NON-MONETISED
Welcome to Retro Times! I’m thrilled to share this #RetroTimes project with you! As you’ll soon discover, this isn’t your ordinary Christmas television magazine. This edition is a nostalgic journey into the past, featuring just one page of listings—so no highlighter pen required! Most of the programming hails from the 1980s, with a few treasures from the ‘70s, too. Alongside a selection of vintage print advertisements that I’ve designed, you’ll also find an ‘80s-themed crossword, a festive fridge door adorned with ‘70s and ‘80s photos from friends on social media, a “Guess the price of the toys” quiz, and the results of a “Best of the 1980s” poll.
OC
K
MILTON BRADLEY
AC
CLUEDO
2-6
Ages
8-adult
Copyright 1984 Waddingtons Games Ltd Made and Printed in Great Britain
The Great Detective Game MANUFACTURED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY
Connect Four
JOHN WADDINGTON LTD
VERTICAL CHECKERS GAME
2-6 Players Ages 10-Adult
Parker Brothers World Conquest Game
SCRABBLE Waddingtons BRITAIN’S NUMBER 1 NAME IN GAMES
SPEAR’S GAMES
SORRY!
The Classic Family Board Game
Players
2-4
Ages
6-adult
Copyright 1984 Waddingtons Games Ltd Made and Printed in Great Britain
JUMBO JET GAMES
Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! May 2025 bring you health, happiness, and much-needed peace in the world.
Players
REGISTERED TRADE MARK
PROPERTY TRADING BOARD GAME PE
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to everyone on social media for your support over the past couple of months. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, I hope this project warms your heart and rekindles fond memories. Both this magazine and video are available at www.jameswren.org/retrotimes.
M O N O P O LY RS
You’ll find a link to the video on the listings page. Shows that are available in their entirety will be clearly marked in the video, allowing you to continue watching them via a PDF link to the original YouTube videos. You can also find this on the listings page.
Waddingtons BRITAIN’S NUMBER 1 NAME IN GAMES
M
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the poll, including the person who nominated Chris de Burgh as their favourite musical artist of the decade... thanks for the earworm...
8-Adult
BATTLESHIP
The exciting Naval strategy game
Alles Liebe aus Graz, James Sydney, NSW: 79-82 South Brent, Devon: 82-86 Saundersfoot, Pembs: 86-88 Wokingham, Berks: 88-96
BlueSky: @retrojames YouTube: Retro James LinkedIn Join my Facebook Group: Gen X Tales: Stories from Growing Up - come and share your stories - you’d be more than welcome.
IMPORTANT: This is not a commercial project. Nothing about it is monetised and it’s purely made for entertainment purposes. No infringement is intended. If you object to any of the content, please contact me and I will remove it straight away. www.jameswren.org
DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL
Tenby
SUMMER
86
Oh Christmas tea, oh Christmas tea...
LUXURY COACH TRAVEL WITH: • • • •
AIR CONDITIONING TELEVISION RECLINING SEATS DRINKS AND SNACKS
FREEPHONE: 0800 879 2301
DEPARTURES THROUGHOUT JULY AND AUGUST FROM: LONDON VICTORIA, BIRMINGHAM, BRISTOL, MANCHESTER, PLYMOUTH, AND GLASGOW.
Whether it’s an early start or a well-deserved lie-in, wake up to a perfect cup of tea with the SWAN Compact Teasmade this Christmas, and at any time of the year. Available at Debenhams, House of Fraser, Currys, and other high street retailers.
HOLIDAY COACHES SINCE 1912
SWAN
ADVERTS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY
NOVA A G R A N D M E T R O P O L I TA N L E I S U R E C O M P A N Y
S
NO
E TH N
AM
C UR
I BR
E
IN
G
HA
E HT
L HO
E RG
S U M M E R H O L I DAYS ORFU IN MAJORCA IBIZA C
S
SPA
ST
ID
S AY
If you want a brighter, happier holiday send for our free brochure now! Name____________________________________________________________
U
Q NI
CA
UE EN
T
T ER
Address_________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ If you would also like our Nova France Caravan and Camping brochure, please tick this box
Send to: Nova Holidays, PO Box 100, Havant, Hampshire PO9 1SQ or phone (0705) 474411
G BI
F
I AM
B
E AR
LY
AI
S DI
T
&
NM
CO
EN
T
T UN
S
Test your ‘80s knowledge! Answers shared on 10 Dec via BlueSky, Twitter & www.jameswren.org/retrotimes
You can either print this out or complete it via this link.
