This is a book from my childhood, and from the day's when this was television's most popular children's program. It was also the best annual by far; packed with articles from the program, historical stories, comic strips, puzzles, and things to make and do. Basically, it pretty much represented the show in a book. Since these programs are long since deleted, the books now appeal as a bit of nostalgia; although, I have gone back to them from time to time over the years because I happened to know that there was an article I wanted to refer to for something, such as a tinsel tree to make with my own children.

Here is a rundown of the articles:

Tricks for Dogs
Gives advice for teaching your dog to follow commands, but also explains why some breeds will be able to do tricks that others should not attempt.
I don't own a dog myself, but still found this short article interesting to read.

I wouldn't do it for £1000
John Noakes joins the Red Devils for his first parachute jump. Something which inspired me as a young child to one day want to try myself.

Dear Sir...
Brief history of letter writing over the past ten hundred years. Valerie Singleton remarks 'Some people say that automatic dictating machines and typewriters will one day take the place of pen and paper' which must have seemed a tad far fetched in 1969; but, in retrospect the whole statement now sounds as far removed as quills, parchment and sealing wax itself.

Football Fan
Carpentry instructions for building your very own football rattle.

The F.A. Cup
The story of the first F.A. Cup (aka. The 'tea kettle') and how it was won and subsequently stolen.

Daniel Grows Up
Six months of recording the evolution of a human baby from fourteen weeks to ten months old.

The Case of the Hi-jacked Horse

Chief of the Noakis!
I have to be honest. This isn't a very useful article. There is a photograph of John Noakes on a horse in Red Indian dress and a few lines of text telling you how easy it is to create the look yourself. It really must have been a case of 'we have to fill this blank page with something before we go to print!'

Bleep and Booster (Comic Strip)
The two space friends have a falling out over a new Solidifying Gun invented by Booster which ends up saving the day in the end.

Tinsel Sweet Trees
This is an excellent craft activity to do with your children. It is cheap, simple to make, and looks very impressive! Perfect to raise confidence if you're not particularly good with your hands.

Present from Norway

Newspaper Tricks
This one stumped me as a kid. I figured out how to make palmtrees all by myself. Likewise, the magic rings trick was also a favourite; but, the ladder always stumped me a bit!
If only I had remembered that the solution was right here in the book.

The Vanishing Giants
Cross section of the Fowler B1 ploughing steam engine.
I don't consider myself a traction engine enthusiast; but, having seen these beasts in action personally, I have to admit they are an impressive sight to behold.

Success for Cindy
Blue Peter puppy Cindy takes her first steps towards becoming a Guide Dog for the Blind. Amazing what you could get back then with silver paper and a few milk bottle tops!

The Little Musician (Comic Strip)
A three page illustrated strip of the early life of Amadeus Mozart.

It Wasn't Really You Was It?
Peter takes lessons from fencing choreographer for film and television, Derek Ware on the ramparts of Hever Castle.

Appeal
Results of the 1968 hospital truck for West Africa Appeal; paid for with used wool!

A Star Danced

This is the Toughest Thing I've Ever Done on Blue Peter

Blue Peter Layout
Peter Purves talks us through his doughnut OO track layout (a 16.5mm gauge model railway). I must have been the only kid in Britain at the time to run on HO gauge. There are several photographs and a layout plan.

Padington Goes Halves

No, No, Mr. Noakes!

Collector's Corner
Ideas on displaying your small collection of objects cheaply using shoe boxes, egg cartons and off coarse plenty of sticky backed plastic.

Bengo (Comic Strip)
Bengo and Skippy go on an adventure at the seaside that takes them on a boat ride to visit a lighthouse and even a helicopter trip.

Sweet or Savoury?
Another great recipe idea that our family has employed every single Christmas since it was shown: stuffed dates with marzipan and almonds.
I never liked the tomatoes stuffed with tuna though. And, I think we stopped skewering sausages and cheese on a stick back in the late 70's. ...No, I lie. It still sometimes happens - just not as often. ;) ( )