Mixed reactions to Gardenite reality tv series

Gardenites today got a glimpse at their lives through the lens of 'Reality TV' as they previewed several episodes of 'In the Night Garden', a television production which has recently completed filming in the garden. 'In the Night Garden' has followed the daily lives of several Gardenites, showcasing their 'upsys and downsies' in the words of the media release for the show.

However, following the Gazebo-hosted viewing, many gardenites expressed disappointment and anger at what they described as 'exaggerations, misrepresentations and selective editing' on the part of producers of the show. Upsy Daisy explained that she felt her love of flowers had been 'overplayed' and stated that she rarely chased her bed. 'It's not really me', she stated, 'I mean, I love my bed, but the show makes it look like I luuurve my bed, if you know what I mean'. Other residents disappointed by their on screen portrayal included Makka Pakka who argued that careful editing and 'faked situations' had made him look like 'a total nut job'. 'I wondered why producers insisted that I wash everyone's faces almost every time the camera was on me. Now I know. They needed an 'OCD' character for this so-called 'reality' show' he fumed, adding that he planned to seek legal advice, 'right after I go and wash my hands'. Tombliboo Oo confirmed the 'un-reality' of the filming process: 'let's just say the waist bands of our pants were somewhat loosened, for comedy effect'.

Other residents were more positive about the show and their portrayal. Mrs Pontipine expressed delight at seeing her family on television  'I never dreamed that I would be a tv star when I was fleeing Soviet Russia with only my hat, coat and binoculars', she stated. Haa Hoo X stated that, contrary to expectations, the camera had 'removed five pounds' with respect to the Haa Hoos.

 Media reviews of the show have also been largely enthusiastic. While some reviewers have expressed confusion about the premise, most agree that the characters are interesting enough to keep the show going. Upsy Daisy comes in for praise as a 'strong female lead' and has been compared favourably to Reality TV megastars such as Kim Kardashian and Snooky.

In the Night Garden will screen nightly on local television.

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Makka-Pakka-rena dance craze sweeps night garden

A new dance craze has hit the garden, with gardenites swinging their arms from side to side and clapping awkwardly. The Makka-Pakka-rena, as it is known, is so popular that it looks set to be even bigger than the Iggle Piggle Shuffle craze of the early 1990's. The dance, which is often performed to the beat of a nonsense word chant, has become so pervasive that the teeny tiny Pontipines have 'updated' their traditional circle dance to include some of the Makka-Pakka-rena moves.

Um-dum-agga-pang! The Tombliboos do the Makka-Pakka-rena.

Many health officials have welcomed the craze, suggesting that anything that helps residents get more exercise is 'a good thing'. However, several doctors have warned that the Makka-Pakka-rena may have dangerous health outcomes if used carelessly. 'The dance involves lots of twisting from side to side,' said one concerned doctor, highlighting the possibility that gardenites may injure their backs if not properly warmed up before they attempt the 'rena'.

Speaking from inside his cave, Makka Pakka confirmed rumours that he is behind the popular new dance. 'Yes, I started the Makka-Pakka-rena', stated Pakka. He explained that he was not sure where the idea for the dance came from: 'I was just inspired, I heard a voice in my head chanting some words and suddenly I was swinging from side to side, clapping and jumping'. While acknowledging the risks to residents, an unrepentant Pakka said that he feels 'extremely proud' that his creation has become so popular.  'I'm just glad to be able to give something back to the community here in the garden', he stated.

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Ninky-Nonk announces safety upgrades

Ninky-Nonk Inc have announced sweeping improvements to the safety of the Ninky-Nonk, with the implementation of several new safety measures. The measures will address the Night Garden Safety Authority (NGSA) Standard 0572 ('Injury Avoidance Measures for Night Garden Public Transportation Systems') which was developed, says an NGSA representative, in response to last month's Ponking injury (for our exclusive coverage of that story, please click here). The Ninky-Nonk changes will include the introduction of five-point safety harnesses in all carriages, hand-holds for passengers who are unable to bend in the middle to sit properly, vehicle and luggage racks, and door closing override switches.

