The Puffin Club Archive

Working to a Timetable...

2011-04-17T16:37:00.000+01:00

We all find it hard to work to a timetable - it restricts us and binds us, but this is a lovely one that was given away to Puffineers courtesy of the pen of Jill McDonald. Its only downside is that I would have hated to write on it and ruin its beautiful proportions and balance.

Enjoy!

Joy unbounded.....

2011-03-18T12:22:00.001Z

This picture was forwarded to me by Nick Campbell who used one of my restorations on a great article on Kaye Webbs biography. His blog is well worth visiting and is very well written.

This is one of the pictures that have been placed online by the guys at Seven Stories.

This is a picture from the Kaye Webb Archive, and it is evidently a picture of a small part of the body of work that Jill MacDonald created in her time at Puffin.

I know that times are tough, but I would urge support of the work that is done at Seven Stories. The care of literature for children is so important.

Due to requests and comments - here is a link to Kaye's page at the Seven Stories website

Four year member card

2011-02-11T15:21:00.000Z

I received my Four year members badge attached to one of these, but it was so badly crumpled and torn by the badge that it eventually disintegrated. This is a nicely reconstructed one. Like the founders card, it's about A6 in size. The badge, as regular visitors to the site will know, is black! And yes, I still proudly wear mine....pinned to my battered bush hat.

I love the treatment of the '4'! It's something that Jill seemed to do without any effort.

I don't know if the new club intends on doing the same thing. From what I've seen, it looks like the new badge changes colour each year.

Founding Fathers (and Mothers) will remember this...

2011-02-07T15:27:00.000Z

Founders card with badge attached

Here's the Founder card, purchased at great expense! Most of these were crumpled up, lost or just thrown away!

As regular visitors to the blog will know, I was pipped to the post by the author of 'Puffin by Design' for one of these a while ago, and it took a fair bit of searching, waiting, and just plain luck to get hold of this.

This one needed a fair bit of restoring to its current minty fresh look.

It's a great example of Jill's lovely calligraphy and a great way to see both styles of her graphic design work.

Where did that year go?!

2011-01-17T12:33:00.000Z

Dear visitor,

Sorry I haven't been up to the mark for a long while - it's been......well, you know how it is.

This lovely image was one of Jill's 'banner' illustrations that appeared on the opening pages of Puffin Post.

The mysterious letter was one from Prince Philip (D of E) congratulating Puffineers for raising money to buy the length of coast that is still a Puffin Sanctuary.

Puffin Publications...

2010-06-04T21:06:00.003+01:00

For those of you with an enquiring mind into the history of Puffinalia, there are two new publications available which may be of interest. The first is the biography of Kaye Webb - 'So Much To Tell' by Valerie Grove. The second is the previously mentioned 'Puffin by Design: 70 Years of Imagination 1940 - 2010' by Phil Baines. I have, as yet, not read these books, so I am not in a position to recommend or criticise either of them.

Puffin Poetry

2010-06-04T20:48:00.003+01:00

I was very touched to be contacted by Thomas Thurman who had his poem published in Puffin Post all those years ago. Thomas has continued with poetry and he has kindly allowed me to publish an excerpt from a more recent poem. I know that my interest in poetry was sparked by Kaye Webb and her championing poetry for children. For some of us it has become something more:

Thank you so much for your Puffin Club blog. It was a joy to relive some of the best memories of my childhood through its pages. I'm glad that they've started it up again so that the happiness will continue for another generation.I don't usually explain these things, but in my sonnet "Two poems", the sestet is about a poem of mine that Puffin Post published when I was eleven or so:

...I wrote another poem, as a kid
another paper bought it for a prize.
Ten thousand pairs of eyes saw what I did.
I wonder if, from all those pairs of eyes,
still, somewhere on this planet, I might find
some reader with my poem in their mind.

A big thank you to Thomas for allowing me to share his thoughts and his poetry with you.

The Ultimate in Puffin chic! The Puffin Scarf!

2010-05-26T09:15:00.007+01:00

This isn't just a wonderful piece of Puffinalia and history. It also gives another insight into the character of Kaye Webb. I was recently contacted by a former member of the Puffin staff with a plea for other colleagues to get in touch.

Hello,

I've just come across your website and thought you might be interested in the photo I'm attaching! I used to work for Kaye Webb and one year (around 1975) she had these scarves made and given to everyone who worked in Puffins. (As far as I remember, there were around 11 scarves!) I've managed to keep - and wear on occasion - mine for all these years and I'd love to know if anyone else still has theirs! Would be grateful for any ideas about how to get in touch with them.

All the best,

Marilyn Foufouti (nee Taylor)

If any of you are out there reading the blog, I will be happy to put you all in touch.

Surprise News from the Royal Academy of Music...

2010-04-17T17:25:00.007+01:00

A real opportunity for puffinophiles has cropped up! The Royal Academy of Music has put Yehudi Menuhin's puffin badges on display for object of the month - they were chosen as the April (fools) object(s) of the month. This is the only opportunity that you will have to see the Presidents special 'Gold' badge.

It looks a deep orange/red version of the founders badge. As I mentioned in a previous posting, this was given by Kaye Webb to Menuhin on his acceptance of the role of President of the Puffin Club after the death of the previous President, Sir Allen Lane.

I would like to thank the Royal Academy of Music for contacting me regarding these rare items - it has given me the excuse to express my admiration for an extraordinary man whose world view was so enlightened. I will be posting a more expansive post on Menuhin and his involvement with the club shortly.

The BIG 70th Anniversary!!

2010-03-03T14:27:00.006Z

As I have blathered on many occasions, the 70th anniversary of Puffin books is rapidly looming!

As part of the up-coming attractions Puffin Post is planning a Jill McDonald cover and Puffin Books are having NATIONAL PUFFIN SHARE-A-STORY DAY on 8 May - You can download the party pack from here. There is also a lovely little music video of the old Puffin song (how many of you remember it?).

I will of course post any more news as I get it. I will also list any special reprints of Puffin classics that should be snaffled up for kids and grandkids.

Ooh, I've gone all sentimental!

Long time - no blog!

2010-03-01T20:30:00.006Z

Dear Old Puffineers,

It has been a fairly long time since I've had the time to put finger to keyboard and give any news, let alone any pretty pictures.

So, from the top....

