A long-serving and high-profile member of the Great Yorkshire Show team is standing down after almost four decades.
Christine Barber has been working on the main ring at the show since 1985 – and while most people are unlikely to recognise her face, thousands will certainly know her voice.
She has been the commentator in the main ring every year, starting at 8am and going on into the early evening each day.
After almost 40 years, she has decided to retire. However, she won’t be missing out on the fun this summer: for the first time, she hopes to enjoy the show as a visitor and have time to walk around its attractions.
Show director Charles Mills said:
“Christine has been synonymous with the Great Yorkshire show for 38 years and her wonderful commentary will be sorely missed.
“But we look forward to welcoming Christine as a visitor, where she can soak up the magic of the show for the first time ever and we thank her for all of her support and hard work over the years.”
Christine Barber, right, in the commentary box. Photo: Simon Hill
Christine’s association with the Great Yorkshire Show goes back to her youth, when she competed in eventing, show jumping and dressage.
She first began working in the commentary box in 1985, but commentated on the prestigious Grant Cattle Parade from 1989 after her predecessor stepped down.
Among her highlights were commentating during royal visits: the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in 2008, and in 1994, Princess Alexandra, who requested to meet “the voice of the commentator”.
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society said she was known for her “smooth, calming and distinctive voice” and said it was sad to say goodbye to her after so many years.
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Harrogate Town commentator hangs up microphone after 40 years
The much-loved Harrogate Town matchday commentator for BBC Radio York has hung up his microphone after a four-decade career with the BBC.
Barry Parker is a familiar and idiosyncratic voice to Harrogate Town fans, commentating on the club’s games since 2015.
He also featured on Town’s live matchday stream, which was a lifeline to many fans during the covid pandemic when they weren’t allowed into the grounds.
His last game was at the weekend when Harrogate Town lost 2-0 at home to Sutton United. Fans paid tribute to Mr Parker by chanting his name at half-time.
Looking back on his career, Mr Parker said:
“When I came out of college in 1979 I had no idea what I was going to do.
“I’ve had 40 wonderful years doing a job that I loved and being paid for it — I’ve been so lucky.
“If I’ve done the job well, it gets appreciated not by one or two people but by thousands, which is very heart-warming.”
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The commentator was praised by Town boss Simon Weaver, who said he has been “absolutely magnificent” for the club.
He said:
“Absolutely brilliant commentary – and sometimes totally biased in our favour! I really do appreciate him, as do all the players and the faithful who haven’t been able to travel, especially due to the pandemic. Barry has been immense for the football club. Thank you so much Barry – you are always welcome at Harrogate Town.”
BBC Radio York’s executive producer Anna Evans added:
“Barry’s career with the BBC has been immense, spanning four decades. It’s rare to find someone so passionate about sport and radio. Following his final commentary game, we received so many messages from listeners sharing memories and wishing him well. It’s been an honour to have him as part of our team. We will miss him here at BBC Radio York.”