'Look, no hands!': Tombliboo Ee demonstrates safer seatbelts in the Tombliboo carriage

Many residents have expressed relief  at the news of the proposed safety improvements. One gardenite, who wished to remain anonymous stated that he had often 'feared for his life' when aboard the Ninky-Nonk because of its speed and propensity to run up trees, even at times turning upside down. 'Sometimes riding on the Ninky-Nonk scares the pants off of me, literally,' said our source.

Implementation of the new measures will begin immediately and representatives of Ninky-Nonk Inc state that all carriages will be out of action for a 'short but indefinite period' while the upgrades are installed. As the Pinky-Ponk remains grounded while dangerous plaything the Ball is at large, this means that some residents will not have access to any public transport during the upgrade period. Resident diva and strident community spokesperson Upsy Daisy stated that this will be a difficult time for residents. 'The Ninky-Nonk and Pinky-Ponk are an integral part of our social fabric here in the night garden. They are not just our transportation but our most important form of entertainment and the very hub of our socialising as a community' she explained. 'There's pretty much nothing else to do around here'. Upsy has started a petition for temporary  transportation for residents during the upgrade period, suggesting 'some kind of bus' be provided. In the meantime, Upsy has generously offered gardenites rides on her bed, and Makka Pakka has offered the use of his Ogg-Pogg.

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Stone stocks plummet

The night garden has experienced the worst day of trading in living memory as stone stocks took a large hit today on the exchange. The Gazebo bought news of the crash to gardenites who could only watch in horror as the story unfolded. 'My hair stood on end,' said one witness, 'I just couldn't believe it'.

Not enough spending: experts
Experts believe sub-prime lending on houses, bushes and caves, has largely precipitated the crisis, but admitted that low consumer confidence and reduced spending has also contributed. Said one stock market insider, 'we just aren't seeing gardenites part with their cash for a new wardrobe for summer, or even a change of clothes. Some have dispensed with clothes altogether, perhaps for fiscal reasons'.


Superannuation at risk
The stone plummet comes as a blow to residents who invested in these stocks as part of their superannuation,  notably Makka Pakka, who reported that his retirement plans are now on hold. 'Unless there is a big recovery, I won't have enough,' he said regretfully. 'Stones have always seemed the safe bet, this has been a big shock'.

Makka Pakka with his now largely worthless stock portfolio

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Say Haallow to the HaaHoos

In the second of our in-depth profiles of night gardenites we meet the always enigmatic and often surprising HaaHoos.

A walk among HaaHoos is a walk among gentle giants. They bounce, sway, and smile at our crew as we make our way toward their leader, HaaHoo X, who has agreed to give The Daily readers an inside look at HaaHoo life. The first thing people should know about the HaaHoos, says X, is that their well known cry of 'HaaHoo' does not mean 'hello' as many have supposed. 'No, it's part of a complex mating ritual,' he states, but he refuses to be drawn into specifics.'You really don't want to know,' he says, leading us toward the rest of the group.

The HaaHoos. Clockwise from rear left: Oval, Flower, Figure Eight (known affectionately as 'Beany'), X and Star.

The HaaHoos have no specific home in the garden, although they tend to spend most of their time near the Gazebo. 'We feel most comfortable here,' says X, 'The Gazebo has taken an interest in our culture and has even developed a series of lectures for interested residents' (see our Community Notices page for more information). While introducing us to the other HaaHoos, X enumerates some of their many accomplishments and talents. HaaHoo Flower apparently runs a very profitable internet dating website, HaaHoo Star is one of the world's leading experts on the bottle-nosed dolphin, and HaaHoo Figure Eight once bounced for the Queen. These surprising achievements belie the seemingly quiet life that the  HaaHoos have in the night garden, with the majority of excitement coming when residents wave to them from the Pinky-Ponk or the Ninky-Nonk decides to play a game of 'chicken'.