I recently spotted a lovely example of a founders badge on ebay (I know I already have one!) but this was still mounted on its presentation card!! Suffice it to say that my budget outstripped my (only) fellow bidder. It is reassuring to know that it has gone to a safe and worthy home - Phil Baines, the author of the upcoming 'Art of Puffin' who has kindly allowed me to put a link in to his Flickr page. Thanks Phil!

I have also been contacted by the hard working people at Seven Stories in Newcastle. They are the custodians of the Kaye Webb collection which is due to get an overdue airing as part of the Puffin anniversary celebrations. If you are in the area, or have any love for children's literature, I would urge you to visit and support them as they are a vital and under celebrated resource for the nation.

As I have said on previous posts, I have been fairly busy of late. I have not been idle though. I have a few choice items to share with you shortly. As you know I have a love of the 'throw-away' items, and I have landed a truly marvelous piece of graphic design. I also have a little project under my hat that may (or may not) see the light of this website.

Finally....I was recently contacted by Jill McDonalds daughter who now lives in New Zealand. It was very touching to receive such a lovely email from her - again, it makes it all worth while. I now know who created the Puffin Club code - it was never noted down in sources that I read (unless I missed it):

"I worked at Puffin Books for a couple of years not long after the establishment of the Puffin Club. My job was to answer children’s letters, judge competitions, sign up new members, go on Puffin Club trips and I also had a couple of pages where I published articles, jokes, recipes, etc. I think it was called Glen’s swap page. I also designed the Puffin Club secret code. I was 18 or 19 and new to London."

Many thanks the Glen, Phil and the many ex puffineers who have contacted me over the past few months. I promise to answer as many of the questions and queries (particularly the one about the mysterious code that appeared to have no published key!) as I can over the next weeks and also give you all some new items to share and enjoy.

Just a bookmark!

2009-10-13T20:11:00.005+01:00

A lovely little acquisition - from a very enthusiastic ex-puffineer clearing the decks on eBay. But a beautiful example of Jill McDonalds work. So many of the best pieces of her work are throw-away items like this. A real pleasure to restore.

The back of the original has a list of reading favorites written on it. It's fascinating to see what someone else saw as vital reading before we had the interweb and cable telly.

News Flash!

2009-09-14T13:00:00.003+01:00

I know that these pages are mostly dedicated to the golden age Puffin Club, but for those of you who have been holding off giving your younger reader (6+) a membership of Puffin Post - hesitate no longer. January sees the launch of Puffin Post for 'Pufflings'.

I've only seen the launch info in the latest copy of Puffin Post, but this looks like the new incarnation of 'The Egg'.

Incidentally, the latest issue of Puffin Post is the most art focused yet! Nice one Ptolemy!

Puffin Post Vol.2 No.3

2009-09-14T11:07:00.004+01:00

A seriously overdue restoration - and a blinder! For those of you who don't know the Happy Lion books (rather quirkily translated from the French), Jill's artwork is a very faithfull copy of the style.
By this point, I think she had really got into the swing of the covers. The first time I saw this cover I thought it was enchanting - my kids have said the same.

A big apology for all of you who follow this blog - I have literally been working round the clock on other projects, and something had to give! I will do my best to bring you some new things soon.

Puffin Post Vol.13 No.3

2009-06-23T12:15:00.001+01:00

Slightly out of season, but fun none-the-less.

Featuring a short story by Leon Garfield, and in depth guide on how a book is published by Felicity Trotman, a centre spread on mask making, a profile of author Dorothy Crayder, a charming piece by Violet Bibby on finding Treasure (stories) from the past and photos from two forthcoming adaptations - Southern TV's 'The Ravelled Thread' and BBC TV's 'The Enchanted Castle'.

Not a bad little collection!

Puffin Post Vol.8 no.4

2009-06-16T12:45:00.001+01:00

Another amazing Quentin Blake cover - you will probably have seen this one as part of the publicity for the new club. It's certainly a vivid piece of work, and again, one of my favourites.

Slightly drier content in this one! A historical story by Barbara Willard entitled 'Save England!', a story 'The Siege of Trapp's Mill' by Annabel Farjeon, A piece about the author John Masefield (The Midnight Folk etc.), and a more adventurous tale by Peter Dickinson -'Up and Beyond'.

Jill McDonald has two nice scale pieces - Part 6 of Odways 'Tales of the Golden Fleas' and a short-lived character 'McDonald McDonald' - the arch detector of useless (but fascinating) information.

Puffin Post Vol.11 no.1

2009-06-09T12:33:00.004+01:00

A great one for anniversary fever! This issue included a brief history of the club up till that point as well as Jill McDonalds memories of drawing Fat Puffin (previously posted). Also included was a short birthday story by Elisabeth Beresford, a piece about Ponies by Flambards author Kathleen Peyton and an interview with Jan Pienkowski.

Bundled in with the magazine was the 10th Birthday Exhibition announcement with a special board game called 'Swoop' designed by Merlin Southwell printed on the back - not many have survived!

Puffin Post Vol.3 No.4

2009-05-26T19:36:00.001+01:00

Okay, this isn't a typical spring/summer image, but it's so full of wit and humour - I defy anyone who says this doesn't offer something for all ages.

Long time, no blog...

2009-05-21T14:55:00.004+01:00

Hello Puffin Bloggers - sorry to have been away for so long, I'm afraid my other work has been taking all of my attention lately. Goodness know what I'll do if it really takes off!

Anywho, here is a little restoration that I've been working on: The Puffin Readers Diary 1979!

This delightful cover was not very good at keeping its Gold and Green foil intact - mine was very worn. I hope that other owners of this little work of art allow me the license of approximating the look of the complete foil image. This is one of my favourite Jill McDonald ephemeral images.

I now have a cache of scans to work through, so I hope to resume normal service.

Puffin Cake?

2009-04-06T10:05:00.005+01:00

I admit this isn't an original Jill McDonald work - it's mine! My youngest daughter just turned six and requested a Puffin cake! (I don't know where she gets it from!) My freehand icing isn't the greatest, but here is my attempt based on the badge design by Jill.*

One nice consequence of doing this was discovering that the parent of one of her friends was also a member of the Puffin Club - now a teacher!

I was also contacted by another founder member who had come across this site - sadly she only had one letter from another member on club stationary as a memento. She also has a polaroid of her as a child in her bedroom with one of the (now very) rare Puffin Bookcases. These were a short run item that could be bought at selected Puffin outlets around the country. As far as I have been able to find out, these are excessively difficult to find as they tended to get thrown out when the Puffin books were outgrown - or didn't survive moves.

