Local Forecasts, History & Records
A trailblazing TV personality who grew up in County Durham and made history as ITV’s first female weather presenter has died aged 76. Former weather presenter and animal lover Wincey Willis died in December 2024, it has been confirmed, with the news of her death being released this week. Born Florence Winsome Leighton in Gateshead, Willis grew up in Hartlepool and …
Let’s take a little journey through the BBC’s weather team history. The BBC has been a cornerstone of weather forecasting in the UK for decades, with its presenters becoming familiar faces to millions. I’ll break down the list into several sections: current presenters, notable historic ones, special mentions and early pioneers. Current BBC Weather Presenters Carol Kirkwood One of the …
Jack Scott (Meteorologist) Today marks the 12th anniversary of the death of John (Jack) Scott. Jack was born in East Howle, Ferryhill in County Durham on 9th November 1923. I lived in Ferryhill when I first became interested in weather and one of Jack’s relatives lived up our street and was big mates with my sister at school. Jack had …
Professor Gordon Manley (1902 – 1980) Gordon was born on 3 January 1902 in Douglas on the Isle of Man but grew up just across on the mainland in Blackburn, Lancashire. He attended Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School before heading off to Manchester University to study engineering—he graduated in 1921. Then he switched fields, going on to Cambridge and earning a …
Amateur weather forecaster Foggitt dies World-renowned amateur weather forecaster Bill Foggitt has died in hospital at the age of 91. Mr Foggitt’s unconventional methods – using signs in nature rather than science for his predictions – made him the scourge of professionals but alegend among the masses. One of the high points of his career came when the Association of Science …
In 1998, Bob visited Houghall College (now East Durham College’s Houghall Campus in Durham) and chats to horticulture lecturer Trevor Green, to discuss the Houghall Frost Hollow. Aired on Tuesday 24th February 1998.