With the change to a notable wintry type expected (whether snow-laden or
not, a significant change), I was listening to Radio 5 this morning with
more than usual interest for Bob Prichard's assessment (I assume it was
Bob - have yet to hear him this morning).

Instead, we got 'wall-to-wall' tennis: yet again, Tim Henman being
knocked out of a major competition.

I appreciate that this event was of some interest, but surely 4 or 5
minutes at the start of each set could have been allowed for a main news
and weather update; I think the decision to only broadcast tennis on
what is after all a news, information AND general sport channel was
poor. After all, the precedent that not *every* ball needs to be
discussed has already been set on the sister station: Radio 4, where the
commentary is not re-joined on Long-Wave until the Shipping Forecast is
finished.
(I have e-mailed direct to Radio 5 and to 'Feedback' this criticism).

Martin.

--
FAQ & Glossary for uk.sci.weather at:-
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/booty.weather/uswfaqfr.htm

"Martin Rowley" wrote in message
...
With the change to a notable wintry type expected (whether snow-laden or
not, a significant change), I was listening to Radio 5 this morning with
more than usual interest for Bob Prichard's assessment (I assume it was
Bob - have yet to hear him this morning).


Fair enough, but the change to potentially severe conditions
isn't imminent as in the next 12-24hrs or so, it won't be until
Monday at the earliest. At this stage I wouldn't consider this to
be top priority. Important yes, but not top priority.

Col
--
Bolton, Lancashire.
160m asl.
http://www.reddwarfer.btinternet.co.uk

"Col" wrote in message
...

"Martin Rowley" wrote in message
...
With the change to a notable wintry type expected (whether
snow-laden or
not, a significant change), I was listening to Radio 5 this morning
with
more than usual interest for Bob Prichard's assessment (I assume it
was
Bob - have yet to hear him this morning).


Fair enough, but the change to potentially severe conditions
isn't imminent as in the next 12-24hrs or so, it won't be until
Monday at the earliest. At this stage I wouldn't consider this to
be top priority. Important yes, but not top priority.


.... most people will be planning activities etc., over this weekend and
will want expert guidance on the weather in the week ahead. That is what
they (normally) get from Bob and Philip in this slot. This week, when
the weather is set to change dramatically, they didn't get the chance.
This is a failure of major proportions in my view and can't just be
dismissed lightly.

Martin.

"Martin Rowley" wrote in message
...

"Col" wrote in message
...


Fair enough, but the change to potentially severe conditions
isn't imminent as in the next 12-24hrs or so, it won't be until
Monday at the earliest. At this stage I wouldn't consider this to
be top priority. Important yes, but not top priority.


... most people will be planning activities etc., over this weekend and
will want expert guidance on the weather in the week ahead. That is what
they (normally) get from Bob and Philip in this slot. This week, when
the weather is set to change dramatically, they didn't get the chance.
This is a failure of major proportions in my view and can't just be
dismissed lightly.

I see.
Sorry, I thought you were expecting *extra* bulletins for this, I didn't
realise that the regular slot had been shelved. In that case, I agree

You know, one day I am really going to have to get round to listening
to Phillip on Radio 5!

Col
--
Bolton, Lancashire.
160m asl.
http://www.reddwarfer.btinternet.co.uk

================================================== ==================
This posting expresses the personal view and opinions of the author.
Something which everyone on this planet should be able to do.
================================================== ==================

I agree Martin. Especially as the Met Office issued a 30% chance of
exceptionally severe weather this morning. Those sorts of warnings are not
common. Kent and East Anglia could be submerged in snow by Thursday giving a
potential *dangerous* situation.

Will.
--

" A cup is most useful when empty "
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A COL BH site in East Dartmoor at Haytor, Devon 310m asl (1017 feet).

mailto:
www: http://www.lyneside.demon.co.uk

DISCLAIMER - All views and opinions expressed by myself are personal
and do not necessarily represent those of my employer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Martin Rowley wrote in message ...
With the change to a notable wintry type expected (whether snow-laden or
not, a significant change), I was listening to Radio 5 this morning with
more than usual interest for Bob Prichard's assessment (I assume it was
Bob - have yet to hear him this morning).

Instead, we got 'wall-to-wall' tennis: yet again, Tim Henman being
knocked out of a major competition.

