Discoveries from 1960s children’s television. Lessons learned from Sixties children’s telly!
Neil Mach SpeakerNet Sponsor
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- author and social historian
- Fee:
- Expensed: the speaker would appreciate a voluntary contribution of £60 towards his travel expenses
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 30th May 2026
- Tagged:
- Sixties Television | 1960S History | Community History | The Sixties
For groups who think they might know the difference between Sage and Ollie, Piggy and Perky, or Huckleberry and Muttley, this fun, illustrated presentation is sure to bring back memories and start a conversation.
Neil, now retired from public service, dedicates his time to delivering his cheerful educational talks about community history to audiences in the Thames Valley, Surrey, and the South-East. The author, with over 20 books to his name, has worked in media for more than 15 years and volunteers at Spelthorne Museum. Neil directs his attention to post-war British community history.
His recent, highly successful Cold War 1957-1967 illustrated talks (also available for booking from this site) have amazed audiences by demonstrating how the intrigue and secrecy of that era were reflected in children’s television. This new presentation illuminates how children’s television programs both educated and amused the nation’s youth during a time of remarkable social development and national rebirth.
This engaging 50-minute talk covers the historical trajectory of the world’s most enduring children’s program, Blue Peter. Neil also evaluates the importance and relationship of “Watch with Mother” and studies the consequences of animated cartoons that were imported from Hanna-Barbera.
So, position yourself on the rug so you’re looking at the ‘goggle box’ and revel in the melancholy and optimism associated with a ‘simpler,’ less complex period in British television history!
Views: 98 | Enquiries: 1About Neil Mach
Neil Mach is considered highly skilled in the art of public speaking.
It doesn’t matter how big or small your audience is, this speaker has delivered his entertaining illustrated presentations to audiences large & small, from theatres to living rooms, from care homes to first schools!
Neil has given his amazing presentations to community groups, Probus clubs, W.I. meetings, U3A groups, care homes, schools, colleges, and neighbourhood associations big-and-small for over five years.
With over 20 books written, Neil is a published ethical author and he describes himself as a ‘hippy grandad' and 'community historian.'
His home is Staines by the River Thames but Neil is willing to travel in the South-East and the Thames Valley and has given his slideshow talks in Leicester, Birmingham, South Kent, and North Bedfordshire.
After retiring from over 35 years in public service, Neil became an internationally recognized author/journalist in the music industry. He founded the ‘Rock Pen’ school to nurture aspiring music writers and made valuable contributions to various esteemed publications, newsletters, and blogs.
During 2021, Neil curated a highly acclaimed exhibition on the ‘Coronation Charts’, which marked the beginning of the pop record charts in British music history. In 2024, Neil arranged a temporary exhibition that focused on Led Zeppelin in 1969. He later conducted presentations on the same subject, and wrote a book on the 'history of suburban rock 'n' roll'.
Neil hosts his own podcast show (now in its fifth year, with over 125 episodes broadcast) and he makes regular appearances on TV and frequent guest appearances on radio and podcast.
If you need him quickly Neil is often available at short notice (less than a week).
Neil is aware of the financial constraints of small community groups and associations, so he offers his illustrated talks for free, but he'd appreciate a reasonable contribution towards his travel expenses.
Neil brings mementos, artifacts, costumes (!) and ephemera with him to aid in triggering audience memories. He also provides his own equipment.
What audiences are saying...
"Grateful thanks for your entertaining and informative presentation on Wednesday. It really was enjoyed and much appreciated!"
- Mole Valley Stroke Club
"Thank you so much for your talk today. It was just what we wanted..."
- Wadhurst Probus
"Lots of great feedback today Neil. We’d love to have you back..."
- Time2Meet, Carshalton
"I just wanted to thank you again for your talk. I had some great feedback, everyone found your talk interesting & entertaining..."
- NHS Retirement Fellowship, Reigate
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Links:
https://www.facebook.com/author.neilmach
https://www.neilmachauthor.com/
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Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Neil Mach
- Rocking Surrey: History of Suburban Rock and Roll with music journalist Neil Mach
- The Fiction of Romani Culture: Exploring the way Gypsy people are depicted in literature
- Reflecting on 1969: Britain Thrusts into the Space Age
- Surrey Farmland Girls - Triumph on the Land: the story of the Women's Land Army
- Clickety click - life in ‘66: the year that Britain became the envy of the world
- Standpipes and Sex Pistols: Remembering the long hot summer of '76
- How we lived on the brink... Life in Britain during the Cold War 1957-1967
- What is Steampunk fiction?
- The Only Way Is Up : How 1988 shaped the contours of world history
- The year that changed its mind —1936
- 1946 - the wonderful year of beginnings
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