It is just this 'fairly boring' image that the HaaHoos want to change, says X. 'We've lived here for many years, and have yet to really feel accepted as fellow residents. We feel like we are seen as large pillows, or plump garden statues- nice to have around but hardly likely to be included in any meaningful way in adventures and so forth,' he rants. The other HaaHoos agree that they feel 'under-utilised and under-appreciated' in the garden.

A key problem, the HaaHoos feel, is that there is no place for them on the garden transport systems. Thus, they can't go for hair-raising rides on the Ninky-Nonk or share the joys of hitting a tree or bush in the Pinky-Ponk. They plan to lobby the transport minister to change this. We ask how the HaaHoos, large as they are, would fit inside either transport. But, 'how does anyone fit?' questions HaaHoo X. 'If you look closely at the Pinky-Ponk and Ninky-Nonk, the only ones who should be able to get aboard are the Pontipines. I'm sure with some clever use of perspective, they can make room for us as well'.

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Ball classed as flight risk to Pinky-Ponk

The Pinky-Ponk has been grounded indefinitely after several serious mid-air collisions with notorious night garden menace the Ball. Observers say that the Ball deliberately targetted the Pinky-Ponk, which at one point was knocked into a tailspin. The Pinky-Ponk sent out two mayday hails over the trubliphone network but managed to recover just seconds from what would have been a crash landing on the Pontipine house.

An eye-witness photo of an upside-down Pinky-Ponk just moments after being hit by wanted criminal, the Ball

Frustrated: Authorities
Pinky-Ponk-Inc have stated that their air transport ship will remain grounded for as long as the Ball is at large. 'It's just too great a risk to passenger safety', stated a representative, 'we've had enough trouble over the Ponking'. When questioned, night garden authorities stated that they were frustrated by a lack of leads to help them locate the Ball. 'We get calls all the time,' said a spokesperson, 'but when we follow them up, it ends up being one of those spherical bushes'.

Authorities are also concerned that some gardenites might be deliberately harbouring the Ball and providing it with shelter, food or other support 'because it is fun to play with'. Their spokesperson reiterated the message posted in The Daily last week that the Ball is a highly dangerous con artist which should be approached with caution, if at all. 'Get straight on the trubliphone if you see it,' he stated, but, 'wait until you are sure it is the Ball before you call'. See pictures below for a helpful guide to identifying the Ball.

Two round bushes (foreground), pictured here with HaaHoo X. These bushes pose no threat to gardenites, say authorities. Experts suggest that they can be readily distinguished from the Ball by the fact that the bushes rarely move and they are often found in groups of two, either side-by-side or stacked on top of eachother.

Wanted criminal, the Ball, shown here with Upsy Daisy before it's flight from justice. Authorities warn gardenites that 'playing' with the Ball is very risky.

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Album Reviews

Daisy Do! 
Upsy Daisy NGMI


The title says it all on Daisy's fifth studio album. Daisy Do! is an intimate album, inspired, says Daisy by her deeply rooted love of music and singing. More experimental than previous albums, Daisy Do! is a mesh of styles from the operatic "Ah-ah-ah-ah Daisy" to the reggae inspired "Do-Daisy-Do". "Pip-pip Onk-onk" combines racing melodies, soaring harmonies with poetic storytelling: 'Riding on the Ninky-Nonk/My stop comes up/Pip-pip onk-onk!'. Previous albums have proved that Daisy is a talented songwriter and producer, and this album is no departure. It's hard to believe that Upsy could produce an album to top previous successes like Megaphone Musings or the rap/hip hop album What's My Name?, both of which went double platinum, but Daisy Do! looks set to do just that.*****

Ombli Bombli (Instrumental)
The Tombliboos Gardenite Records

The long-awaited debut album from The Tombliboos is just what fans were hoping for. This group already have a large following from their spontaneous and perky live shows, but the album has been a no-show for several years. 'We just kept putting it off', said Un, the ostensible leader of the group. 'We've had, like, so much on these past couple of years, sitting in a studio wasn't a high priority'. The tracks move from lively and loud ("Trousers", "Blocks"), to soft and thoughtful ("Teeth", "Bedtime"). A whole album of instrumental music may not be everyone's cup of pinky-ponk juice, but trust us, this is the perfect sound track to your next dinner party. There are no jarring notes to this wonderful debut. ****

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Porker Pakka sheds pounds

Portly gardenite Makka Pakka has recently been seen sporting a more svelt figure. Speaking exclusively to The Daily, Pakka reveals that his fat-busting fitness secret is simple: stone lifting. 'Actually the weight's been coming off gradually ever since I became interested in stones. I feel lighter every day', he stated.

