Brian Cant. Such an awesome childhood memory.
Derek Griffiths the legend from Look and Read
I saw Mr Griffiths in Mollier's the Miser , and having worked as a crew member palace Theatre manchester had seen many a star , Derrick Griffiths was outstanding a Joy to watch
Born in 1971, Brian Cant, Johnny Ball and Derek Griffiths were all huge presenters of childrens programmes back in the day. Brian Cant presenting Play Away and Bric a Brac, remember them all so well. Childhood memories for me right here!
Don’t forget Flo Benjamin !
Born in 71 too.......ditto!
I am therefore a year older than you, as I was born in 1970. Remember Brian Cant and Floella Benjamin, as well as Carol Chell.
Chloe Ashcroft
Bric a Brac was fantastic: Brian Cant just brilliant. Have looked for it on dvd, etc. but no luck. I loved Carol Chell as she was so friendly and kind on tv. Big Ted and Little Ted. Brian Cant on Play School, Play Away and Trumptonshire progs was outstanding. Lovely memories ❤❤❤🎉
Born in 67. This was so gentle and educational. Those were the days...😢
I'm the same as you. I feel sad those days have gone 😢
You are therefore the same age as my brother Anthony! He would have watched the programme too.
Born in 1970, childrens tv was brilliant it is almost a privilage to grow up in that era.
I felt a bit sad watching this, feel old now....want to be a kid again. xx
Same. Its making me emotional 😢
Same here 😢
Me too 😢
Me three
Yes, but back then
Play School was a huge part of my childhood. A comfort to lose myself in when the real world wasn’t so great. A wonderful show made in the golden age of the BBC.
Thanks for posting this up. So nice to see everyone and re-kindle memories of my long past childhood.
OMG I loved Play School. I remember Jemima!
Born in 1962, I remember Play School. A huge part of my early childhood. Thank you, Play School, for all your input into my life.
Simonline😀👍
A tough watch i started watching it in 1973 aged 3 Seeing Brian had me in tears as you knew he was not long on this planet Great to see and happy 60 years Playschool you will never be forgotten
A TV Legend, Brian Cant!
Born in 74' and so wonderful to see my childhood hero's again. My favourites as a child were Brian Cant and Derek Griffiths.
Born in 66. Remember this well. Simpler times.
Derek Griffiths Brian Cant Floella Benjamin loved them all equally ❤
We need a DVD out of all the surviving 'Play School' episodes, especially as the show is 60 years old now!
So many great 1970's children's shows. Play School, Fingerbobs, Bagpuss, The Sooty Show, Rainbow, Bod, Mr Ben😃
Don't forget about Ragtime and Play Away.
@@humphreyjohnstone6783 The Flumps, The Wombles and Pipkins, as well.
@@Chris_34 So many. So many. The 60s and 70s were the perfect era for children's television. The 80s too, but the simplicity and gentleness it was sort of fading away at that time.
@@Chris_34 That was when stuff like Transformers and Ninja Turtles were coming out. Then Power Rangers came in the 90s. All these American shows that were more or less toy advertisements rather than quality kids TV.
Then in the 2000s, toddlers were no doubt watching High School Musical and CBeebies' patronising nonsense.
Born 1970, remember all these so well
Play school was part of my brilliant childhood right there. I loved it. I was born in 1970. Where has the time gone? ❤❤❤❤❤
Same age as me, then. I watched the programme between 1973-1975.
I too loved this programme and all the great presenters. They were a key part to a child’s upbringing. I loved Brian Cant and Derek Griffiths particularly. Fred Harris Johnny Ball, Toni and the whole female team.
A few years ago, I saw Jonathan Cohen (the Pianist) at the Shakespeare theatre in Stratford. I so wanted to say hello and thank him, but I didn’t want to interrupt his meal. I regret it now. Fond fond memories of that great show and team. Thankyou to everyone who took part. X
I was born 66. Lots of blabbing watching this. I learned to tell the time, and Humpty was my favourite toy. Wonderful memories.
One of the most surreal moments of my life was coming home from school to find Brian Cant and Jonathan Cohen sitting on my sofa drinking tea. They were playing at the local theatre where my mum worked. I remember bubbling something incoherent and running upstairs to hide.😮
Wow. That must have been quite a shock. I bet you had a lot to tell your mates at school the next day.
Did you ask Brian anything? Did you chat with him and Jonathan afterwards?
Born '68, watched it till my teens, still would..
1965 vintage - loved all the gang, but especially Brian Cant & Toni Arthur (my first crush).
