After Dinner Speakers: Richard Whitmore, Rebecca Stephens, Billy Ocean

Richard Whitmore is remembered as one of television's longest-serving newsreaders. He began his career in journalism as a reporter on the local newspaper in his home town of Hitchin, joined the BBC in 1964 and became a studio presenter in 1973 when he was chosen as one of the anchor-men for The Nine O’clock News. Eventually, Richard gave up his 25 year BBC career to fulfil a long-held ambition to work in the theatre. His first major role was co-starring with the comedian Bernie Winters in a national tour of Underneath the Arches, a musical tribute to Flanagan and Allen. Richard is Founder President and trustee of The Queen Mother Theatre at Hitchin, which Her Majesty opened in 1983. He has written a number of books, one of his most recent being Hertfordshire's Queen, and is a super speaker on diverse entertainment subjects.