I'm sure there are some still out there in varying states of repair - hold on to them! They are going to increase in value.

After careful consideration (despite asking permission), I have chosen not to post the picture, as I feel it would be inappropriate. I will locate one of the photos that were taken for Puffin Post as this shows it very clearly.

*I have removed my daughters name electronically for her protection!

Another successful restoration...Puffin Mugs!

2009-04-02T14:39:00.006+01:00

This is something I have wanted to do for a while!

My lovely puffin mug (the one on the right) that was accidentally smashed by my eldest when she was little (the restored graphic was one of my first postings!) and then stuck together with sellotape and modeling resin has been useless for anything other than storing bits and pieces - until now!

My youngest is quite taken with the whole 'Puffin Thing' and loves Fat Puffin, asked if she could make a different coloured image - easy on most image manipulation software - and then asked for a mug for her birthday. I finally sent both image files to the nice people at tshirtstudio.com who did a sterling job, turning it around in 48 hours!!

So I had the pleasure of drinking my tea from a treasured classic - as did my youngest!

Thanks Guys!

Please don't ask me to make these up for any of you! The copyright issues are hideous!!

Sorry I've been away...

2009-03-19T21:43:00.004Z

It's been kind of hectic of late - non Puffin related. This was a sticker that was handed out to old Puffineers. This is another example from Ruths collection. If I can sort out the current stresses, normal service will be resumed shortly.

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan March 2009

If you ever received a postcard from the Puffin Club...

2009-03-03T23:19:00.006Z

...You probably got a card with this on the front! This is from the collection shared by Jacqueline Atkinson. This was a really clever response to submissions from members (and everyone else!) The front had this lovely illustration and the back had a tick-box selection also illustrated by Jill McDonald (unless you hadn't recognised her deft pen and brushwork).

Look out for the typically humorous back of the card in future postings (I've got to promise something to get you to come back!!).

Yet more treats - Puffin Readers Diary 1977

2009-02-24T12:49:00.005Z

Dear blog readers,
Yet again, I have been contacted by someone with a past connection to the Puffin Club - to be honest this happened last year, but now I have something to share!

The artist and illustrator Jacqueline Atkinson who illustrated the strip 'Canny Blockhead' and produced many pieces of artwork for the club, has kindly sent me some selected pieces from her archive. One of the sets of drawings are the original plans for a mural that was realized at the Puffin Exhibition.

The first treat from Jacqueline's archive is the cover she produced for the 1977 Puffin Readers Diary. I believe that she and Jill McDonald were the only artists to produce covers for these little gems (but I would love to hear if I am horribly wrong).

Look forward to the re-emergence of 'Canny Blockhead' in future postings.

Many thanks Jacqui!

A new service!!

2009-02-23T10:10:00.006Z

I have had several requests to buy items from my collection since I started this blog, and whilst it is tempting during these hard times, it has been hard searched for and acquired.

So I intend listing links to items for sale that I think are worth bidding for, or buying from a dealer.

The first listings are:

Puffin Post Volume 5 Nos 1, 2 , 3 ,4 plus folder - eBay
Looks in good condition. I have noticed that there have been more Vol.5 bundles over the past 18 months than any other, so the bidding for this shouldn't be too bad.
Well that was a waste of time! No one bid!

Puffin Post Volume 4 Nos 1, 2 , 3 ,4 plus folder - eBay
Again, pretty good. The filled in crosswords etc. shouldn't put you off. These are getting more scarce. Still shouldn't get above £10 - 12.
And it didn't - No one bid again! - You can't say I didn't try!!

A set of Volume 3 went for £12.06 a month or so ago, which is about on a par with book dealer prices.

PUFFIN Book Metal Pin Badge - eBay
One of the genuine enamel badges - not bad by the look of the photo, but it does appear to have firing flaws down the left side (quite common). These badges can get up to £15! I just depends who you are up against!
What a bargain!! The winning bidder got it for £4.45! Well done that eBayer!

Hope this helps some of you out.

...and something for the younger audience. The Egg no.28

2009-02-19T21:16:00.006Z

Sadly this august publication has not (as yet) been resurrected as this is a real favourite of my five year old. The cover, illustrated by Captain Pugwash creator John Ryan, features the mascot of the Junior Puffin Club - Smudge! Fat Puffin was supposed to be the Uncle of Smudge, though I remember this as something I was told at a Puffin event rather than in the pages of Puffin Post itself.

Apropos of the Puffin events, I remember a very nice little play area that had been set aside for the younger Puffineers and a very nice sounding lady inside a Smudge costume wandering around near it. Fat Puffin was of course doing the same elsewhere at the event, but it's an image that has stuck with me.

I would be very interested if anyone out there has any Junior Puffin Club magazines and members memorabilia, as it is incredibly rare to find in any state of preservation - I only have a few copies and nothing else!!

Something a bit more recent...Puffin Post Number 7 - Autumn 1985!

2009-02-15T21:05:00.003Z

This is one of the better covers that came with the re-branding in the 80's - a great cover by Quentin Blake. I'm afraid this cover got some water damage, hence the creases (Too much to restore this time round without messing up the ink-wash artwork).

The inside of these felt a bit disjointed, maybe due to a loss of a house stylist to guide the way. Jill McDonald's graphics still appear throughout the magazine - old echoes of earlier times.

The other big change - and a big mistake in my opinion - was the change in size from A5 to an awkward A4! Why??

A cheery puffin from the early days

2009-02-03T22:25:00.002Z

I can't tell you the year this handsome chap appeared - but he is one of the early exhibition flyer puffins that decorated a Puffin Club Exhibition. There have been quite a few that Jill McDonald designed over the years with a kind of evolution that becomes easier and more stylised with every passing event and exhibition. It makes me wonder what she would have produced if she hadn't died at such an early age. Something marvelous!

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Jan 2009

Something familiar...

2009-01-27T22:58:00.003Z

Here's the old members book that remained pretty unchanged for the whole original clubs existence. Two founder membership cards have a similar look to them in blue and pink.

Just as in the new club, it also held a copy of the Puffin Code!

I can't remember whether I mentioned it in a previous post - Jill McDonalds first big contribution to Puffin was of course the Puffin Logo/Badge itself.

Badges again..

