‘THE WAG FROM WIDECOMBE’

THE death was announced on Sunday, January 31 of much-loved BBC Radio Devon presenter Tony Beard.

Mr Beard, a former farmer known for his love of Devon culture and folklore, died peacefully on Saturday morning, his family said.

Known as the "Wag from Widecombe", he was an entertainer and presented the station’s Sunday request show for more than 30 years, but was a presenter for about 35 years.

It was in April last year that he told listeners that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer.

In more recent times he was unable to present his regular show on occasion due to his treatment.

BBC Radio Devon editor Mark Grinnell said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with Tony’s wife Wendy and family."

Mr Grinnell added: "He was as much a part of the radio station as he was of the county. He was recently honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the BBC Gillard awards for his contribution to local radio and he was an extremely popular member of the station family."

Hundreds of tributes have been posted on the BBC Devon “Facebook” page and radio listener Gwen Ottery was among the first.

She wrote: "So sad to hear this. I met Tony nearly 30 years ago when he opened a fete at Stoodleigh and have some lovely pictures of him when he opened a fete at Hay House, Broadclyst when we chatted.

“At the Radio Devon carol service two years ago I sat just behind Tony and all the presenters and he always came across just the same as he did on his radio show which I loved to listen to.

“Sunday’s will not be the same without Tony as he is unique and can never be replaced. Tony was a true gentleman of Dartmoor and Devon and will be missed so much. He has left so many great memories which he will be loved and remembered for. R I P Tony.”

The following statement, posted on the BBC Radio Devon website on Sunday morning included: “We’re sorry to share some sad news with you this morning.

“BBC Radio Devon presenter Tony Beard has died at the age of 79.

“The ‘Wag From Widecombe’ presented his Sunday request show for more than 30 years during which, became the most successful programme on BBC Radio Devon. He was as much a part of the radio station as he was of the county, a keen custodian of Devon folklore and culture.

“Friends and colleagues here at BBC Radio Devon will miss him deeply, as we’re sure you and all of his devoted listeners will too.”

Gordon Sparks, from the radio station, said: “Tony was known by thousands as the cheerful voice of Sunday lunchtimes and the person that every listener felt they knew – and many did through his appearances at countless shows, fairs, and events around the county he loved.

“From his agricultural background there wasn’t anything he didn’t know about the land, livestock, the animal kingdom and nature.

“Yet, he was equally at home and knowledgeable talking about sport, particularly rugby and football.”

Mr Sparks said Tony, in his rich Devon accent, was a popular speaker, sang and recorded albums and maintained Devon traditions.

Jason Rice, from the Dartmoor Folk festival, said: "Tony was a loyal and dedicated supporter of the folk festival and all things Dartmoor.

"He was the irreplaceable MC of our Sunday night Music Hall for 35 years and we will miss him terribly."

Alan Quick