Stop, Look, Listen: Series 2-17 (1975-93)

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companyATV & Central
started25th Sep 1975
ended22nd Mar 1993
last rpt29th Oct 1993
19 school years
episodes166
duration10 mins
subject 🏫Miscellany
age rangeAge 6+Age 5-7 & Age 7-9
languageenIn English
Stop, Look, ListenHierarchyPrevious.gifPrevious series: Series 1 (1971-72)Next series: How Things Are MadeHierarchyNext.gif

Series 2-17 of the ITV schools TV series Stop, Look, Listen from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, covering various topics for primary school pupils, mostly narrated by Chris Tarrant.

The Stop, Look, Listen films produced between 1975 and 1993 were all mini, 10-minute documentaries on a wide varity of topics of interest to children, which could be selected and used by teachers to build up topic work, or enriching experiences encouraging children to observe and then talk about aspects of everyday life that they might not otherwise notice.

The range of topics was built up progressively over the years (as documented in the episode guide below) so that by 1983 fifty-six different subjects were being covered, equivalent to a full two-year cycle of weekly episodes. At this point the programme was split into two 'sets' of episodes, the first run of 28 called 'Set A' shown on Mondays & Wednesdays, and the other 28 called 'Set B' shown on Tuesdays & Thurdays, so that teachers could select any relevant episodes to stimulate their class and support their topic work.

The Programmes

For 15 years the episodes were narrated by Chris Tarrant, a local news journalist in the midlands when the role started. The suitability of his jovial and down-to-earth manner was spotted by the producer Dilys Howell and Tarrant continued to work on Stop, Look, Listen every year until 1990 even as his national celebrity profile rose through TV programmes such as Tiswas and as host of the Capital Radio breakfast show, completing around 130 Stop, Look, Listen documentaries altogether. This has been attributed to his "loyalty to the person who had given him some of his earliest experience in broadcasting."[1] The narrator role was taken over by Matthew Kelly in 1990 and others later took on individual episodes.

Remakes

The episodes described here were a progression of the original Stop, Look, Listen series from 1971, covering many of the same topics. In fact in fact in the case of several early episodes, film sequences from 1971 were literally re-used with a little extra to bring the programmes up to date and change the commentary: for example the 1971 Rail episode showed teacher Harvey Higgins and a group of children buying tickets at Birmingham New Street Station, taking a railway journey and then alighting at Stourbridge Junction. The updated 1976 Station episode filmed a new teacher and children buying their tickets in 1976, but then re-used the original footage of the journey with all the things the passengers could see from the train in 1971 (including some very naughty children playing on the railway embankment), and then showed the new children alighting further down the line at Kidderminster in 1976, all with a new commentary by Chris Tarrant. The later 1986 Trains episode followed the same journey from Birmingham to Kidderminster again narrated by Chris Tarrant, but was completely re-made to show up-to-date scenes.

This pattern of partially or completely re-making episodes on the same topics continued for two decades, with typically 10 episodes being replaced or re-made each year. For example the 1992 Castles episode narrated by Matthew Kelly had footage re-used for the 1994 Castles episode (shown in the How to Find Out unit) with the narration re-recorded by Bryonie Pritchard. Other episodes changed their focus on the same subject, as for example the episode about Firemen was originally shown in 1971 and remade in 1975, 1978, 1981 and 1987 (and later again in 1995). Generally each version showed a simulated fire rescue operation with a fire engine responding to a 999 call and the firefighters going up ladders to pour water on a fire, but the 1981 instead showed trainee firefighters learning how to conduct rescues.

Similarly the 1978 Glass episode covered manufacturing and glazing, while the 1991 episode on the same topic was all about recycling. The 1981 Boats and Boating showed different types of boats being sailed, while the 1985 episode on the same topic was specifically about the manufacturing process.

All of this way of remaking all or part of the episodes makes understanding the overall run of Stop, Look, Listen surprisingly difficult. If you were following the TV Times listings alone you would have no way of knowing, for example, that the episode called Farmer in 1978 was just a repeat of the episode which had been called Farm when first shown in 1976, but that the 1982, 1983 and 1990 Farmer episodes were actually new versions! The episode guide presented below has been painstakingly pieced together using all of the original Stop, Look, Listen teacher's notes booklets (courtesy of the National Arts Education Archive in Yorkshire) which were amazingly comprehensive but sometimes written before final decisions had been made, the ITV Schools annual programme guides and wallchats, those basic TV Times (and later Times Educational Supplement) TV listings, as many episode recordings as I have been able to find, and original film index cards kept by ATV and Central Television which were rescued from a clearout of their headquarters! It attempts to allow navigation of the remakes and replacements of episodes on each subject over the years and documents how the series was built up. A separate table outlining all of the individual episodes broadcast from 1971 to 1993 can be found on the separate Stop, Look, Listen series page. Despite all of this research, there are still gaps in my Stop, Look, Listen knowledge so if you think anything here is wrong please do get in touch by email.

This page covers all of the episodes shown from autumn 1975 to spring 1993, because that timeframe represents a continuous period of, essentially, single documentary production in a recognisable style. From autumn 1993 onwards Stop, Look, Listen moved out of the hands of the midlands ITV company and became organised nationally by Channel 4 Schools with many different production teams contributing episodes on different themes and topics. However this was not a hard break, earlier in 1992 and 1993 the series had been organised into distinct units, and some general documentary films (including several with Matthew Kelly) continued to be made until 1995, but the intention is to (eventually) document the later programmes on separate pages.


Episode List

This list can be sorted alphabetically to get some indication of the re-makes of episodes with the same title. The detailed episode guide further below explicitly links each episode to any which it replaced or was in turn replaced by.