2009-01-21T23:20:00.004Z

Isn't he super! I've still got a a pile of these to post - hope you enjoy them.
And here is the 80's answer.

You want badges? OK then...

2009-01-13T20:43:00.006Z

Yes, it's a Puffin Explorer badge - one of the old ones. I've sadly mislaid one of the fifteen badges in this collection - it'll probably turn up when I least expect it. Never mind, I've still got the rest of them to share with you all.

Again, these are the work of Jill McDonald. One of my earlier posts showed one of the designs used as a rubber stamp. All of these badges were given away at Puffin exhibitions in the late 70's.

This is an example of the badges that followed Jill's death - The work is very slick, and obviously follows Jill's example, but it doesn't quite reach me in the same way. If you are the illustrator, please don't take offense! I'm a big fan of Jill's work, and I may be a bit blinkered.

Happy New Year to all!

2009-01-05T15:09:00.005Z

It's a bright sparkly new year - and already I have to start with an apology! I know I said I would try to put some little 'gifts' up on the blog over the twelve days (and here we are on day twelve without so much as a Christmas doughnut!).

I do have an excuse. I was laid up with one of the many Christmas lurgi bugs that are doing the rounds at the moment - so I wasn't full of Christmas cheer; more like Christmas congestion!
Anywho, I'm back for a year of vintage Puffinalia that sees the first new Puffin Post on the doormats of new young puffineers, eagerly ripping those membership boxes open to savour the contents (including their own fuzzy puffin).

Things may seem bleak out there at the moment, but it is warming to remember that the powercuts and financial worries that accompanied the winter of discontent all those years ago also had it's Puffin Club to give an identity to the avid readers of the 70's. Maybe not a lot has changed after all!

To make up for not posting the promised goodies over the festive season, please accept this offering:This is the cover to Puffin Post Volume 14 No 3 - Voted the best Jill McDonald cover by Puffineers following her death. It is very lovely!

The second place by only two votes was Volume 8 No 2 - which I have already posted, followed by Volume 3 No 2 (which will follow, I promise, I promise, I promise).

For those that may be interested, Jill painted 219 puffins on the covers of Puffin Post in total (though I hesitate to collate the total for the contents as well (should one include reprints?!).

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas - Puffin Post Volume 1 No. 4

2008-12-23T11:58:00.005Z

This cover has always been one of my favorites. It has been said to me that Jill McDonalds work has something of the stained glass window about it - and I think this is particularly true of this picture. If I can find some time away from the kids over Christmas, I will post some little bonus pictures to raise a smile.

To all of you who have contacted me this year I would like to offer my thanks for your words of support - It makes it all worthwhile.

A particular thanks must go to Ruth for sharing her collection - it's been a real treat!

Merry Puffin Christmas!

Father Christmas 2 - the back view

2008-12-19T16:51:00.008Z

Here is the promised back cover. It's a lovely composition by itself - and that is how I think it should be seen.

For those who still don't believe me, here is a 'spread' of the whole cover - you can see the broken perspective on the floor tiles.

Christmas is coming!!! Vol. 7 No. 4

2008-12-16T22:41:00.004Z

Ho ho hum! Here is the first of the Christmasy (!?) covers/pictures for this season. I know that this Raymond Briggs cover is one of the big favorites. Many puffineers remember this as having a wrap-around cover - but I'm afraid it didn't! The perspective just doesn't line up - It's still very nice though!! I will post the back cover and a mini spread to prove the point.

I hope to post a regular selection over the twelve days of christmas (Children allowing!).

Puffin Post no.1 back cover

2008-12-09T14:10:00.004Z

Here it is! The final installment of the first copy of Puffin Post. The answers to the picture quiz will put some of you out of your misery - it wasn't easy! Some of the titles have been out of print for some time!

The cheery band of puffins are singing what was to become the first verse of the the Puffin Song, which has further verses and a score that was shared with early puffineers. If I can get round to it, I'll post that as well. (It's a bit cheesy, but very much of its time) If someone out there is musically minded, they might like to try and record it - or not.

Coming up in the final Tuesdays before Christmas, I will post some seasonal covers and/or illustrations to cheer us up in these hard times!

Once again, a big thank you to Ruth for sharing her archive with us - it's been a joy to breathe new life into these little gems!

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Dec 2008

...and now I do requests!

2008-12-03T13:08:00.003Z

A little while ago, I had a lovely email from an old puffineer who was kind enough to tell me a little of her affection for the club and also asked if I had a copy of Puffin Post with her in it. The clues were a bit cryptic, but I vaguely remembered the picture and went in search.

Anyway, here it is Candida! I hope it was worth the wait!

This is a picture of Candida with Bernard Cribbins at the 9th Puffin Show in 1976. The Robot was made by Candida and her sister (although her sister was too big to fit in it!).

It's fitting that I should put up a picture of Bernard, as he is just approaching his 80th birthday! Many Happy Returns on the day!

Puffin Post no.1 pages 13 and 14

2008-12-02T16:19:00.005Z

Not a lot to add to this! Apart from opportunity to see the pre-TV animation artwork of Paddington. It's easy to forget that Paddington and the other famous furry animated figures, the Wombles, both had a a very different look before they made it onto the small screen.

If you can find a copy of the original versions of these classic books, you are going to be surprised.

I had to order a copy of the first Wombles book when I attended Primary school (from the Red House Book shop as I recall) - I expected the familiar faces from my teatime viewing! What a shock!! A load of teddy bears!!

Since posting this, I received a comment that I felt I had to share - "The book '22 Letters' obviously had a big budget! A trip to the Mediterranean! What were they paying him?" I'm afraid I have no idea - but at that time (though it may be hard to believe for younger readers) Lebanon was the playground of the rich and famous. As a young child I knew Beirut during the early '70's, and even though we were under constant threat of attack from all factions, it was still a very glamorous place to be, with an amazing sense of its ancient history present in every day life.
I like to think that a budget was found to allow the illustrations to be researched in this way - it couldn't happen today!

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Dec 2008

Puffin Post no.1 pages 11 and 12

2008-11-24T22:54:00.003Z

Slightly ahead of schedule again! This is the first part of a really nice article that is particularly of interest to visual artists - it's not often that you can get an insight into how an artist works (well alright, Quentin Blake was on BBC4 recently talking to Mark Lawson, but that was a rare insight! You can't count SMart any more, thanks to the BBC decision not to screen anything featuring Mark Speight ever again - don't get me started!!)

