Space Club/Captain Quest – Nostalgia Central

1 9 5 6 – 1 9 5 7 (UK)
41 x 15 minute episodes

This ITV programme from Associated-Rediffusion began life in February 1956 as a factual and educational series discussing topics related to astronomy, space travel and flight.

Airing on Mondays was part of Tea-V Time (a one-hour slot devoted to programmes “for boys”), Space Club was written and initially presented by Scottish teenager Tommy Telfer (pictured), who had run away from home and slept rough on benches in London while trying to become a poet and writer.

His technical adviser was L J Carter, the Secretary of the Interplanetary Society.

Kids could join the show’s ‘Space Club’ by writing to Associated-Rediffusion at Television House, Kingsway, London, WC2, and receive a Space Agent badge.

Telfer was fired from the show in June after failing to appear for rehearsals, thereby breaching his contract.

Alun Owen became the new presenter, and Robert Kellett took over writing duties.

On 19 September, Space Club moved to Jimmy Hanley’s Jolly Good Time slot on Wednesday afternoons.

The following week (3 October), the format of the show changed to a fortnightly 10-part serial called Captain Quest about a journey to the Moon, with Stanley Meadows as Captain John Quest.

The final show aired on Wednesday 6 February 1957.

Host
Thomas Telfer (1)
Alun Owen (2)