Meeting David Attenborough

In early March I worked at the BBC Africa Event as a server- this was my part time job whilst I was at university. This BBC Worldwide event was hosted at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. As I served the food round to my designated table of guests- I was determined to try and spot David Attenborough in the crowd. I wasn't told whether he was at the event or not but I was eager to meet him even if it meant only handing him his three course meal and saying 'Enjoy'. The event was beautifully decorated, the large screens displayed various scenes from the BBC Africa Series. I had just finished watching the series as my flat mate, Tracey, and I were eager followers of his work and loved watching his documentaries and collecting his books- they made part of our hang out sessions and often our shopping trips. 

Although the episodes are no longer available on BBC iplayer there is a gallery of great shots from each episode:

"Kalahari'' Episode released: 2 January 2013. 

"Savannah" Episode released:9 January 2013

"Congo" Episode released: 16 January 2013

"Cape" Episode released:23 January 2013

"Sahara"  Episode released: 30 January 2013

"The Future" Episode released: 6 February 2013 

*More pictures can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p010jc6p/galleries
There are also some short clips available at :http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p010jc6p/clips

For those of you who love nature and have not watched them- shame on you! Just kidding I would highly recommend them. The series was fantastic and one of the parts I looked forward to was the behind-the-scenes footage at the very end of each episode. This footage was about the camera work that went into filming each of the series. They always gave me such appreciation for the work that went into them and the dedication that the camera men had whilst filming them- sometimes living in baron lands for weeks on end just to capture 6 seconds of footage or a glimpse of an animal. I felt great admiration for their work and as I looked around the room I knew these were not only people who were passionate about their work but also very skilled individuals who could one day have an influence on my career. I have considered a career in documentaries, as reading David Attenborough's books such as Life on Air or Life stories has shown me the amazing experiences that broadcasting can lead you to experience. 

My eyes darted around the room all night but I was unable to spot him- I was deeply disappointed. It was my own fault I got my hopes up all by myself. I went home to my flatmates and told them about the whole ordeal.  Whilst listening to me ramble on about not meeting him my flatmate Gemma did a quick Google search and told me that he was opening Wakefield Museum and was doing a book signing for the Africa Series Book he released on the 9th of March.
She sent me the site :
http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/News/PressReleases/news/PR4024.htm. 

The article mentioned he would be doing a book signing if ''time permitted''. I was worried that there wouldn't be but began planning my trip regardless. 

To say that I was excited would have been an understatement. I ran to Tracey's to tell her the good news and she was determined to get the day off work. The days dragged on as we constantly reminded each other that we were soon to meet David Attenborough himself and did a mini celebratory squeal. 

On the 8th of March we left Liverpool and traveled to Huddersfield by train where we stayed the night at my partner's house. The next morning we woke up early and quickly got the bus from Huddersfield to Wakefield. We arrived at the museum and there were a few people already there and we were able to secure a spot quite near to the stage. The article stated that 

"he is only able to spend a short time at the museum and interest is expected to be high, not everyone may be able to see the TV celebrity"

Trying to pass the time...

waiting and waiting and waiting...

As we waited and waited the crowd grew and grew and the musuem was filled with 600 people. He was to be opening the museum at 1:20 pm and time was dragging. After checking the time every five minutes,1:20 pm finally got a bit closer and  I got more and more excited. 

After several introductions and pleasantries David Attenborough finally walked onto the stage. He told a story about Charles Waterton, an English naturalist and explorer who was the first person in the UK who bought a bird sanctuary. David Attenborough also spoke about the soap factory nearby that were destroying the natural habitat that Waterton had created.

I discovered first hand what it was like to be in the presence of a TV presenter. As he narrated he was very expressive with both his facial expressions and his hand gestures -which are all part of what make him so interesting to listen to both on TV and in real life. Below are a series of images that capture that passion behind his speech. 

The expressions of David Attenborough

The Wakefield Express captured his opening speech where he revealed a plaque. 

During his speech he said: “I congratulate you that you have a far sighted local authority that has built a wonderful place like this in these difficult times. I am particularly pleased that a space has been found to celebrate Charles Waterton. He is not as widely celebrated as he should be, for he is a very distinguished citizen and his achievements should be celebrated - he is getting his proper due here.”

You can watch the video here:

http://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news/local-news/see-sir-david-attenborough-s-opening-speech-at-wakefield-s-new-museum-in-full-1-5502007


After the speeches and the reveling of the plaque, David Attenborough sat in the reception area and the book signing began. We had a number of books we wanted him to sign but were limited to 1 each due to the size of the crowd so I picked what I thought was most relevant to the occasion, the Africa book. 

After the book signing we decided to go and visit the musuem...

The Wakefield Musuem hosts a special exhibit dedicated to the work of Charles Waterton's and his accomplishments which shows a variety of taxidermy animals such as this rather funny looking owl. 

There are also a few fun things to do in the museum such as the children's area. BUT you can also play dress up which is always fun no matter how old you are! There were even people dressed in crocodile onsies. 

Overall, meeting David Attenborough was an unforgettable experience as I had finally met the man that had given me so much inspiration and admiration for nature. 


Have you watched the Africa series? What do you think of it? Have you ever met David Attenborough? If so,I would love to hear about it. Share your experience in the comments bar!

Thanks for reading.