Memory Lane calls Countryfile’s John
JOHN Craven is celebrating his love of nature and writing as he goes back to his roots to mark 50 years ontv.
The veteran presenter, 80, looks at his life and career in a special edition of his Countryfile programme tonight.
The BBC show has taken him all over Britain and his 1,250th episode, John Craven’s Best of Britain, revisits some of his most special places.
His travels include his beloved Yorkshire, awiltshire water meadow and the dark hedges of County Antrim made famous by hit series Game Of Thrones.
John says: “This programme is rather special to me because the month of May marks my 50th year as a presenter on BBC One. Imagine that, half a century. I can hardly believe it.
“And almost 30 of those years have been spent here on Countryfile, so it seems like a good opportunity to share some of my favourite moments.
“I’ve heard fascinating stories about its people and its history. And what an experience it has been.”
Explaining his love of nature, he says: “Although I am from the city of Leeds, as soon as I was old enough to ride a bike I was pedalling out into the countryside.
“First to Lowerwharfedale and then further afield.with my teenage pals, I went walking, camping and potholing.theyorkshire Dales became my back yard.”
At nine, John’s primary school teacher encouraged him to enter a national writing competition that would eventually led to a career in journalism. He says: “Although I did not win the big prize I did win 10 shillings, worth around £20 today
– my first fee.
“That’s when it dawned on me that it might just be possible to make a living from writing.”
He worked for the Harrogate Advertiser before his BBCTV career took off in Newcastle, then Bristol.
In 1972, John made TV history by presenting Newsround, the first BBC news programme for children.
He also co-hosted 1970s children’s TV show Swap Shop with Noel Edmonds, Maggie Philbin and Keith Chegwin.
Within days of announcing his departure from Newsround in 1989, he began to present Countryfile.
In 2000, John was awarded an OBE for services to rural and children’s broadcasting.
The father-of-two has met many big names, including royals, Mother Teresa, Margaretthatcher,tony Blair and David Cameron.
But his most recent star interview was fellowyorkshireman, the late Captain Sirtom Moore, who walked 100 lengths of his garden to mark his 100th birthday and raised £38million for the NHS.
In tonight’s programme John talks to Sir Tom’s daughter Lucy and her eldest son Tom about Trees for Tom, a planting project in his honour.
‘The Dales were my back yard’
● Tonight’s special Countryfile edition can be seen on BBC One at 6pm