The Wombles, 1973
In Tribute To Bernard Cribbins, 1928 – 2022
This now cult kids TV favourite was created by Children’s author Elisabeth Beresford. The Wombles first appeared in a series of children’s books in 1968.
The first book appeared on another kids favourite TV show Jackanory. This lead to the BBC commissioning production company Film Fair to create a TV series based on the books.
It would be 1973 before The Wombles appeared on TV screens. Two series of thirty five minute episodes were produced between 1973 and 1975.
A number of spin-off novelty songs also became hits in the British music charts. The Wombles pop group was the idea of British singer and composer Mike Batt.
After FilmFair was acquired by the Canadian company Cinar Films in 1996, a new series of episodes was created, with three new Womble characters. In the UK, the series was purchased by ITV and was screened on their CITV brand. Another story for another day.
Summary
The Wombles are little furry pointed nose creatures that live in a burrow on Wimbledon Common.
They spend their day collecting rubbish, which is taken back to Tobermory to be put to good use. Usually along the way Orinoco will have forty winks and get into some sort of misadventure.
Clips
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The Wombles
Great Uncle Bulgaria
Tobermory
Orinoco
Wellington
Tomsk
Bungo
Madame Cholet
Other characters would make guest appearances
Narrated and Voiced By: Bernard Cribbins
Details
Channel: BBC1
Created and Written By: Elisabeth Beresford
Directed By: Iver Wood
Original Transmission Dates: 5th February 1973 – 24th October 1975