Anyway, back to business: This is the longest of the features in this first copy of Puffin Post. It certainly paved the way for future features. The only thing that is missing is the call for young readers to send in examples of their own work! I actually miss it!

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Nov 2008

A little treat...

2008-11-21T12:35:00.004Z

I know that the serialisation of the first Puffin Post is quite exciting for Puffinophiles (is that a word?!), but I thought that it would be nice to post one of those throwaway images that Jill used to produce for all kinds of communication that were sent to the Puffin Club members.

I think it's a charming little illustration - it's from a folded sheet that had a load of competitions - the six star prizes being a Puffin Holiday (that normally cost £30.00 - this was in 1974!)

Puffin Post no.1 pages 9 and 10

2008-11-18T09:39:00.004Z

Here are the rest of the pictures to identify from last week - I'm afraid the answers are on the last page, so you'll have to wait to see if you've got them right.

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Nov 2008

Puffin Post no.1 pages 7 and 8

2008-11-11T18:56:00.003Z

Here is the correspondents page - well, letters to Kaye that became the first letters to Puffin Post. The comments could have been made yesterday! (Apart from the lack of reference to the internet, mobile phones and JK Rowling!). The facing page is the first of three pages to tease and test the avid reader of 1966. Can you identify who the first three are?

I'm pleased to say that I scored rather well, as did my daughters.

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Nov 2008

Puffin Post no.1 pages 5 and 6

2008-11-05T19:06:00.003Z

It's only been a couple of days, but this one was very easy to prepare. Here is the very first author 'profile' article. This is a lot of fun for a tiny piece.

I remember the days when Harry Potter didn't grace our shelves - the only books of magic that made the 'hot list' were by the likes of Alan Garner, Susan Cooper (Dark is Rising Sequence) and Tolkien.

As a little aside, it seems strange today to know that Kaye Webb's predecessor, Eleanor Graham, rejected The Hobbit as she thought children wouldn't be interested! It was probably a sign that it was time for someone new to take the reins! Kaye spotted Stig of the Dump, which had been rejected by the other publishing houses (and it's still in print!).

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Nov 2008

Puffin Post no.1 pages 3 and 4

2008-11-04T09:27:00.005Z

Slightly earlier than planned - here are pages 3 and 4! Of course, now that we have digital presses and (almost) everything is computerised, things have changed slightly. It's funny to have a Puffin Post without the presence of Jill McDonald on every page - but important none the less.

For those who are interested, the first Puffin Post was only 10.5cm x 7cm - the same size as the old membership books!

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Nov 2008

Puffin Post no.1 pages 1 and 2

2008-10-30T23:02:00.003Z

Here are the promised first pages of Puffin Post number 1 (in fact I don't think it can really be said to have a number, but I have to call it something). It's wonderful to read Kaye's words in the light of the rebirth of the club. It's very poignant considering the upcoming 70th anniversary of Puffin books.

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Oct 2008

How rare is this?

2008-10-23T21:37:00.006+01:00

Very rare! This is the cover of the very first Puffin Post - pre Puffin Club - which was circulated in selected books in 1966. We are very lucky that Ruth saved this amazing piece of history. As you would expect, it hasn't escaped some wear and tear, but it has been kept very well and restoring this has proved less eye-crossing than most.

To view the ENTIRE contents of this slice of Puffinalia, return to this blog in the weeks leading up to Christmas and I will endeavour to get it posted fairly regularly.

Thanks again Ruth!

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Oct 2008

Something a bit Blakey...

2008-10-21T20:34:00.008+01:00

Here's a fabulous double page from Quentin Blake that illustrates the slightly off-beat humour that ran through the club. It's wonderfully subversive. I love his Puffins - they are more acerbic than Jill McDonalds, but still have the same questioning spirit.

This was first published in the pages of Puffin Post Volume 7 No.1

What's wrong with me - another Puffin Envelope!

2008-10-20T21:11:00.005+01:00

This is a lovely example of the earlier envelope graphics that sported the coloured paper. It doesn't have the flamboyant look of the later envelopes, but it has such charm a playfulness about it that I can see why it was saved.

This is the only example of the early graphic that I have seen (I only ever received the later envelopes when I was a member) I would love to see any other examples if any of you out there would like me to work my restorers art on them.

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Oct 2008

Yet more coverage in the Press!

2008-10-20T10:59:00.003+01:00

... and the new club has the seal of approval from Madonna! It's official - it's in the Telegraph!

I like to think that it means that more children will have the opportunity to find pleasure in something that doesn't have a screen or go 'beep'!

I was interviewed by James Vaughan, the author of the piece, to give some background as an old member of the club and my views on its future. It was a pleasant experience and I feel optimistic about the future for the new Puffineers. Before anyone thinks I am benefiting from all this press attention - I've done it all for free! If it gets a few kids reading, it'll be worth it.

link to the Telegraph article

Another winter envelope...

2008-10-14T21:33:00.005+01:00

Another of Ruth's collection - I promise I will get back to the restoration of covers soon. This is so nice, I was almost tempted to make this my blog entry for Christmas, but I'm sticking to plan A, and give you one of my all-time favourite covers.

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Oct 2008

The next time you tear open that envelope...

2008-10-10T22:37:00.004+01:00

...you might want to think again! This is another image from Ruth's collection. These wonderful one colour pictures were printed on the envelopes that contained the precious copies of Puffin Post when they landed on your doormat. It certainly left you in no doubt as to what had arrived.

As always, these were drawn by Jill McDonald. Having now seen some examples of Jill's original work, I have begun to get an idea of how she worked. All of the beautiful line drawings that appeared in Puffin Post appear to have been drawn without guide pencil lines and drafted straight onto what looks like layout paper. Those of you with a background in old fashioned graphic art will know what that means! However she worked, I have yet to find a piece of her work that isn't beautifully proportioned and carefully considered.

Thanks Jill!

Image from the collection of Ruth - Founder member 1487 - Restored S. Hassan Oct 2008

A Real Treat!!!

2008-10-02T21:32:00.006+01:00

Dear Blog readers, I am so pleased to say that one of you has been in touch with me and very kindly sent a set of scans from her beautifully preserved collection. Ruth has kept some unbelievably rare items - I hope I will be able to share them with you after I have lavished care and attention on their digital restoration.

What a nice way to start the October posts!

Here is the cover from the 1969 Puffin Readers Diary - Thank you Ruth!

