Headlines and Hedgerows: A Memoir

by John Craven

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of "Headlines and Hedgerows" by John Craven.

In this, his first memoir, John recounts his childhood, the high-points and low-points of on e 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 in newspapers when, aged 11, 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 a national treasure.

Genres: Biography

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2019

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember John Craven on Newsround, Swap Shop and of course Countryfile.
I thoroughly enjoyed his autobiography. It is well written as you’d expect from someone with a strong early background in journalism but also warm and funny. He never seems to take himself seriously and comes across as a nice man, grateful for all the opportunities life has given him.

[Silver Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating account of a television icon and his thoughts and words.
I have known very few people whose lives just seem to click into place, no matter what they do, and John Craven is one of them-not that I know him-though he has been a part of my life for decades.
My very good friend from Leeds has a similar existence and I wonder if it is a Yorkshire attribute.
Back to the book. Well worth a read and extremely informative about how John rose from cub reporter to being honoured by our Queen.

[Nicola Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, John Craven, who has been in my childhood and adult life since I was nine when the first episode of John Cravens Newsround. It was great bringing back the memories not only of Newround but also Saturday Swapshop, where he worked alongside Noel Edmunds, Keith Chegwin, and Maggie Philbin. His way of telling what life was like behind the scenes was easy to follow,forever the journalist. After leaving Children's TV, he has worked on Countryfile for the past 30 years. A beautiful memoir would highly recommend it.

[Alison E Schwabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved hearing about John Craven's early life in broadcasting and hearing about the inside story n Countryfile. Always made the Vet Students watch as lots of useful tips on farming and incoming diseases and financial implications of farming. A great read.

[Hilary Campbell]

Very readable, with sufficient detail, but not too much.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - easy read about the various jobs John Craven has done.