Blue Peter HMS Ganges John Noakes Mast

[@jasonfernee2401]

John Noakes was as hard as nails. He'd do anything, just because. You couldn't imagine a modern TV presenter doing a smidgen of what he did.

[@davidgoulden5956]

Agree with you. He was double-tough - and yet gentle with it. What a man!

[@Sun_Flower1]

Agreed. I recall the injuries he suffered when his Bobsled flipped. The guy was a Legend. He'd try anything.

[@rudegirl34]

My uncle is the button boy Robert Cwik in this video with Noakes. A very proud niece

[@AtheistOrphan]

Pamela Griffiths - Cwik? That's a very unusual name.

[@WELLBRAN]

Pamela Griffiths my father button boy approx. 1939/40

[@brianclark8159]

Cwik Cwik Slow Cwik Cwik

[@wag1kids815]

How on earth did he get up there!honestly my palms were sweaty just watching!

[@highcockalorum1402]

Amazing! You must be very proud! Can you tell me a little about his naval career? Where did he serve, what ships etc? Many thanks! 😊

[@JammyDodger45]

Noakes was a gutsy bugger, I still vividly remember being a young lad watching the episode where he climbed Nelson's Column and thinking he was mad, seeing him do this just confirms it! What a bloke.

[@dagsy1940]

Started my 22 years in the Royal Navy at Ganges in September 1955. They had a saying that they would take us as 15 year old boys and a year later send us to the fleet as men. By hell they meant it too. It was the best school I ever attended. I learnt so much about life as well as seamanship. Thanks Chief Petty Officer "Pusser" Brotherton of Blake 7mess. At 74 years of age I am still grateful to you.

[@rictarr1101]

Did that in 1956 at age 15. No safety harness or anything.

[@robertsmith3672]

Her Majesty Says. Girls aren't Getting Enough S... Happy days.

[@greg0uk]

You're probably dead now.

[@rrbh]

Fearless superhuman. So grateful to grow up with Noakes in my childhood.

[@carolinehowell5203]

I remember watching that. Noakes should have been given a bloody medal for all the things he did for Blue Peter.

[@weejim48]

John Noakes is a LEGEND. The man was fearless . Not like todays numpties.👍

[@garysimpson3900]

Good old John Noakes. One of the "Holy Trinity" of Blue Peter presenters (along with Val Singleton & Peter Purves). I remember this along with climbing Nelson's Column, going on & falling off the back of an Olympic toboggan & being the first civilian to jump freefall with the Red Devils from 5 miles high. He was part of my childhood: so sad to read he died of dementia.

[@hopebgood]

Yeah, the best BP presenters. John Noakes had balls of steel, didn't he? Legend.

[@dingopisscreek]

We were lucky to grow up with presenters like these. I too remember watching all those events you mentioned. John, Val & Peter will never be bettered.

[@davidharrison6615]

he was brave just to try . anyone who was a button boy has more guts than i could ever manage . i salute you .

[@trudychris1]

Done this 7 or 8 times in 1969, scary but chuffed with myself for getting over the fear.

[@RodKirkbride]

John Noakes. Like Fred Dibnah, true legends. Real men. RIP.

[@christopherpeden547]

Lord these lads must have balls of steel total respect to them and of course John Noakes a hero to so many

[@admiralcraddock464]

At that age, we all thought we were indestructible; however I'd have taken a rain cheque on climbing to the button

[@fredbeach2085]

I hate heights I feel dizzy on a thick carpet so respect to all the people who did this.

[@dragonfly8080808]

John Noakes was a kids hero, we went through cub scouts and scouts. John was our hero with his dog Shep. In those days presenters were fit as and lead by example shame on todays snowflakes.

[@grobbler1]

Noakesy was a real childhood hero to many and a total legend. They just don't make 'em like that any more. No airs, graces or pretensions - just the real deal. Rest in peace Sir, your suffering is at an end.

[@tamar5261]

After climbing that mast loads of times up to the half Moon in training, john noaks has my utmost respect.

[@chriscann7627]

RIP John Noakes - they don't make 'em like this anymore!

