Kathleen Garscadden facts for kids

Kathleen Mary Evelyn Garscadden (born 18 February 1897 – died 20 February 1991) was a famous Scottish radio presenter. She became well-known for hosting the Scottish Children's Hour show. This popular program was broadcast on the BBC Home Service, which later became Radio Four.

Many people knew her as 'Auntie Kathleen'. She was so popular that she became a real celebrity! Crowds would gather at the radio studio just to get her autograph. She also received many letters from her listeners.

Early Life and Beginnings

Kathleen Garscadden was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on 18 February 1897. Her father, George Garscadden, was an accountant and businessman. Her mother was Maggie Jane Vint.

Kathleen went to Hutchesons' Girls' Grammar School in Glasgow. After school, she moved to London. There, she trained to be a professional singer with Sir Henry Wood. She wanted to become an opera singer. However, she later decided not to pursue opera. She returned to Glasgow, and that's where her exciting radio career began. Kathleen never married. She passed away in Glasgow on 20 February 1991.

A Career in Radio

Kathleen Garscadden started her radio journey on her father's amateur radio station. She worked there as a singer, pianist, and announcer. In 1923, the BBC took over this station. It became the very first BBC radio station in Scotland.

Because of her talent, Kathleen was invited to join the BBC. She started as a program assistant. At first, her Children's Hour program was only heard in Glasgow. But from 1928, it was broadcast all over Scotland!

In 1940, Kathleen became the Children's Hour organizer for Scotland. She held this important job until she retired.

Helping New Talent

Kathleen Garscadden helped many famous entertainers get their start. She gave them their first chances on radio. Some of these well-known people include:

• Gordon Jackson
• Fulton Mackay
• John Grieve
• Molly Weir
• Tom Conti
• Moira Anderson
• Sydney Devine
• Stanley Baxter
• Jimmy Logan
• Rikki Fulton
• Janet Brown

She also worked with experts who shared their knowledge with young listeners. These included Tom H. Gillespie, known as the Zoo Man. There was also James Douglas Home, the Bird Man, and Gilbert D. Fisher, the Hut Man. They all presented nature programs on Scottish Children's Hour, with Kathleen as the host.

Kathleen retired in June 1960. She had worked for the BBC for 37 years! Even after retiring, she continued to teach piano and singing lessons. She kept teaching well into the late 1980s.