Makka Pakka: Before his transformation (left) waving to the Ninky-Nonk as it passes him by and after (right) with his trim new figure, striding easily through the garden without the help of his Ogg-Pogg.

With a new spring in his step, Pakka, 45, has been seen washing faces with more than his usual vigor, and reports that he even managed to catch the Ninky-Nonk without resorting to the use of his trumpet. Stone lifting is not Pakka's only secret, he reveals. 'I've also cut down on Pinky-Ponk juice and have started to use my exercise Ogg-Pogg at home when watching telly. I even sleep with a stone to keep myself motivated'. 

Pakka 'a good example'
Night garden health authorities have expressed relief that at least one plus-sized resident has taken a 'stepping stone' towards good health. 'We are concerned about the growing girth of some of the night garden residents. Even the so-called 'teeny tiny' Pontipine parents are carrying considerable excess weight around their middles, and this a well-known indicator of risk for heart disease and other health problems. Makka Pakka is setting a good example and we hope other residents will follow his lead'.

Makka Pakka has offered his advice and support to other gardenites seeking sleeker figures. 'I feel my journey could inspire others, and I've got some practical tips to offer as well. Naming no names, but you don't slim down by lying around in bed all day, and carrying a blanket around is hardly weight-bearing exercise,' he says. Pakka has even developed his own range of fitness equipment, including the Makksimiser(TM), which Pakka describes as a cross between the Cardio Twister and the Denise Austin Power Belt, 'but with more stones'.

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The Ball still at large

Night garden authorities are seeking information as to the whereabouts of the Ball, after several reports of public nuisance and grevious bodily harm. The Ball has not been seen since it bounced into Makka Pakka, knocking him into his Ogg-Pogg. Witnesses say that this act was deliberate, and sources report that it is only one of a string of similar incidents.

Sneaky tactics
Iggle Piggle, who claims he has also been a victim of the Ball's antisocial behaviour, said that the Ball lures gardenites into playing with it before turning on them. 'It's the bouncing,' he explained, 'It makes it look like something fun to throw or kick around'. Iggle stated that he was playing with the Ball when it suddenly built up speed by bouncing against several trees, before throwing itself toward him and knocking him to the ground. Other residents have been similarly tricked by the devious sphere. 
 
Authorities report that they have no firm leads as to the Ball's whereabouts at this stage. 'Unfortunately information so far has only resulted in the detainment and subsequent release of the oval HaaHoo in a case of mistaken identity. But there are not many places that the Ball can hide in the night garden once we have ruled out the Tombliboo residence, Upsy Daisy's bed and Makka Pakka's cave, so we are confident that we will find it soon,' said a source.

Readers should take note of the following description of the Ball: round, bouncy, caucasian, with a distinct jingling sound as it moves. Anyone who sees the Ball should contact authorities and approach it with caution.

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'Ponking' ban considered after Iggle injury

Residents who elect to ride the Pinky-Ponk around the night garden may soon have a smoother ride as the night garden council considers a proposal to ban 'Ponking'. The move comes after ubiquitous garden visitor Iggle Piggle reportedly suffered an injury from falling over during a large Ponk. Piggle, who was unable to discuss his injury because of an impending lawsuit, was travelling in the company of Upsy Daisy and the Tombliboos when the Pinky-Ponk hit a tree.

'Ponk alarm adequate'
Upsy Daisy, a long-term friend of Iggle Piggle, is spearheading the anti-Ponk campaign in the night garden. 'We need to put an end to Ponking. It looks like fun, but it is potentially hazardous, as Iggle's injuries confirm', she stated.