I appreciate that this event was of some interest, but surely 4 or 5
minutes at the start of each set could have been allowed for a main news
and weather update; I think the decision to only broadcast tennis on
what is after all a news, information AND general sport channel was
poor. After all, the precedent that not *every* ball needs to be
discussed has already been set on the sister station: Radio 4, where the
commentary is not re-joined on Long-Wave until the Shipping Forecast is
finished.
(I have e-mailed direct to Radio 5 and to 'Feedback' this criticism).

Martin.

--
FAQ & Glossary for uk.sci.weather at:-
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/booty.weather/uswfaqfr.htm

"Col" wrote in message
...

I see.
Sorry, I thought you were expecting *extra* bulletins for this, I
didn't
realise that the regular slot had been shelved. In that case, I agree


.... I probably didn't phrase my original post well!

You know, one day I am really going to have to get round to listening
to Phillip on Radio 5!

.... In my view (based on a short period of doing a similar job), Philip
and Bob are *the* finest broadcast meteorologists we have in this
country. The depth and breadth of knowledge of both is noteworthy, and
what is more important, they have the ability to communicate the
forecast, including doubts, uncertainties etc.
For example, a couple of weeks ago, over the weekend before the
'storm-that-never-was', Bob was quite clear when answering questions
that he thought the _rain_ would be the important weather factor, rather
than the wind; he had to be careful how he phrased the replies of
course, but he and Philip are well worth making time to listen to. (If
it had been anyone elses forecast we had missed this morning - I
wouldn't have been so concerned).

Martin.

"Martin Rowley" wrote in message ...

"Col" wrote in message
...

I see.
Sorry, I thought you were expecting *extra* bulletins for this, I
didn't
realise that the regular slot had been shelved. In that case, I agree


... I probably didn't phrase my original post well!

You know, one day I am really going to have to get round to listening
to Phillip on Radio 5!

... In my view (based on a short period of doing a similar job), Philip
and Bob are *the* finest broadcast meteorologists we have in this
country. The depth and breadth of knowledge of both is noteworthy, and
what is more important, they have the ability to communicate the
forecast, including doubts, uncertainties etc.
For example, a couple of weeks ago, over the weekend before the
'storm-that-never-was', Bob was quite clear when answering questions
that he thought the _rain_ would be the important weather factor, rather
than the wind; he had to be careful how he phrased the replies of
course, but he and Philip are well worth making time to listen to. (If
it had been anyone elses forecast we had missed this morning - I
wouldn't have been so concerned).

Martin.

I remember when Bob did the late night Radio 4 forecasts. Absolutely superb and a pleasure to listen to.

Regards,

Rob
Chester, UK
http://www.west-cheshire.ac.uk/weather/

"Martin Rowley" wrote in message
...
... most people will be planning activities etc., over this weekend and
will want expert guidance on the weather in the week ahead. That is what
they (normally) get from Bob and Philip in this slot. This week, when
the weather is set to change dramatically, they didn't get the chance.
This is a failure of major proportions in my view and can't just be
dismissed lightly.

Anyone concerned about this could do worse than e-mail
their worries to the Controller of Radio 5-Live at:



(If that doesn't work, drop the "dot" before the "01").

Philip Eden

In article ,
Martin Rowley writes:
... In my view (based on a short period of doing a similar job), Philip
and Bob are *the* finest broadcast meteorologists we have in this
country. The depth and breadth of knowledge of both is noteworthy, and
what is more important, they have the ability to communicate the
forecast, including doubts, uncertainties etc.

Agreed. Also they resist the temptation to overdo the humorous banter
with the main presenters, which with others sometimes seems to take up
most of the time that should have been allotted to the forecast.
--
John Hall
"Sir, I have found you an argument;
but I am not obliged to find you an understanding."
Dr Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

"Will" wrote in message
...

================================================== ==================
This posting expresses the personal view and opinions of the author.
Something which everyone on this planet should be able to do.
================================================== ==================

I agree Martin. Especially as the Met Office issued a 30% chance of
exceptionally severe weather this morning. Those sorts of warnings are not
common. Kent and East Anglia could be submerged in snow by Thursday giving
a
potential *dangerous* situation.


Will, I can't find an exceptionally severe weather report on the Met Office
site. Is it still there?

Victor