Spectrum

Jerome Cvitanovich drops in on luthier and musician Paddy Burgin. In his backyard workshop Paddy crafts guitars, bouzoukis, mandolins and harps, in fact, he can make any stringed instrument.

The Catapult Cowboy, Messenger Mick, Simple Simon Green, The Skycop, all were heroes in comic books with names like 'Young Men of Great Britain', 'Beano' and 'Dandy'. From the late 19 century till after World War 2, the comic book was a thing of delight for youngsters. For 70 years the plots hardly changed: find a good detective, cowboy or captain of the school cricket first eleven and throw in a rattling good adventure yarn. In 'When Tuppence Bought the World', first broadcast in July 1974, Alwyn Owen lingers fondly over comic books of yesteryear and re-creates their characters and adventures.

It happens every year, and the good people of Eketahuna are used to seeing women with flowing locks and bearded men striding around garbed in leather, wool - and often chain mail, and carting a sword or bow. They're gathering for a medieval camp hosted by Les Chevaliers d' Argent - or The Silver Horsemen. Over the weekend medieval enthusiasts from all over the North Island will compete, re-enacting medieval horse and foot combat and skill at arms and archery. Amelia Nurse dons a floor length gown and joins in the rivalry and revelry.

60,000 soldiers were trained at the Featherston Military Training Camp from 1916 to 1918. It was built in under a year by 1000 workers, driven by World War One's urgent need for men to fill the trenches of the Western Front. The camp was more like a small town but today a few foundations and walls are all that's left. John Hodder and Derek Hallett show Spectrum's Jack Perkins around the camp remains and re-create the life and times there.

Supergrans is a volunteer organisation which offers practical support to assist members of the community in acquiring life skills such as cooking, budgeting, menu planning, sewing and gardening. Amelia Nurse visits their Palmerston North base to get a taste of the range of services they provide.

Every time Auckland couple Sue and Scott Tindale throw their fishing lines over the side, they are trying to hook yet another record. And with over 200 approved and pending world records to their names, the Tindales' have certainly proved their angling prowess. Spectrum's Lisa Thompson meets the Tindales and learns how their passion is now providing crucial scientific information about New Zealand fish species.

The New Zealand native falcon (karearea) is severely threatened with fewer than 6000 left. The Marlborough Falcon Trust (supported by Brancott Wines) is determined to save this beautiful bird by a programme of captive breeding. But MFT also recognizes the importance of educating the public and gaining their support. Spectrum's Jack Perkins drops in on MFT.

If your bones haven't told you to stop, you keep going!" So says septuagenarian lifeguard Malcolm Beattie.

This 1995 episode of Spectrum looks at some of the phenomena associated with the Internet such as multimedia technology, video-conferencing, electronic mail, remote shopping, World-Wide Web etc. Take a tour of the information super highway with your guide Charles Darwin (CD) Rom.

Little Dog Barking Theatre, directed by Peter Wilson, creates endearing tales for children using puppetry and clever props. Spectrum's Jack Perkins drops in on a rehearsal of 'Guji Guji' by acclaimed Chinese author Chi-Yuan Chen. Involving crocodiles and ducks, this nature versus nurture story demonstrates how traditional Chinese puppetry goes far beyond the crude antics of the English Punch and Judy shows.

Paul Robeson (1898-1976) achieved fame as a singer, actor and political activist. His tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1960 delighted his admirers here. World-famous as a singer and actor in the 1930's and 1940's, Robeson had been silenced during the McCarthy era in the United States. His outspoken views on peace, black rights and decolonisation offended the US Government.

The Karekare Beach races had been an annual fundraising event for the tiny beachside community for nearly 30 years, but due to dwindling numbers, time was called in 2013. But with the local surf club celebrating its 80th anniversary, locals saw the opportunity to bring back the races. Join Spectrum's Lisa Thompson for a day at the races beach-style.

They call them the Bears: enthusiasts of British, European and American motorbikes. Recently riders from around the country gathered in Christchurch, both to race and to pay homage to one of the club's founding members, John Britten.

A Northland family clears away a decades-old collection of classic radios.