# Title Broadcast
27. Firemen (1975) #1975-09-25-00-00-0025 Sep 1975
28. Ambulance (1975) #1975-10-02-00-00-002 Oct 1975
29. Police (1975) #1975-10-09-00-00-009 Oct 1975
30. Dustman #1975-10-16-00-00-0016 Oct 1975
31. Postman (1975) #1975-10-23-00-00-0023 Oct 1975
32. Fairground #1975-11-06-00-00-006 Nov 1975
33. Lorry Driver (1975) #1975-11-13-00-00-0013 Nov 1975
34. Baker (1975) #1975-11-20-00-00-0020 Nov 1975
35. Butcher (1975) #1975-11-27-00-00-0027 Nov 1975
36. Bulldozers and Cranes #1975-12-04-00-00-004 Dec 1975
37. Bananas (1976) #1976-01-15-00-00-0015 Jan 1976
38. Cheese (1976) #1976-01-22-00-00-0022 Jan 1976
39. Fish (1976) #1976-01-29-00-00-0029 Jan 1976
40. Time (1976) #1976-02-05-00-00-005 Feb 1976
41. Sounds #1976-02-12-00-00-0012 Feb 1976
42. Signs #1976-02-26-00-00-0026 Feb 1976
43. Signals #1976-03-04-00-00-004 Mar 1976
44. Wool (1976) #1976-03-11-00-00-0011 Mar 1976
45. Pottery (1976) #1976-03-18-00-00-0018 Mar 1976
46. Village #1976-03-25-00-00-0025 Mar 1976
47. Airport (1976) #1976-04-29-00-00-0029 Apr 1976
48. Station #1976-05-06-00-00-006 May 1976
49. Canal #1976-05-13-00-00-0013 May 1976
50. Summer and Winter #1976-05-20-00-00-0020 May 1976
51. Farmer (1976) #1976-05-27-00-00-0027 May 1976
52. Safari Park (1976) #1976-06-10-00-00-0010 Jun 1976
53. Seaside (1976) #1976-06-17-00-00-0017 Jun 1976*
54. Combine Harvester (1976) #1976-06-24-00-00-0024 Jun 1976
55. Firemen (1978) #1978-09-21-00-00-0021 Sep 1978
56. Coalminer #1978-10-19-00-00-0019 Oct 1978
57. Lorry Driver (1978) #1978-10-26-00-00-0026 Oct 1978
58. Market Stall-Holder (1978) #1978-11-09-00-00-009 Nov 1978
59. Baker (1978) #1978-11-16-00-00-0016 Nov 1978
60. Cheese (1979) #1979-01-18-00-00-0018 Jan 1979
61. Fish (1979) #1979-01-25-00-00-0025 Jan 1979
62. Fruit #1979-02-01-00-00-001 Feb 1979*
63. Glass (1978) #1979-03-29-00-00-0029 Mar 1979*
64. Castle #1979-06-14-00-00-0014 Jun 1979
65. Wood (1979) #1980-01-16-00-00-0016 Jan 1980*
66. Paper (1980) #1980-01-23-00-00-0023 Jan 1980
67. Metal #1980-01-30-00-00-0030 Jan 1980
68. Stone (1980) #1980-02-06-00-00-006 Feb 1980
69. Bricks (1980) #1980-02-13-00-00-0013 Feb 1980
70. Oil and Petrol #1980-02-27-00-00-0027 Feb 1980
71. Leather #1980-03-05-00-00-005 Mar 1980
72. Plastics #1980-03-12-00-00-0012 Mar 1980
73. Electricity #1980-03-19-00-00-0019 Mar 1980
74. Water (1980) #1980-03-26-00-00-0026 Mar 1980
75. Boats and Boating (1981) #1981-05-05-00-00-005 May 1981
76. Bicycles (1981) #1981-05-12-00-00-0012 May 1981
77. Trams #1981-05-19-00-00-0019 May 1981
78. Industrial Museum #1981-06-02-00-00-002 Jun 1981
79. Farm Museum (1981) #1981-06-09-00-00-009 Jun 1981
80. Local Customs (Well Dressing) #1981-06-16-00-00-0016 Jun 1981
81. Wildfowl Trust #1981-06-23-00-00-0023 Jun 1981
82. Stately Home #1981-06-30-00-00-0030 Jun 1981
83. Firemen (1981) #1981-09-23-00-00-0023 Sep 1981
84. Ambulance (1981) #1981-09-30-00-00-0030 Sep 1981
85. Hospital (1981) #1981-10-07-00-00-007 Oct 1981
86. Police 1 (1981) #1981-10-14-00-00-0014 Oct 1981
87. Police 2 (1981) #1981-10-21-00-00-0021 Oct 1981
88. Dustmen #1981-11-11-00-00-0011 Nov 1981
89. Butcher (1981) #1981-11-25-00-00-0025 Nov 1981
90. Baker (1981) #1981-12-02-00-00-002 Dec 1981
91. Farmer (1982) #1982-09-22-00-00-0022 Sep 1982
92. Milkman #1982-09-29-00-00-0029 Sep 1982
93. Postman (1982) #1982-10-06-00-00-006 Oct 1982
94. Librarian (1982) #1982-10-13-00-00-0013 Oct 1982
95. Doctor (1982) #1982-10-20-00-00-0020 Oct 1982
96. Vet #1982-11-03-00-00-003 Nov 1982
97. Toy Factory #1982-11-10-00-00-0010 Nov 1982
98. Steel Band #1982-11-17-00-00-0017 Nov 1982
99. Puppet Show (1982) #1982-11-24-00-00-0024 Nov 1982
100. Big Store (1982) #1982-12-01-00-00-001 Dec 1982
101. Farmer (1983) #1983-09-20-00-00-0020 Sep 1983
102. Police (1983) #1983-10-10-00-00-0010 Oct 1983
103. Baked Beans #1984-02-14-00-00-0014 Feb 1984
104. Crisps #1984-02-28-00-00-0028 Feb 1984
105. Ice Cream #1984-03-06-00-00-006 Mar 1984
106. Chocolate #1984-03-13-00-00-0013 Mar 1984*
107. Seasons: Spring and Summer #1984-04-30-00-00-0030 Apr 1984
108. Canal Boat #1984-06-05-00-00-005 Jun 1984
109. Airport (1984) #1984-06-12-00-00-0012 Jun 1984
110. Camping (1984) #1984-06-19-00-00-0019 Jun 1984
111. Librarian (1984) #1984-10-09-00-00-009 Oct 1984
112. Roadmenders #1984-10-15-00-00-0015 Oct 1984
113. Market Stall-Holder (1984) #1984-11-12-00-00-0012 Nov 1984
114. Seasons: Autumn and Winter #1985-01-14-00-00-0014 Jan 1985
115. Bananas (1985) #1985-02-05-00-00-005 Feb 1985
116. Stone (1984) #1985-02-11-00-00-0011 Feb 1985*
117. Cars (1985) #1985-04-30-00-00-0030 Apr 1985
118. Boats and Boating (1985) #1985-05-21-00-00-0021 May 1985
119. Zoo #1985-06-05-00-00-005 Jun 1985
120. Safari Park (1985) #1985-06-12-00-00-0012 Jun 1985
121. Musical Instruments #1985-10-23-00-00-0023 Oct 1985
122. Supermarket #1985-11-11-00-00-0011 Nov 1985
123. Telephone (1986) #1986-01-13-00-00-0013 Jan 1986
124. Making a TV Film #1986-01-20-00-00-0020 Jan 1986
125. Newspaper #1986-01-27-00-00-0027 Jan 1986
126. Cheese (1985) #1986-01-29-00-00-0029 Jan 1986*
127. Fish (1986) #1986-02-05-00-00-005 Feb 1986
128. Trains #1986-05-07-00-00-007 May 1986
129. Village Visit #1986-05-15-00-00-0015 May 1986
130. Day Trip #1986-05-22-00-00-0022 May 1986
131. Seasons: Autumn #1986-10-17-00-00-0017 Oct 1986
132. Coalminers #1986-10-20-00-00-0020 Oct 1986
133. Seasons: Winter #1987-01-23-00-00-0023 Jan 1987
134. Making the Titles for a TV Film #1987-01-26-00-00-0026 Jan 1987
135. Paper (1987) #1987-02-16-00-00-0016 Feb 1987
136. Bricks (1987) #1987-03-09-00-00-009 Mar 1987
137. Pottery (1987) #1987-03-16-00-00-0016 Mar 1987
138. Bicycles (1986) #1987-05-01-00-00-001 May 1987*
139. History Museum #1987-05-07-00-00-007 May 1987
140. Firemen (1987) #1987-09-14-00-00-0014 Sep 1987
141. Lifeboatmen #1987-09-28-00-00-0028 Sep 1987
142. Doctor (1987) #1987-10-19-00-00-0019 Oct 1987
143. Baker (1987) #1987-11-23-00-00-0023 Nov 1987
144. Birds #1988-03-21-00-00-0021 Mar 1988
145. Making Things #1988-04-25-00-00-0025 Apr 1988
146. Swimming #1988-05-12-00-00-0012 May 1988
147. Games #1988-05-19-00-00-0019 May 1988
148. Flower Festival #1988-06-09-00-00-009 Jun 1988
149. Day Trip to France #1988-06-23-00-00-0023 Jun 1988
150. Cereals #1989-02-20-00-00-0020 Feb 1989
151. Farm Museum (1989) #1989-04-24-00-00-0024 Apr 1989
152. Local Customs (May Day) #1989-05-04-00-00-004 May 1989
153. Wood (1989) #1989-06-08-00-00-008 Jun 1989
154. Ambulance (1989) #1989-10-02-00-00-002 Oct 1989
155. Hospital (1989) #1989-10-09-00-00-009 Oct 1989
156. Postman (1989) #1989-10-30-00-00-0030 Oct 1989
157. Cars (1990) #1990-01-22-00-00-0022 Jan 1990
158. Pets (1990) #1990-02-26-00-00-0026 Feb 1990
159. Dogs #1990-03-05-00-00-005 Mar 1990
160. Wildfowl #1990-03-26-00-00-0026 Mar 1990
161. Making Things: Weaving #1990-04-30-00-00-0030 Apr 1990
162. Seaside (1990) #1990-06-21-00-00-0021 Jun 1990
163. Farmer (1990) #1990-09-24-00-00-0024 Sep 1990
164. Café #1990-10-08-00-00-008 Oct 1990
165. Puppet Show (1990) #1990-11-05-00-00-005 Nov 1990
166. Toyland #1990-11-12-00-00-0012 Nov 1990
167. Big Store (1990) #1990-11-19-00-00-0019 Nov 1990
168. Glass (1991) #1991-02-11-00-00-0011 Feb 1991
169. Keeping Pigeons #1991-04-29-00-00-0029 Apr 1991
170. Camping (1991) #1991-05-09-00-00-009 May 1991
171. Tram Museum #1991-05-23-00-00-0023 May 1991
172. Carnival #1991-06-20-00-00-0020 Jun 1991
173. Watermill #1991-11-04-00-00-004 Nov 1991
174. Windmill #1991-11-11-00-00-0011 Nov 1991
175. Telephone (1991) #1991-11-18-00-00-0018 Nov 1991
176. Television #1991-11-25-00-00-0025 Nov 1991
177. Thames Barge #1992-01-13-00-00-0013 Jan 1992
178. Seasons #1992-04-27-00-00-0027 Apr 1992
179. Weather #1992-05-07-00-00-007 May 1992
180. Dancing #1992-05-14-00-00-0014 May 1992
181. Dockyard (1992) #1992-06-11-00-00-0011 Jun 1992
182. Circus Child #1992-09-14-00-00-0014 Sep 1992
183. Living Museum #1992-09-21-00-00-0021 Sep 1992
184. Homes (1992) #1992-09-28-00-00-0028 Sep 1992
185. Castles (1992) #1992-10-05-00-00-005 Oct 1992
186. Bridges #1992-10-12-00-00-0012 Oct 1992
187. Dockyard (1993) #1993-02-08-00-00-008 Feb 1993
188. Hedgehogs #1993-02-15-00-00-0015 Feb 1993
189. Worms and Snakes #1993-03-01-00-00-001 Mar 1993
190. Owls #1993-03-08-00-00-008 Mar 1993
191. Butterflies #1993-03-15-00-00-0015 Mar 1993
192. Pond Creatures #1993-03-22-00-00-0022 Mar 1993

Episodes 1-26 (missing from the list above) make up the first series of Stop, Look, Listen, first shown in 1971-72 and detailed on a separate page.

Dates in this list are the first broadcasts specifically for schools. Episodes marked with * had already been broadcast at least once prior to this as previews for parents and teachers. Details of these preview broadcasts are given in the full episode guide below.

I don't know exactly which episodes were previewed in December 1975 or December 1987. If you do please get in touch by email!


Episode Guide

Adding descriptions to this detailed episode guide is a work in progress.

Latest update 15th August 2021: Episodes starting with the letters A, B and C have been done plus a couple of others, which is a little over a quarter of all the episodes on the page.

Series 2 (1975-76)

Stop Look Listen title 1971.jpg
All 28 episodes this year were new, and a mix of completely new topics and re-edited, updated versions of the series 1 episodes. The same 28 episodes were repeated unchanged in 1976-77 and 1977-78

All episodes used the playground opening titles with Cock of the Roost as the theme tune.

They were narrated by Chris Tarrant, the researcher Patricia Newman, advisor Ronald Guliford, film editor Kevin Lester, produced and directed by Dilys Howell and Caryl Doncaster..

