Do you Remember Follyfoot?

In better times the Missus and I drive around the fine landscapes between Leeds and Harrogate; gently undulating land speckled with stony villages hidden away.

One of them is Follifoot.

I used to watch a TV show called Follyfoot as a young foal as did my Missus on the European mainland on the ZDF channel.

Whether Follyfoot was filmed in the village of Follifoot or inspired by it I'm unsure although Wikipedia says the shows were filmed near Harrogate so it could well be. I wonder if the lightning tree is still there?

Me and the Missus both remember the tree, the horses, the old fella and the beautiful young things wearing flares and gaberdeens enjoying the fresh country air. I can't recall anyone's names but seeing the village sign for Follifoot always makes me think of Saturday mornings watching it. 

Anyhows here's the memorable and dare I say disquieting theme tune I'm sure you'll remember! https://youtu.be/oVo7BFss8Vc

There are lots of full episodes of Follyfoot on You Tube too! Seventies hairstyles heaven!

Not sure if there were any collectables, although I have found a few jigsaws in the past. There must have been an annual. We lived for annuals back then!

Anyways, I was pleasantly surprised when I got this email from reader Paul in NZ. Such a small world!

Hi Woodsy,

One of the magazines I get is Best of British, although NZ is a few issues behind Britain.

Looking at the contents list for the current issue on line, dated March 2020, I noticed that it contained an article on Gillian Blake, who played Dora in the TV series Follyfoot, which I recall watching. 

You have mentioned this a few times, so I assume you were also a fan, and thought it might be of interest.

Yours Sincerely,

Paul Adams
New Zealand

Anyone else remember Dora or Follyfoot?

DAY FRAN SPACE GLIDER IN MARYLAND

Whilst I'm searching for SWORD on the Bay I couldn't help noticing another possible for American readers who collect Project SWORD in some form. 

There's a nice Space Glider in Maryland. Its the less well known knockoff by DAY-f-RAN, a brand often shortened to Day Fran.

Its a cheapo but interesting knockoff of the Project SWORD Space Glider and would form a great addition in a space glider collection.

The plastic glider is in good shape but the box will need some tender loving care. Maybe you have the time whilst you're staying at home now!

So, a nice condition Day Fran Space Glider in Edgewood, Maryland.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/312851556479

T IN A CIRCLE MOON BUS IN PAWCATUCK

I don't often plug current auctions but given the fact that many of us toy fiddlers are stuck indoors I thought I'd flag this up. Its a fixer-upper Moon Bus ideal for self-isolation.

It says its unbranded but the T in a Circle underneath gives it away, its the Tai Hing version of the Moon Bus, which eventually became the Project SWORD Moon Bus.

Good for American readers, as long as those brave guys at US Mail are still operating, the Moon Bus is for sale currently in Pawcatuck in Connecticut. No box but it does have its treads. Some scratchbuilding will be required to make the rear fin, pictures of which are many on Moonbase.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202941129407

KEEPING COMFY AT HOME

Hi Woodsy,

I wanted to share this bizarre item from the Tank Museum Shop, a pair of slippers shaped like WW2 Sherman tanks! I thought it might make you smile.

Paul Adams 

New Zealand

*

Woodsy says: Tanks a lot Paul!

JR21 MISSILE LAUNCH TRUCK RESTORATION

This is an old JR21 toy restoration project Kevin very kindly did for me. No doubt I blogged it at the time but here are some pics and notes from the build in 2018.

Kevin used plasticard, styrene strip and a piece of aluminium tube to make the second cab and the extended missile rails. Also figured out the rear mechanism and reconnected it.

JOHN MARSHALL'S YOU TUBE CHANNEL

I have a few old Schiffer books by vintage toy expert and enthusiast John Marshall. 

Way before the internet John was encouraging us newbies back then to collect vintage toys and his books have brought me and many others hours of enjoyment.

In the online age John started late on You Tube and his content isn't vast but I wanted to promote what he has done so far because his books were and are important to me.

Check out John's You Tubery here 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCskYn0UEXxcu3nT0psg0lWw/videos

THE PRESIDENTIAL ROLL

No Gambit or Steed roll but this from NZ last year!

WE'RE WITH YOU NEW YORK

To keep our minds occupied during isolation we've headed out to the garden.

After a long winter its the first time we've been out there this week. Its ironic that Spring is here, bees are flying, birds are nesting but humanity is in big trouble.

Seems incredible. Out of sync.

One of the things in our garden is an old American lamp.

Seeing it again reminds me of the States. 

My first trip was to the wonderful Big Apple in 2001 where I fell in love with New York. It was so so terrible to watch the heartache of 9/11 unfold on the TV later that year.

My second trip was based in New Jersey and Cape Cod in 2005. I went with mates and celebrated leaving my old career and starting a new one, full time Ebaying, which lasted a few really enjoyable years. 

I got this metal lamp at a fleamarket at an old drive-in site somewhere. Not sure where now but I also picked up a Marx tin Fort Apache, some GI Joe stuff and this lamp. I just really liked the green translucent glass.

Photographing it underneath with the flash on brings the green out beautifully.

 

It hangs on the greenhouse and sees all including our paltry debut today.

Its seems really out of order to be isolated and gardening in the sun though.

So many people are fighting the terrible virus.

Its equally heart-rending to see New Yorkers once again facing another terrible disaster, perhaps its worst one and my thoughts and prayers go out to its brave residents this evening as the awful Coronavirus takes hold.

Stay strong New York and all America. We are with you.