ACROSS 4. Chased the dragon and paid the price 5. “I were right about that saddle though..” 7. Italian bread? Swapsie, got, got, need... 9. Eric’s favourite fruit 10. Fizzy drink or misspelled German rally car 14. The hottest BMX 16. A Ford formation in the stars 18. Off the kerb with both wheels 22. Computer driving game, only when 64 23. She’s coming in 12:30 flight... 24. When you know, you glow 25. Kids’ cars with a canine connection 26. A desperate guy with a pie 29. High street store nickname, keeps you warm 31. This inspector had lots of them
DOWN 1. Current affairs for kids 2. Come and have a look at what you could have won 3. Blind animal and a diary 6. Customised jackets worth filling 8. Hannibal loved these 11. Animals drink it in Africa, apparently 12. Posh ice cream, sounds a bit Austrian 13. Chocolate biscuit worth shouting about 15. Not the strongest burger in a fight 17. East Fife scored four but someone scored five 18. For grazed knees and big stars on stage 19. If ET had a few coins, he’d do it... 20. Hair with st..st...st...style 21. Accrington Stanley? Who are they? 27. Posters with a Greek connection 28. Rodney could be one at times 30. A friendly bath of bubbles 31. Stu would crush one
Maybe you’ll be unwrapping an LP or two this Christmas, but can you identify these classic covers? Check www.jameswren.org/retrotimes on 10th December.
You can take the high road or the low road, but we'll be in Scotland afore ye. Euston & King’s Cross to Scotland, every night. Call 01 542 0870 for more information, or visit your station.
RETRODAY TIMELESS TELLY FOR CHRISTMAS... CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORIGINAL YOUTUBE LINKS - This is to credit the YouTube accounts, but also if you would like to continue watching some of the longer shows (marked in the video). Good Morning Britain A festive line-up to start your Christmas viewing, from the breakfast team at ITV.
BBC Breakfast Special We’re down in the BBC basement to disover some seasonal secrets.
Saturday Superstore Christmas fun with Mike Read, Sarah Greene, John Craven, and Keith Chegwin.
Blue Peter
LOOK AHEAD TO SUMMER WITH
KAYS More people shop with Kays than with any other catalogue!
Here’s one that was made earlier. Join Caron Keating, Yvette Fielding, Mark Curry, and of course, Bonnie!
The Queen The 1983 Queen’s Speech, featuring footage of The Prince and Princess of Wales, plus a very young William and Harry.
Only Fools and Horses What has Grandad done to the turkey? Dig-in to this classic scene!
All Creatures Great and Small James and Siegfried care for a sick donkey, and Mrs. Hewison’s famous cake has a surprise in store.
Yes Minister
The Snowman
Sometimes, the most simple things to say are the hardest. With Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, and Derek Fowlds.
David Bowie introduces the classic tale of a boy and his magical frozen friend.
Pop Quiz Special
Carols from Christ Church Oxford
The Good Life
A reading and a carol seemed to be the best way to wrap things up and wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for watching - stay tuned for a surprise video...
Margot has her paper hat at the ready, but there’s a problem with the tree.With Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, and Penelope Keith.
Kay Harker continues his magical adventures as he battles dark forces, plunging deeper into the mystery surrounding the enchanted box.
Grange Hill Gonch and Hollo encounter an unexpected surprise in the furniture store, and Roland dreams about celebrating Christmas in Paris.
Eastenders Christmas Eve on Albert Square with a divorce, a proposal, and a good old sing along - just what you’d expect!
Smith and Jones Homemade Christmas Video Aside from the tree, decorations, food, and presents, it’s all working out perfectly.
Guests on this 1983 Christmas special are Limahl, Mari Wilson, Roger Taylor, Midge Ure, Leee John, & Dave Edmunds.
The Box of Delights
Christmas stars shining bright. Pop Quiz, hosted with Mike Read.
Ho-de-ho! It’s the Christmas special of Blankety Blank, staring Ruth Madock.
Telly Addicts From Christmas 1986, the Reynish family take on Nina Myskow, Michael Grade, Larry Grayson and Barry Took, hosted by Noel Edmonds.
FUJI. BECAUSE A MEMORY ONLY HAPPENS ONCE. Capture all of your Christmas memories in stunning true-to-life colour.
