Life as TV stars on the Associated Television Programme “Action” came to an end for students John Donkin (18) and Janet Richbell (17) on Tuesday, when they starred in the final shooting of a six-week do-it-yourself boat building series at Aldenham Reservoir, Elstree.

John, of Silverdale Road, Bushey, and Janet, of Bullhead Road, Boreham Wood, were chosen to build the £66 “Mirror Class” dinghy on the children’s magazine programme because neither of them had ever built, sailed or owned a boat before.

Both attend Boreham Wood College of Further Education, where John is on day release from the nearby computer firm of Elliot Automation. Janet is a full-time secretarial student.

Janet and John made their first TV appearance last month and each week afterwards they were seen assembling the boat in stages from a kit, so that viewers could see how simplified modern methods have made it possible for young people to build their own craft.

On Tuesday, Janet and John, together with a crew of cameramen and programme compere Peter Murray, took the completed craft to Aldenham Sailing Club at Aldenham Reservoir, Elstree, for the launching ceremony.

After fastening their lifebelts, Janet and John boarded the boat and as TV cameras rolled, famous yachtsman Jack Holt, who designed the dinghy, broke a bottle of champagne over the bow of the craft and it sailed off into the water.
Now the boat, christened Action, is to be given as a gift to Dr Barnado’s Homes.

[From the Watford Observer of July 8, 1966]