From the collection of Ruth - Founder Member 1487

A Flight of Puffins... (an obscure joke I'm afraid)

2008-09-30T15:09:00.006+01:00

Dear Blog reader, I must apologise for the lack of posting for the last week - it really has been a bit busy. What I can promise you is a Halloween special with some of my favourite Autumn covers. In the mean time, please enjoy a lovely throwaway decoration that festooned the walls and ceilings of the Commonwealth Institute at the Puffin Exhibition.

At the end of the show I saw them being pulled off the walls and stuffed into rubbish bins. This horrified me, even at a tender age, and I asked Kaye Webb if I could take one home. The pink one lived blu-tacked to my wall until it found its way to the safety of my portfolio - as far as I know it's the only one left.

The Puffin Post Relaunch

2008-09-23T09:39:00.005+01:00

eptember is on the way out and so is the ultra brief Indian summer.

Here I am back from the newly relaunched and re imagined Puffin Post party. I'm glad to say that it has retained the spirit of the old, whilst made it accessible for today's kids - and what a lot of kids there were!! I'm sure that there will be coverage in the press about the party, but it included all of the elements that were around in the old Puffin Parties and Exhibitions. I think Kaye would have been very pleased.

I also did my bit talking about the clubs old and new on BBC Three Counties Radio with author Jeremy Strong. For some reason, the listen again facility for the show hasn't been updated for over a week - The nice people at BBC Three Counties Radio have told me they are looking into it. As far as I can tell, it went very well. I'd be interested to know if any of you heard it.

Puffin Thinkbook - The Return!!

2008-09-20T15:30:00.003+01:00

Well, I finally did it! I mentioned in my earlier blog entry that I would attempt to tun my Moleskine sketchbook into a Thinkbook - It worked! This is my old Thinkbook from 1979 with the new improved model of 2008. Now my kids are bugging me for one as well! Talk about making a rod for my own back!

Puffin Post Vol.2 no.4 - Wait a tick, this looks familiar!!!

2008-09-19T15:22:00.003+01:00

Those of you keeping up with events will recognise this image - the new Puffin Post has snipped Jills artwork out of this and updated the background. I must admit I have a soft spot for decoupage, and 1968 was a very good year for it on the covers of Puffin Post.

Radio 4 are on the case

2008-09-18T13:30:00.010+01:00

For those who might be interested...

The Today Program on BBC Radio 4 had a small item at the end of the show about the launch of the new Puffin Post. Listen again will be available till Friday 26 September 2008. The Gallery of covers will probably survive for much longer.

Today programme link

Gallery

Bookplates

2008-09-18T13:30:00.008+01:00

Another little treat for you. This is the original Puffin Club bookplate design. You would get a sheet of eight of these on pre-gummed paper. I think this has a lovely old school charm about it. It certainly felt like your books were safer when you lent them to friends (didn't stop them from getting scuffed to hell though - you know who you are!!!!)

The new Puffin Post club has revived this design with a lot of colour and the addition of their puffin mascot - as yet unnamed.

Puffin Club? Puffin Post? What's the difference?

2008-09-18T13:30:00.005+01:00

I have to admit I'm a bit of a pedant when it comes to history - it comes from working in Film restoration and in the media. There's a lot of revisionist thinking out there (re-writing of history).

So what was the 'Puffin Club' (not Puffin Post)? Well here's a great little explanation by Kaye Webb herself, writing in the Puffin Diary of 1979:

The new club is called 'Puffin Post' - not the 'Puffin Club'. The club is now the schools entity. I suppose this makes it easier to differentiate between the two. I can't help feeling this may confuse a few of us older members, but I have to remind you - 'It's not for us! It's for our kids!'

Another stamp

2008-09-16T21:41:00.003+01:00

Yes indeedy, it's one of the few autographs I have bothered to get in my life - and it's a good one! This is one of three autographs I got from Kaye Webb - The other ones are in 'The Puffin Joke Book' and 'I Like this Poem'. You can see this image used again in one of my earlier postings used as the cover of the 'The most gigantic tiny notebook in the world' (a new version of which will be included in the new club members pack - not by Jill McDonald though!)

A Puffin Explorer

2008-09-16T18:21:00.003+01:00

Goodness! What's got into me, more than one post in a week! This was a lovely rubber stamp that I vaguely remember being stamped onto the back of the hand of visitors to the 12th exhibition. I asked nicely if I could have one stamped into my Puffin Thinkbook - and I got it!

This was one of a whole set of Jill McDonald designs that appeared on button badges that were also doled out - yes, you guessed it, I'm going to post these as well.

Nice new things....

2008-09-16T11:06:00.004+01:00

Well folks, I have just received my preview copies of the new Puffin Post - It has a bit of the old and lots of the new.

Sad to say, Fat Puffin is now officially deceased - as is Odway! TOMCAT has lost his steam powered looks and is now a more conventional PC. To be philosophical about it, however fond I am of the old characters and style of the old, the new generation needs something to be theirs and theirs alone.

I think it will be nice to have the club back for a new batch of puffineers. For those of you who find your way here after the launch - I plan to continue my trawl through the old puffin club ephemera for old times sake.

Another sticky thing...

2008-09-14T23:11:00.005+01:00

One of the better preserved exhibition stickers - not by Jill McDonald, and I'd love to know who did do it! This was a brilliant event that for the time was pretty epic. I still remember the twelfth show as being something pretty special.

I met Spike Milligan at this show and had my hero worship bruised by his confusion and anger that a Half-Irish boy could have an Islamic name. He is still a hero to me, and I have come to understand his views - however uncomfortable they make me feel - RIP Spike - Greatly missed.

Puffin Thinkbook

2008-09-14T21:26:00.009+01:00

How many of you have one of these? This is the full spread artwork of the Puffin Thinkbook - designed, as always, by Jill McDonald. These blank paperback books were given away as prizes for competitions, and more importantly, on sale to members at some of the Puffin Exhibitions. That's where I bought my copies.

I must have had a premonition that I would need a pristine copy to use nearly a quarter of a century later, because I kept one copy back from scribbles.

The spine of the book is the fountain pen which wraps around nicely. I've been toying with the idea of laser printing the design onto Duralabels and sticking it onto my Moleskine notebook - I think it would look pretty smart!

A little bit of news...

2008-09-03T10:05:00.004+01:00

Not a picture this time, just news.