Routinely in the 1970s and 80s schools programmes were previewed during the holidays for parents and teachers, and where a new episode of Stop, Look, Listen was first shown as a preview this is covered in the episode guide here. An exception is the 1975-76 series. An episode of Stop, Look, Listen was previewed on Monday 29th December 1975 at 10am on ITV, almost certainly one of the new episodes planned for transmission in the spring or summer terms, but I have not been able to find out which one - if you can help please get in touch by email.

27. Firemen (1975)

First broadcast: Thursday 25th September 1975, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 23rd September 1977, 11:31am on ITV Replaced: Fire Engine (1971) Replaced by: Firemen (1978) ATV prod. no.: 9695


28. Ambulance (1975)

A child called Neil is playing at an open window, which is a very dangerous thing to do! He falls out and his mum calls 999.

The control room dispatches an ambulance. Neil is taken in the ambulance to hospital, where his leg is x-rayed and put in plaster. Then the ambulance takes him back home again.

First broadcast: Thursday 2nd October 1975, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 3rd October 1980, 11:02am on ITV Replaced: Ambulance (1971) Replaced by: Ambulance (1981) ATV prod. no.: 9696


29. Police (1975)

First broadcast: Thursday 9th October 1975, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 10th October 1980, 11:02am on ITV Replaced: Police Station (1971) Replaced by: Police 1 (1981) ATV prod. no.: 9697


30. Dustman

First broadcast: Thursday 16th October 1975, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 17th October 1980, 11:02am on ITV Replaced: Garbage (1971) Replaced by: Dustmen (1981) ATV prod. no.: 9698


31. Postman (1975)

First broadcast: Thursday 23rd October 1975, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 21st October 1977, 11:31am on ITV Replaced: Postcode (1972) Replaced by: Postman (1982)


32. Fairground

First broadcast: Thursday 6th November 1975, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Monday 24th June 1985, 9:59am on ITV ATV prod. no.: 9700


33. Lorry Driver (1975)

First broadcast: Thursday 13th November 1975, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 11th November 1977, 11:31am on ITV Replaced by: Lorry Driver (1978) ATV prod. no.: 9721


34. Baker (1975)

Lots of different types of bread are seen in a shop. Corn is harvested and ground into flour. Then the baker mixes, proves and bakes his dough and we see the steaming loaf coming out of the oven.

First broadcast: Thursday 20th November 1975, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 18th November 1977, 11:31am on ITV Replaced: Bread (1972) Replaced by: Baker (1978) ATV prod. no.: 9701


35. Butcher (1975)

Two girls go to the butcher's, and wait while he makes sausages, fetching the meat, mincing it up and packing it tightly into the skins.

First broadcast: Thursday 27th November 1975, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 28th November 1980, 11:02am on ITV Replaced: Making Sausages (1972) Replaced by: Butcher (1981) ATV prod. no.: 9702


36. Bulldozers and Cranes

On a building site we see a crane at work and watch its driver. The other heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators and diggers are also seen.

First broadcast: Thursday 4th December 1975, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 2nd December 1977, 11:31am on ITV Replaced: Building Site (1971) ATV prod. no.: 9711


37. Bananas (1976)

Bananas are planted then the shoots and finally the fruit appear. The crop is tended and then harvested before being put on a boat for England and sold in a greengrocer's

  • The teacher's notes explained that "the aim of this programme is to develop the awareness that something as familiar as a banana has a story."

First broadcast: Thursday 15th January 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 9th February 1984, 9:30am on ITV Replaced by: Bananas (1985) ATV prod. no.: 9713


38. Cheese (1976)

The process of making cheese from milking, to separation of the curds and whey, to selling in a shop.

  • Aside from the new narration, I think this episode was very similar to the 1972 original which it replaced. The descriptions in the teachers' notes were identical.

First broadcast: Thursday 22nd January 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 20th January 1978, 11:31am on ITV Replaced: Cheese (1972) Replaced by: Cheese (1979) ATV prod. no.: 9704


39. Fish (1976)

First broadcast: Thursday 29th January 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 27th January 1978, 11:31am on ITV Replaced by: Fish (1979) ATV prod. no.: 9707


40. Time (1976)

First broadcast: Thursday 5th February 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 3rd February 1978, 11:31am on ITV Replaced: Time (1971) ATV prod. no.: 9718


41. Sounds

First broadcast: Thursday 12th February 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 11th February 1983, 11:32am on ITV ATV prod. no.: 9705


42. Signs

First broadcast: Thursday 26th February 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 25th February 1983, 11:32am on ITV ATV prod. no.: 9706


43. Signals

First broadcast: Thursday 4th March 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 24th February 1978, 11:31am on ITV ATV prod. no.: 9715


44. Wool (1976)

First broadcast: Thursday 11th March 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Wednesday 13th March 1985, 11:10am on ITV Replaced: Wool (1972) ATV prod. no.: 9703


45. Pottery (1976)

First broadcast: Thursday 18th March 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Wednesday 20th March 1985, 11:10am on ITV Replaced by: Pottery (1987) ATV prod. no.: 9712


46. Village

First broadcast: Thursday 25th March 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Monday 20th May 1985, 9:59am on ITV Replaced by: Village Visit (1986) ATV prod. no.: 9720


47. Airport (1976)

People arrive at an airport. Their luggage is checked in and then loaded into the plane. The passengers are called to board the flight and it takes off.

Some children go for a flight in a small aircraft, and note the wing, the door, the propellor and the tail. They look at things on the ground which seem small from above, including cows, a canal, factories and flats.

First broadcast: Thursday 29th April 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 28th May 1982, 11:22am on ITV Replaced: Aeroplane (1971) Replaced by: Airport (1984) ATV prod. no.: 9709


48. Station

First broadcast: Thursday 6th May 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Tuesday 7th May 1985, 11:49am on ITV Replaced: Rail (1971) Replaced by: Trains (1986) ATV prod. no.: 9708


49. Canal

The history of canals are explained and the leisure activities they are used for now. Some children use a boat as a floating classroom, and outside there are old warehouses. We see the canal travel over an aqueduct, through locks and into a tunnel.

First broadcast: Thursday 13th May 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 14th May 1982, 11:22am on ITV Replaced by: Canal Boat (1984) ATV prod. no.: 9716


50. Summer and Winter

First broadcast: Thursday 20th May 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 7th May 1982, 11:22am on ITV Replaced: The Wood (1972) Replaced by: Seasons: Spring and Summer, and Seasons: Autumn and Winter ATV prod. no.: 9717


51. Farmer (1976)

First broadcast: Thursday 27th May 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 5th December 1980, 11:02am on ITV Replaced by: Farmer (1982) ATV prod. no.: 9710


52. Safari Park (1976)

A man comes out of his house to go to work, carrying a rifle, and we are invited to guess what his job is. He drives his leopard-print Land Rover to West Midlands Safari Park Violet-marker.png , where he plays with young lions and giraffes.

Coach parties (and a double-decker bus) drive round the park and see rhinoceros, elephants, ostriches, zebras, camels and wildebeest. The baboons climb on a car and lions, tigers and bears have their meals before the visitors leave.

First broadcast: Thursday 10th June 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Monday 25th June 1984, 9:59am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it the previous Wednesday) Replaced by: Safari Park (1985) ATV prod. no.: 9722


53. Seaside (1976)

First broadcast: Tuesday 20th April 1976, 9:32am on ITV (as part of an Out of School preview programme, and 2 months later on 17th June for schools) Last broadcast: Thursday 28th June 1984, 9:30am on ITV Replaced by: Seaside (1990) ATV prod. no.: 9719


54. Combine Harvester (1976)

The work of a combine harvester cutting a field of barley. The driver wears a mask because of the dust, and operates the machinery with levers in the cab. When the grain and straw has all been collected the straw in baled in the barn, and some children play house with it, while the grain is ground and fed to the pigs.

At the end of the programme there is a quiz about the things we have seen.

First broadcast: Thursday 24th June 1976, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 9th June 1978, 11:31am on ITV Replaced: Combine Harvester (1972) ATV prod. no.: 9714


Series 3 (1978-79)

Stop Look Listen title 2.jpg
10 new episodes were shown this year, a selection of re-made programmes on previously-covered topics and completely new subjects. As well as the new episodes listed below there was some re-arrangement of existing episodes, as the Farm episode was moved from the summer term sequence of programmes about trips & visits to the autumn term sequence about people who help us, renamed Farmer to suit, while the Fairground episode made the opposite switch.

This year's episodes included on-screen titles stating their subject right at the start of each film, the only time in the documentary era of Stop, Look Listen that on-screen titles were used.

These episodes introduced the flying words opening titles and used the High Life theme tune for the first time.

They were narrated by Chris Tarrant, with Pam Edwards as researcher, Ronald Gulliford as advisor, film editors including Bob Cook, Francis Robertson and Chris Rickard. They were produced and directed by Dilys Howell and, according to the TV Times, Caryl Doncaster.

55. Firemen (1978)

First broadcast: Thursday 21st September 1978, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 26th September 1980, 11:02am on ITV Replaced: Firemen (1975) Replaced by: Firemen (1981)


56. Coalminer

An old couple who still have a coal fire introduce the idea that at one time everybody used coal in their houses, and it had to be mined. A group of miners are seen arriving for work at a pit by coach, changing into their dark-coloured work overalls, collecting their equipment, and handing in a tally to record who is down the mine. They descend in the cage and travel to the coal face in a small train to start drilling.

Later the miners return to the surface, shower and change back into their normal clothes. Meanwhile the coal is collected and delivered by the coalman to the old couple's home.