Representatives of Pinky-Ponk Inc have responded to claims that their transport is dangerous by pointing out that a proximity alarm is triggered in order to warn travellers that a Ponk is imminent, allowing them time to prepare. 'The Ponk alarm gives adequate warning for customers', said one. 'There is a light and sound component so that even hearing impaired customers are warned. We really don't see how we could make the Pinky-Ponk any safer'.

Upsy Daisy and others in the anti-Ponk camp are not convinced. 'What is the point of the warning if there are no seatbelts and nothing to hold on to?' questioned Upsy.

Ponking 'just good fun'
Ponk enthusiasts are outraged by the proposal to ban their favourite sport, which is unique to the night garden. One enthusiastic Ponker argued, 'Ponking makes otherwise boring journey on the Pinky-Ponk fun! What else are we supposed to do, wave at one another?' Another Ponker, who wished to remain anonymous, suggested that Iggle Piggle may have been injured because of an inherent problem with balance, and not because of the Ponk. 'Iggle Piggle falls over at the drop of a hat, not just in the Pinky Ponk', our informant stated.

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Excitement builds over 'Night Garden's Got Talent'

News that auditions will begin soon for The Night Garden's Got Talent has gardenites in a frenzy of excitement. The Gazebo has been confirmed as the judge, and the Disembodied Voice, known to residents as 'Barry', will be the host.

'It's the perfect role for me', said Barry, 'I'm totally comfortable saying things like 'what will you be doing today, Makka Pakka?' or 'The Tombliboos are playing Tombliboo music!'' I think my ability to explain what is going on to an audience will be invaluable to viewers of Got Talent'.

The audition process will kick off on Wednesday, and The Daily is able to bring readers this list of confirmed auditionees:
* Upsy Daisy (song and dance routine)
* Makka Pakka (stone stacking)
* Tombliboo Oo and Ee (piano and drum musical duet)
* Tombliboo Un (trouser twirling)
* The HaaHoos (synchronised swaying)

A garden insider reports that Iggle Piggle is also considering auditioning and has been seen practicing a daring bull fighting number using his red blanket. The Pontipine family have expressed disappointment that their proposed chimney jumping act was turned down by producers as 'too dangerous'. 'My children do it all the time, it's traditional in our culture', explained Mr Pontipine. The family are considering auditioning for Got Talent with a folk dancing act instead.

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Makka Pakka: 'Give me my own carriage'

Well-known stone artist and face-washer, Makka Pakka, staged a peaceful protest in the night garden this evening.  The protest was to draw attention to 'the need for more Ninky-Nonk carriages to be made available to residents'. During the protest, Pakka parked his Og-Pog in the path of the Ninky-Nonk as it took its journey around the night garden. The protest was largely unsuccessful as the Ninky-Nonk avoided Pakka and the Og-Pog by running up a tree.

Tombliboo carriage 'uncomfortable'
When interviewed by The Daily, Pakka explained that he felt it unfair that he was forced to share a carriage with three other passengers, Tombliboo Un, Oo and Ee. 'It's uncomfortable,' he told our reporter. 'The seats are not designed to fit my form and the seatbelts barely go around my middle. I'm also sick of seeing the Tombliboo pants fly off whenever the road gets a little rough'. While declining to place blame on other gardenites, Pakka pointed out that Iggle Piggle, a garden visitor, had his own carriage, which he frequently didn't use because he prefered to travel with Upsy Daisy. 'It's practically a spare carriage, that's all I'm saying,' he stated.

Other gardenites expressed sympathy for Makka Pakka's protest. 'We have to share our carriage with the Wottingers, so we know what it's like,' said Mr Pontipine, 'Can you imagine sixteen squealing children in that small space? Luckily the Wottingers don't seem to leave the house very often, and our children quite like to travel on the roof'.

