Headlines and Hedgerows
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  • Published: 25 July 2019
  • ISBN: 9781405937405
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download

Headlines and Hedgerows

A Memoir

Formats & editions
Audiobook
25 Jul 2019
Paperback
20 Feb 2020
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A heart-warming and entertaining memoir from the national treasure who has been telling the story of Britain since 1970

Brought to you by Penguin.

In this, his first memoir, John recounts his childhood, the highpoints and lowpoints of one of the longest entertaining careers in history, and the people, family and animals in his own life which have shaped it.

Born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, John showed an early interest newspapers when, aged eleven, he wrote the 'Grimthorpe Street Gazette': a one-page paper detailing the latest goings-on in his street. It was a short-lived enterprise, not least as he only had one copy of it (which he charged neighbours a penny to borrow and read). It was whilst working at the Yorkshire Post that he heard of a new opening at the BBC - a move that was to change his life forever...

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, John was, to children and parents alike, a friendly guide to the big wide world and to adulthood, breaking such news as the Challenger shuttle disaster in 1986 on Newsround. Since then, having presented Countryfile from across the breadth of Britain, John has introduced us to the people, landscapes and animals which make it so special. He has done for our countryside what Attenborough has done across the world, and now we get to hear the story of this national treasure.
  • Published: 25 July 2019
  • ISBN: 9781405937405
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
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About the author

John Craven

John Craven was born in Leeds and started his journalistic career as a junior reporter on the Harrogate Advertiser. After spells with the Yorkshire Post as well as national press, he joined the BBC in Newcastle working on regional radio and television programmes before launching from London in 1972 the world's first television news bulletin for children, John Craven's Newsround. Millions of adults watched as well and he became one of the best-known faces on British television. After more than 3,000 editions, John left in 1989 to present the hugely successful Countryfile where he has remained ever since, championing the countryside and investigating rural issues. He also writes a regular column for BBC Countryfile magazine.

In the Millennium Honours, John was awarded an OBE for services to rural and children's broadcasting and the Royal Television Society has inducted him into its Hall of Fame. He is vice-president of the Waterways Trust, patron of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad.

Also by John Craven

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Praise for Headlines and Hedgerows

In this heart-warming and entertaining memoir Craven, now regarded as somewhat of a national treasure, recounts the high and low points of his career and the people, family and animals that have shaped his life

Surrey Life

Five hundred and eighty two minutes worth of pure heaven await in this down-to-earth first memoir of journalist, broadcaster and national treasure John Craven

Sunday Post (on the audiobook)

From his Yorkshire childhood to his television career from Newsround to Countryfile, the presenter tells his story

Radio Times

The much-loved Newsround and Countryfile presenter in his own words for the first time

Eastern Daily Press

Amusing and insightful. Thoroughly enjoyable

Sorted Magazine

Magical memoirs. A BBC legend. A broadcasting icon. The best bits from cub reporter to Countryfile . . . his early career sounds like a riot

Daily Mail