He's Terrific, He's Magnific

At the risk of turning this scrapbook into an obituary column, today I'm celebrating the life of yet another of my childhood heroes who died this week. I've lost far too many of them in 2011.

Mark Hall was the co-founder of Cosgrove Hall Studios who were responsible for some of the most successful and memorable British animation from the 1970s up until their recent absorption into ITV Productions. He and partner Brian Cosgrove came out of retirement this year and teamed up with children's TV creator Francis Fitzpatrick to reform their company, now called Cosgrove Hall Fitzpatrick Entertainment, but sadly Mark died of cancer on Friday aged 75.

Hopefully this new team will keep his legacy alive and entertain many generations to come. For now, grab a bag of sweets and enjoy some of Cosgrove Hall's greatest hits.

Their first big hit, the surreal and inventive Chorlton And The Wheelies (1976-1979).

Anarchic and silly, that great British superhero Dangermouse (1981-1992) appealed to kids and adults alike.

Recurring Dangermouse villain Count Duckula got his own series (1988-1993)

Probably their most charming creation, based on the novel The Wind In The Willows (1983-1990)

Torvill & Dean It Ain't

There's nothing that brightens up a dull winter Sunday more than watching vaguely well known people risk breaking limbs learning to skate on Dancing On Ice.  Thrills, spills, dangerous stunts and fit blokes who aren't scared of pink sequins.  It ticks so many of my boxes.

The 2011 series ended this weekend with the most unpredictable final ever and EastEnders actor Sam Attwater hitting his peak at exactly the right time to win over children's TV presenter Laura Hamilton.

In tribute to the final's traditional Bolero skate-off (and to get over the withdrawal symptoms) I've hunted down an animated version directed by Mario Cavalli in 1993.

This uses a repeated clip of Ravel's music and two motion-captured dancers.  As the video progresses it becomes increasingly abstract and starts playing games with your memory.  It's as remarkable as it is beautiful.

BOLERO from Mario Cavalli on Vimeo.

Simon's Cat in Cat Chat

Simon's Cat is a series of animations by Simon Tofield that pops up from time to time on YouTube.

If you love cats, Simon's Cat will remind you why you love cats.

If you hate cats, Simon's Cat will remind you why you hate cats.

This is the latest in the series, where the cat meets a boring hedgehog.

Simon's Cat's YouTube channel

Simon's Cat's website

Oktapodi

I wanted to watch a cartoon.  Kevin insisted on this one.