Raymond Cusick, the designer of the Daleks from the BBC’s Doctor Who series, has died aged 84 after a short illness. The Daleks quickly became the iconic villains in Doctor Who, which marks it’s 50th anniversary later in the year. Of all Doctor Who’s enemies, the Daleks quickly became his ultimate and most enduring nemesis!!

Raymond Cusick gave form to the concept of the Daleks, created by Doctor Who screenwriter Terry Nation, which first appeared in series one of Doctor Who nearly 50 years ago.The BBC and media in general will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who later in the year and it is sad that Raymond Cusick will not be around to join in the celebrations. No doubt he will be looking down with pride as an honorary Time Lord with deceased Doctor Who’s William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee.

In Doctor Who folklore, the race of Daleks was said to have been developed by a scientist to survive a war on their home planet of Skaro. However, the scientist was later killed by his own creation. The Daleks, mutants encased in studded, tank-like machinery that appear to glide over the ground, became a cultural phenomenon, with generations growing to love their famous electronic command of “Exterminate”.

At the same time, of all Doctor Who’s adversaries, the Daleks struck fear into the hearts and minds of children in the UK and the author does not mind admitting cowering behind the sofa on many an occasion. The consolation was the knowledge that Daleks couldn’t climb stairs, so unless you lived in a bungalow, you were safe at bedtime!! The rational adult mind informs us that there is nothing to fear from an object inspired by a pepperpot, looking like a dustbin sporting a sink plunger!! However it was a different matter as an eight and ten year old between 1970 and 1972. However Doctor Who aka Jon Pertwee, our caped crusader, was always on hand to re-assure us with his calming and soothing words……..and the sexy Jo Grant always offered a pleasant distraction!!

What are your memories of the Daleks? Which was “your Doctor Who”? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

Preserve your favourite TV programme for posterity, by ordering the DVD of your favourite TV sitcom, framed with a personalised engraved plaque  ORDER NOW… www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl records, framed CDs and framed DVDs with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!  ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/