I've been asked to go on BBC Three Counties Radio on Ernie Almonds show (?) to talk about the Puffin Club and the the upcoming new club 'Puffin Post' - it looks like it might be fun! If I can wangle the listen again facility for local radio I'll put the link up for those of you who may be interested. Also on the show will be the well known childrens author, Jeremy Strong (www.jeremystrong.co.uk - with a slightly annoying sound effect on every page, but worth visiting!)

It's on Monday 22nd September 2008, at 14.05 (or 2.05pm in old money), which happens to coincide with the relaunch of Puffin Post in London that evening!

Bound and unbound...

2008-08-15T19:18:00.007+01:00

Here's a little bit of restoration with a twist - the graphic from the front of the Puffin Post Binder. Old Members will remember that it was shiny metallic gold on a slightly textured red or, later on, pink vinyl folder. This photographed (and scanned) very badly, so I elected to extract it and recreate the look. Isn't it lovely!!

I remember taking exception to the club colour being pink, but looking back through slightly rose coloured glasses, I'm actually quite fond of it now.

For those who are unaware - the classic Penguin book spines were orange (a sign of a dyed-in-the-wool intellectual was a bookshelf bursting with orange spines that were all creased through heavy reading).
Puffin books had a pink spine (except for the wrap-around covers, or those whose artwork demanded a certain coordination) - I'm sure it seemed only natural that the club colour should echo this. As a child my own complete collection of Dr Dolittle books made a big band of unbroken pink on my bookshelves. This helped me get over my pink aversion - just as well considering that I now have two daughters!

The current Puffin spine colour is of course yellow, but whether a future Puffin Club would embrace the colour convention is anybody's guess.

No images for a while...

2008-08-04T22:04:00.007+01:00

Dear blog reader (if you are actually there!!)

There has been a break in service due to lots of work that had to be done, and a Cambridge folk festival that had to be attended. (I'd also run out out of previously finished restoration projects)

To make up for it, here is a Quentin Blake cartoon that was destined for one of the Puffin Annuals. Sadly, there just wasn't enough room, but it was printed in the pages of Puffin Post - never to be seen again!!!

Professor Blake did many cartoons and mini strips for the Puffin Club and was almost as much a part of the visual personality of the club as Jill McDonald. The contrast in styles had a cross-over in their humour and (again) the surreal side of their narrative.

Please remember that this image is the creative property of Quentin Blake

Puffin Post Vol.9 no.4

2008-07-31T12:54:00.002+01:00

Here's a jolly cover - Does it get any better than this? Each of these letters is like a little jewel. Each works on its own, but also works as part of the overall composition. My design tutors when I was a student (in the dim mists of time) would have loved this one.

Badges, Badges, Badges

2008-07-29T17:08:00.007+01:00

I've promised these for a while, so here they are! I found myself sitting next to Kaye Webb at one of the Commonwealth Institute Puffin Exhibitions and was stunned to see her sporting not just one, but three badges! I asked her how I could get them and where they were from.

She told me that the Gold Badge (no.4) was for founder members or those who had done something particularly special.

The Green Badge (no.3) was the members badge in Australia (though Kaye was wearing her Founders Green Badge that looked a bit like her Gold Badge.

The remaining badges are the standard White Badge (no.1) that I have found in different versions - The earlier badges were genuine enamel made by the Davis Badge company of London. Later versions were made with a plastic insert instead of enamel. (You will see a lot of these on ebay).

The last badge is the Black Badge (no.2) that was earned for being a member for four years - these were only ever made in enamel and the quality varied from well finished and ground to rough and distinctly ropey.

The members badge was of course the Puffin Logo designed by Jill McDonald when Kaye Webb became editor of Puffin Books in 1961.

Other classic button badges were made for the various events. I collected a pile of these and some survived better than others. Watch for these in future posts.

As a small addition - I have since learned that there was one solitary badge of gold that was made for club President, Yehudi Menuhin. This was a special gift from Kaye Webb. I assume it is still with the Menuhin family.

Puffin Post Vol.7 no.3

2008-07-28T23:41:00.003+01:00

Time for Odway the dog to get the main billing for a change! This issue featured the first episode of the Odway strip 'Ye Great Enigma of ye Golden Fleas' - a perfect example of the surreal humour of Jill McDonald.

This issue featured:

Short Stories:

How the Starling Flew South - by Paul Biegel
The Romance of a plain Princess - by Ursula Moray Williams

Meet your Author - Joan Lingard, The Book that nearly wasn't written
Beginnings by Jane Gardam
Can we save our Wildlife - by Kenneth Mellanby (Another environmental article!)
Brand Rustling - by Ken Ullyat

Puffin Post Vol.11 no.2

2008-07-26T17:49:00.002+01:00

Another lovely sunny cover. A bit trippy, but still one of my favourites.

This issue has a really nice feel about it - even more cheery than usual.
Maybe it's because it has pics from the 10th Birthday show

Puffin Post Vol.8 no.2

2008-07-25T14:19:00.004+01:00

Since the summer sun has finally decided to show it's face, I thought this cover would add to the mood.

This issue contained:

Short stories:
The Most Beautiful House - by Paul Biegel
Question Mark and the Wosbos - by Carolyn Sloane

Featuring:

Pictures from the 7th Puffin Show at the Commonwealth Institute
Building a Castle - Penelope Farmer tells how she came to write 'A Castle of Bone'
Witches and Witchdoctors I have met - by Ben Lucien Burman
Volcanoes - by Rupert Furneux
Old Jokes by Bronnie Cunningham
Meet your Author - Ursula Le Guin - by Susan Stanley Wolk

and of course - Norman Hunter's Magic Corner

Something sticky...

2008-07-25T00:43:00.006+01:00

Not a cover this time, but a sticker that was handed out at the early 70's events. I'm lucky these survived for me to do the restoration bit on them. Badly yellowed and faded but still with a great deal of charm. I can't tell you what it feels like to bring this one back to life!

Puffin Post Vol.9 no.1

2008-07-23T10:47:00.003+01:00

This is a work in progress. The copy I have in my collection is badly printed (the magenta isn't in register) This makes the original look very pink. I have been tweaking it on my Mac to realign the magenta part of the image and then retouch the damage of the years. It's nearly there, but I thought I'd share it with you. I wonder if every copy in the print run was printed this badly? Was yours in a better condition?

