On the 6th December 2010
Norman Hetherington OAM – a great Australian, master puppeteer and creator of "Mr Squiggle" passed away. The ABC
Mr Squiggle television series ran from 1959 to 1999, touching the hearts and minds of millions of Australian children and adults alike, including yours truly for more decades than I’d like to confess to.
'Norman Hetherington OAM' by Australian artist -
Kate RaeNorman Hetherington was the creator and voice behind all the series characters – Mr Squiggle, who lived on the moon and visited earth in his pet rocket to create clever upside down drawings with his pencil nose from squiggles sent in by children,
Blackboard,
Rocket,
Gus the Snail and
Bill the Steam Shovel. Norman’s wife, Margaret, wrote the scripts with daughter Rebecca, one of Mr Squiggle’s helpers.
Boy! How we'd run home to watch Mr Squiggle on the old black and white TV, only to be sent to bed later, well before the sun set. How things have changed, hey?
On behalf of those who loved Mr Squiggle, I’d like to give a belated thank you to Norman Hetherington for bringing so much enjoyment into our lives, and, to pass on our heartfelt condolences to the Hetherington family.
| Other Mr Squiggle Tributes: |
 | Obituary: Norman Hetherington | |  |  | Farewell Mr Squiggle - no more fun for anyone... | |
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4 comments - care to make one?:
Peter
Being a far-removed American, I thoroughly enjoyed learning of Mr. Squiggle and the lives he affected through his childrens' programming. Very cool. And as far as I know, his kindness never reached our shores, although I wish it had.
Hope this finds you well, friend!
Jim
Hi Jim and thank you. I recall a little fellow by the name of, "Howdy Doody" who was on the same lines as our Mr Squiggle. Don't know if he got any airtime over here but quite a few people Down Under know of him.
Take Care,
Peter
Peter yes things are much different now then before. Boy how we waited for this 1/2 hour children show every other day, or for the 10 minute cartoon at 7 pm just before the bed. Now children get dedicated channels, and 24 hours of shows ....
Peter that is great loss. Unfortunately I never heard of him.
Anna :)
Hi Anna! In the old days being sent to your bedroom for misbehaving was a harsh penalty. Nowadays, it's a reward. Now, where do kids get sent when playing up? Boy, am I glad I'm old enough not to have to make that decision! Enjoy your holidays!
Take Care,
Peter
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