First broadcast: Thursday 19th October 1978, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 31st October 1985, 9:30am on ITV Replaced by: Coalminers (1986)


57. Lorry Driver (1978)

First broadcast: Thursday 26th October 1978, 9:30am on ITV (a week later on 2nd November in Scottish, Border and Grampian areas due to a later half term) Last broadcast: Friday 7th November 1980, 11:02am on ITV Replaced: Lorry Driver (1975)


58. Market Stall-Holder (1978)

First broadcast: Thursday 9th November 1978, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Wednesday 16th November 1983, 11:10am on ITV Replaced by: Market Stall-Holder (1984) ATV prod. no.: 6217


59. Baker (1978)

Corn is harvested and ground, and the baker mixes, proves and bakes his dough to make different types of bread.

In a commercial bakery large amounts of loaves are baked in large ovens, then put on display for customers.

First broadcast: Thursday 16th November 1978, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 21st November 1980, 11:02am on ITV Replaced: Baker (1975) Replaced by: Baker (1981)


60. Cheese (1979)

Cows are milked and the resulting milk is heated in a large bath and mixed to get it to exactly the right temperature. Rennet is poured in and the milk thickens, and the curds are cut so that they float on top of the whey. The curds and salted and pressed into moulds to make cheddar cheese. Finally the finished cheese is cut and wrapped, and we see it on display in a supermarket.

First broadcast: Thursday 18th January 1979, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Tuesday 15th January 1985, 11:49am on ITV Replaced: Cheese (1976) Replaced by: Cheese (1985) ATV prod. no.: 6219


61. Fish (1979)

First broadcast: Thursday 25th January 1979, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Tuesday 22nd January 1985, 11:49am on ITV Replaced: Fish (1976) Replaced by: Fish (1986)


62. Fruit

First broadcast: Thursday 7th December 1978, 10:45am on ITV (as part of an Out of School preview programme, and 2 months later on 1st February 1979 for schools) Last broadcast: Thursday 10th January 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced by: The Lunch Bunch would cover Fruit and Vegetables in 1997. ATV prod. no.: 6221


63. Glass (1978)

First broadcast: Tuesday 5th December 1978, 9:52am on ITV (as part of an Out of School preview programme, and nearly 4 months later on 29th March 1979 for schools) Last broadcast: Thursday 5th March 1987, 9:30am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it 4 days earlier) Replaced by: Glass (1991) ATV prod. no.: 6222


64. Castle

We see the towers of Warwick Castle Violet-marker.png emerging over the countryside. Some children see the features of the castle, including the portcullis which can be lowered and raised by hand, the view from the top of the towers and the battlements and defences that were used long ago.

In the Great Hall are the suits of armour and other relics, and children go to inspect the torture implements in the dungeon, and run around the dry moat. The red sandstone ruins of the nearby Kenilworth Castle Violet-marker.png are also seen.

First broadcast: Thursday 14th June 1979, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Monday 11th June 1984, 9:59am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it the previous Wednesday) Replaced by: Castles (1992)


Series 4 (1979-80)

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All 10 episodes in the spring term were new this year, not remakes but programmes completely new subjects of materials and services. This was the start of Stop, Look, Listen's move to an expanded two-year cycle of programmes, as the previous spring term sequence on foods, sounds and crafts would be repeated with some tweaks in spring 1981, followed by this new sequence on materials and services in spring 1982, and so on.

Due to a strike which stopped almost all broadcasting by ITV for several months in 1979, there were no broadcasts of Stop, Look, Listen or any other ITV schools programmes in the first five weeks of the autumn term. The planned schedule included repeats of the episodes about people who help us which had been screened in the previous year and would be shown again in the next. Despite the disruption caused by the strike, as far as I have been able to determine all 10 of the new episodes which Stop, Look, Listen had planned for the spring term were able to be produced and screened as scheduled - they all continued to be listed in the TV Times.

This year's episodes dropped the on-screen titles of the previous year but added a caption, often at the start of the programme, that they were 'introduced by Chris Tarrant', perhaps a recognition that his name would be recognised around the country with his presenting of Wikipedia:Tiswas by now by now being screened in several areas of the country and not just the midlands.

These episodes used the flying words opening titles and High Life theme tune.

As well as Chris Tarrant the credits included researcher Pam Edwards, adviser Ronald Gulliford, film editors including Sue Massey and McDonald Brown, and producer Dilys Howell.

65. Wood (1979)

First broadcast: Monday 3rd December 1979, 10:10am on ITV (as part of a Next Term preview programme) Last broadcast: Wednesday 23rd January 1985, 11:10am on ITV Replaced by: Wood (1989) ATV prod. no.: 7083


66. Paper (1980)

First broadcast: Wednesday 23rd January 1980, 11:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 6th February 1986, 9:30am on ITV Replaced by: Paper (1987) ATV prod. no.: 7084


67. Metal

First broadcast: Wednesday 30th January 1980, 11:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Wednesday 6th February 1985, 11:10am on ITV ATV prod. no.: 7085


68. Stone (1980)

First broadcast: Wednesday 6th February 1980, 11:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Wednesday 8th February 1984, 11:10am on ITV Replaced by: Stone (1984) ATV prod. no.: 7086


69. Bricks (1980)

Different sorts of brick-built houses are seen and then bricklayers at work building a wall.

We then see clay being cut from a huge pit with various machinery. The clay is taken to the London Brick Company works at Stewartby Violet-marker.png where it is ground, pressed, coloured and baked in the kiln, and then the finished bricks are taken by lorry to a building site where they will be used to build houses.

First broadcast: Wednesday 13th February 1980, 11:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 27th February 1986, 9:30am on ITV Replaced: Bricklayer (1971) Replaced by: Bricks (1987) ATV prod. no.: 7087


70. Oil and Petrol

First broadcast: Wednesday 27th February 1980, 11:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 5th March 1982, 11:22am on ITV ATV prod. no.: 7088


71. Leather

First broadcast: Wednesday 5th March 1980, 11:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 6th March 1986, 9:30am on ITV ATV prod. no.: 7089


72. Plastics

First broadcast: Wednesday 12th March 1980, 11:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 19th March 1982, 11:22am on ITV ATV prod. no.: 7090


73. Electricity

First broadcast: Wednesday 19th March 1980, 11:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 26th March 1987, 9:30am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it 4 days earlier) ATV prod. no.: 7091


74. Water (1980)

First broadcast: Wednesday 26th March 1980, 11:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 2nd April 1987, 9:30am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it 4 days earlier) ATV prod. no.: 7092


Series 5 (1980-81)

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The 8 episodes in summer 1981 were all new. Like the previous set of summer term programmes they covered trips and visits, but to different types of places. This continued the expansion to a two-year cycle of programmes, as the previous summer term programmes would be repeated in summer 1982, and this new sequence again in summer 1983.

These episodes continued to use the flying words opening titles (for the last time) and the High Life theme tune.

These programmes were narrated by Chris Tarrant with researcher Pam Edwards, adviser Ronald Gulliford, film editor Sue Massey, and producer Dilys Howell.

75. Boats and Boating (1981)

A paper lying on the water is blown along by the wind, introducing many different kinds of boats. A boy comes to buy a life jacket from a shop selling sailing gear. A group of boys rig their boat with sails and a rubber, while a girl out sailing with her father leans over the side to counterbalance the wind in their sails. The boys capsize but manage to right their boat.

An instructor teachers a group to sail in a canoe, and one of them also capsizes but frees themselves. The cox of a sculling team steers their boat with ropes attached to the river, and childen sailing are overtaken by larger motor boats. A large sea trawler leaves port.

First broadcast: Tuesday 5th May 1981, 10:50am in the ATV Midlands region (the following day at 11:05am in the rest of the ITV regions) Last broadcast: Thursday 24th May 1984, 9:30am on ITV Replaced by: Boats and Boating (1985) ATV prod. no.: 7790


76. Bicycles (1981)

A girl called Jenny is choosing a new bicycle in a shop for her birthday. She puts on a helmet and her dad helps her to ride the new bike. Professional riders are seen at the finish line of the Milk Race, and a policeman gives road safety lessons with children rising their bikes in a school playground.

Jenny and her family go for a bike ride in the country and her dad has to mend a puncture with his family's help.

Old and unusual bicycles including a bone-shaker, a tricycle, a Penny farthing and a tandem from the Pinkerton Collection at Arbury Hall Violet-marker.png are shown being ridden.

First broadcast: Tuesday 12th May 1981, 10:50am in the ATV Midlands region (the following day at 11:05am in the rest of the ITV regions) Last broadcast: Friday 25th April 1986, 11:15am on ITV Replaced by: Bicycles (1986) ATV prod. no.: 7791


77. Trams

First broadcast: Tuesday 19th May 1981, 10:50am in the ATV Midlands region (the following day at 11:05am in the rest of the ITV regions) Last broadcast: Friday 22nd May 1987, 11:15am on ITV Replaced by: Tram Museum (1991) ATV prod. no.: 7792


78. Industrial Museum

First broadcast: Tuesday 2nd June 1981, 10:50am in the ATV Midlands region (the following day at 11:05am in the rest of the ITV regions) Last broadcast: Monday 4th June 1984, 9:59am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it the previous Wednesday) ATV prod. no.: 7793


79. Farm Museum (1981)

First broadcast: Tuesday 9th June 1981, 10:50am in the ATV Midlands region (the following day at 11:05am in the rest of the ITV regions) Last broadcast: Monday 18th May 1987, 9:47am on ITV Replaced by: Farm Museum (1989) ATV prod. no.: 7794


80. Local Customs (Well Dressing)

First broadcast: Tuesday 16th June 1981, 10:50am in the ATV Midlands region (the following day at 11:05am in the rest of the ITV regions) Last broadcast: Monday 8th June 1987, 9:47am on ITV Replaced by: Local Customs (May Day) (1989) ATV prod. no.: 7795


81. Wildfowl Trust

First broadcast: Tuesday 23rd June 1981, 10:50am in the ATV Midlands region (the following day at 11:05am in the rest of the ITV regions) Last broadcast: Thursday 17th March 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced by: Wildfowl (1990) ATV prod. no.: 7797


82. Stately Home

First broadcast: Tuesday 30th June 1981, 10:50am in the ATV Midlands region (the following day at 11:05am in the rest of the ITV regions) Last broadcast: Friday 24th June 1983, 11:32am on ITV ATV prod. no.: 7796


Series 6 (1981-82)

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8 new episodes were shown in 1981-82, all of them updated versions of existing programmes on the topic of people who help us.

