Blue Peter

I seem to recall a presenter mentioning that the candle element was removed in recent years due to fire safety concerns (relating to children/parents making own versions).

But they had it last year!

It has been rather a long time since they actually told children how to make it though, it's just been already hanging up ready to be lit.

No, Last year we were shown how to make it live on air.

I'm old enough to remember when they started disclaiming that you should ONLY use "flame retardant tinsel". That was in the late 80s.

*Sigh*

Mind you, I always thought it was a tacky looking object.

What, candles and all? Bloody hell...

Indeed - I remember the 'flame retardant tinsel' arriving. (Do they still say "You should use glue, but I'm using double-sided-sticky tape for speed" ? It took me ages to realise that "sticky backed plastic" was Fablon...)

Yep - and then lighting the 4 candles on the 4 shows leading up to Christmas.

I thought the christmas show was good yesterday. A bit rushed but alright all the same.

Congratulations to all the viewers to reaching this years appeal target!!!

It was horrid. - Just caught up with it on iplayer.


The main point was doing a comedy of the nativity scene - how would they have done that for other religions, or would they dare?

Granted, that Nativity was pathetic and could've been handled better. Just a simple story surrounding the famous crib scene would've done the Christmas story justice but the show was let down by this.

I'm not sure if I like the newly coloured rings that create the floor (Purple (Main) White, (1st ring) pale blue (2nd ring)). The colours are quite Christmassy so the usual wood-effect, blue and yellow rings will return in January

The problem is not the Christmas programme - the "problem" is the character of the programme called Blue Peter has very in common with the programme called Blue Peter which existed until three years ago.

Until three years ago, when I occasionally caught Blue Peter I was always struck by how it had stayed true to the essential style and ethos of the programme I watched in the late 70s and early to mid 80s. Essentially, cosmetic changes and individual fresh ideas aside, it was not hard to see the same programme beneath the surface. Simon, Matt and Konnie were Simon, Peter and Sarah... or John, Peter and Lesley!!

The programme called Blue Peter now has many qualities - and what really matters is whether it is enjoyed by its target audience. But the remnants of the programme I loved as a boy are well hiden. The programme today is hyped up and appears superficial and trivial. The remarkable thing about Blue Peter used to be the respect it had for the intelligence of children - and how it led children into some difficult places. The fun and froth existed to balance out the heavy material. It wasn't an end in itself.

I apologise if this nformation is not accurate - Its from Wikipedia!

Andy Akinwolere is said to be leaving Blue Peter at some time during 2010. My initial thoughts will be that he will complete the current series.

This raises questions about the future of Blue Peter. (again) For the last 2 sereis, Blue Peter has been very consistent but if Andy's 4 year stint comes to an end, the presenting team will be rocked slightly. The main concern is that Joel and Helen only have 2 years experience on the show despite popular opinion saying that J & H seem the strongest presenters! This may pave the way for another revamp in Sept 2010, as far as the set is concerned as the current graphics are only 2 sereis old, so again, the consistency of the programme will be upset. However, this revamp with an almost brand new set of presenters could be fab news for the show, to help it reinvent to become more modern. The BBC Trust has annonounced that there are plans for Blue Peter to retrun to its 5pm time slot in 2 years time.