Derek Brockway, BBC Wales Weatherman and TV personality, was the speaker at the recent meeting of the City of Newport Business Club at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Those attending the event got a rare opportunity to hear how Derek’s schoolboy fascination with the weather blossomed into a career in forecasting spanning 30 years.

He trained as a meteorologist, even spending time working for the Met Office in the Falkland Islands, before moving into the media industry, preparing weather forecasts for many well-known broadcasters. However, it wasn’t long until he got his own opportunity in front of the camera.

Derek recounted how he spent time on national TV, based in London, before making the move to Cardiff and BBC Wales where he has become a firm favourite with the viewers.

He shared some of his many experiences, including how his fellow BBC Wales presenter, Jamie Owen, does his best to make him laugh just before he goes on air, and the golden rule of weather forecasting – don’t mention the ‘s’ word (that’s ‘snow’ by the way) unless you’re as sure as you can possibly be that it will arrive!

As well as weather forecasting, Derek is also well known for presenting the popular series Weatherman Walking. He took time to share some of the many ‘behind the scenes’ moments he’s experienced whilst filming all over Wales and in all weathers.

Business club chairman Dan Goulding said: “What came across from Derek’s visit was his genuine passion for the weather. We’re all familiar with his cheery and lively presenting style, but perhaps didn’t appreciate the wealth of expertise in meteorology and forecasting he brings to each weather report. No wonder most people in Wales consider him to be the nations’ favourite weatherman!”

The next speaker at the City of Newport Business Club will be Olympic ski jumper Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards. The event will be on Thursday, November 24, 2016, where the speaker will be

For further details visit City of Newport Business Club website, www.newportbusinessclub.co.uk