Gus Honeybun
Puppet rabbit mascot of Westward Television.
via Wikipedia: Westward Television · see source
Gus Honeybun was a puppet rabbit who served as the station mascot for Westward Television, the first ITV franchise-holder for the South West of England. He became a beloved figure in the region, hosting a children's birthday segment and maintaining a cult following that extended into adulthood. Gus Honeybun was so identified with regional television in the south-west that when TSW's managing director Harry Turner presented the station's ITV franchise renewal in 1991 he took Gus with him.
Quick Facts
- Type
- puppet rabbit
- Role
- station mascot and star of Gus Honeybun's Magic Birthdays
- Affiliated stations
- Westward Television, and later Television South West
- Active years
- 1961 to December 1992
Facts from the source article.
History
Gus Honeybun was introduced as the station mascot for Westward Television in 1961, the same year the company began broadcasting. He remained with the station through its transition to Television South West (TSW) in 1981, continuing until December 1992. The puppet was so closely associated with regional television in the south-west that TSW's managing director Harry Turner brought Gus along when presenting the station's ITV franchise renewal in 1991.
Identity
Gus Honeybun was the star of Gus Honeybun's Magic Birthdays, a segment that read out children's birthdays on air. The official age limit for having a birthday announced was 12, so adults requesting a mention were presented as being four years old and so on. The puppet attracted a cult following, and it was not uncommon for adults to write in requesting 'bunny hops' and similar features.
Programming
Gus Honeybun's Magic Birthdays was a regular feature on Westward Television, drawing viewer participation from across the region. The segment became a hallmark of the station's local programming, with children and even adults sending in birthday requests. Gus Honeybun's enduring popularity helped cement his status as a regional icon.
More in 1970s British Children's Television Series
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