These episodes introduced the traffic light face opening titles, and continued to use the High Life theme tune which had been introduced in 1978.

These programmes were narrated by Chris Tarrant with new researcher Nigel Duckers, adviser Ronald Gulliford, film editors including Sue Massey, John McCarthy and Roger Huyton, and producer Dilys Howell.

83. Firemen (1981)

First broadcast: Wednesday 23rd September 1981, 10:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 18th September 1986, 9:30am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it 4 days earlier) Replaced: Firemen (1978) Replaced by: Firemen (1987)


84. Ambulance (1981)

Steve and Pat, the crew of ambulance 207, check their equipment and wait in the ambulance rest room. They are dispatched to answer a 999 call from a girl whose brother has fallen down the stairs at home and bumped his head.

When they arrive they use an inflatable splint and make sure they boy in comfortable and then take him to hospital and check him in.

  • The story continues in the following episode about the Hospital.

First broadcast: Wednesday 30th September 1981, 10:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 8th October 1987, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Ambulance (1975) Replaced by: Ambulance (1989)


85. Hospital (1981)

First broadcast: Wednesday 7th October 1981, 10:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 15th October 1987, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced by: Hospital (1989) ATV prod. no.: 8888


86. Police 1 (1981)

First broadcast: Wednesday 14th October 1981, 10:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Wednesday 26th October 1983, 11:10am on ITV Replaced: Police (1975) Replaced by: Police (1983) ATV prod. no.: 8893/81


87. Police 2 (1981)

First broadcast: Wednesday 21st October 1981, 10:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 30th October 1981, 11:22am on ITV ATV prod. no.: 8890


88. Dustmen

First broadcast: Wednesday 11th November 1981, 10:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Wednesday 7th November 1984, 11:10am on ITV Replaced: Dustman (1975) Replaced by: The 1995 People Who Help Us unit includes a Refuse Collector episode.


89. Butcher (1981)

Butcher John Lashford is getting his butchers shop Violet-marker.png ready for the day: taking meat from the cold store, pricing it up for sale and sharpening the knives. He makes some sausages and minces some beef.

When the shop opens he weighs out meat for a customer, takes the payment and gives change. At the end of the day the meat is stored away again and the shop is thoroughly cleaned.

First broadcast: Wednesday 25th November 1981, 10:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 21st November 1985, 9:30am on ITV Replaced: Butcher (1975)


90. Baker (1981)

Corn is harvested and ground, and a baker at The Droitwich Bakery mixes, proves and bakes his dough.

Large numbers of loaves are baked in commerical ovens at Bradford's Bakery Violet-marker.png then sliced and wrapped. Another baker is decorating Christmas cakes, and produces a special "Merry Christmas" cake which Chris Tarrant announces is "from Stop, Look Listen".

First broadcast: Wednesday 2nd December 1981, 10:04am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 27th November 1986, 9:30am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it 4 days earlier) Replaced: Baker (1978) Replaced by: Baker (1987)


Series 7 (1982-83)

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All 10 episodes in autumn 1982 were new programmes, including a couple of updates to previous episodes but mostly covering brand new topics. The programmes broadly covered jobs and preparations for Christmas.

With this set of 10 complete the series now had a full cycle of 56 different programmes, and was ready to move to twice-weekly transmissions from the following year to screen all of them. The new topics also meant that 1982 was the first year since the series began that Stop, Look, Listen deliberately did not launch with a programme about firefighters (the fire episode was also omitted in 1979, but this was due to a strike rather than by design).

These episodes used the traffic light face opening titles introduced the previous year, and the High Life theme tune.

These programmes were narrated by Chris Tarrant with researcher Pam Edwards, adviser Ronald Gulliford, film editor McDonald Brown, and producer Dilys Howell.

91. Farmer (1982)

First broadcast: Wednesday 22nd September 1982, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 24th September 1982, 11:32am on ITV Replaced: Farmer (1976) Replaced by: Farmer (1983) Central prod. no.: 9880/82


92. Milkman

First broadcast: Wednesday 29th September 1982, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 4th October 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland & on S4C in Wales where it was last seen 4 days earlier) Central prod. no.: 9881/82


93. Postman (1982)

First broadcast: Wednesday 6th October 1982, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 5th November 1987, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Postman (1975) Replaced by: Postman (1989) Central prod. no.: 9882/82


94. Librarian (1982)

First broadcast: Wednesday 13th October 1982, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 13th October 1983, 9:30am on ITV Replaced by: Librarian (1984) Central prod. no.: 9883/82


95. Doctor (1982)

First broadcast: Wednesday 20th October 1982, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 3rd October 1986, 11:15am on ITV Replaced by: Doctor (1987) Central prod. no.: 9884/82


96. Vet

First broadcast: Wednesday 3rd November 1982, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 25th February 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Central prod. no.: 9885/82


97. Toy Factory

First broadcast: Wednesday 10th November 1982, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 21st November 1986, 11:15am on ITV Central prod. no.: 9886/82


98. Steel Band

First broadcast: Wednesday 17th November 1982, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 10th November 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Central prod. no.: 9887/82


99. Puppet Show (1982)

First broadcast: Wednesday 24th November 1982, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 17th November 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced by: Puppet Show (1990)


100. Big Store (1982)

A look at the run up to Christmas at Rackham's department store Violet-marker.png in Birmingham city centre. Outside the window displays are seen, and delivery lorries arrive with boxed goods which are taken to different departments.

Inside the store the workers assemble large displays based on different nursery rhymes. Christmas trees, nativity scenes and other decorations are lit up all over the store and there is seasonal produce in the food department. There are exciting new toys for children to look at, and an indoor train ride around the nursery rhyme scenes.

First broadcast: Wednesday 1st December 1982, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 24th November 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced by: Big Store (1990) Central prod. no.: 9889/82


Series 8 (1983-84)

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10 new episodes were made for 1983-84, spread across the year with some on people who help us in the autumn, some on food in the spring, and some on trips in the summer.

With a repertoire of 56 separate subjects Stop, Look, Listen started to broadcast two parallel 'Sets' of programmes each week, with 'Set A' on Mondays & Wednesdays and 'Set B' on Tuesdays & Thursdays. The two sets represented the two annual cycles of programmes which had been built up over several years, and were designed so that teachers could use one set of programmes with their classes this year and the other set next year, in whichever order they wished.

These episodes used the traffic light face opening titles and the High Life theme tune.

They were narrated by Chris Tarrant with researcher Pam Edwards for the earlier episodes and Vikki Worthington for the summer ones, adviser Ronald Gulliford, film editor mostly Bob Woodward as well as Mycal Miller, and producer Dilys Howell.

101. Farmer (1983)

First broadcast: Tuesday 20th September 1983, 11:25am on ITV (except Scottish, Border & Grampian regions who first saw it 2 days later) Last broadcast: Thursday 8th December 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C (a special end-of-year repeat due to technical problems earlier in the term) Replaced: Farmer (1982) Replaced by: Farmer (1990) Central prod. no.: 2309/83


102. Police (1983)

First broadcast: Monday 10th October 1983, 9:59am on ITV (except Scottish, Border & Grampian regions who first saw it 2 days later) Last broadcast: Thursday 19th September 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Police 1 (1981) Replaced by: The 1995 People Who Help Us unit includes a Police Station episode. Central prod. no.: 2310/83


103. Baked Beans

A group of people are eating baked beans - some hot and some cold - as part of a daily taste test. Then we see the manufacturing process.

The beans arrive from America is sacks and get moved by a fork lift. They are emptied into a hopper, sieved and sorted to remove any poor ones. The beans are washed and rinsed, and the tomato sauce is mixed, and then both are put into tin cans and sealed. Finally the tins are baked in an oven, labelled and put into boxes.

  • ATV paperwork stated that this episode was re-cut from a previous Beans episode, but I don't know which episode that might have been.

First broadcast: Tuesday 14th February 1984, 11:25am on ITV (except Scottish, Border & Grampian regions who first saw it 2 days later) Last broadcast: Thursday 2nd March 1989, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Central prod. no.: 2311/83


104. Crisps

Seed potatoes are planted in a field with the assistance of a planting machine. Later the grown potatoes are harvested, and in a school kitchen they are peeled, fried and sliced to make crisps.

In a commercial factory a truck load of potatoes is washed, peeled and fried in huge machinery, then salted and packed to be sold in the shops.

First broadcast: Tuesday 28th February 1984, 11:25am on ITV (except Scottish, Border & Grampian regions who first saw it 2 days later) Last broadcast: Thursday 31st January 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Central prod. no.: 2312/83


105. Ice Cream

First broadcast: Tuesday 6th March 1984, 11:25am on ITV (except Scottish, Border & Grampian regions who first saw it 2 days later) Last broadcast: Thursday 16th February 1989, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Central prod. no.: 2313/83


106. Chocolate

Children buy sweets and chocolate in a small shop. Chris Tarrant's favourite is chocolate, so we see how chocolate is made in a factory starting with sacks of beans from the West Indies. They are roasted, winnowed and sieved, then powdered and heated into a liquid. Milk, sugar and other ingredients are mixed in and the machines process the chocolate into Easter eggs. Workers in the factory mix together different colours of Smarties and pack an assortment into each egg, which are then wrapped and sold.

