A popular format of programme today (though now less instructional than then) that was popular at the time.

The format was also very popular with the broadcasters.  ITV contractors soon realised that programmes like 'Do It Yourself' with W P Matthew and various cookery shows could be painted as adult education series.

These series did not count towards the maximum permitted hours of broadcast each day, but were counted in the averaging of time for selling advertisements.  A 15-minute programme on grouting may have earned ATV an extra 7- or 15-second spot for adverts just outside of peaktime - thus paying for the programme and leaving something extra for the pot.