Patrick Moore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission.

Patrick Moore, astronomer and presenter of ‘The Sky at Night’, died at his home today at the age of 89. He presented the monthly astronomy programme for over 50 years, making him the longest serving presenter on the same title.  The first episode of ‘The Sky at Night’ was broadcast on 24 April, 1957, and he last appeared in an episode broadcast on 3 Dec 2012.

The series was originally produced in London, it moved to BBC Pebble Mill around 2002.

Thanks to Ian Collins for making the still available.

The following comments were added on the Pebble Mill Facebook Group:

Mike Taynton: ‘I remember meeting him when my dad Interviewed him for his radio show. He gave me some signed books on astronomy, I was one happy 10 year old.’

Gary Williams: ‘Did many graphics for the prog, always a challenge, always interesting, always worthwhile.’

Tim Jones: ‘I had the pleasure of getting somewhat tipsy with him on a few occasions after a filming from his home over the last year or two. Even when his medication was not doing him any favours his quick wit and cutting remarks remained razor sharp. His body tried to give up 10 years ago but his mind and personality always made him a powerful force in this universe. He will be missed by so many. I am just very grateful I got to meet a childhood hero. 
Patrick you are a legend .’

Pete Simpkin: ‘I interviewed Patrick a couple of times at PM and really enjoyed his ‘off mike’ conversation too, he had very strong views on many things but had the ability to make anyone want to take up astronomy at a moments notice!I think Mike Taynton may be referring to Patrick’s Astronomy for beginners, I had one too but we used it as a prize for an on air competition. A great man who will be missed in a world increasingly losing it’s eccentrics.’

The Sky at Night

Patrick Moore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright of this still resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission.

‘The Sky at Night’ has been presented by Sir Patrick Moore since its start in 1957. He has only missed one episode, when he was extremely ill with salmonella in July 2004.

The documentary astronomy programme is transmitted once a month on BBC 2 (and on BBC 4).

The series began life at Lime Grove, and I’m not sure when it came to BBC Birmingham.

The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook group:

Peter Poole:  ‘I’ve been watching this wonderful programme for years. Only the BBC would produce this fine example of public service broadcasting. Is Birmingham losing this programme as part of the cut backs?’

Mike Workman: ‘Why is it the BBC see fit to ram everything great in Salford, everything interesting in Bristol and everything that makes money in London? They forgotten about the Midlands? Citizen Khan may have had its rushes shot in Sparkhill, but the studio and post was MediaCity. Great going.’

Peter Poole: ‘What’s next for Birmingham? Perhaps the Mailbox will close and Midlands Today will be broadcast from a industrial unit in Redditch.Just think how much money that would save. And why not send the Archers to Salford!’

Mike Workman: ‘After all, Salford is the traditional home for radio drama in these austere times! Let’s just translate the whole BBC North project – two words – last one ‘up’ and first starts with an f.. The slow abandonment of the Midlands by London management is starting to grate, it seems you can only be from the South East or North West if you live in the UK. Midlands Today, meh, just merge it with North West Tonight, it saves money and it’s not like it’s a region in its own right!’