This discussion has been closed.
Posted by David K (U2221642) on Thursday, 15th January 2009
Although I've watched Gardeners' World since the very beginning (including its forerunner Gardening Club), I didn't know until today that the very first presenter was Ken Burras and it was transmitted from Oxford Botanical Garden.
Apparently the programme's title & format was changed to accommodate the introduction of colour TV in 1968.
David
If the history of Gardener's World interests you, you could do no better than to get hold of an excellent book GARDENER'S WORLD THROUGH THE YEARS by Gay Search (ISBN 1-84442-944-X), a thoroughly interesting read packed full of anecdotes and facts. My secondhand copy came from a charity shop (try also Abe Books online) for £4.99.
Cheers! Paul. Yes, I am interested and will keep that in mind.
Another fact that quite intrigued me was just how many presenters there has been over the years.
I used to be a regular visitor to Clack’s Farm in the 60s and am fairly well informed of the presenters of that time.
I believe that Clack's Farm was eventually lost through road alterations? I recently bought a signed Arthur Billitt book about gardening. Lovely man.
I believe that Clack's Farm was eventually lost through road alterations?Ìý
Oh what a shame! Such a lovely part of the country.
As I've said before, Arthur Billitt was a personal and valued friend. I visited Clack's Farm on many occasions, during which I had the pleasure of meeting people like Percy Thrower, Geoffrey Smith and Clay Jones.
Like your 'signed book', I have some treasured personal letters from Arthur...written in the old copperplate style, his hand writing was beautiful.
David
I'd like to may contact with you about Arthur but email addresses would immediately cause the moderator to blank the post. Any ideas? I guess my phone number would also be out of the question?
i have a book called plants with impact written b y John Kelly in 1992, apparently he was a co presenter of GW for five years
Paul - I'm a member of the following forums, you could send a personal message via any of them:
Little-ann - I remember John Kelly extensively contributing to GW, though I can't recall that he was a presenter.
I'm not sure if he is still alive.
i don't know David im just reading the blurb from the book, apparently he had a place in South West Ireland and a wife called Nicola and the book was dedicated to his children Tim, Chris and Clare.
Perhaps you're right, Little-anne. I think lots of guests who have appeared on the program often refer to themselves as being 'co-presenters.....even the famous Christine.
I will say however, I always thought of him as a very competent gardener.
, in reply to message 11.
Posted by little-ann (U12937473) on Thursday, 15th January 2009
i had the book given along with about six others i must say i have enjoyed it
Little-Ann
From the book I recommended to David -
John Kelly was a presenter between 1983 and 1998. In 1989 he left Abbotsbury to become a full-time writer and presenter and moved to near Bantry in SW Ireland where his wife Nicky raised horses and sheep. He died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage at the end of 1996 just a few months after GH and ironically also just before his 60th birthday.
, in reply to message 13.
Posted by little-ann (U12937473) on Thursday, 15th January 2009
thanks paul i must admit i had never heard of him until i had the book given
Wasn't Saint Geoff GW presenter 1979 - 1996?
David
I've registered with 'Friendly Gardens' so will be able to PM you soon. I think the books definition of 'presenter' is a bit liberal.
Thanks Paul, look forward to hearing from you.
, in reply to message 3.
Posted by GreenThumbelina (U11069038) on Friday, 16th January 2009
David K and Paul N - search the ISBN number (ISBN 1-84442-944-X - Gardeners World through the Years) on Amazon and you can find a brand new copy for a PENNY! If there is anything else you want from Amazon (5 quid plus) you might be able to qualify for free postage - a bargain or what!!!
Thanks a bunch Thumbelina, you've really made my day. Any New Years Resolutions are void
GreenThumbelina - Many thanks for that! I'll get ordering straight away.
It's a loverly book. Jo.
Copy ordered...£2.76!
PS. £2.75 was p&p.
Is it me or is it little tactless to recommend another gardening message board on this gardening message board Ìý
Depends on your standards. Make mine a double!
Did someone recommend another message board?
Crikey
That not only jumped threads, it jumped forums. I posted it on Garden Inspirations in 'Garden click' or something similar.
Just received my brand new 1p copy of 'Gardeners' World Through the Years' by Gay Search.
GreenThumbelina....a big thank you!!
, in reply to message 27.
Posted by GreenThumbelina (U11069038) on Friday, 23rd January 2009
You are SO wlcm! I love to share a bargain - I would tell you that my other big tip is to utilise the local library but then you would probably never see my name in lights again!
Welcome to the new Gardening Board. If this is your first time, then make sure you check out the
or Ìýto take part in a discussion.
The message board is currently closed for posting.
Weekdays 09:00-00:00
Weekends 10:00-00:00
This messageboard is .
Find out more about this board's
Ö÷²¥´óÐã © 2014 The Ö÷²¥´óÐã is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.