Ninky-Nonk honchos: 'No new carriages'
When asked for their response, a representative of Ninky-Nonk-Inc stated that the Ninky-Nonk was currently carrying a full complement of carriages and there were no plans for new carriages in the near future. Pakka expressed fury at this response which he said was 'typical of the cold hearted corporation which runs the public transport system in the night garden'. He added that he would not be providing washing services for the Ninky-Nonk until his demands were met.

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Living large: At home with the Pontipines

In the first of our special in-depth profiles of night gardenites, The Daily is exploring the wonderful world of the Pontipine family. This exclusive interview with the family will give readers a teeny tiny glimpse into their hopes, dreams, and fears.

Mr Pontipine meets us at the gate of the family home, a semi-detached pre-war townhouse. He is simply dressed in a red coat and large hat, and he twirls his moustache as he shows us around. The yard is perfect for traditional folk dancing displays and picnics, he says. 'We often eat out here. We like the children to have a lot of fresh air. Frankly, we encourage them to be outside as much as possible.'

Mr and Mrs Pontipine purchased the house when they were 'a couple of fancy free yuppies', Mrs Pontipine laughs. Now, many years and eight children later, the single fronted dwelling can hardly hold the family of ten, who have to sleep altogether in the same room. While this arrangement has 'kept the family at a reasonable size', Mr Pontipine admits that there have been down sides. 'Imagine eight newborn babies in one room', he says, shivering slightly at the memory.

Mr Pontipine shows us into his study where three children pop out suddenly from behind a bookshelf. After shooing them away, Mr Pontipine points us to his desk where a completed manuscript sits, awaiting his final approval before it will be sent to his publishers. The book, titled Living by the bell: Our life with eight teeny tiny children is 'a handbook for parents, grandparents, school teachers, basically anyone with a large number of children to contain', explains Mr Pontipine. The family are very excited about the upcoming publication, due in stores in time for Christmas, and Mrs Pontipine confides that she hopes the royalties will make their life a little easier by allowing them to expand their home. She has her eye on the adjoining townhouse, where another teeny tiny family currently resides. 'If we could buy the Wottingers out and knock through, we could double our living space,' she enthuses.

As to rumours that they are somehow related to the Wottinger family, Mrs Pontipine chuckles. 'We get that all the time. But no, they are no relation. Frankly, I can't see that many similarities between our families at all, apart from the eight children thing. No one asks if we are related to John and Kate Plus Eight'.

While living what some would see as an idealistic existance - walks in the garden, picnics, games of hide and seek, rides on the Ninky-Nonk and Pinky-Ponk - the family admit to one secret fear. 'Have you seen the size of the Tittifers?' asks Mr Pontipine, referring to the garden's famous all-bird barbershop group. 'We live in fear of one of the children being taken by one of those things.' This, he explains, is one reason why the family are so particular about heading to bed as soon as they hear the Tittifers start to sing each evening.

As we interview the family, the peace of the household is shaken by a sudden immense noise. Plates of delicious food dance across the table and pictures fall from the wall. 'It's those darn Tombliboos again,' shouts Mr Pontipine over the racket. Grabbing the family's trubliphone, he begins shouting into it. 'Tell them to turn it down!', yells Mrs Pontipine. 'I am telling them, Vera!' he replies. The children dance around with their hands over their ears. Everything is chaos. One gets the feeling that this scene has been played out many times in this little house.

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Upsy Daisy Lip Sync Scandal

The night garden has been rocked by admissions that well-known singer Upsy Daisy was lip syncing to a pre-recorded track at her concert last Tuesday night. 'Her lips didn't move in time with the song', said one concert attendee, 'it was a dead giveaway'. Another noted that the song she sang was identical to one that she had sung previously.

Upsy 'Virus'
In a press conference held today, Upsy Daisy's manager stated that the singer had a 'virus' and was unable to perform on Tuesday. 'Rather than disappoint her fans, Upsy decided to mime', he confirmed.  He added that Ms Daisy was still recovering from her alleged illness, and was spending a lot of time in her bed. 'She sends kisses to all her fans,' he said.

