Biddy Baxter

from St Mary's College Magazine September 2022

by Durham University Alumni Relations

Poetry

Mae Brennan talks to Biddy Baxter about her time at St Mary's College as well as her role as Editor of Blue Peter.

Among the earliest female editors at the BBC, Biddy Baxter is a household name credited for a forward-thinking focus on audience correspondence and participation. At its height, Blue Peter was watched by 8 million and received more than 1,000 letters a day as children eagerly sought a coveted Blue Peter badge. Biddy explains the proactive voice of the audience was essential as ‘it was important to know how our audience was reacting to what we were offering ’ . The Mary ’ s editorial team are all proud owners of Blue Peter Badges, and the creation of this interactive viewing experience remained essential in transforming Blue Peter into the British institution that it is today.

From 1952 to 1955, Biddy was a student at Durham University, attending at a time when only 6% of students were female. When asked why Durham, Biddy explained the ‘ main attraction was going as far away as possible from the Midlands ’ , which was her birth place, and that ‘St Mary ’ s was new and exciting ’ . Unable to choose a favourite moment or memory whilst at St Mary ’ s, Biddy explains, ‘I thought it was all wonderful!’ .

'Keep trying and don't give up!'

Rehearsal Schedule from 26th October 1981

Mark Curry (Blue Peter presenter 1986-89), Janet Ellis (Blue Peter presenter 1983-87), Peter Duncan (Blue Peter presenter 1980-1986)

Biddy was awarded an MBE in 1981 and has since published a collection of children ’ s letters that were sent to Blue Peter. In November 2013, Biddy was announced as the recipient of the Special Award at the BAFTA Children ’ s Awards in 2013. Praised by Anna Home, former head of BBC Children ’ s Television, on receiving the award, Home explained that ‘if anyone deserves to be recognised she does ’ as ‘Blue Peter is a legend and she is Blue Peter ’ .

In 1963, Biddy devised and introduced the Blue Peter badge to encourage viewers to send in programme ideas, pictures, letters, and stories. Created by Tony Hart, the instantly recognisable emblem of the Blue Peter ship was designed, speaking to the show ’ s mission of setting off on an adventure. On 27th June 1988, Biddy left Blue Peter and viewers saw Biddy rewarded the programme ’ s highest honour of a gold Blue Peter badge, which Biddy described as her ‘ greatest honour ’ . To pick a favourite memory or moment from Blue Peter, Biddy explains is impossible, and that there are ‘ so many – I could write a book!’ . Editor for an astonishing 26 years, Blue Peter and Biddy Baxter are synonymous and for anyone wishing to pursue a career in television, Biddy advises to ‘keep trying and don ’t give up!’ .