A television adaptation of The Ice Cream Machine by Julie Bertagna appeared on FIVE, here in the UK, in 2004. 13 x 15 minute episodes for 6 to 9 year olds (and J-type van enthusiasts of all ages). As far as we know it has not been repeated recently.

Its star is ‘Macaroni’, an ice cream van much changed since its days as number 11 in the Verrecchia’s of Bristol fleet. After retiring from service in 1994 and being laid up for some time with other retired vans, it was purchased by Classic Confectionary of  Glasgow and put to work selling ice cream outside the Glasgow Museum of Transport. Much modified (including replacement wooden doors that hinge open rather than slide) it then made its TV debut. Whereabouts currently unknown.

Five’s Controller of Children’s Programming, Nick Wilson, said: “The Ice Cream Machine is Five’s first co-production with SMG and the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee. It’s also Five’s first original drama for younger children between 4 and 7 years old. Made in both Gaelic and English, young viewers will be enchanted.”

The Ice Cream Machine is a whimsical comedy drama set on the mythical island of Innishnamona, off the West coast of Scotland. The MacDonald family – Dad Donald and children Wayne and Wendy – buy a beat-up old ice cream van from shady car dealer Charlie Smythe. What the adults don’t know, and Wayne and Wendy discover, is that the van has magical powers.

Together with their pet goat Gina, the children have a series of comic adventures with the van, whom they call “Macaroni” after hearing him play his jingle, “Yankee Doodle!”

The children often have to outwit the villainous Charlie Smythe, his snobbish wife Flora and their moody teenage daughter Bella, who’re always scheming to take the van away from the MacDonalds. But they have an great friend in lovely Mrs Puffin, who runs the village post office.

Cast:

Macaroni: J-type ice cream van 846 EHT

Donald MacDonald: Ian Macrae

Wendy MacDonald: Karen Elder

Wayne MacDonald: Ruairidh Alistair MacIllfhinnein

Charlie Smyth: David Walker

Flora Smythe: Donna Morrison

Bella Smythe: Shona Macmillan

Mrs Puffin: Alyxis Daly

Producer – Beverley Morrison

Director – Paul Holmes

Executive Producers – Nick Wilson, Elizabeth Partyka, Margaret MacKelvie