Blue Peter has been using variations of the famous hornpipe Barnacle Bill as its theme tune since the programme began in 1958. Barnacle Bill was composed by Ashworth Hope (1880 - 1962) The first version was performed by Sydney Torch and the New Century Orchestra.
By 1979 it had been thought for some tine that the theme was rather old fashioned sounding and so
after an appearance on the programme Mike Oldfield, famous for Tubular Bells was asked to rearrange the theme. Presenter Simon Groom visited Oldfield's recording studio and a film was made of the recording process to be shown on the programme. Simon even played the famous drum roll that heralded the start of the tune.
A longer version of Mike Oldfield's arrangement was released as a single. The record reached No 19 in the charts and proceeds from the sale of the record went to that years Christmas appeal to aid the famine in Cambodia.
The Mike Oldfield version of Barnacle Bill was used as the Blue Peter Theme tune for the following 10 years, since then there has been several versions of the famous theme.
Simon Brint 1989 -1992
Simon Brint 1992 - 1994
The Yes No People 1994 -1999
David Arnold and The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra 1999 -2004
Nial Brown 2004 - 2006
Dave Cooke 2007
Dave Cooke and The Blue Peter music makers 2007 -2008
Dobs Vye - 2008 -2011
Banks and Wag 2011 - present
Today is BBC Music Day, an annual celebration of music that aims to unite communities and
generations through their love of music. The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra have put together a special piece celebrating CBBC theme tunes, starting off with you've guest it - Barnacle Bill - Enjoy.
Blue Peter first became involved with The Guide Dogs for the blind association in 1964. The target for that years Christmas appeal was for 3 tons of silver paper and foil, enough to buy one guide dog. The result was 7 and half tons of silver paper and foil, enough to by two guide dogs (Honey and Cindy) with some money left over to help maintain a third dog.
Blue Peter's presenters at the time Christopher Trace and Valerie Singleton became Puppy walkers for one of the dogs, and so Honey's training was shown over the following months on the programme. After a year with Chris and Val, Honey went on to her advanced training on 6th February 1966 and for the next four months Honey was taught everything she needed to be an excellent guide dog. In the final month of training, Honey was introduced to her new owner. The owner and dog must learn to trust each other. This can be difficult, but gradually the pair began to work together. It was a proud day for Blue Peter when Honey led her owner through the gates of the training centre.
Honey Blue Peter's first Guide Dog
In 1974 The 3B's appeal was launched to once again raise funds for Guide Dogs. 3B's stood for buttons, buckles and badges. The target two million envelopes of the 3B's to buy one guide dog, and a block of kennels for a new guide dog training centre. The result was six million envelops of the 3B's, enough for 11 guide dogs, a kennel block and extensions to several other training centres. Also an automatic drinking system for one centre and an incubator for another. Again one of the puppies was chosen to be puppy walked on the programmes, this time it was Peter Purves with Cindy.
In 1978 Simon Groom joined the presenting team, and with him came a new Blue Peter Pet, Goldie the Golden Retriever. Goldie had two litters of puppies during her time of the show. Goldie's first litter were born on 16th March 1981. The puppies were named by the viewers of the programme, Sandy, Buster, Henry, Prince and Lady. Lady went to live with Simon's parents on their farm in Dethick. The other 4 puppies were donated to Guide Dogs for the blind. Blue Peter again decided to follow the progress of one of the puppies, so Presenter Peter Duncan became puppy walker for Prince.
Simon Groom with Goldie.
Goldie gave birth to two litters of Guide Dog puppies.
Goldie's second litter were born on 3rd February 1986. This time she had 8 puppies, again all named by Blue Peter's audience, 66,368 people sent in name suggestions and the most popular were given to the puppies. Halley, Bonzo, Honey, Fergie, Snowy, Amber, Bonnie and Bruno. This time it was decided to keep Bonnie as the new Blue Peter pet, the other 7 went on to be trained as guide dogs.
On 16th January 1991, Bonnie gave birth to a litter of puppies, Major, Margot, Biddy, Lily, Teddy, and Honey. This time all the pups went to be trained as guide dogs. Honey (also the name of the programmes first guide dog) was chosen as the puppy who's progress would be followed on the programme and presenter John Leslie became her puppy walker.
Lindsey and Iggy go Christmas Shopping, during Puppy walking training.
Since then Blue Peter has followed the progress of 2 other puppies. In 2006 Magic was puppy walked with Andy Akinwolere. Sadly Magic had epilepsy and was not able to complete her training, so was re homed. The most recent Blue Peter guide dog is Iggy. Iggy joined the programme in June 2014, and her progress was followed by current presenter Lindsey Russell. In February 2016 Iggy was introduced to her new owner Callum and is making a huge difference to the young mans life.
