Patsy Biscoe facts for kids

Patsy Biscoe is an Australian TV star, singer, and guitarist. She was born in 1946. Patsy became famous for her work on children's TV shows. These included Here's Humphrey and Fat Cat and Friends. She has released many music albums for kids. These albums often featured popular nursery rhymes. Over her career, she sold more than 500,000 albums!

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Patsy Biscoe was born in Shimla, India, in 1946. Her father was a British army officer. Her mother worked for the government. When she was a child, her family moved to Australia. They first settled in Sydney. Later, when Patsy was nine, they moved to Sandy Bay in Hobart.

Patsy showed musical talent early on. She won a special scholarship for classical singing. This happened after she sang at a music festival called an eisteddfod. While studying medicine at the University of Tasmania, she also sang and played guitar. She performed at a jazz club on Sunday nights.

Her studies and early music career faced a challenge. Patsy was in a car accident. This accident affected her eyesight. She used her unique long-fringed haircut to cover a scar on her forehead.

In 1965, Patsy entered a TV talent show. It was called Bandstand. She was a finalist in the "Starflight International" part of the show. She recorded her first album in Sydney that same year. It was with CBS Records.

Her Television Career

Patsy Biscoe became very well-known in Adelaide. She regularly appeared on the Nine Network children's show, Here's Humphrey. This show ran from 1965 to 2008. Patsy became the host of the show in September 1970. She also presented another local children's TV show called "Channel Niners."

Later, she appeared as a singer on Fat Cat and Friends. This was another popular children's TV show. It was on SAS-10 from 1972 to 1991. In 1980, Patsy helped promote an important message. She appeared in a TV ad campaign. It was for the Road Safety Council in South Australia. The ads encouraged children to wear seat belts.

Life After TV

After many years of performing, Patsy decided to retire from TV. She then became a naturopath. A naturopath is someone who helps people stay healthy using natural methods.

Patsy also got involved in local government. She served as the Deputy Mayor of the Barossa Council. This is a local government area in Australia. She was also the Chair of the Tanunda Town Committee.

Awards and Fun Facts

Patsy Biscoe received a special honor in 2016. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This award recognized her great contributions to music. It also honored her work in her local community.

In the early 1990s, an Australian comedian named Glynn Nicholas made fun of Patsy. He played a character called "Paté Biscuit" on a TV comedy show. It was called The Big Gig. Patsy herself even appeared on the show several times! In one episode, she tied up Paté Biscuit. Then she took his place on the show with his hand puppet, Bongo. Patsy also used her own hand puppet, Bongette. Bongette was Bongo's female friend. When Bongo and Bongette were on screen together, they always seemed to like each other a lot!

Her Music Albums

Patsy Biscoe released many albums during her career. These albums were very popular with children and families. Here are some of her well-known albums:

• The Voice of Patsy Biscoe (1966)
• Patsy Biscoe Sings Your Fifty Favourite Nursery Rhymes (1973)
• Games & Songs to Play on Your Birthday (1978)
• Jesus Loves Me (1979)
• Patsy's Christmas Album (1980)
• 50 Favourite Nursery Rhymes Volume Two (1982)
• 50 Favourite Nursery Rhymes Volume Three (1983)
• Songs to Play on a Rainy Day (For Children of All Ages) (1986)
• Come Waltzing Matilda (1986)
• Who Built the Ark? (1987)
• Hush Little Baby (1987)
• Once Upon a Time with Patsy Biscoe (1989)