THE HAT SQUAD: RAYMOND BAXTER

Edited from the BBC obituary:

Raymond Baxter, who has died at the age of 84, was the face of 'Tomorrow's World' for 12 years, bringing science to generations, but his versatility also saw his commentary skills sought for sports and state occasions.

These included the annual Festival of Remembrance, the funerals of Sir Winston Churchill and Lord Mountbatten of Burma, and the 1953 Coronation for which he had to stand in Trafalgar Square under the statue of King Charles's horse in the pouring rain.

As the commentator on motor racing, speedway and aviation, Raymond Baxter was always close to the action and sometimes part of it. He competed in the Monte Carlo rally and during World War II he flew Spitfires.

It was Baxter who described Concorde's first flight. He was the first to broadcast live from an aeroplane, an ocean-liner and a submarine under water.

He was there from the start of 'Tomorrow's World' in 1965, bringing to it a particular enthusiasm for explaining gadgets and mechanical processes in an uncomplicated way.

He left the programme in 1977 to make way for a more youthful presentational style.

Some 20 years later, he co-hosted 'Tomorrow's World Time Machine' which looked back at 33 years of the popular science show.

He will be remembered by his fellow broadcasters as the ultimate professional.

Being an American, I wasn't familiar with Mr. Baxter or his work, but he does sound like he as the English counterpart to our Walter Cronkite.

"The Goodies"
- It Might as Well Be String (1976) TV Episode
"Stars Reunited"
- Tomorrow's World (2003) TV Episode .... Himself
"Tomorrow's World" (1965) TV Series .... Presenter (1965-1977)
"Dial RIX"
- What a Chassis (1963) TV Episode .... Himself
"Eye on Research" (1959) TV Series .... Himself - Commentator

BCnU....
Tele-Toby