Oxford News
Countryfile legend says ‘the BBC don’t pay me much’ despite 25 years
The 60-year-old has been starring on the popular BBC programme for a quarter of a century, having initially made his debut back in 2001.
He has now offered an update on his long-term plans for his Cotswold Farm Park, after previously suggesting that leaving the attraction would mark the “end of an era”.
Mr Henson took on the farm from his father Joe, who started running it in 1971 and helped to establish it as a much-loved visitor destination.
READ MORE: TV star Adam Henson talks retirement, Jeremy Clarkson and Cotswolds
In a recent interview with Cotswold Life, he confirmed he still has at least 10 years left on his farm tenancy, signalling he has no intention of walking away in the near future.
He told the magazine: “We’re still a family-run rural business and a large local employer, with 180 people on the books, all of whom are central to the success of the business.
“My mantra has always been to surround myself with people who can do the job better than I can.”
Mr Henson also recently revealed that he isn’t paid “much” by the BBC for his work on Countryfile.
The TV presenter was recently speaking during a Q&A session alongside fellow farmer Olly Harrison at his Cotswold Farm Park.
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One audience member asked: “You are two of the most important farming storytellers we’ve got in this country, and you both have massive audiences.
“When you wake up in the morning, do you think that’s a job or a responsibility?”
Mr Henson responded: “I don’t think it’s either thing. I think it’s a joy.
“I grew up on this farm, running around pulling on my little wellies, chasing my dad out the door. Farm Park opened in 1971.
“So, as a young boy, you know when this was all happening, and I used to follow him around.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson slams ‘absolutely ridiculous’ safety decision
“And I’d love showing people our newborn lambs, and handing them a baby chick and help bottle-feed a lamb.
“And so I grew up telling farming stories and talking to people about animals. I’m not very bright, I don’t read the news, I’m not very political, but I love telling people farming stories.”
“And then I get the pleasure of travelling all over the UK and into Dysons yesterday watching robots picking strawberries, and that for me is a huge honour and pleasure and a gift, and the BBC don’t pay me much to do it. So, it’s got to be a joy.”
This comes after Mr Henson took a trip to Burford in the west of the county this summer to give a talk at Cotswold Gate Care Home on Forest Grove.
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus is the UK’s largest space cluster, and the gateway will be a dedicated hub for the space and defence sectors, driving national and global collaboration between government, the academic world, and industry.
It will focus on linking innovation to investment, building partnerships to shape tomorrow’s space and defence economy, and helping businesses to sustainably start and grow in the UK.
READ MORE: The King visits Oxford University college
The gateway will be based in a new co-working and events space at the heart of the Harwell Space Cluster.
Following the launch, King Charles said to staff based at the campus: “I congratulate you for all your efforts and look forward to seeing all the developments that take place here over the years.”
Among the guests at the campus for the launch was British astronaut Tim Peake, who has visited the International Space Station.
For more than 60 years RAL (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory) Space has provided the specialist expertise that underpins space applications around the world, including earth observation work that supports action on climate change, biodiversity loss, and resilience to environmental change.
It has contributed to more than 200 instruments in space and has played a key role in establishing the UK as a competitive force in the global space economy.
Space minister Liz Lloyd, who attended the visit, said: “The opening of the Space and Defence Gateway is a significant moment for the UK’s space sector, and His Majesty The King’s visit to Harwell underlines the vital contribution this cluster makes to our economy.”
RAL Space is one of the anchor organisations of the Harwell Space Cluster and a cornerstone of the UK’s space sector.
The cluster is Europe’s largest concentration of space organisations, supporting more than 120 public and private organisations, alongside more than 330 defence and security organisations.
Dr Barbara Ghinelli, director of Innovation Clusters and Harwell Campus, said: “I look forward to working alongside our partners in the gateway across the UK and internationally to help our businesses thrive while making a real difference to the world.”
Earlier in the day, the King was in Oxford, visiting the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, and Oriel College, which is celebrating its 700th anniversary.
Alisha, whose surname has not been released by Thames Valley Police, was last seen on Monday (July 6) travelling to Banbury.
Police believe that the 14-year-old missing girl may be using the train line.
READ MORE: ‘God help us all’- Edwina Currie shocked at Ann Widdecombe murder probe
Alisha is a black female of slim build, approximately 5ft tall, with long black braided hair.
She was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved crop top, black cycling shorts, white socks, and black Crocs.
An appeal from Thames Valley Police this afternoon (Friday, July 10) said: “Have you seen Alisha, age 14, missing from Chinnor?”
“We are concerned for the well-being of Alisha, so if you have any relevant information or have seen her, please call us on 101, referencing 43260343674.”
The ex-Tory prisons minister, who was 78, later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman.
She read Latin at Birmingham University before studying philosophy, politics and economics at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford, where she was involved in the Oxford Union.
While there, Ms Widdecombe had embarked on a three-year romance, ending it in order to focus on her career.
READ MORE: Catholics argue Jeremy Clarkson ‘crossed a line’ in Clarkson’s Farm
She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing.
A manhunt has been launched for a white male believed to be responsible, police said.
Ms Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor, near Newton Abbott in Devon.
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to an address in Haytor at 11.40am on Thursday and found Miss Widdecombe dead, having sustained serious injuries.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson makes new addition to Clarkson’s Farm cast for series six
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible, who we believe to be a white male.”
The Home Secretary urged the public not to speculate, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.
READ MORE: King Charles visits Oxford University college amid 700th anniversary
In a post on X, Shabana Mahmood said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing, and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.
“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.
“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.
“I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”
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