[@myuboat45]

My father who is 96 now started at Ganges in 1937 . He sat on the button once but said he never stood. Served on some ships .ending his service wounded on HMS Warspite wounded again at Dieppe..Still talks about Ganges

[@owensmith6357]

John Noakes .. Now there is an example of a real man .. Balls the size of a wrecking ball ..... Respect.

[@andywilliams2237]

The mast has now been completely refurbished and replaced - great to see the return of such an iconic landmark and hats off to Wavensmere Homes for prioritising its restoration. It is a fitting monument to the 160,000 Boys who trained at HMS Ganges and served in the Royal Navy. There is a museum at Shotley Gate dedicated the history of the establishment - details can be found online.

[@carlskelton5230]

I would liked to have seen how Robert the button boy managed to stand on the button. Truly awe inspiring.

[@khutt19]

There is a lightening rod on the button which the button boy grabbed with his legs,You cannot see it from the ground,by camera at least,but it is there, I was up the mast a couple of times in 1971,mind you I did not like going up,and never went all the way to the button,but know what was up there

[@tonytait6511]

was in sea cadets in edinburgh with Robert Cwik and we were at Ganges together. He was button boy at our passing out parade in '67. lovely guy

[@PlanetFin]

I know Robbie he taught me how to sail many years ago.

[@tonytait6511]

Been trying to get back in touch with Robert for years@@PlanetFin

[@barrykensall2804]

I never made it to the button, but I still remember climbing it during my time at HMS Ganges, which was over 70 years ago.

[@MrKeithmadsen]

17 times i did the button always on a sunday when the mast was open. 1965. 78 recruitment cant imagine how i did it. we had no fear somehow.

[@paulcardin6344]

I was part of one of HMS Ganges' final intakes in February 1976. What I remember the most was the hundreds of IRANIAN sailors who were receiving their basic training while I was there. Imagine THAT today!

[@ScareyCarey13]

My Paternal Gt Grandad, Willie Gregg, trained at Shotley in 1911 and would have climbed the mast regularly..... On 7 Oct 2023, I went to see the Mast, it's been restored by a Team who worked on the Mary Rose, it's been back up about 3 weeks. I also went to HMS Ganges Museum, at the Marina, an interesting afternoon if you like Naval history or are looking for Family Naval history there.

[@TheJOzUK]

Thanks for showing this film. I was a sea cadet in the early 1960's and we visited HMS Gangese in about 1962. We watched the trainees there climb the mast and the button boy scramble up the last bit. Tremendously impressed by the whole crew, but the button boy particularly. Every movement was synchronised and the whole thing look impressive.

[@phillmoulton7066]

Went straight to Ganges from school in 1972 and it was the turning point in my life put me well on the rails, John Noakes was fearless good on him for getting to the top I managed just the same putting my hand on the button then legs of jelly and had to slide down.. it is so sad as now the mast is derelict and gone to ruin ..

[@fiddleandfart]

Gosh, Noakes's Nelson's Column climb was a mind-blower - but this, too? Unbelievable - and with no safety harness for either!

[@IRememberTheOldDays]

I wish Id gone to Ganges, and had the chance to climb that glorious old mast! Its criminal that Ganges was ever removed from service : (

[@chopjockey]

Been there, done that in 1975, got to top of Jacobs ladder but not quite to the button though...

[@brianhaskard1042]

Absolutely bonkers, my childhood hero!

[@dingopisscreek]

I remember watching this in 1967 as a 14/15 year old. John was the daredevil of the BP team. He also climbed Nelson's Column to join the cleaning team. No harness, no safety gear of any kind. What is rarely, if ever mentioned, is that a cameraman had to go up before him. He had nerves of steel and never showed any fear whatsoever - of course it would never happen today - H&S would wet their pants just thinking about it. R.I.P. John - you were poorly treated by the BBC once you had left - wouldn't even let you use the name Shep (had to use 'Skip) for your dog so you could make a bit of money.