I think we all loved Brian because we also had his wonderful voice in Trumpton, Camberwick Green & Chigley.
But speaking of voices, none were more relaxing than that of Rick Jones (Yoffy in Fingerbobs) another Play School regular into the 70's.
Much love & gratitude to all the gang.
For us child viewers there is an honour much higher than The House of Lords - and you are all in it.
I am led to understand that Yoffy was high as a kite on Playschool 😂
@@kikidevine694I'm two months late on telling you this. But he was. And he wasn't afraid of admitting it at the time.
When Rick was doing Fingerbobs, it was at the very end of his Play School career. One day, he had a spliff posted to him by one of his friends. The BBC eventually found out, and he was called into the Play School offices, where he bluntly asked the producers "Grass or Hash?"
Paul R Jackson's first book of the show, "Here's A House" documents some rather funny stories about Rick. From the time in December 1972 where he and Lionel Morton got plastered in the dressing room before going on camera, to where Julie Stevens recalled being frightened to do a scene with him where he had to play the front of a pantomime horse, and she had to play the back. She was terrified because he had just binged on a large plate of beans during the lunch, so you could probably imagine that if he passed wind, it wouldn't have been pleasant for Julie, but probably rather amusing for any dirty minded children if it happened.
But the funniest story in my eyes was mentioned only briefly. Paul interviewed Johnny Ball for both books, and he recalled Rick being very "anti-establishment". He went onto explain that Rick had a sort of mini strike in the 1970s. He wasn't pleased with the hosts being payed £5 less if they were also the storyteller. So he didn't rehearse with everyone else.
Born in 1969...i can remember staring at the tesr card girl many a time....playschool with humpty dumpty jemima & Hamble.....thats my childhood right there
Born in '64 I was lucky enough to have these wonderful people entertain me, my brother and my dear sister. Thankyou to all of them. In my humble opinion that was the golden age of children's tv.
I totally loved that. It brought back so many memories. Derek Griffiths was always my favourite as he was just a funny man. Long live Play School.
Born in 72. Brian Cant was great also loved him in play away.
Toni Arthur. She was one mesmerising chic
Born 1971. Great Memories. "Ready to play?"
Me too and makes you relize how much this was part of your life…happy times
And me! What's the day?
@@stephielulu9096 It's Monday! Well, it's not, but hopefully the BBC looks through their Useful Archive Boxes for the big occasion, if they have one planned.
Same year I was born remember watching it with my late mum
And me, childhood right here! Back when I didn't have a care in the world!
born 69. Beautiful, just beautiful x Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the programme makers and techies and presenters.
OMG I can’t believe how emotional I am watching this. Play School was a huge part of my childhood 🫶🏻 thank you for the memories ❤️
Born in 74, I absolutely loved play school it played a big part in my life. I always wanted big Ted little Ted and humpty. It brings me so much joy to see it again.
Born in '72 Obsessed by What window we picked, Hanbel, Humpty, Big Ted, Little Ted, it was the one programme that made me feel safe. Johnny Ball, made numbers my friend, and, Floella and her Polo Earrings. Thankuou for giving me a safe space and love.
Her name was ‘Hamble’ 😊🎉❤
I loved that tribute. Born 71. Playschool was such an important part of growing up.
I was born 1973 and I desperately wanted a rocking horse (would have loved a real horse!) like Dobbin. TBH I still would love a rocking horse.
Dapple!!! :))
Of course it was!
I was born in 1975 (49 at time of writing). Play School is so nostalgic for my generation and people like the wonderful Brian Cant, Floella Benjamin, Chloe Ashcroft, and many more were outstanding examples of fun and learning for this young age group. They were the first inspirational people who enabled me to consider a career in Nursery Nursing. 32 years later I’m still using this inspiration to work with young children.
Born in 1978. Loved Play School in the 1980s with Floella, Sarah et al. i think Johnny Ball was presenting then too.
This is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. But seeing poor old Brian Cant in that state is incredibly sad. You can tell he was dying and not really all there, and Cherry Britton having to say what he was going to say about Jonathan Cohen was just heart wrenching. But hearing from Julie Stevens, Carol Chell, Derek Griffiths, Johnny Ball, Virginia Stride, Valerie Pitts and Phyllida Law was great. Don Spencer at the end was a wonderful touch, and inviting Joy Whitby was brilliant as well. Chris Jarvis and Justin Fletcher being there too just makes this even more brilliant.
In time for Sunday, the show's 60th Anniversary, as well as BBC2's, I want to take this moment to say thank you to....
