About this season
Freetime was a twice-weekly children's television programme shown on ITV between 1981 and 1985. Produced by Thames Television, it was a magazine format show devoted to hobbies and interests, and was designed to encourage viewers to get out and about rather than staying at home and watching television. It was hosted by the former Magpie presenter Mick Robertson. He was initially joined on set by Trudy Dance, but she was soon replaced by Kim Goody until it was axed by the network in 1985. On 16 September 1988, Thames Television briefly re-launched Freetime, this time fronted by Andi Peters, but the series was cancelled after its fifteenth and final edition on 23 December 1988.
Episodes (11)
1. Episode 1
Aired 17 April 1981 • 25 min
Mick joins a group of kids from Cardiff and they all stay at the Norman Castle Hostel. He also gets some tips for growing vegetables.
2. Episode 2
Aired 24 April 1981 • 25 min
Youngsters in South Oxhey play a game called 'Scavenging' and other ideas how to employ spare time.
3. Episode 3
Aired 1 May 1981 • 25 min
Following a rock band called The Exploits - they are 12-year-olds, through rehearsals to their first gig. This is a part of a project of the Newcastle's Recreation and Leisure department.
4. Episode 4
Aired 8 May 1981 • 25 min
A group of youngsters help out on a Surrey farm and how to make bin liner kites.
5. Episode 5
Aired 17 July 1981 • 25 min
Mick goes to Bournemouth for 'skimboarding'.
6. Episode 6
Aired 24 July 1981 • 25 min
Special holiday courses.
7. Episode 7
Aired 31 July 1981 • 25 min
The local play scheme in Ely in Cardiff.
8. Episode 8
Aired 7 August 1981 • 25 min
Five Dorset boys on a camping adventure, making a cheap fishing rod and brewing ginger beer.
9. Episode 9
Aired 14 August 1981 • 25 min
Youngsters survey the wildlife of a tiny stream in Chilworth, Surrey.
10. Episode 10
Aired 21 August 1981 • 25 min
The Scratch Orchestra from Wallsend, Newcastle, make their own instruments and use them to convey a sound portrait of the area.
11. Episode 11
Aired 28 August 1981 • 25 min
Young people from Nottingham having fun helping others, and how they obtained a Jubilee Trust Grant.