The fading embers of the day. Another wet one but at least we have been granted a few late moments of weather calm. An opportunity to sit outside with Hawklad. A new nickname for son all the way from Canada. He likes it.

“I like that. So much potential. Either a new Avenger or DC character. Maybe my name if I become a falconry. And definitely cooler than yours. Bagpuss. Really…”

For those unaware Bagpuss was a children’s TV character from yesteryear. A toy who was an exhibit in a magical shop. A shop that didn’t sell. The little girl shop owner would find things, repair them and put them in the shop window. When Bagpuss came to life the other items in the shop did as well. The intro to the show is engrained in my childhood memories. After all these years I can still remember the monologue, word for word.

Bagpuss, dear Bagpuss
Old fat furry cat-puss
Wake up and look at this thing that I bring
Wake up, be bright
Be golden and light
Bagpuss, Oh hear what I sing

And Bagpuss was wide awake
And when Bagpuss wakes up all his friends wake up too
The mice on the mouse-organ woke up and stretched
Madeleine, the rag doll
Gabriel, the toad
And last of all, Professor Yaffle, who was a very distinguished old woodpecker
He climbed down off his bookend and went to see what it was that Emily had brought

So why was I named after this TV Toy Cat. A show that they only ever made 13 episodes. Maybe it was the Bagpuss toy that was in the Car. Maybe my goalkeeping prowess didn’t quite warrant full cat like status. Or maybe it was the shows description of the toy cat.

“an old, saggy cloth cat, baggy, and a bit loose at the seams”

Yes I can see the similarities. They become more apt everyday. But I guess that’s the same for many of us.

71 thoughts on “Bagpuss”

  4. “And when Bagpuss wakes up all his friends wake up too”

    I think I can see why you got the name 😉

    I’m surprised to learn there were only thirteen episodes. It felt ubiquitous when I was a child — the series must have really had something going for it.

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  5. So we are obviously counting out any physical likeness?

    Bagpuss was much loved…I do know that! How old were you when you were called Bagpuss? In my mind he came out with wisdom…or was that the narrator? But although I remember him, my memories are a little vague.

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  7. I do like “Hawklad”, it is a cool nickname. “Bagpuss”, well, not so much. But it was good to smile. Thanks for that – it was a rough week. I am officially back at work and trying to readjust to different hours and different ways of doing things.

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      1. Yes, it has. We are not open to the public yet but doing “kerb-side pick up”, which means we check items out and the patrons come to the back door and call in to let us know they’re there. We run out and leave it on a table for them to grab. (It even has a tent over it so it’s doable in all weather). It’s interesting.

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  13. I missed that show. Maybe it never made it to U.S.🤷🏼‍♀️
    Hawklad is a cool name, it makes me think of the movie Ladyhawk though… great movie.
    If you’ve got to be a cat, Snicklefritz is a good name. It’s from a kids show from 20 years ago or so… The Big Comfy Couch. Or there was another character you might fancy… Major Bedhead.😂😂😂💌💌

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