Rick Jones
Brian Cant
Cynthia Felgate
Nancy Quayle
Gordon Rollings
Eric Thompson
Sarah Long
Gordon Clyde
Valerie Pitts
Paul Reade
Diane Dorgan
Judy Kenny
Michael Cole
William Blezard
Molly Cox
Terrence Frisby
Paul Danquah
And every other "Play School" member we've sadly lost over the years. We miss you greatly. No matter how long or how short you stayed, you took part into either creating or shaping this show.
just amazing a 60th would be amazing too thank you for many years of fun, dance ,creativity and magic
@@wizzwamf Absolutely. Hopefully the BBC gives the show something. Anything. And doesn't just leave it to rot in the archives for it's 60th birthday.
Very sad indeed to see Brian so ill, and I did tear up at that point seeing that, but I then I realised that we can probably be comforted by the fact that however ill he was at the time he must surely have been so keen and determined to still be there and see his old friends, to not let his illness prevent him attending, so it must have still been a very happy day for him.
@@MrDannyDetail Absolutely. Even though he didn't look as though he knew what was happening, I'm sure Cherry and his family told him about it and took care of him that day. There's a very good photograph on Google of Derek Griffiths, Johnny Ball, Carol Chell and Virginia Stride all surrounding Brian with the toys. When Brian died, Derek even posted a tweet on his now deactivated Twitter page giving his love to Brian's loved ones.
My late aunt made Humpty for my daughter. I believe she still has him!(along with big Ted etc)
Born 1971 - this has awakened so many memories, all of them absolutely happy and wonderful.
Loved this, glad Playaway got a mention as it was a great break from Grandstand/World of Sport on a Saturday when we only had 3 channels ❤
Two years later (1966), the Australian version of _Play School_ started, and it's still going strong almost *60 years* later.
That’s the one I watched.
So many great programmes I was brought up with. From playschool to trumpon from camblwick green to grange I'll jonny morris and Brian can't, blue Peter, jackanory and so any more.. Thank you for the entertainment and education in the 70s and early 80s
Even though I didn't know any of these presenters and never watched the UK Play School, it was such a delight to watch. Was lovely to also see the Aussie Play School and Don Spencer sending their best wishes. I was born in 1968 and grew up watching Play School.
Floella Benjamin was my favourite, I was born in 1971 and have fond memories of Play School
I was such a young child, but I watched the latter few years of Play School and Play Away, and I can forever hear Brian Cants soft voice (not to downplay the rest of the team). When he reappeared in the 90's on Dappledown it was a small amount of a guilty pleasure to watch it with my then youngest sister.
A wonderful children's programme that had an innocent, uncomplicated, educational pre-learning, lovely musical scores including through the windows and the clock - and, (wow!), what a theme tune from mid-seventies into the early nineteen-eighties. This programme should never have been tampered with or axed.
This was so wholesome I can barely cope! (A 70's child from South Wales).. ❤
Born in the late 60's, I truly believe that british childrens TV was never better than it was in my childhood. Always watched Playschool after coming home from infant school, my favourite presenter being fellow Surreyite, Derek Griffiths.
Makes you relize how much time has gone by ….happy times back then…simple children shows that were gentle and fun
As a child of the 70s, I love Play School. It will always have a place in my heart, forever..
I agree. I am 50 now and I feel the love and presence of my mother when I watch the old episodes from the 70's.
The past is not so much a foreign country but a different planet and watching this now gives an appreciation for how older generations felt watching their history many decades later.
I can’t believe I’m in my late 50’s and I sat there crying watching this. Crying watching Playschool… in my fifties. 🤣🤣 There’s a house with a door… windows 1,2,3,4. 😭 I was so upset to learn Brian Cant had passed away since this was filmed. That’s when I realised this must be from about 2014. He had Parkinson’s. It’s a shame we didn’t really get to hear him talk. This was my first tv programme that I remember watching. Carole Ward, Carol Chell and Chloe Ashcroft were my main ladies, Toni Arthur and Flo. Also Brian Can’t, Derek Griffiths, Johnny Ball, and I had a crush on Jonathan Cohen. 🤣 I don’t remember the other men much but more the women when I was young as it was all bout the women at that age as Dad was at work and mum at hime. Plus women had softer voices and I was scared of men that were loud. The clock music i’d forgotten and the rolling days of the week thingy. I loved that. Gutted about Hamble. I read that they brought a black doll into replace her to be inclusive. Yes the BBC up to its tricks back them. If true why not just being in a new doll. No need to sack poor Hamble. But I don’t know for sure. Thank you to all the presenters that were part of my life from the mid 60’s. Even now it’s a calming programme to watch. Until the songs. RIP Brian Cant and Sarah Long. 🙏♥️ Thank you.
