Kom Toch Eens Kijken facts for kids

Kom Toch Eens Kijken (which means Come And See) was a popular TV show for children in Flanders, Belgium. It was shown from 1955 to 1960 on the public TV channel NIR 1. This channel is now called Eén.

The show was hosted by Bob Davidse and Terry Van Ginderen. They were known to their young fans as Nonkel Bob (Uncle Bob) and Tante Terry (Aunt Terry). This was the very first children's TV show ever made in Flanders. Almost every family with a TV watched it because there was only one Flemish TV channel back then. The show also helped Bob Davidse and Terry Van Ginderen become famous.

The Show's Beginning

The idea for Kom Toch Eens Kijken came from TV producer Rik Van den Abbeele. He asked Bob Davidse to join the show. Bob Davidse was already well-known as a singer and puppeteer in Flanders.

The first episode of the show aired on March 12, 1955. At first, Bob Davidse, or Nonkel Bob, had different co-hosts. These included Tante Paula (played by Paula Sémer), Tante Lieve, Tante Rita, Tante Berta, and Tante Ria. Eventually, Terry Van Ginderen became his regular co-host, known as Tante Terry.

What Happened in Each Episode

Every episode of Kom Toch Eens Kijken began with a special song. Nonkel Bob, Tante Terry, and all the children in the studio sang it together. Nonkel Bob played his guitar during the song.

The song's tune was based on a traditional Sinterklaas song. But the words were changed to fit the TV show. After the song, everyone greeted the viewers with a special TV Ohee-salute. They would make the letter t with two index fingers. Then, they would make the letter v using their index and middle fingers, similar to the V sign. While doing this, they would shout: Ohee!

Nonkel Bob and Tante Terry would then greet the children in the studio and at home. Everyone would shout back: Dag Nonkel Bob, Dag Tante Terry! (Hi, Nonkel Bob, Hi Tante Terry!).

During the hour-long show, Nonkel Bob would teach the children fun activities. He often showed them how to do handicraft or taught them a new song on his guitar. Two of the most famous songs that started on this show were Vrolijke Vrienden (Happy Friends, from 1958) and Annemarie (from 1968).

Each week, the show also featured a special guest. This guest was usually a child. They were allowed to experience what it was like to be an adult for a day. For example, a child might spend time with the fire brigade. Nonkel Bob and Tante Terry would interview the child. Then, they would show a video report of the child's day, filmed earlier.

After joining the show in 1961, Tante Terry had her own special part. She would talk and interact with a stuffed squirrel puppet named Kraakje.

The TV-Oheeclub

Nonkel Bob also had a fan club called the TV-Oheeclub. This club was created because every episode had a contest for viewers. Children who sent in the correct answers would win a prize. If a child answered ten questions correctly, they received a special sign. This sign made them an official member of the TV-Oheeclub.

The club quickly became very popular. Children were excited to join, and it was easy to sign up by just sending a letter. Soon, the TV-Oheeclub had over 55,000 members!

Famous Guests

In 1964, Nonkel Bob and Tante Terry had a very famous band on their show. They interviewed The Rolling Stones! This was a big moment for the show.

Later Show Names

In 1960, the show changed its name to Tip-Top. It kept this name until 1961. After that, the show changed names a few more times. It was called Televisum, then Jevanjong, and finally Kijkuit.

During these later years, Nonkel Bob worked with other presenters. These included Zaki, Kris Smet, and Nadine De Sloovere. In 1965, the program helped promote drinking milk as part of the Melkbrigade (Milk Brigade) campaign. Even after the show ended, Bob Davidse remained a very important children's TV host in Flanders until 1985.