But Emily loved him

Another Brits only post

Oliver Postgate died today, and part of many a childhood, including mine, died with him.

Oliver Postgate was the creator of Bagpuss, The Clangers, Ivor The Engine and Noggin The Nog, some of the most beloved of all children's characters ever to grace our TV screens. In fact, forget the word children's; these are cross-generational, truly iconic characters.

I was fortunate enough to meet Oliver Postgate at a book signing event a few years ago, and for over an hour he enraptured all of those present with tales of saggy old cloth cats, Welsh steam trains and the swanee-whistling inhabitants of the Moon. He had such a mellifluous voice (go on, look it up if you have to), and one felt instantly safe and secure in his company, much as one did when settling down to watch his creations on television. Melanie even got to hold Bagpuss - the real Bagpuss - and although I was saddled with photography duty that day, it was still a privilege just to be near Mr Postgate and his baggy, loose-at-the-seams cat.

It might seem strange to some for me to talk of it being a privilege to be near a stuffed toy and its owner; surely such an homage should be reserved for the likes of Nelson Mandela, The Queen or Scarlett Johansson? However, such is the affection afforded to Bagpuss and his friends, at least from this quarter, I think it's appropriate.

Bagpuss gave a big yawn, and settled down to sleep.
And of course when Bagpuss goes to sleep, all his friends go to sleep too.
The mice were ornaments on the mouse-organ.
Gabriel and Madeleine were just dolls.
And Professor Yaffle was a carved wooden bookend in the shape of a woodpecker.
Even Bagpuss himself once he was asleep was just an old, saggy cloth cat.
Baggy, and a bit loose at the seams,
But Emily loved him.