Summer in the city: Cultural things to do with kids over the holidays
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The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
BBC presenter & film producer left six-figure sum for his wife after death aged 95
A FORMER BBC presenter and film producer left a six-figure sum for his wife following his death last year, aged 95. Tony Soper, the former BBC wildlife presenter, died in September 2024 and left a £628k fortune to his family. 4 4 4 Soper left instructions in his will for his estate to pass to his wife Hilary, who he had lived with in a home in Slapton, Devon. He was born in Southampton in 1929 and brought up in Plymouth. It was there that he began his long career at the BBC as a trainee engineer in 1947 before progressing onto radio and producing. His TV break came when he filled in as unofficial assistant floor manager for Wild Geese in Winter in 1954. And his debut as a presenter was on Animal Magic with Johnny Morris in the 1960s. He was the co-founder of the BBC's Natural History Unit which began in 1957 in Bristol and has produced countless wildlife programmes around the globe. The unit has become world renowned and produced the Planet Earth series narrated by another wildlife icon, Sir David Attenborough. According to his website, he started working as a freelancer in 1963 so he could live closer to the sea in Devon. As well as a wildlife camera operator, Soper was also a film producer and went on to present a number of TV shows. His skill in front of the camera earned him the nickname 'One-take Tony'. BBC presenter Tony Soper introduces Birdwatch He presented Birdwatch, Birdspot, Discovering Birds, Discovering Animals, Beside the Sea, Wildtrack and Nature. Soper later pursued a career in leading wildlife cruises to the Arctic and Antartica. He also penned a string of books about wildlife in the UK and further afield. Following his sad passing last September, former colleagues flocked to social media to pay their tributes. Lorraine Kelly said at the time: "On one of my very first shows presenting on TVam, this wonderful kind man came on to talk about his book on owls. "He was a joy and a delight." Wildlife presenter Stephen Moss said: "Very sad news - Tony Soper was a huge influence on generations of birders and broadcasters. "I had the huge privilege of working with Tony and getting to know him. "The last person who was there at the start of the BBC Natural History Unit - a lovely man." Soper is survived by his wife Hilary, his two sons Tim and Jack and his five grandchildren. 4
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Huge sum former BBC wildlife presenter Tony Soper left to his family in his will after dying aged 95
Former BBC presenter Tony Soper left his family a huge £628,000 fortune after his death. The author and naturalist passed away in September 2024 at the age of 95, with a host of former colleagues flocking to social media to pay tribute to him. Tony was survived by his wife Hilary, their two sons Tim and Jack, and five grandchildren, and it's now been revealed that he left the family more than £600,000. He enjoyed a long career with the BBC having joined the company at the age of just 17 as a 'youth-in-training' before progressing onto radio and producing. He later moved over to television, where his big break came when he filled in as an unofficial assistant floor manager for Wild Geese in Winter in 1954. Tony went on to found the BBC's Natural History Unit a couple of years later in Bristol where he became its first film producer alongside Patrick Beech. The unit has gone on to become known on a global scale for its iconic wildlife programmes, most notably the Planet Earth series, narrated by another wildlife great, Sir David Attenborough. The 1960s saw Tony's career really take off, beginning with a gig hosting Animal Magic alongside Johnny Morris. Tony then went on to front a number of shows including Birdwatch, Birdspot, Discovering Birds, Discovering Animals. He also presented Beside the Sea, Wildtrack, and Nature. His wildlife career took him as far as Arctic and Antarctica, with Tony also penning several wildlife books. Following his sad passing last year, those who knew Tony flocked to social media to remember who they described as a 'joy and delight'. One of those was Good Morning Britain presenter Lorraine Kelly, who wrote on X: 'On one of my very first shows presenting on TV am - this wonderful kind man came on to talk about his book on OWLS. He was a joy and a delight' While wildlife presenter Stephen Moss penned: ' Very sad news - Tony Soper was a huge influence on generations of birders and broadcasters. Taking to X, formerly known as X, she penned: 'On one of my very first shows presenting on TV am - this wonderful kind man came on to talk about his book on OWLS. He was a joy and a delight' 'I had the huge privilege of working with Tony and getting to know him. 'The last person who was there at the start of the BBC Natural History Unit. A lovely man.' Robbie Martin, a reptile specialist penned: 'RIP Tony Soper. Such a lovely inspirational man. Nature has lost a good friend.' Nick Randell, who works for BBC New wrote: 'A true pioneer of natural history output & memorably children's TV during 70s/80s. Wildtrack (co-presented by Su Ingle) took a UKcentric look at the animal world. Years later I got to work with his son, who was a fellow BBC Studio Manager. RIP Tony Soper.' With another mourner adding: 'I am saddened to hear about the death of a conservation hero of mine - Tony Soper aged 95. He inspired me as a child with his smooth knowledgeable style. He was a wonderful man. Rest in nature Tony Soper.'
Evening Standard
5 days ago
- Evening Standard
Summer in the city: Cultural things to do with kids over the holidays
As well as the Natural History Museum being full of exciting things to look at, including in the garden — did you know they have a garden? — this summer, head there to watch Our Story with David Attenborough, an epic and immersive tale of people and planet. It's on until January, and is a huge 360° cinematic experience, recommended for those 8 and over (with no under-4s). Also worthwhile is the Show with Teach Rex, a free event for neurodivergent children.
