See-Saw (1980-1989)

I recall the launch of the See-Saw branding in 1980 - for some reason I associate the memory with BBC Two, but of course it didn’t move channels until years later. I think it was occasionally ousted to BBC Two when cricket or other special programming was on One.

You and Me, never part of See-Saw, was also shown on BBC One during term times, but was never billed as a schools programme and was introduced with standard BBC One continuity. When schools programmes moved to BBC Two in 1983, You and Me went with them and was incorporated into Daytime on Two. I suppose the See-Saw programmes could easily have done the same and became part of that strand, but this didn’t happen. We watched You and Me at primary school, which is I suppose why many remember it as a “schools programme”. That said, bizarrely we also watched Let’s Go! despite the fact it was intended for adults with special needs. I remember Brian Rix telling a story about Maud getting drunk in the pub and dancing on tables (perhaps that’s where I got the idea from, officer)!

I’m not so sure that the See-Saw name was particularly out of place once Children’s BBC launched. The programmes were generally for a younger audience than most of the CBBC strand - a bit like CBeebies is today, maybe? From October 1986, See-Saw immediately followed Neighbours on BBC One - did they still show two programmes a day once the daytime schedule launched?

The lunchtime slot was binned when changes were made to the House of Commons sitting times in January 2003. Most business including PMQs was brought forward in the day, so to coincide Westminster Live was relaunched as The Daily Politics and was at about midday rather than 2.40. As the lunchtime CBeebies slot couldn’t be guaranteed every day it looks like they chose this point to finally axe that slot.

These are where most of the shows I remember growing up aired, even though most of the classics rarely got beyond one 13-part series, but repeated often enough to capture several generations of 80s children. For me Bertha, Pigeon Street, Charlie Chalk and of course Postman Pat was the shows you wanted to see. The likes of Fingermouse and Bric a Brac were just not as fun.

I remember Jimbo & The Jet Set being everywhere for a brief time but he's barely remembered these days. I think he also used to be the mascot of a holiday company, maybe Cosmos?

Loved Jimbo. I know every generation says it but honestly do think those of us born in the 80s were pretty lucky when it comes to childrens TV.

Loved Jimbo. I know every generation says it but honestly do think those of us born in the 80s were pretty lucky when it comes to childrens TV.

These are where most of the shows I remember growing up aired, even though most of the classics rarely got beyond one 13-part series, but repeated often enough to capture several generations of 80s children.

Indeed, it surprises me in hindsight how few episodes of some of these programmes were produced. Programmes like Bagpuss, Bod, Mr Benn, Camberwick Green, Chigley etc were repeated for years and never seemed to get old. I’m not sure if all of these were shown under the See-Saw banner as many also appeared on Saturday and Sunday mornings or during school holidays.

In the interim period between Watch with Mother and See-Saw I believe the early afternoon children’s slot was only referred to on air as “lunchtime programmes for children”, which - as a kid - I never understood as 1.45pm wasn’t lunchtime. Lunchtime was 12 o’clock when ITV showed Rainbow, Hickory House, Pipkins and the like! I was back at school long before Mr Benn and Bagpuss started!

You and Me, never part of See-Saw, was also shown on BBC One during term times, but was never billed as a schools programme and was introduced with standard BBC One continuity. When schools programmes moved to BBC Two in 1983, You and Me went with them and was incorporated into Daytime on Two. I suppose the See-Saw programmes could easily have done the same and became part of that strand, but this didn’t happen. We watched You and Me at primary school, which is I suppose why many remember it as a “schools programme”. That said, bizarrely we also watched Let’s Go! despite the fact it was intended for adults with special needs. I remember Brian Rix telling a story about Maud getting drunk in the pub and dancing on tables (perhaps that’s where I got the idea from, officer)!

These are where most of the shows I remember growing up aired, even though most of the classics rarely got beyond one 13-part series, but repeated often enough to capture several generations of 80s children. For me Bertha, Pigeon Street, Charlie Chalk and of course Postman Pat was the shows you wanted to see. The likes of Fingermouse and Bric a Brac were just not as fun.