[@bikespip]

Well, I'm very proud to say Robbie is a good pal to me and to our whole community 👍🏻

[@baronvonfrisk]

In 1960 (aged 15)I was in Hawke Division and on a Sunday we had some well earned free time, mine was spent climbing the mast and sitting and enjoying the views from one of the yardarm's, you could see for miles, Harwich was just across the river. I did touch the button at the top but climbing onto it and standing up....er No.

[@franl155]

There was a saying round our way years ago, when someone suggested doing something a bit risky. "That's a bit John Noakes!" This is one of the reasons why.

[@shodansmith]

My father passed away a month ago, this is v special to me!! Duncan Smith Drake division 1957 Basic training then flew to Singapore to meet HMS Mounts bay for 18 month tour of the Far East! BTW Noakesy was a legend, just like the old man!❤️

[@Oakleaf700]

There have been young Cadets who died falling from this training mast. Bless them.

[@sintekimvu]

I have just found this quote from John Noakes Noakes the Button Boy Noakes is just one of many people who have retained a special place in their heart for the mast and he has great memories of when he was presented with his challenge. "Having spent all my childhood climbing trees in Sun Woods with my best friend Eric, I thought that sounds good fun," said John. "Next day I arrived at the gates and met the film crew and then we were taken down to the mast where I met a lot of very smart looking trainees and their boss, who explained that they climbed the mast in time to the music, and that they had a place for me so that I could shin up to the button right at the top! "I was like the other trainees and I have to say my shirt was so stiff and tight that it felt like it had been made out of one of the sails on Shackleton's arctic trip. "After a bit of practice climbing with the music and my opposite number it was time for the real thing and we all started to climb and I remember thinking that I couldn't possibly stop to get my breath as the lads below me would have trampled me into the rigging. "Finally somehow I made it to the top and stood on an iron bar and the lad who was my opposite number said 'when the music stops you just shin up the final bit of mast and stand on the button, oh and put the aerial between legs so you don't fall off'. "I remember thinking 'if I do fall I'll be sure to grab you on the way down'. "So I looked up at that final stretch of mast which was a bit like a rugby post with a round button on the top and launched myself upwards all the way to the top, well not quite. "After what seemed an eternity I'd only managed to get up about 4 foot with some 10 foot still to go, so I slid back down to the iron bar and held on like mad whilst the other lad shinned up in my place."

[@carolinegladwell7855]

The mast is tiny now, left to ruin and looks some what spooky.. me & my mum looked around the Ganges museum and as a child, remember looking in awe at pictures of those boys on the mast... Nowadays H&S would have a field day 🤣 Beautiful video x

[@MrDannyDetail]

The film of John Noakes itself was first shown on a live edition of the show on 13th July 1967, which began with a morning-recorded performance of a Royal Tournament Jamaica Regiment Display, followed by James Bond's auto gyro and a clip of You Only Live Twice, then a picnic box make, before finishing with John's button boy film.

[@jangreen5618]

My Brother Gerald Evison went to HMS Ganges in 1963. Went on to serve aboard HMS Grafton, HMS Brighton, HMS Diamond, HMS Grafton.

[@fionanatalieholden5965]

John Noakes was a true heroic daredevil👍

[@richardking6066]

770 class, 17 mess, Anson Division 1965. One of the worst winters in living memory, I learned to 'pull' a Cutter in a blizzard, and ended up hospitalised for pneumonia! Not my happiest hour. I was last there when it was a Police Training school. They let me walk around the Parade Square . Little could I have guessed, as a skinny and frightened 15 year old, that I would return 30 years later with money in my pocket, driving a posh car and having just flown half-way around the world...!

[@nickthomas8400]

what a man! they just dont make them anymore!

[@trund123]

We were not cadets,we were junior seaman.i was at Ganges in 71 eagle mess,then on to frobisher division we used to climb the mast for fun,though I never stood on the button I climbed up to touch it.

[@patrickhill1684]

HMS Ganges 1971, 26 recruitment, Ashanti mess then Benbow 26 mess. Some things you never forget. P123234. Up the mast on Sunday's afternoons Great way to end the week

[@khutt19]

I was there in 71,D118076J, Benbow,I think it was 39 recruitment,January 71.