RIP to Rick Jones, Diane Dorgan, Johnny Silvo, Gordon Clyde and Valerie Pitts as well. Not to mention all the other hosts who lost their lives, like Eric Thompson and Gordon Rollings.
Growing up, you don't realise just how much the hosts did behind the scenes. Carole Ward is a good example. When she stopped hosting the show, she went on to write, produce and direct tons of other weeks of editions.
@@humphreyjohnstone6783 Yes. I was just talking about Rick Jones. I’m not sure I remember him but I thought he looked like the guy from Fingerbobs, and yes, it’s him. I really liked him on that. Great voice. There are a lot that have gone but it’s not surprising given our age now. We’re lucky that most of the people here were still alive in 2014 so this tribute could be done. I hope they can read these comments to see how much they were loved and what a difference they made. Sadly not Brian. They were like part of the family. Tv babysitters.
@@WinterLove13 Absolutely. And also, we can't not talk about Eric Thompson. Although he definitely wasn't around long (he only did three full years on the show, 1964-1966, then a brief week in 67), he was the one who told those wonderful stories about a certain magic roundabout....
"Where are my SUGAR LUMPS???" said Dougal, angrily.
Born 65...Derek Griffiths, Toni Arthur and Carol Chell were my favourites.
It's great to know that Derek Griffiths is still alive and doing well for himself today. Same with Floella Benjamin, Fred Harris and Johnny Ball. Toni and Carol are definitely still alive today, as well.
It's been years since we lost Eric Thompson, Sarah Long, Gordon Rollings, Diane Dorgan and Brian Cant, and we've only lost people like Rick Jones and Terry Holland a couple years ago. They will all be missed greatly.
The flower clock is one of my earliest memories.
What do you mean "flower clock"? I know the Australian version had the flower clock and the rocketship clock. The BBC just had one storytime clock that changed overtime. I think you mean the one with the little leaves that revolve around the face.
In case you meant the Australian Play School, this is not the Australian version. This was a reunion for the original BBC version. As it turned 60 today, they decided to release this video 10 years after it was filmed in order to celebrate it.
@@humphreyjohnstone6783 " I think you mean the one with the little leaves that revolve around the face."
AKA a flower clock...
@@joh22293 Are you from Australia? If you're not then I'm very sorry, it's just when someone says "the flower clock", I always think they're referring to the Australian version's clocks.
@@humphreyjohnstone6783 "Are you from Australia?"
No.
@@joh22293 Oh. Well that's my mistake then. Apologies. I just thought you were from Australia, because of how you said "the flower clock".
Born 75, loved it
Remember derek in play school, didnt really see or hear of him, till i went to see miss saigon in 96, where he played the engineer.
Great presenter, actor, singer and man.
This is great, so many memories. Happy 60th
i think i saw him in a soap maybe ten years ago or more now, corrie or eastenders...?
It was lovely to some of the faces of my childhood again. The music and titles took me right back to the 70s of my youth. It was a shame we couldn’t see some of the less known presenters like Carol Leader or Stuart McGugan.
I grew up with this legendary programme. Now I teach children 😂
Most excellent, I met Brian and Derick a long time ago, great guys. Well done all involved.
I love this. At 54 years of age I have fobd memories of Play School and Play Away. Still love Humpty😊
You are therefore the same age as me. I turned 54 two months ago and would have watched Play School 1975 and prior!
@@angelacooper2661 fond memories of the old days!😊
This was my childhood.happy days ❤❤❤❤❤
Born in ‘67 and have great memories of Play School. This anniversary special brought so many of those memories back. It made me smile and cry in equal measure. All those fantastic presenters who were such a part of my life, thank you!
Remember sitting cross legged on the floor in front of the TV waiting for Playschool to start, Floela Benjamin was my favourite and Jemima the doll :)
Great to see old faces these times were the best in70s growing up as a child ill never forget great programme's for the young children's tv ❤❤❤
Born in 68, I loved play school. Would watch it with my gran, 🥺💜💜 miss her so much
I was born in 1965, so many happy memories. But as my father considered the television to be an indulgence not suitable for children, I was only allowed to watch it if I wasn't well! Did I sometimes pretend to be ill so I could lie on the sofa and watch children's TV - yes :o)
It's nice to see the way they are taking care of Brian Cant, who was very ill at the time. A legend.
