Latest news with #RomperRoom
CTV News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Beloved CKCO host's legacy continues
The legacy of a former CKCO host lives on with the return of a beloved event. Despite the rain early Thursday morning, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm at the Betty Thompson Golf Classic. The event is an annual tradition run by the Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo. Thompson spent most of her career at CKCO in Kitchener. She was welcomed into homes across the country as one of the beloved hosts of the children's program Romper Room. betty thompson ckco ctv kitchener romper room Miss Betty (Thompson) on Romper Room. She was also one of the founding members of the local chapter of the Zonta Club. Throughout her life, her passion for the community was clear as she took on roles at the Salvation Army, the John Howard Society, the Victorian Order of Nurses and the United Way, among others. In 1990 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Betty turned her personal tragedy into a public campaign focused on educating women about the importance of regular breast examinations. She was still alive when the Betty Thompson Golf Classic first began in 1992. She died two years later. Despite her death, her indelible mark on the community remains, inspiring others to continue giving back. 'All the money raised is kept locally in our community and all to do with projects involving women and girls,' Brenda Graham, co-chair of the Betty Thompson Golf Classic, said. Throughout the years, the event has raised over $1.3 million. The goal this year was $50,000. 'Last year we raised $48,000, so we had that money to give back to local projects. We received over $250,000 in applications from various organizations, all with projects for women and girls, that needed funds. We have to pick and choose what we can do and how much we can do. The need is so great,' Graham said.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Seven star Larry Emdur jokingly threatens to slap his co-host's face after trying to solve brain-teaser that stumped top Aussie sport stars - and there's an annoyingly simple answer
Channel 7 broadcaster Larry Emdur has jokingly claimed he was about to slap his co-host Liam Tapper in the face after the latter left him and Kylie Gillies stumped with a brain-teaser challenge on live television. Introducing the segment, Tapper revealed on The Morning Show that several members of Australian V8 Supercars team, Red Bull Ampole Racing, had been attempting the challenge but had been left perplexed. Tapper described the challenge, stating that participants are asked to get a piece of A4 paper, cut a hole in the middle of it and then poke their head through the hole without breaking the paper. The supercars drivers shared their results on TikTok but none of them could figure out how to complete the challenge. Tapper, then challenged Emdur and Gillies to the brain-teaser, but the pair were equally left stumped. 'Liam, can I ask you a question? You've seen my ears,' Emdur joked. 'You have to poke your head through the hole,' Liam said before, Gillies folded the piece of paper in half and put it under her chin. 'I think it's got to be something like this,' she said. Emdur went on to pull the entire piece of paper down over his head, tearing it in the process. That was when Tapper stepped in to show them how to complete the move, grabbing a piece of paper and poking his finger onto his forehead, through the hole - much to the frustration of his co-hosts. 'I learned this not just from the Red Bull team but also because of being a dad, so I would have thought you'd have been across this Larry,' Tapper began. 'Poke your head through the hole,' he said laughing at the play on words. Emdur then addressed his co-host, joking: 'Liam, Liam, this is not fricking Romper Room, mate!' 'You don't seem that impressed Larry,' Tapper said. Upon revealing how to complete the challenge Emdur (left) was left stumped but joked he was going to 'slap Tapper's face through the hole' 'Liam, we are the top-rated morning show in all of Australasia,' Emdur said. He then said firmly tongue-in-cheek: 'If you do something like that again I'm going to slap your face through the hole. 'That was good I quite liked that.'
Press and Journal
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Former Grampian Television managing director Alex Mair dies aged 102
Former Grampian Television managing director Alex Mair has died at the age of 102. Tributes have been paid to the Scottish broadcasting legend, who helped launch the network in 1961. Press and Journal journalist Neil Drysdale, who interviewed Mr Mair last year, said: 'Sad news about the death today at 102 of Alex Mair, one of the driving forces in the launch of Grampian TV more than 60 years ago. 'I met Alex at a care home shortly before Christmas and he was still as bright as a button. An absolute gentleman!' Broadcaster Jim Spence added: 'Sad news. Grampian was essential TV viewing for folk who wanted to know what was happening in this area.' Trained as an accountant, Mr Mair moved into broadcasting management, launching Grampian Television as its managing director in September 1961. Based in Aberdeen, Grampian Television was the ITV franchise holder for the north of Scotland. The channel offered opportunities for seasoned veterans and newcomers alike, featuring acts such as traditional musician Calum Kennedy, the singing sensation of the Tivoli. Programmes like Calum's Ceilidhs, Try for Ten with Billy Raymond, Bothy Nichts and the pioneering Romper Room were major hits. Last November, Mr Mair spoke to The Press and Journal about his role in founding the popular TV channel. He said: 'We were committed to keeping it local and listening to what people in the north-east wanted from us, not the other way around. This was for them, not us.' He later added: 'I loved every minute of it, and the greatest year of my life was undoubtedly 1961, when we got the station up and running.' Under Mr Mair's stewardship, Grampian TV developed a strong identity for its local programming. Known for his dedication to regional content, he championed programmes reflecting Scottish culture and rural life, such as the long-running Top Club and Summer Scene. Beyond broadcasting, Mr Mair was highly respected in the wider Scottish business community. After his time at Grampian TV, he remained involved in various corporate and community initiatives. His contributions were formally recognised when he was appointed CBE for services to broadcasting and the community. He was also a Burgess of the City of Aberdeen, admitted in 1986. A firm Rotarian, Mr Mair celebrated 50 years with the Rotary Club of Aberdeen in 2020. He moved to Rubislaw Care Home in the city following the death of his wife Margaret, and was said to have been greatly fond of the staff.
