Pioneer who gave sunshine dies of cancer

5:18pm Monday 6th August 2001

ONE of television's first weatherman, Bert Foord, has died from cancer at the age of 70.

Mr Foord, 70, who lived in Princes Risborough, presented the weather for 11 years, from 1963 to 1974, when he won a stream of fan mail for his northern accent and deadpan manner.

He died in Stoke Mandeville Hospital last Tuesday.

His former colleague Bill Giles, of Chinnor, said: "Bert was something of a pioneer in the late 60s and early 70s and was probably the first BBC weather presenter to become a household name.

"He was an amazing character, very serious on screen but the life and soul of the party as soon as he was off air."

Mr Giles added: "He was very influential within the Met Office and extremely well-respected, a great man to have on your side, and he will be sadly missed."

Mr Foord was involved in the coverage of the Apollo space programme with Cliff Michelmore and Sir Patrick Moore and warned of the lightning which struck Apollo 13, a BBC spokesman said.

Terry Wogan launched a 'Bring Back Bert Foord' campaign on his radio show years after the weatherman left the television screens, as he was convinced the weather had deteriorated since his departure.

Mr Foord was married with one daughter.

A statement from his family, released through the BBC, said: "Bert was a fantastic father and husband. We will all miss him greatly.

"Although he was a household name we would like to be left alone to grieve."

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