First broadcast: Monday 5th December 1983, 9:55am on ITV (as part of a Have You Seen This? Preview programme, then 3 months later on 13th March 1984 for schools, 15th March for schools in Scotland) Last broadcast: Thursday 9th February 1989, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Central prod. no.: 2314/83


107. Seasons: Spring and Summer

First broadcast: Monday 30th April 1984, 9:59am on ITV (except Scottish, Border & Grampian regions who first saw it 2 days later) Last broadcast: Thursday 25th April 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Summer and Winter (1976) Central prod. no.: 2315/83


108. Canal Boat

The Barnett family and their friend arrive at Alvechurch Boat Centre Violet-marker.png to start their canal holiday. They load their luggage and look over their boat. Staff from the marina show them a route they could take on a canal map, how the boats are painted, and how to work the boat. They go through a tunnel and work the locks. Aboard the boat they take showers, go to bed, and make breakfast the next morning.

First broadcast: Tuesday 5th June 1984, 11:25am on ITV (except Scottish, Border & Grampian regions who first saw it 2 days later) Last broadcast: Monday 4th June 1990, 11:02am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Canal (1976) Central prod. no.: 2316/83


109. Airport (1984)

Three children, Daniel, Jason and Andrew Eckersley have come to Manchester International Airport Violet-marker.png with their mum. Their luggage is taken and passes down a conveyor belt. The children look at all the shops and people around the airport.

They go through passport control and security, where a metal toy in Jason's pocket sets off the alarms. They see a bird-scarer van driving around and finally board their plane and take off for Toronto, Canada.

First broadcast: Tuesday 12th June 1984, 11:25am on ITV (except Scottish, Border & Grampian regions who first saw it 2 days later) Last broadcast: Thursday 13th February 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Airport (1976) Central prod. no.: 2317/83


110. Camping (1984)

The Rees family arrive at a farm campsite for a holiday with their three children. They spend most of the episode pitching their tent: sorting out the many many metal poles, building the frame, fitting the canvas and securing the pegs. They explore the washroom and shops around the camp site, and visit the nearby beach. In the evening they cook a meal on the kitchen burner and settle to bed.

First broadcast: Tuesday 19th June 1984, 11:25am on ITV (except Scottish, Border & Grampian regions who first saw it 2 days later) Last broadcast: Monday 15th May 1989, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it the previous Thursday) Replaced by: Camping (1991) Central prod. no.: 2318/83


Series 9 (1984-85)

Stop Look Listen title 3.jpg
10 more new episodes were made for 1984-85, again spread across the three terms of the year and across the 'Set A' and 'Set B' sequences.

These episodes used the traffic light face opening titles and the High Life theme tune.

They were narrated by Chris Tarrant with researcher Vikki Worthington, adviser Ronald Gulliford, film editors Mycal Miller, Bob Woodward, Chris Rickard and Francis Robertson, and producer Dilys Howell.

111. Librarian (1984)

First broadcast: Tuesday 9th October 1984, 11:49am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 13th October 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Librarian (1982)


112. Roadmenders

First broadcast: Monday 15th October 1984, 9:59am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 9th November 1989, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Road Repairs (1971)


113. Market Stall-Holder (1984)

First broadcast: Monday 12th November 1984, 9:59am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 1st November 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland & on S4C in Wales where it was last seen 4 days earlier) Replaced: Market Stall-Holder (1978)


114. Seasons: Autumn and Winter

First broadcast: Monday 14th January 1985, 9:59am on ITV Last broadcast: Friday 18th October 1985, 11:15am on ITV Replaced: Summer and Winter (1976) Replaced by: Seasons: Autumn (1986), and Seasons:Winter (1987)


115. Bananas (1985)

A girl peels a banana and notices the differences from other fruit. Bananas are seen growing in the glass houses at Birmingham Botanical Gardens Violet-marker.png and the plant is examined and explained.

A West Indies banana plantation is seen being established with the plants sown, tended and watered from above. The crop is harvested and washed, floating in large tanks, then packed and taken to the docks where they set sail for England.

First broadcast: Tuesday 5th February 1985, 11:49am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 17th January 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Bananas (1976)


116. Stone (1984)

First broadcast: Monday 3rd December 1984, 10:10am on ITV (as part of an Out of School preview programme, then 2 months later on 11th February 1985 for schools) Last broadcast: Thursday 20th February 1986, 9:30am on ITV Replaced: Stone (1980)


117. Cars (1985)

First we see some old 'horseless carriages' being driven and maintained at the Museum of British Road Transport Violet-marker.png . A modern factory which still makes sports cars by hand is seen, and the finished car is taken for a test drive. A more up to date factory production line is shown, and the car they make is tested. Finally a factory where robotic machines put a car together is seen.

First broadcast: Tuesday 30th April 1985, 11:49am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 21st January 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Vehicles (1971) Replaced by: Cars (1990)


118. Boats and Boating (1985)

A picture of a modern 1980s fibreglass motor boat is revealed to be hanging on the wall of a boat designer, who is drawing a new one.

In the workshop a large mould is prepared and fibreglass and resin sprayed inside. Once the shell has hardened it is taken to another workshop where wooden supports and windows are installed. Special furniture is made and the engine and controls are installed. Once the boat has been assembled it is taken out for a test run on the water.

  • This episode was billed as just Boats for some of its later repeats, but I don't believe it was re-made again.
  • Stop, Look, Listen also made separate boat-related programmes about Canal Boats, Lifeboatmen and Thames Barges

First broadcast: Tuesday 21st May 1985, 11:49am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 8th February 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Boats and Boating (1981) Replaced by: Dockyard (1992)


119. Zoo

First broadcast: Wednesday 5th June 1985, 11:10am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 12th March 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier)


120. Safari Park (1985)

First broadcast: Wednesday 12th June 1985, 11:10am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 19th March 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Safari Park (1976)


Series 10 (1985-86)

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There were 10 more new episodes this year, spread across all three terms

These episodes used the traffic light face opening titles and the High Life theme tune.

They were narrated by Chris Tarrant with researcher Vikki Worthington, adviser Ronald Gulliford, film editors including Barry Wale, Chris Rickard, Peter Spenceley, Roland Brason and Judy Hooker, and producer Dilys Howell.

121. Musical Instruments

First broadcast: Wednesday 23rd October 1985, 10:21am on ITV Last broadcast: Monday 9th May 1988, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C


122. Supermarket

First broadcast: Monday 11th November 1985, 9:47am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 25th October 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland & on S4C in Wales where it was last seen 4 days earlier)


123. Telephone (1986)

First broadcast: Monday 13th January 1986, 9:47am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 16th January 1986, 9:30am on ITV Replaced: Telephone (1972) Replaced by: Telephone (1991)


124. Making a TV Film

First broadcast: Monday 20th January 1986, 9:47am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 5th February 1987, 9:30am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it 4 days earlier)


125. Newspaper

First broadcast: Monday 27th January 1986, 9:47am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 12th February 1987, 9:30am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who last saw it 4 days earlier) Replaced: Newspapers (1972)


126. Cheese (1985)

There are different types of cheese on sale in a supermarket, which all taste different but are all made from milk.

We follow the cheese-making process at a traditional dairy farm where the farmer's wife operates the milking machine and the farmer thickens the milk and cuts the curds then minces and moulds it into different types of cheese.

The same process is then shown at a modern factory, where the milk arrives in huge tankers, the thickening takes place in large drums, machinery presses and moulds the cheese, and a production line wraps and packs the final product. A cheese tester smells and feels it, and the factory finally turns out blocks of Double Gloucester.

First broadcast: Monday 2nd December 1985, 10:07am on ITV (as part of The Term Ahead preview programme) Last broadcast: Thursday 9th March 1989, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Cheese (1979)


127. Fish (1986)

First broadcast: Wednesday 5th February 1986, 10:21am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 24th January 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Fish (1979)


128. Trains

First broadcast: Wednesday 7th May 1986, 10:21am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 6th February 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Station (1976)


129. Village Visit

First broadcast: Thursday 15th May 1986, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Monday 1st June 1987, 9:47am on ITV Replaced: Village (1976)


130. Day Trip

First broadcast: Thursday 22nd May 1986, 9:30am on ITV Last broadcast: Monday 11th June 1990, 11:02am on Channel 4/S4C


Series 11 (1986-87)

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In 1986-87 there were 9 new episodes across the year. The teacher's notes actually listed a 10th new episode, a remake of the Supermarket episode which had only been introduced in the previous year. Supermarket was not listed as new in the ITV School annual programme guide or termly wallchart, and I don't believe it was actually remade this year (though if you know otherwise please do get in touch by email).

These episodes used the traffic light face opening titles and the High Life theme tune.

They were narrated by Chris Tarrant with researcher Vikki Worthington, adviser Ronald Gulliford, film editors including Chris Rickard & Marie Kent, Stephen Cottrell, John McCarthy, Andrew Denny & Adrian Tuck, and producer Dilys Howell. There were directors including McDonald Brown, Anne Suffolk, Ted St George and Pam Edwards.

131. Seasons: Autumn

First broadcast: Friday 17th October 1986, 11:15am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 20th September 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland & on S4C in Wales where it was last seen 4 days earlier) Replaced: Seasons: Autumn and Winter (1985) Replaced by: Seasons (1992)


132. Coalminers

A coal fire at home demonstrates the need for coal to be mined. A group of miners arrive at work by bus and change into their bright orange overalls. They collect safety equipment and fix lamps to their helmets, then descend the pit in a cage and jump onto a large conveyor belt to travel to the coal face, where a large machine cuts the coal.

At dinner time the miners switch off the machines and take their sandwiches and water. Later the coal is lifted to the surface, and so are the men at the end of their shift. The coal is sorted and cleaned and sent off by rail or road, and the miners shower off the coaldust.