Cease and desist: Pontipines
In related news, the Pontipine family have taken out a court order against Upsy Daisy demanding that she cease and desist from her megaphone concerts altogether. The family argued that the noise level generated by Ms Daisy and her megaphone exceeds maximum safety levels recommended by teeny tiny doctors. 'Our children are at risk of severe damage to their hearing if these concerts persist', stated Mr Pontipine.

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

Night garden dance-a-thon
A community dance-a-thon will be held at the Gazebo this evening. Registration not required. Bring your dancing shoes for a fun community evening. Residents and guests welcome. All enquiries to Upsy Daisy.

Tooth brushing course
Registrations are now open for a three day intensive course on oral hygiene. The course will cover correct tools, frequency and Tombliboo technique. The cost of the course includes a comprehensive toothbrushing handbook and a giant toothbrush. Please see Tombliboo Un, Oo or Ee to register.

Those Mysterious HaaHoos
The Gazebo will host an information session for interested residents on the origin, history and modern cultural significance of the HaaHoos on Monday evening at 5pm. The session will include detailed pictures and stories about the HaaHoos. HaaHoo X will attend to conduct a demonstration of a traditional HaaHoo welcoming ceremony. Registration is required for catering purposes.

Cleaning Service Price Increase
In Your Face Cleaning Services regretfully announce a 10% price increase for all residential and commercial cleaning services effective October, 2011. The price rise is to cover the increased cost of soap as a result of the Carbon Tax. A copy of the new price schedule is available from Makka Pakka.

Notice of Planning Application
Notice is hereby given that an application has been made for planning approval for the following development:
Site: 1 Large Bush Way, Night Garden
Proposal: Extension to existing bush; expansion of entrance way
Applicants: Un Tombliboo, Oo Tombliboo, Ee Tombliboo
The application and associated plans and documents will be available for inspection at the Council Offices during normal office hours for a period of fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice, during which time any resident may make representations in relation to the proposal by letter addressed to the General Manager, Night Garden Council.

Lost and Found
Mr Pontipine would like to speak to anyone who has information as to the whereabouts of his mustache. The mustache was last seen flying through the air last Thursday. There is a reward for information leading to the mustache's return.

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Iggle Piggle confirms identity

In an exclusive interview with The Daily, Iggle Piggle, sometime visitor to the night garden, has confirmed his identity. 'Yes, my name is Iggle Piggle,' he stated.

Mr Piggle's full name is Iggle Piggle Niggle Wiggle Diggle. He explained that Piggle is his mother's maiden name, which he uses in preference to his real surname, Diggle. 'Iggle Diggle just sounds silly. I can't believe my parents named me that. I prefer to go with Piggle'. Confusingly, Piggle's family also occassionally use yet another surname, Woo. But, says Iggle, 'we are not related to Hong-Kong based film director John Woo'.

Piggle states that he does not respond to any diminutive form of his name. 'No, I don't like being called Ig, Iggy, or anything like that. My friends call me Iggle Piggle or 'The Big P'', he stated.

Piggle hopes that making this public statement about his name will reduce the need for him to keep introducing himself to everyone.

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Ninky-Nonk accessibility questioned

A public meeting was held today to discuss the accessibility of the night garden's public transport system. Residents raised concerns about the fact that neither the Ninky-Nonk nor Pinky-Ponk have designated stops for passengers to alight, and that the Ninky-Nonk is not easily accessible by handy-capable or pregnant residents.

'All of the carriages have stairs', explained one resident who preferred to remain anonymous, 'it makes it hard to get one's Og-Pog on board'. Upsy Daisy agreed that the flight of stairs needed to reach her carriage was long, but stated that 'it gives a great leg and bum workout'.

Smaller residents constantly miss transport
The teeny tiny Pontipines made a statement to the meeting that on many occasions they had simply been unable to catch either the Ninky-Nonk or Pinky-Ponk due to the lack of designated stops. 'We just can't catch the darn things', said Mrs Pontipine. 'I can see them stopping through my binoculars, but by the time we get there, they have gone'. The Wottingers made a similar statement.

