Chris Tarrant puts his Compost Corner T-shirt up for auction

A CHANCE to own a piece of televisual history is being offered, thanks to a charity auction.

Reading-born Chris Tarrant was the host of Tiswas, a Saturday morning children’s programme. Initially broadcast in the ATV ITV region – Southern got The Saturday Banana with Bill Oddie – its mixture of anarchic humour and slapstick fun, saw it become a firm favourite across the country.

As well as making Mr Tarrant a household name, it helped launch the careers of Spit the Dog, Lenny Henry, and Sally James.

Part of its appeal was from its penchant for throwing buckets of water on guests ... if they hadn’t received a custard pie in the face from the Phantom Pie Flinger.

Now, Surrey-based auctioneers Ewbank’s is putting some classic Tiswas items up for sale, and it’s aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

The online auction features T-shirts, scripts, photographs and buckets used either during the 1970s show, or a reunion stage show, held in Bristol last month.

This saw Mr Tarrant, who hosts the Pride of Reading awards, once again team up with Tiswas regulars Bob Carolgees, Sally James and John Gorman, took place as part of the annual Slapstick Festival.

The performers recalled their exploits, brought out their buckets to soak the audience and recreated the mayhem of those days 40 years ago.

They then donated the 29 lots for auction at Ewbank’s.

The items available include Mr Tarrant’s Compost Corner T-shirt, worn during filming and signed by the star as well as Sally James, Bob Carolgees and John Gorman.

Signed scripts from Tiswas and spin-off show OTT are also available, as well as exclusive photos of the cast from the series, vinyl records and T-shirts.

“Tiswas was a joy for so many years for so many people that it is no surprise the Slapstick festival awarded the cast with Slapstick’s Comedy Legacy Medal at the festival in April,” said Ewbank’s specialist Alastair McCrea.

“We have deliberately kept estimates low to give as many people as possible the chance to bid for these items.

“But we are also hoping that this will help bring in multiple bids for each lot so that we raise as much money as possible for the Children’s Hospice South West.”

The online auction runs until Friday, May 20.

For more details, log on to: www. ewbankauctions.co.uk

Above: John Gorman’s OTT original pilot script, dated Oct 3 1981 and signed to the front by Chris Tarrant, Sally James, Bob Carolgees and John Gorman. The estimate at Ewbank’s is £10-100. Image courtesy of Ewbank’s Auctions.

Chris Tarrant’s Compost Corner signed T-shirt, as worn during filming of the original series. The estimate at Ewbank’s is £10-100

BLAST FROM THE PAST: The Four Bucketeers signed photo, 10 x 8 inches. The estimate at Ewbank’s is £10-100. Image courtesy of Ewbank’s Auctions.