Television

Where would we be without TV? No cult TV, no Star Trek, no tots' TV, no Fifteen To One and Countdown late in the afternoon... no Richard Whitely! (yes, I know he's dead now)

Those who recognise Mr Claypole will know what I'm talking about - that is those who saw it first time around (any other way is not the same!) Here's some more programmes which shaped my very psyche from an early age:

I used to watch Monkey without fail every time it was on, and revelled in the amazing antics, the fast paced and ludicrously silly fight scenes - perhaps fitting background material to the recent Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon which had similarly impossible movement and fight scenes. Every kid my age wanted their own pink cloud and magic wishing staff, but no doubt was never too sure of Tripitaka's masculinity. Somehow it just wouldn't be the same without those dubbed voices we all came to know and recognise so well.

Other shows I used to watch included CHiPS, Columbo, Cagny & Lacey, Faulty Towers, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, The Adventure Game, Animal Magic, Jim'll Fix It (of course!) The Hitch Hikers Guide To The Galaxy.

Sure I used to watch cartoons too, but they don't make them like they used to! My favourites included Jamie and the Magic Torch, Sport Billy, Dungeons & Dragons, Battle of the Planets, Wombles, Ivor the Engine, Camberwick Green, Trumpton, Bagpuss, Willo The Wisp, Roobarb & Custard; I've noticed many of these have now become cult classics and gradually gained DVD releases, hurray! But would I really want to watch them again now and risk destroying that childhood magic? Maybe...

These are just a few of the images I've collected, I've rarely seen them all in one place.