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

John Noakes was incredibly brave, they don't make presenters like that any more, what a legend.👏👏👏

[@bobmarshall2890]

I remember John Noakes climbing the HMS Ganges mast from the first time it was shown, as I have no head for heights I could not have got onto the first platform.

[@Sun_Flower1]

Great to see this again, thanks for posting it. 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

Noakes and that lad had balls of steel.

[@matapanman]

Did this for parents day in 1971, I was behind the ladder at the half moon, great days.

[@khutt19]

I was there in 71,Benbow,39 recruitment I think,JMEM. I cant remember parents day as my parents did not attend,too far to travel from Thurso is the North of Scotland.I was a badge boy so had a few perks I quess,but we had to do everything just the same,thats why I could never understand why some badge boys would punish the class with the FHC running in the rain with that horrible rubbers on top of pyjamas,they had to do it as well only they were not part of the group,they still had to be out there.

[@Golo1949]

Brave guys, my legs went funny just watching!

[@chrisredditch]

RIP John them Legend

[@davidgodfrey3898]

Chris Richards c

[@rjun67]

My god I joined the RN in 1990 and I never knew that such a sadistic ritual ever took place, that was terrifying to watch

[@stevedavies4800]

Memories!! I was in Drake Division at HMS Ganges in 1966/67 and part of this mast manning crew, we all got a Blue Peter badge. As always, Robert Cwik was the hero on the day and every day he shinned up the final pole to stand on that button! Many of us ventured up as far as the 'cowhorns' on practice days, only a few ventured further, it was terrifying up there but it taught concentration and dedication. Courage was the extra ingredient portrayed by Robert as button boy!

[@tyronewhitehead3123]

You are fearless John and I have respect on the highest level for you 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@davidgoulden5956]

Good comment, Tyrone.

[@roadie4360]

And their often forgotten cameraman was also a pretty tough cookie.

[@raymondcutler878]

Was at H.M.S. GANGES in 1971.It's a shame that it has all gone. D122771 CUTLER. FROBISHER 19 MESS.

[@douglasbrown8020]

+raymond cutler rodney...d122758p

[@GLK-London]

Magnificent display.

[@johnners911]

I'll bet Noaksy could have made that final climb no problem, he just gave way to the OG button boy cos he was a gentleman that way.

[@MegaDarryl1]

I used to live in Shotley with my ex partner in one of the old officer's flat's for HMS Ganges...Interesting that in 1988 when this clip was produced there was talk of a housing development... Sadly the site is now derelict with the latest company to acquire the site in various planning wrangles with the locals and the district council, The mast is now in a very bad condition which is heartbreaking together with most of the old navy buildings, my grandad trained there in ww2....

[@Tehgoat]

I hope they find Mr Noakes, he is a national treasure

[@cowson2006]

Teh goat They have. Just saw it in the news.

[@Tehgoat]

cowson2006 Thank heavens, and thank you for the update.

[@martinheslip376]

Wasnt in Kent, was Suffolk,remember it well. Got to the half moon, and came down again.

[@MelanieJolie]

My dad was in that RM Band ❤️

[@georgebuller1914]

My late father climbed that mast, way back in the 1920's! He did the Button Boy bit too - he'd do anything for an extra shilling! LOL

[@brianclark8159]

Saw someone say Health & Safety would stop things like that now. CORRECT. But Health & Safety was misused and abused by lazy skiving guys looking for a skive. Twoo Twoo

[@admiralcraddock464]

I know this couldn`t be done today for safety reasons and, well why risk lives for something that served no purpose other then ceremonial, but man it was certainly impressive

[@hungrycatproductions]

My dad joined the Royal Navy at 15. He told me many years ago about the time he climbed up the now famous mast early one morning and sat on the button reading his comic!

[@Edward1312]

This is just plain incredible, I wonder if many died doing it?

[@Edward1312]

Just noticed in the interview afterwards with Dickie Doyle from 1948 that at least one boy was killed and another seriously injured. You can see why it was ended, think of how much the MoD would be sued nowadays if that happened.

[@Morbius1963]

Noakes had balls.