Blankety Blank Christmas Special Terry Wogan hosts, with guests Sabina Franklyn, Roy Kinnear, Ruth Madock, Patrick Moore, Beryl Reid, and Freddie Starr.
Coronation Street Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye. A famous face bids farewell to Weatherfield, and it’s quite the send off.
FREEPHONE FOR YOUR FREE CATALOGUE:
(01) 901 4805
Eric and Ernie’s Christmas Show Two classic shows from two of the funniest men ever to grace our screens - the legendary Eric Morcambe and Ernie Wise.
Les Dawson Cissy and Ada take a well-earned break after the party. With Les Dawson and Roy Barraclough.
Two Ronnies Christmas Special Time for classic R & R from Christmas ‘84.
Over 10 million photos a day are taken with Fuji Film. Discover why...
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED A PHOTO FOR THE FESTIVE FRIDGE!
OUR SURVEY SAID...
A
a ah h n o s ds l jack mple min e a h si mic nna N o A d R a U SS 0 ND sm ‘8 RIE DURA for fear SE tears
P T0
5
IES POP GOES THE ‘80S
150 people via social media were asked to name a few favourite things from the 1980s. Here are the top five most popular answers in each respective category. Thank you very much to everyone who contributed.
cinemacinemac RAD REELS in e m acinemacinema cinemacinemac This portionc in e m to in acinemacin be ree cinemacinemac tam ineda e m a c in in e e ma macinemacinem cinemacinemac a c in in Top 5 Classic ‘8 ema emacinemacine cinemacin 0s Films. VAT No . 1980 1989 e m m a a c c in in cinemacinemac emacinemacinemac ema inema inemacinemacin cinBA eCKmTOacineTHmE acin e m a c inema em cUSin cinTH GHa OSTB e eEmFUa m TERS a TUc c RE ineGO in e ONa m m IES TO a P cinema GUN cinem (Pa ET G) cine cin(P eG)macine(PmG)ac m a c (P G) in e m a(P cG)inema cinemacinemac inemacinemacinema cinema inemacinemacin SCREEN 1 cine macineSCm REEN 2 e macinema acinemSCa REEN 3 cinemSCaREc cinemacinema EN 4 in 5 cinemacinemac emaSCcREENin ema inemacine ma TOP OF THE CHOCS
TELLY WITH WELLY
DEAR SANTA
NICE NOSH
Marathon
Grange Hill
Sinclair Spectrum
Findus Crispy Pancakes
Texan
Only Fools & Horses
BMX
Angel Delight
Drifter
The A-Team
Sindy House
Findus Pizza Bread
Twix
Dallas
Sony Walkman
Arctic Roll
Double Decker
Knight Rider
Star Wars FIGURES
Potato Waffles
TOP SELLING TOYS AT CHRISTMAS:
TOP TOYS
80-89
EVERYTHING HAS A PRICE - OR HAD... TAKE A GUESS AT HOW MUCH EACH ITEM USED TO COST. ANSWERS ON THE NEXT PAGE. HOW DID YOU DO? If you were within a couple of quid of each answer, congratulations, you’re in the hat to win a test drive in an F reg Montego! Were you way off? Bad luck, you’re in the hat to keep the Montego...
1985 TEDDY RUXPIN £ 1986 LAZER TAG
£
1987 SYLVANIAN FAMILIES
£
1988 GHOSTBUSTERS PROTON PACK £ 1989 BATMOBILE
£
TOP TOYS
1980 Rubik’s Cube £ 1981
STAR WARS AT-AT
£
1982 STOMPERS TRUCK
£
1983 CARE BEARS
£
1984 OPTIMUS PRIME
£
PLUS:
Forgotten some of these toys? Click on the product names to watch the respective adverts.
HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS FIRST ISSUE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR FOR A ‘90S SPECIAL. NOT ‘ARF!
TOY PRICES: QUIZ ANSWERS Rubik's Cube - £0.91 Star Wars AT-AT - £28.75 Stompers Truck - £1.99 Care Bears - £16.75 Optimus Prime - £16.87 Teddy Ruxpin - £57.99 Lazer Tag - £34..00 Sylvanian Families - £6.97 Ghost Busters Proton Pack - £19.99 Batmobile - £9.99
A Bedroom-themed Office Creation.
DATA: Smooth FM
James Wren 2024 | www.jameswren.org | @retrojames (BlueSky)