I got hold of this when the club had a clear out and made them available to members - I sent off my pocket money as fast as I could!! Some of my others were grabbed at the Exhibitions - again with most of my saved up pocket money.

Jill McDonald did a few of these ensemble covers - a mass of puffins all symbolising different personalities, moods or activities. They were a story in their own right.

The Most Gigantic Tiny Notebook...

2008-07-22T10:04:00.005+01:00

Something a bit different. I got this notebook at one of the Puffin Exhibitions - I can't remember if they were free or not, but I ended up with two or three of them. The print registration was pretty poor on the original, with the orange leaving gaps of white around the left hand edges. I've tidied this up and kept the texture of the card (about 240gsm for the pedants out there).

As an added point of interest, Kaye Webb had a rubber stamp of the same design without the text, that she used to stamp autograph books and fly sheets of autograph hunters.

This is a pretty rare item as many kids ended up throwing them away after filling them with scribble. I remember seeing loads of them being swept up at the end of the exhibition, sans cover or contents. There may be a few out there that were used as impromptu autograph books - if so, I would love to hear from you.

Puffin Post Vol.8 no.3

2008-07-21T21:17:00.004+01:00

One of Jill McDonalds more surreal covers (this one was a bind to restore!). This features TOMCAT with one of his more unusual thought processes!

This issue contained:

Short Stories:
Treacle Tart - by Robert Graves

featuring:
Space Oddities by Patrick Moore
A Single Clue - Mollie Hunter explains why she writes historical novels
Making a Corn Dolly
Susan Cooper tells us about Secret Places
Soldier and Me - about the adaptation of 'Run for your Life' on Granada TV

... and Norman Hunters Magic Corner

Puffin Post Vol.6 No.2

2008-07-20T21:39:00.004+01:00

A cover with a rare opportunity to see a 'real' puffin alongside Fat Puffin.

Contents include:

Coverage of the Great Puffin 5th Birthday Exhibition.
A call to all Puffineers (members) from Kaye Webb to help raise £3000 to buy a stretch of coastline as a Puffin reserve. I add that this was achieved and is still there! If you want to visit, it is part of the RSPB reserve on Bempton Cliffs.

Short Stories:
The Changeling Dragon - by Modwena Sedgwick (illustrated by Ronald Searle)
Maddened by Mystery or The Defective Detective - by Stephen Leacock

Interview with Pauline Baynes - illustrator of the Narnia books
Interview with Arthur C. Clarke

Norman Hunter's Magic Corner
David Swift talks about his Role as Napoleon in the BBC adaptation of War and Peace (1972)

Who is Fat Puffin?

2008-07-18T23:53:00.005+01:00

Here's a nice little article that Jill McDonald wrote about the creation of Fat Puffin - it's a shame that there aren't similar articles for Odway and TOMCAT.

Enjoy!

More soon... promise!

2008-07-18T20:54:00.005+01:00

I hope this first taste of the past has whetted your appetite for more.
I will endeavor to post something of interest once a week - look out for the forthcoming set of badges with a key to what they are.

"Badges? You know I'm a fool for badges!"
The Goodies - 'Scoutrageous' episode

Puffin Post Vol.4 No.4

2008-07-18T20:04:00.006+01:00

Another blinder from Jill McDonald. I really take my hat off to this lady. I still kick myself that I missed meeting her at the Puffin Exhibitions I attended. Ah my misspent youth chasing after authors!!

Anywho... the contents of this issue included:

Short stories:
My friend the Snake Charmer - by Ben Lucien Burman
The Picketty Ghost - by Ursula Moray Williams

Singular Disaster Strikes Survivor Z&!!5 - This looks like a collaboration by Jill McDonald and Norman Hunter - I'll have to look into this!
Meet Your Author - Francis Hodgson Burnett - by Ann Thwaite
Museum Mania - A guide to five museums of interest to puffineers

...and pictures from the Hallowe'en party held on October 31st 1970 in Middlesex

Puffin Post Vol.5 no.3

2008-07-18T17:29:00.005+01:00

Isn't this fantastic?! Jill was on form that day. This took a bit of cleaning up - several creases and wear to the edges, not to mention yellowing due to age! It's cleaned up nicely.
This issue included:

Short stories:
The Day I didn't have my photograph taken - by Janet Hitchman
Cosmic George - by Scoular Anderson
The Buffalo - by Beatrice Tanaka

An article by Gerald Leach about being eco-friendly with the worlds resources (not such a new concept then!)
Peter Dickinson explaining about Heartsease
Micheal Bond introduces Olga da Polga

Pictures from the Colony Holiday in Chichester, August 1971 and various other events...

And a reminder to order the new 1972 Puffin Diary!

Fat Puffin loves you...

2008-07-18T17:05:00.006+01:00

This is the graphic designed by Jill McDonald for a Puffin Mug that was given away as prizes and sold at various Puffin Exhibitions in the late 70's.

I had my mug safely stored away and then my eldest daughter managed to smash it!

After sticking it back together, I photographed it and then reconstructed a clean image. A bit of a labour of love, but I loved the translation of the plimsol line on the side of Fat Puffins tum.

I may get round to getting it put on a new mug and let you see how it looks.

I suppose I'd better get started...

2008-07-18T15:16:00.003+01:00

After much 'putting it off' and not really doing anything about it, I've decided to put some of my thoughts and memories online about the wondrous entity that was the Puffin Club of the late 60's , 70's and 80's. This is partly a love of the old club and partly a continuing admiration of the work of the late Jill McDonald and Kaye Webb.

I was a member of the club from the mid seventies till the mid eighties, alongside my younger brother, and being the bookish obsessive type, I took a keen interest in the early history and culture of the club.

I would love to hear from previous members of the Puffin Club - particularly founder members - with their memories, stories, anecdotes and photo's.

Those of you with school age kids will probably be aware of the current school club that is the surviving face of the old club. Things are going to change - but I'm not going to be the one to spread spoilers!! If you want to know more, register on www.puffincountdown.co.uk for more information.

I will be posting cleaned up images from my collection of Puffin Post, leaflets, badges , stickers and other ephemera. Please respect the copyright of these items - they are for fun, not profit!!

I must add that Puffin Post is copyright Penguin books and that no copyright infringement or financial gain is intended or inferred. (Glad I got that out of the way!!)

I hasten to add that I am not affiliated with Penguin, Puffin or any other group attached to the old club (other than being an old member).