This week's guest President is none other than the legendary Peter Purves, actor, broadcaster, presenter, teacher, explorer of television history, and one of the most familiar and beloved faces in British broadcasting. From travelling through time and space with the First Doctor Who to surviving the organised chaos of Blue Peter, Peter has accumulated enough stories to keep the Rambling Club supplied for several series!
So lace up your walking boots and join us as President Purves leads us through three destinations selected entirely at random by Tony's enchanted bingo machine. As ever, the omniscient voice of Sir Stephen Fry keeps a watchful eye on proceedings while the rest of us do our best to stay on the path.
Our first destination is 370.9: The History of Education. Peter originally trained as a teacher, which raises the obvious question: how did a future television legend find himself standing at the front of a classroom? Then we're transported back to the golden age of Blackpool, a town boasting no fewer than seventeen theatres, where young performers could learn their craft by doing it. Peter reflects on the education that shaped him, why he ultimately left teaching behind, and how the lessons he learned never really stopped proving useful.
Next, the bingo machine delivers 070: Journalism. This leads us to an unforgettable encounter with the great Louis Armstrong, whom Peter found himself sitting remarkably close to at precisely the right moment. Peter recounts how he was rather cleverly hoodwinked into attending the first screening in sixty years of two long-lost episodes of Doctor Who, stories he had originally appeared in alongside William Hartnell. Naturally, this opens the floodgates for memories of his time aboard the TARDIS, working on one of television's most enduring programmes, and what it was like helping to shape those pioneering early adventures.
Our third and final destination is 636: Animal Husbandry. Peter's lifelong affection for dogs immediately takes centre stage, and we're soon strolling across the Derbyshire hills with his first canine companion, the much-loved Rusty. Another dog who played a significant role in his life was Petra, the famous Blue Peter dog. How exactly did a television superstar end up moving in with the Purves family? Tales of live television and the formidable influence of the legendary Biddy Baxter await. Finally, the conversation brings us right up to date with Peter's latest venture, The Peter Purves Podcast, where he continues to share stories, memories and reflections from an extraordinary life and career. If this episode leaves you wanting more Peter Purves, and it certainly will, you'll know exactly where to go.
Then it's back to the Presidential shed, where the dogs have settled by the fire, and somewhere in the distance a Blue Peter badge is probably being awarded to somebody for surviving the ramble.
Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club is a free-associating conversation, involving very special guests. It drops every Friday on every podcasting outlet known to man. We’d love it if you came along for the walk. If nothing else, it’ll help you get your steps in!
Presented by Paul Carmichael & Allan Lear
Music composed and performed by Michael Livesley & Andy Frizell
The voice of Pwfthhh- Michael Livesley
Series Researcher- Soula Carmichael
Series Producers- Erica Lear and Mark Hutchinson
Producers- Alan Dyebing & Stuart Morris
Series Executive Producer- Mark Strickson
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And check out The Peter Purves Podcast. It's a wonderful show!
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