After Dinner Speakers: Michael Fish, Barry Manilow, Jimmy Ruffin

Britains longest-serving TV Weather Forecaster, Michael Fish was born in Eastbourne, and educated at Eastbourne College. On joining the Meteorological Office in November 1962, his first posting was to Gatwick Airport and, in 1965, he transferred to the Met Office headquarters in Bracknell to work on research projects. Between 1966 and 1968, while based at the London Weather Centre, he took a sandwich course in Applied Physics at the City University. Michael Fishs broadcasting career began in 1971 whenhe started forecasting for BBC Radio and in January 1974 he became part of BBC Televisions weather team. He has made numerous appearances on television and radio shows ranging from light entertainment to factual programmes. He has also been involved in the training of television weathermen in various African countries. He has written numerous articles on travel and weather and acted as consultant for several meterological books. In December 1996, Michael was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the City University, London and, in August 1997, he was granted the Freedom of the City of London. Michael, who lives in Middlesex, is married to Susan and has two daughters, Alison and Nicola. A Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, his hobbies include travel, DIY and genealogy and he enjoys being asked to give after dinner speeches