We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our alumna Biddy Baxter MBE, a true pioneer in children’s television.
Biddy read Social Studies at St Mary’s College, Durham, from 1952 to 1955. She began her career at the BBC in 1955 as a radio trainee studio manager, creating sound effects.
She later went on to become the long-serving editor of the iconic children’s programme Blue Peter, transforming it into a beloved television institution. Her tenure as producer, from 1965 to 1988, shaped the show’s enduring legacy.
Over more than two decades, Biddy introduced generations of children to the joys of sticky-backed plastic, on-screen pets, presenters' adventures and charity appeals. She introduced the iconic Blue Peter badge after commissioning a young artist to design the ship logo.
Biddy won numerous accolades for her services to television as well as two BAFTA Awards and the programme’s highest honour, a gold Blue Peter Badge.
After graduating, Biddy remained closely connected to Durham and her College, receiving a Centenary Year Honorary Fellowship from St Mary’s College in 1998. She described her time at Durham and particularly at St Mary’s as some of the happiest years of her life.
She was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 2012 and continued to engage warmly with the community, sending messages of congratulations for St Mary’s 125th Anniversary last year and festive wishes at Christmas.
Biddy also generously donated a significant collection of Blue Peter memorabilia and personal items, now held in the University Library Archive and at the College.
Image caption: Biddy Baxter at Durham Cathedral in 2012 to receive her Durham University honorary degree. Pictured with television and radio presenter Jeremy Vine, who also received an honorary degree. Credit: The Northern Echo.
Image caption: Biddy Baxter receiving her honorary degree, pictured with Professor Chris Higgins, then Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Hackett, then Principal of St Mary’s College, and Sir Thomas Allen, then Chancellor.
Tributes for Biddy Baxter
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, said: “Biddy was a person of extraordinary energy and vision. I was lucky enough to know her when I was growing up. She always spoke so warmly of her time at Durham, the friends she made here, the music she loved, and creativity of this place. Durham University was certainly part of the inspiration behind her inspiring life and career."
Professor Adrian Simpson, Principal of St Mary’s College, said: “As a child of the 70s growing up with Blue Peter, I was thrilled that the first email I received congratulating me on my appointment at Mary’s was from Biddy. She clearly retained a lot of affection for Durham and for St Mary’s College.”
Other, selected tributes for Biddy Baxter:
BBC News: Biddy Baxter: Blue Peter's formidable editor dies aged 92 - BBC News
The Independent: Biddy Baxter obituary: the brains behind Blue Peter
Lucian Hudson, Executive Director, Communications & External Relations communications.team@durham.ac.uk
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