Although residents voted in favour of converting the Ninky-Nonk steps into ramps and creating a network of stops to be used by both transport systems, no agreement was reached as to how to proceed. While the teeny tiny Pontipines offered their children as unpaid laborers, other residents were less obliging. 'My skills lie more in dancing and skipping than building ramps', stated Upsy Daisy.

Pinky-Ponk 'Unsanitary'?
Deferred for another meeting were questions about the hygiene standards in the Pinky-Ponk, which includes a beverage service as part of every flight. 'We want to be assured that the juice is fresh for each flight, and that the sippi cups have been thoroughly washed', said Tombliboo Un, who raised the item on the agenda. 'I love Pinky-Ponk juice, but not if it's crawling with bacteria'.

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Tombliboos hold music appreciation evening

Gardenites were tonight treated to a musical feast when Un, Oo and Ee Tombliboo of 1 Large Bush Way, Night Garden, held an open music appreciation evening. 'We thought it was time to share our music with others', said Un, 'Our art deserves to be heard'.

Pontipines, Makka Pakka 'not fans'

Notorious night garden resident Makka Pakka, 35, attended the Tombliboo's musical evening, but explained to The Daily that he was no music lover. 'I was merely hanging around waiting to wash the Tombliboo faces', he said. Nearby residents Mr and Mrs Pontipine and family declined to attend, but reported that the Tombliboo music was audible from their home. 'Those three are louder than Upsy Daisy, and she has a megaphone', said Mrs Pontipine. 

No pants necessary
When asked by The Daily if they wore Tombliboo trousers during the meeting, the Tombliboos shook their heads in unison. 'They just fall down', explained Oo. Other pant-less gardenites, including Iggle Piggle welcomed this 'no shirt, no shoes, no pants, no problem' policy in the midst of an evening of high culture. 'It's about time the garden loosened up', he said, 'I never wear pants, and I'm glad to see the Tombliboos doing the same'.

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Carried Away: Pontipine bed joy ride terror

An innocent game of hide and seek turned to terror for eight Pontipine children in the night garden today. The children told The Daily exclusively that they were hiding in Upsy Daisy's bed when the bed began moving autonomously. The bed, a second generation Slumbertron 2000, was purchased by Upsy Daisy several years ago, and only responds to her commands. When invaded by the Pontipine children, explains Upsy Daisy, the bed just took off. 'Only I am allowed in my bed', she said. 'Mwah!' she added.

"Scared": Pontipine parents
'We were scared' says Mrs Pontipine, nervously stroking the binoculars around her neck. 'When the bed took off like that, we didn't know if we would see our children again'. Mr Pontipine believes the children could have been killed. 'That bed is completely out of control. Anything could have happened', he said.

The Pontipine children managed to jump from the bed and into the safety of the Pontipine family chimney. All say that they will think twice before playing hide and seek in the night garden again. The Pontipine family are seeking legal advice regarding the situation, and are considering suing Upsy Daisy for the 'pain and suffering' caused by the bed's reckless behaviour. 'Upsy Daisy needs to take responsibility for her bed's actions. She can't just kiss this away', said Mr Pontipine.

Upsy not to blame
Iggle Piggle, a frequent visitor to the night garden and well known associate of Upsy Daisy, claimed in an interview this evening that Ms Daisy was not to blame for her bed's behaviour. 'The bed has malfunctioned since Upsy purchased it. She has followed the manufacturer's instructions to the letter, but it keeps running away. Frankly, if the Pontipine children get in Upsy Daisy's bed, they do so at their own risk'.

Wottingers: No comment
The Wottingers, who instigated the hide and seek game with the Pontipines, had no comment to make about the Pontipine children's misadventure. They did, however, point out that the rules of hide and seek usually preclude the hiders from moving location while the seekers are looking. 'If they hadn't moved from the flower pot to the bed, maybe this wouldn't have happened', said one Wottinger. The failed game has not harmed relations between the Wottingers and their Pontipine neighbours, however. 'We're still on waving terms', said Mrs Wottinger.

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