First broadcast: Monday 20th October 1986, 9:47am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 23rd November 1989, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Coalminer (1978)


133. Seasons: Winter

First broadcast: Friday 23rd January 1987, 11:15am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 29th November 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland & on S4C in Wales where it was last seen 4 days earlier) Replaced: Seasons: Autumn and Winter (1985) Replaced by: Seasons (1992)


134. Making the Titles for a TV Film

First broadcast: Monday 26th January 1987, 9:47am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 29th January 1987, 9:30am on ITV (except in Scottish, Grampian & Border regions who only ever saw it on the Monday)


135. Paper (1987)

First broadcast: Monday 16th February 1987, 9:47am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 21st March 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Paper (1980)


136. Bricks (1987)

Bricks are delivered to a building site and we see bricklayers using them to build houses.

We then see clay being quarried, and the largely automated process of making it into bricks at Blockleys Bricks in Telford Violet-marker.png . After being fired in the kiln a variety of different types of bricks are shown. Finally, a group of children look at the different types of brick buildings around their town.

First broadcast: Monday 9th March 1987, 9:47am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 28th February 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Bricks (1980) Replaced by: Places and Journeys would cover Building a New House in 1995.


137. Pottery (1987)

First broadcast: Monday 16th March 1987, 9:47am on ITV Last broadcast: Thursday 7th March 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Pottery (1976)


138. Bicycles (1986)

Many different types of bicycle are seen in a shop. At a factory the different parts are seen being made and assembled.

Teams of BMX riders (according to the credits, T.I. Raleigh Factory BMX Team and Zeronine Factory BMX Team) put on their protective clothing and perform stunts for the public at Birmingham Wheels Park Violet-marker.png .

First broadcast: Monday 1st December 1986, 9:52am on ITV (as part of The Terms Ahead preview programme, then for schools 5 months later on 1st May 1987) Last broadcast: Thursday 23rd January 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Bicycles (1981)


139. History Museum

First broadcast: Thursday 7th May 1987, 9:30am on ITV (except Scottish, Border & Grampian regions who first saw it on the following Monday) Last broadcast: Monday 10th June 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C


Series 12 (1987-88)

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There were 10 new episodes spread across the three terms of this year. With ITV Schools programmes now broadcast on Channel 4 and S4C rather than ITV, Stop, Look, Listen was returned to a single set of 28 programmes broadcast in a year, with the other 28 (which had been broadcast as 'Set B' for the previous four years) to be broadcast in the following year instead making a true two-year cycle.

These episodes used the traffic light face opening titles and the High Life theme tune.

I am not certain of the programme credits for this year, if you can help please get in touch by email.

140. Firemen (1987)

First broadcast: Monday 14th September 1987, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 21st September 1989, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Firemen (1981) Replaced by: The 1995 People Who Help Us unit includes a Firefighter episode. Central cat. no.: 878921


141. Lifeboatmen

First broadcast: Monday 28th September 1987, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 31st October 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Central cat. no.: 878922


142. Doctor (1987)

First broadcast: Monday 19th October 1987, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 10th October 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Doctor (1982) Central cat. no.: 878924


143. Baker (1987)

Different types of bread are seen in a shop display. Traditional bread-making is shown at the Black Country Living Museum Violet-marker.png . The baker fires up the oven, mixes and kneads the dough and forms it into loaves. After they have been cooked by the hot bricks of the oven the loaves are put into baskets and the baker's boy takes them to nearby houses.

Modern commercial bread-baking is also seen, with loaves being sliced and wrapped by machine.

First broadcast: Monday 23rd November 1987, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 30th November 1989, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Baker (1981) Replaced by: The Lunch Bunch would cover Bread and Cereals in 1997. Central cat. no.: 878923


144. Birds

A visit to the lakes of RSPB Sandwell Valley Violet-marker.png nature reserve where all sorts of different birds can be seen.

First broadcast: Monday 21st March 1988, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 24th March 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C


145. Making Things

First broadcast: Monday 25th April 1988, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 28th April 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Central cat. no.: 882932


146. Swimming

First broadcast: Thursday 12th May 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Monday 1st June 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Central cat. no.: 868927


147. Games

First broadcast: Thursday 19th May 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Monday 8th June 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Central cat. no.: 868928


148. Flower Festival

First broadcast: Thursday 9th June 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Monday 18th June 1990, 11:02am on Channel 4/S4C Central cat. no.: 868929


149. Day Trip to France

First broadcast: Thursday 23rd June 1988, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Monday 29th June 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Central cat. no.: 878930


Series 13 (1988-89)

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There were just 4 new episodes this year, shown in the spring and summer terms. Two were remakes of subjects covered previously, and two were entirely new.

These episodes used the traffic light face opening titles and the High Life theme tune.

I am not certain of the programme credits for this year, if you can help please get in touch by email.

150. Cereals

A family at breakfast chooses between different cereals. We then follow the process of making Weetabix starting in a field of wheat, which is harvested by combine harvesters and taken to a factory by lorry. The wheat grains are blended, dried and pressed before being moulded into biscuits and cooked. The finished products and wrapped into packets, sent through a metal detector to make sure none of the machinery has come off, and finally sent out again by lorry to be sold.

First broadcast: Monday 20th February 1989, 11:17am on Channel 4 (except Scottish, Grampian, Border regions and S4C in Wales, who first saw it 4 days later) Last broadcast: Thursday 7th February 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced by: The Lunch Bunch would cover Bread and Cereals in 1997.


151. Farm Museum (1989)

First broadcast: Monday 24th April 1989, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C (except Scottish, Grampian and Border regions who first saw it 4 days later) Last broadcast: Monday 17th June 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Farm Museum (1981)


152. Local Customs (May Day)

First broadcast: Thursday 4th May 1989, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Monday 20th May 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Local Customs (Well Dressing) (1981)


153. Wood (1989)

First broadcast: Thursday 8th June 1989, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 14th March 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Wood (1979)


Series 14 (1989-90)

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There were 9 new episodes this year spread across all three terms, including remakes of the long-standing Ambulance and Hospital topics, now made on video instead of film.

The episodes used the traffic light face opening titles and the High Life theme tune.

This year included the final new episodes to be narrated by Chris Tarrant, after 15 years, and the first with Matthew Kelly. The adviser was Ronald Gulliford and the producer was Diane Campbell.

154. Ambulance (1989)

The crew of ambulance B94 start work for the day and check over their equipment, including the oxygen machine, the blue lights and the radio, and wait in the ambulance rest room. They are dispatched to answer a 999 call from a mother whose son has fallen downstairs at home.

When they arrive they apply a brace to young Richard's neck and a splint on his leg. They take Richard and his family to the hospital and check him in.

First broadcast: Monday 2nd October 1989, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 26th September 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Ambulance (1981)


155. Hospital (1989)

First broadcast: Monday 9th October 1989, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 3rd October 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Hospital (1981)


156. Postman (1989)

First broadcast: Monday 30th October 1989, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 24th October 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Postman (1982) Replaced by: The 1995 People Who Help Us unit includes a Postal Officer episode.


157. Cars (1990)

Three children visit the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust at Studley Castle Violet-marker.png , where they are shown how different sorts of very old cars worked and are given a ride in an 1897 Daimler.

Later they visit a car rally where many enthusiasts have brought their old cars, which then go out in a procession along the roads. The open top cars have to be protected quickly when it starts to rain.

First broadcast: Monday 22nd January 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 30th January 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Cars (1985)


158. Pets (1990)

First broadcast: Monday 26th February 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 27th February 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Pets (1972)


159. Dogs

First broadcast: Monday 5th March 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 5th March 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier)


160. Wildfowl

First broadcast: Monday 26th March 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 26th March 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (in Wales last seen on S4C 4 days earlier) Replaced: Wildfowl Trust (1981)


161. Making Things: Weaving

First broadcast: Monday 30th April 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 3rd May 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C


162. Seaside (1990)

First broadcast: Thursday 21st June 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Monday 22nd June 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Seaside (1976)


Series 15 (1990-91)

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10 new episodes were made this year, and all but 2 of these were never screened again as by the time the two-year cycle came round again in 1992-93 the series had been more overtly moved into units of themed programmes.

In response to the introduction of the National Curriculum in England and Wales the episodes were described as specific units on combined themes. Although Stop, Look, Listen episodes had always been broadly organised this way, making it overt allowed teacher's to justify using the programmes in line with specific attainment targets of the national requirements. The units were 'Seasons', 'People Who Help Us' and 'Days Out' in the autumn, 'Food' and 'Materials' in the spring, and 'Interests' and 'Traditions and Museums' in the summer.

The episodes continued to used the traffic light face opening titles and the High Life theme tune.

The narrrator was Matthew Kelly, the advisers Barrie Wade and Maggie Moore, and the producer was Diane Campbell.

163. Farmer (1990)

First broadcast: Monday 24th September 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 27th September 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland & on S4C in Wales where it was only broadcast on the Monday) Replaced: Farmer (1983)


164. Café

We follow Leo and Joanne who own Bunter's Diner in Cotteridge, Birmingham Violet-marker.png . Early in the morning Leo goes to the market to buy supplies, and the baker calls with fresh bread while breakfasts are being served to customers.

The owners cook the lunches from scratch, including jacket potatoes and freshly cooked pork baps, which are served to a queue of customers. In the afternoon the staff have their own lunch and manage the accounts, and Leo's two young daughters come in to work as waitresses.