[@brianclark8159]

One

[@peterburton3092]

I Joined HMS Ganges in October 1971 and only saw this done twice by these very brave 15 year old. I was in the Window ladder display team which wasn't as scary but just as much fun. Pete Burton Frobisher Mess

[@khutt19]

You seemed to have joined just as I left,I was a badge boy in Benbow,JMEM D118076J, I actually joined the Ganges training ship the Ulster,they looked after me like I was their son,it was brilliant as I went there alone whilst the rest of my class went in their 4s or more to bigger ships.I liked Ganges,I was already a very fit sports loving lad,so it was not all that difficult physically,but they did take it over the top many times,however I thought some of the badge boys were worse than some of the instructors.Did the usual F.H.C at weird times in all weather with the rubber coat on over pyjamas,pointless,but it got the message through at times,squat thrusts did it for me a couple of times,the PTI,s knew that hurt, even the real tough lads could be in tears.It makes me wonder sometimes lately what some young people would make of Ganges,you know,if they had to do just a week, I reckon it would make them understand how easy they have it,and I here so much obout youngsters being stressed out,maybe if their phone is on the blink,makes me laugh,,I would do it all again,with joy.

[@MrDannyDetail]

This is from a live edition of Blue Peter on 21st April 1988. It began with the Queen's Award winning JCB, then a mini JCB and runners, followed by a film "Pondswap" of David Bellamy in a wildlife garden, then the repeated film of John Noakes on HMS Ganges and the interview with a former button boy shown here, before ending with a morning-recorded performance of Gamalan music.

[@nambocttr]

October 1975 I joined Ganges, seeing that mast in the flesh, I was quite relived to learn rot of some description had deemed it no longer safe to be used for such displays anymore. We boys still had to endure the food however.

[@Cool2BCeltic]

I've seen a picture of it as it is nowadays. It's fenced off and in a sorry state.

[@jackwright1070]

Half Moon for me,1963

[@desperatemohammedantheworl5833]

Amazing.

[@chuckey69able]

OMG that brings back memories

[@judysalmon5218]

Health and safety would having a heart attack watching this!!

[@clive3262]

Starboard upper yardarm... 1971... happy days.

[@51WCDodge]

'SUNSET'Face the Main Mast and Salute!

[@TheDavecroft]

I always thought Noakes made it to the button! Did anybody ever fall off that mast?

[@robinkimberley]

My late Father did that. Not sure I'd get half way!!

[@Gill12283]

Fantastic!

[@geraldmorson4522]

Got to the half moon 1966

[@dminalba]

My Dad was a Ganges boy Benbow 1965

[@thomaswykes3647]

There's no amount of money you can pay me to even attempt that. And now the mast stands half collapsed and rotten.

[@IRememberTheOldDays]

btw it wasnt/isnt in kent, its in Suffolk! 45 mins from my house! :D

[@yidarmy1953]

Took me back to my time there in 68/69 Happy days (I think!!)

[@sintekimvu]

Thanks for the clarification IRememberTheOldDays

[@brianhaskard1042]

Hero

[@davidbennett4292]

I was there in 67 when this film was made Exmouth Division 43 mess

[@davids8449]

I would like to know the name of the camera man

[@IRememberTheOldDays]

@sintekimvu no worries

[@andzzz2]

Reminds me of the end of The Wicker Man for some reason.

[@johnthwaites1656]

shotley is in suffolk not kent

[@mickeymunkchunk4512]

Didn't know John Noaks did this.

[@rogerthomas8241]

I joined in 1970 and loved that mast. I never stood on the button but managed to get one leg on it, it had been raining and was rather slippery!!!! health and safety? They taught you to look after your own safety. Mind you I heard the story of a well oiled PTI that fell of the button and ended up going through the post office roof! may he RIP. Best wishes to all ex Ganges matelots. It was definitely "toughen up princess" back then.

[@derrickwhittle9012]

Heath and safety why is he not wearing a high visibility vest?

[@marcbiff2192]

Hope John Noakes was insured.

[@Jeffybonbon]

I dont think this would be allowed today

[@christinesmurthwaite8660]

I was 12 then

[@LUC66631]

Bloody mad they were 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