Richard Angwin Richard is honest to admit mathematics and physics at Grammar school were never really his forte, however during his school days he did find Geography interesting, particularly the meteorological aspects. Leaving school, he spent 12 months working for a south west insurance company, waiting for a job with customs and excise. However, he spotted an advertisement in the local papers for a vacancy in the Met Office as a weather forecaster. Successfully, passing the interview he started work at RAF Lyneham in the air traffic tower, gathering vital weather data and providing this air navigation information for the Hercules crews prior to departure.

During his forecaster days at Lyneham, Exeter Airport and East Anglia's RAF Honnington, Richard decided to continue his education and successfully gained an HND in Mathematics and Physics, and also achieved additional A Level passes. To supplement his educational qualifications he passed an Open University degree in Environmental Sciences.

Full of knowledge and previous local forecasting experience, he landed on his feet in 1990 and gained a place on a Forecasting Course and spent the next decade widening his skills at the former Bristol Weather Centre. Richard mentions that he drifted into television and radio media, as he has an rewarding attribute; not to be caught with nothing to talk about, especially weather. "Fortunately this is not a problem for me. I could talk about the weather all day. In fact, it is my intention to take over the whole of Points West with coverage of the weather" I wonder if the producers will agree.

His well spoken and slight west country tones are frequently heard on BBC Local Radio, throughout the day, either here in Wiltshire and Swindon or broadcasting on other BBC local radio stations in the south west. Richard is keen to vary his broadcasting techniques and makes a dull day seem that much better, incorporating interesting local facts into his air time.

Thank you Richard for the images and information provided. It is good to see that, as many people work at Lyneham, they utilise the time wisely, gathering fond memories and more importantly use it as a stepping stone for better things in life.
There is always a good saying at Lyneham, when a met forecaster has booked a UK holiday, that's the time to book your vacation.

What are your memories of Lyneham?
I learned my weather observing skills whilst in the air traffic tower at the end of the westerly runway. Watching the clouds come out of the valley below and sit on the edge of the runway was always interesting.

When did you live here?
1979 to 1982

What inspired you to local radio and television?
It is just something I drifted into.

What do you like about broadcasting for Wiltshire?
BBC Wiltshire is a very friendly station and I really enjoy broadcasting on their programmes. Also, I feel I know the county quite well and that helps with the forecasting process.

Where did you study weather forecasting?
At the Met Office's College in Reading. I've spent about one year of my career at the College on various forecasting courses.

Has weather forecasting changed since your early days in Lyneham?
Yes. The biggest change has been the improvement in the computers we use to help us with the forecast. They are so much faster and more sophisticated.

Do you still visit the Lyneham area?
I live close to Swindon,so I am often in the area. We occasionally do weather OB's (outside broadcasts) from around the area.

What are your hobbies, if you have time that is?
I'm a recreational jogger. I play badminton very badly. (Just ask anyone who has seen me in action at the Link Centre in town.) I love to travel. I have a huge wish list of 'must see' areas, which includes Antarctica, East Africa, Central America, China and the Galapagos Islands.