First broadcast: Monday 8th October 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 11th October 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland & on S4C in Wales where it was only broadcast on the Monday)


165. Puppet Show (1990)

First broadcast: Monday 5th November 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 8th November 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland & on S4C in Wales where it was only broadcast on the Monday) Replaced: Puppet Show (1982)


166. Toyland

First broadcast: Monday 12th November 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 5th November 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C


167. Big Store (1990)

At a big department store in the run up to Christmas, the cleaners and sales assistants get things ready while the crowds wait outside. The windows are dressed and seasonal food and party clothing arrives. The Father Christmas grotto is set up and large displays depicting the story of The Snowman are created.

The store is opened and the crowds explore the toy department, the restaurant and the grotto.

First broadcast: Monday 19th November 1990, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 22nd November 1990, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland & on S4C in Wales where it was only broadcast on the Monday) Replaced: Big Store (1982)


168. Glass (1991)

First broadcast: Monday 11th February 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 12th November 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Glass (1978)


169. Keeping Pigeons

First broadcast: Monday 29th April 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 2nd May 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland & on S4C in Wales where it was only broadcast on the Monday)


170. Camping (1991)

The Bland family prepare for a camping holiday with their two children. They check the tent and all of their equipment in the garden, and then pack it onto a trailer and tow it to a campsite. They put up the tent and hammer in the pegs, cook a meal and go for a walk. They play badminton and board games before settling down for the night.

First broadcast: Thursday 9th May 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland and S4C in Wales where it was only seen the following Monday) Last broadcast: Monday 13th May 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Camping (1984)


171. Tram Museum

First broadcast: Thursday 23rd May 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland and S4C in Wales where it was only seen the following Monday) Last broadcast: Monday 3rd June 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Trams (1981)


172. Carnival

Schools who will be participating in the Notting Hill Carnival are seen planning, designing and building their costumes and headgear. In the week before the carnival they finish to costumes, work out a choreography and rehearse. Then on the morning parents help them to decorate their float, and when they set off judges along the route award points.

  • The episode Flower Festival was also billed under the title 'Carnival' for its first broadcast in 1988.

First broadcast: Thursday 20th June 1991, 11:32am on Channel 4 (except in Scotland and S4C in Wales where it was only seen the following Monday) Last broadcast: Monday 24th June 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C


Series 16 (1991-92)

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The 9 new episodes this year contributed to more themed units: 4 episodes at the end of the autumn term on 'How Things Work', one at the start of the spring term on 'Transport' (the remainder of this unit used repeats of earlier episodes), and contributions to 'Earth and Atmosphere', 'Physical Activities' and 'Out and About' in the summer.

The episodes continued to used the traffic light face opening titles and the High Life theme tune.

The principle narrrator was Matthew Kelly though some individual episodes had other presenters, the researcher was Vikki Worthington, the advisers were Barrie Wade and Maggie Moore, and the producer was Diane Campbell.

173. Watermill

First broadcast: Monday 4th November 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 21st January 1993, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C


174. Windmill

First broadcast: Monday 11th November 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 14th January 1993, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C


175. Telephone (1991)

First broadcast: Monday 18th November 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 28th January 1993, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Telephone (1986)


176. Television

First broadcast: Monday 25th November 1991, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 4th February 1993, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Television Studio (1972)


177. Thames Barge

First broadcast: Monday 13th January 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 29th October 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C


178. Seasons

First broadcast: Monday 27th April 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Last broadcast: Thursday 19th November 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Seasons: Autumn (1986), and Seasons:Winter (1987)


179. Weather

First broadcast: Thursday 7th May 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (the following Monday on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Thursday 26th November 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C


180. Dancing

First broadcast: Thursday 14th May 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (the following Monday on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Monday 18th May 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C


181. Dockyard (1992)

First broadcast: Thursday 11th June 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4 (the following Monday on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Monday 15th June 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Boats and Boating (1981) Replaced by: Dockyard (1993)


Series 17 (1992-93)

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The 11 new episodes made this year contributed to units on 'Then and Now', 'How Things Work' and 'Creatures Around Us'

The episodes made the final use of the traffic light face opening titles and High Life theme tune, and the 'Creatures Around Us' unit in the spring term introduced the new scrapbook opening titles and theme tune.

The narrrators were Matthew Kelly and Bryonie Pritchard, and the Homes episode was presented by a young girl, the researcher was Vikki Worthington, the advisers were Barrie Wade and Maggie Moore, and the producer was Diane Campbell.

182. Circus Child

Children at a circus workshop are learning to juggle, walk on stilts and spin plates. A Czechoslovakian boy called Emil and his young sister work in the circus and are learning many of the circus skills.

Emil's parents, aunts, uncles and gransparents were also circus performers, and the changes over time in living arrangements are explored.

  • This episode introduces a family history theme for viewers to explore in the classroom. It had been previewed in the 1991-92 teachers' notes as an episode to be called Who Am I?, on parents and grandparents.


Narrated by Matthew Kelly

First broadcast: Monday 14th September 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Friday 24th September 1993, 9:45am on Channel 4/S4C


183. Living Museum

First broadcast: Monday 21st September 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Friday 8th October 1993, 9:45am on Channel 4/S4C


184. Homes (1992)

First broadcast: Monday 28th September 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Friday 1st October 1993, 9:45am on Channel 4/S4C


185. Castles (1992)

Reenactors at Richmond Castle Violet-marker.png show what life was like in the middle ages, including games and activities, clothing, sleeping arrangements and archery.

Narrated by Matthew Kelly

First broadcast: Monday 5th October 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Thursday 8th October 1992, 11:32am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Castle (1979) Replaced by: How to Find Out: Castles (1994)


186. Bridges

A river ford is used to introduce the concept of crossing over rivers, and the programme proceeds to show many different kinds of bridges, from simple stone structures to modern road, rail and canal bridges.

We take a particular look at the iron bridge at Ironbridge in Shropshire Violet-marker.png , including iron being melted to repair the railings.

A manually-cranked lifting bridge at Shirley Violet-marker.png is operated, and a group of children visit a site where a large new road bridge is being constructed.

Narrated by Bryonie Pritchard

First broadcast: Monday 12th October 1992, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Friday 15th October 1993, 9:45am on Channel 4/S4C


187. Dockyard (1993)

First broadcast: Monday 8th February 1993, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Friday 29th October 1993, 9:45am on Channel 4/S4C Replaced: Dockyard (1992)


188. Hedgehogs

First broadcast: Monday 15th February 1993, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Friday 12th May 1995, 9:45am on Channel 4/S4C


189. Worms and Snakes

First broadcast: Monday 1st March 1993, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Friday 19th May 1995, 9:45am on Channel 4/S4C


190. Owls

First broadcast: Monday 8th March 1993, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Friday 26th May 1995, 9:45am on Channel 4/S4C


191. Butterflies

Children visit Brimstone Wildlife Centre Violet-marker.png in Wales to observe exotic species of butterfly and the plants that they feed on.

We see the butterflies feeding and stages of their development from egg to catterpillar to chysalis to butterfly.

Narrated by Bryonie Pritchard

First broadcast: Monday 15th March 1993, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales) Last broadcast: Friday 9th June 1995, 9:45am on Channel 4/S4C


192. Pond Creatures

First broadcast: Monday 22nd March 1993, 11:17am on Channel 4 (4 days later on S4C in Wales)

Last broadcast: Friday 16th June 1995, 9:45am on Channel 4/S4C

Locations

Stop, Look, Listen in this era was produced by the ITV company serving the English Midlands - first by ATV Midlands and then by Central Television who took over the franchise and programmes from 1982. The settings were therefore stoutly based around Birmingham and its surrounding areas, with a few notable exceptions.

Historically, this means that surviving episodes of the series provide a wonderful record of midlands locations, trades and crafts. For local children at the time it could prove a distration, as a researcher attempting to evaluate use of the series in 1977 found that viewing children's comments amounted to "That's Birmingham fire station!" and "That's town, where we go shopping!"[2]

This map shows the places visited in different episodes, wherever I have been able to identify the settings visually, or from the programme credits or the teacher's notes. It only works for episodes which already have a description in the episode guide above and more are yet to be added. If you can identify a Stop, Look, Listen filming location not shown here please get in touch by email!

Loading map...


Sources and References

  • Gulliford, Ronald Stop, Look, Listen teachers' notes 1975-76 to 1989-90. Birmingham: ATV and Central TV
  • ITV Schools annual programme guides and wallcharts, 1975-93
  • Porter, Pam (1978a) Television with Slow Learning Children: Attention to Educational Television Programmes, IBA Fellowship Scheme 1977/8
  • Porter, Pam (1978b) 'The Reactions of Slow Learning Children to Educational Television' in Independent Broadcasting issue 17, August 1978
  • Times Educational Supplement television listings, 1991-2000
  • TV Times television listings, 1975-1992
  • Wade, Barrie & Moore, Maggie Stop, Look, Listen teachers' notes 1990-91 to 1992-93. Birmingham: Central TV
  • Wynn Owen, Jane (2017) 'Dilys Howell Obituary' in The Guardian, 26 September 2017, available online: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/sep/26/dilys-howell-obituary (accessed 15 June 2021)
  • with thanks to Roddy Buxton, Simon Luxton & Stephen Thwaites
  1. Wynn Owen (2017) reported of the author's cousin, long-time Stop, Look, Listen producer Dilys Howell, that "She spotted the potential of the young Chris Tarrant, who did many voiceovers for her education programmes, including Pottery, and a Stop Look Listen programme about ice cream (1983). Long after he became well known, he continued to voice many programmes for her out of loyalty to the person who had given him some of his earliest experience in broadcasting."
  2. "That's Birmingham fire station" etc viewers' comments from Porter (1978a) p.51. The study involved showing programmes to children of different ages to gauge their reponses, and these comments come from 12-13 year-olds (above Stop, Look, Listen's normal age range) to show that they tended to comment only where they could add to the information given in the programmes.


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