| Children's Favourites |
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Information AboutChildren's Favourites |
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The programme played requests from children of all ages, not just children's pieces but covered a wide range of music from pop to hymns to the light classics. The programme was introduced for over ten years by Derek McCulloch (Uncle Mac). McCulloch's grandfatherly tone was quintessentially 'old-school' BBC. His opening words "Hello children, everywhere!" were his "catch-phrase", though a modification of his much earlier closing words "Goodnight children, everywhere" on Children's Hour . The signature tune was ''Puffing Billy'' by Edward White. McCulloch ensured that all types of music were played whatever the majority had requested. Many children wrote in with requests, though often just to get their names mentioned on the radio. The favourites are too numerous to list here but like a Catechism are etched into a generation's memories. (See external links below for additional nostalgia.) McCulloch made his last broadcast in 1965 and several other presenters were then tried including Leslie Crowther . After Radio 1 and Radio 2 were launched, the show was re-named Junior Choice and ''Puffing Billy'' was replaced by ''Morningtown Ride''. In February 1968 Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart took over from Crowther and became the host for eleven years, attracting over 17 million listeners. The style became less cosy and less reverent. As tastes changed, new favourites were added, though some of the old favourites remained for years. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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