I loved Playschool. So innocent ❤
BRILLIANT. Why was this not broadcast?????? Wish the BBC would do a DVD set of old eps.
Born in '58 with just two channels to choose from, eventually we got three and Play School. I was a bit old for it, but watched it with my younger sister. It was so entertaining that our parents watched it too! Happy memories, thank you Play School!
This was replaced by Tellytubies...says it all really.
It was replaced by Playdays. Teletubbies was much later
To be fair to Teletubbies there was The Flowerpot Men in the 1950s and 60s. Seems there's always been a place for daft characters talking nonsense in children's television.
I was born in 65, and I can remember watching this every day after school. I believe my earliest memory of the show would be when I was 5 years old and still continued to watch it to my early teens.
Playschool was made in a much simpler time than we are living in now. I used to watch it after school on BBC 1 or BBC 2 if I was off school sick as Playschool was broadcast at 11.am the 4.pm was a repeat. 😊😊
Born 75, still remember watching Play School when I was very little.
What a wonderful show and so lovely to see
all those regular faces again recreating all those nostalgic memories. So sad that Brian Cant, passed away, what a lovely man he was.
So many instantly recognizable faces from my youth. That was lovely to watch.
I'm 60 in a few weeks l still watched as a 9 year old l had younger brothers and sisters so always on.
I loved play school I was born in 76. I loved the toys and had my own version of Big Ted and Little Ted.
LOL! I was born in the 1970's and I also had a copy of Big Ted. My little brother had a Little Ted. I always wanted a Bagpuss or Zippy from Rainbow but I never got one of those😭.
@@Chris_34 I had Zippy, I didn't have Bagpuss but I now have a daughter, Emily, who does have a Bagpuss (and the dvd) so she knows why I sing 'we will mend it, we will fix it' in a high pitched voice whenever Im repairing something. 😆
@@Queenfloofles Hahaha! The mice🐭
Ooooffffff Right in the FEELS Transported right back to the late 60's and 70's ................................ I think someone is chopping onions nearby ...........!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!
What a glorious review of a wonderful children’s iconic BBC programme. Thank you for sharing.
Born in 1969 this show was my childhood. And I adored it greatly ❤❤❤
Both my children have been brought up with my singing Horsey, Horsey, Flippy Floppy Scarecrow, and my childhood...a Sailor went to sea sea.
A nice time to remember, very lucky to have been brought up back then when everything seemed much simpler. Times are certainly different now..
Magical 😀. Thank you Play School for making my childhood a Happy One❕
Born in 68 and a child of 70’s TV, to many great children’s television shows to mention, so imaginative and talented people. Simpler times, happy times 😊
I’m 1968 and this was all our go to program. True British spirit.
Griffiths was the man!
I was an 80s viewer, and whilst much of this era wasn’t really talked about, I still found all this quite an emotional watch. Thank you for uploading.
Who were your favourite hosts from your era? Can you remember any in particular?
@@humphreyjohnstone6783 obviously Floella, but also Carol Chell, Carol Leader, Iain Lauchlan are the ones who I remember the most. And I’m sure I have distant recollections of Johnny Ball, Brian Cant and Derek Griffiths too.
@@discogareth A lot of hosts from the 70s and 80s were some of the show's best. All the ones you mentioned there, and also some others like Sarah Long, Fred Harris and Ben Thomas too.
This was brilliant. A great reunion. I was born in 1970 so my childhood was the 70s and remember this programme very well. Brian Can't, Johnny Ball, Derek Griffiths, Floella Benjamin and Toni Arthur etc. And of course the toys of Humpty, Hamble etc. I liked the through the window section, especially when they showed funfairs (I was obsessed with funfairs as a kid). This was very well done with heart and humour.
Loved Play School and Play Away.
Omg born in 1968 and this was such a huge part of my childhood
79 girl. Happy days😊
This was lovely to watch it's awesome very sad seeing Brian I believe he had Parkinsons and he passed on a couple of years after this such a shame he wasn't able to fully participate in this vocally but yes what absolute talent on screen and how the BBC put together such a fantastic Childrens programme .
Such good memories
What a wonderful hour spent reminiscing with you all. Thank you ❤
What a pure joy to watch, they just don’t make kids programs like this anymore
why would they, people aren't the same anymore
Playschool’s legacy lived on thanks to Tikkabilla. ❤
Gosh, I'd forgotten almost all about this program till now now! Wow, takes me right back to being a kid, thanks for posting, much love