Liz Barker

Yesterday, Kaleidoscope – The Classic Television Organisation, held their Blue Peter Goes Gold event at The David Lean Room, BAFTA in London’s Piccadilly.

We were there, and – courtesy of Michael Hoskin – here are pictures from the day.

As ever for a Kaleidoscope do, there was a slightly shambolic air – David Hamilton MC-ing for no obvious reason, a chaotic tea break wherein paying and unpaying attendees mingled freely with BP presenters and the odd mis-cued clip. But, to be honest, that added to the charm of what turned out to be a pleasingly low-key gathering.

And you couldn’t fault the clip packages: Kevin Whately, Sally James and a comically misplaced Ray Burdis’ audition tapes; Simon Groom struggling with a homemade Dalek, a real Dalek and the BP dog (“Give over Goldie, shut up!”); and a fantastic outtake with Konnie Huq clocking off from night shift working as a nurse declaring, “Right, I’m off to shag a doctor!”

Renny Rye, Edward Barnes and Biddy Baxter (Darrol Blake, not pictured)

Tina Heath, Matt Baker and Simon Thomas waiting in the wings to join the charity auction

Panel of the day was probably the first, featuring BP designer (and latterday TV director) Darrol Blake, director Renny Rye and masterminds Edward Barnes and Biddy Baxter. Biddy, in particular, produced impressively quick-witted and great value for money. When asked what the Blue Peter team had made of Magpie, she replied: “Well, of course, we were very flattered”.

Anita West

Sarah Greene

The afternoon saw Peter Duncan, Simon Groom, Tina Heath, Anita West and Sarah Greene take to the stage. When pressured, Peter admitted that, yes, he would return to the show if the BBC’s ever came a-calling (while also admitting how unlikely such a thing would be).

Tina Heath

Simon Groom

Finally, the latterday dreamteam of Richard Marson, Liz Barker, Matt Baker and Simon Thomas had their turn. Another interesting panel, Marson revealed his thoughts about Blue Peter since he left.  He said the last season’s shows were disappointing to many, but seemed fairly optimistic about the current season and praised the new presenters.

All in all, a fascinating and jolly event, perfectly in keeping with the subject matter. Thanks go to Kaleidoscope. Until next time… Goodbye!