Alex Deakin & Michael Fish
We are very grateful for the support given by two of the UK's most notable broadcast meteorologists. Michael Fish became patron of the weather station in September 2000 and honorary patron following his retirement in October 2004. Alex Deakin agreed to become the station's official patron in 2004 following a school-wide poll.
About Alex Deakin - Official Patron
Alex was born in North Ferriby, outside Kingston-upon-Hull in East Yorkshire. He attended South Hunsley secondary school and then went on to do an MSci in Physics with Astrophysics at Birmingham University. After college, Alex joined the Met Office in 1997 and worked in the York and Bristol Weather Centres before joining IWP (Independent Weather Productions), where the Met Office produces the forecasts for the ITV national and regional broadcasts.
Alex joined the BBC Weather Centre in 2000 and initially appeared as a forecaster for the local inserts in the BBC South East region and on BBC News 24. He now broadcasts on all channels including BBC1 and was one of the hosts on the BBC's 'All Night Star Party' from Jodrell Bank in August 2003 when Mars was at its closest to Earth for almost 60,000 years.
Alex currently lives in Southwest London. He enjoys playing and watching football and is a huge fan of Liverpool FC. He also plays for the Old Suttonians and whilst at University he managed and coached a team called the Swankers who won the University cup. His dream job would be as a professional footballer or a football manager! Alex also plays golf, rugby league, cricket, darts and pool and can juggle.
About Michael Fish - Honorary Patron
Michael Fish was born in Eastbourne and educated at Eastbourne College. On his retirement in October 2004 Michael became Britain's longest serving broadcast meteorologist. On joining the Meteorological Office in November 1962, his first posting was to Gatwick Airport. He then transferred in 1965 to the Met Office headquarters in Bracknell to work on research projects. Whilst working at the London Weather Centre he took a sandwich course in Applied Physics at the City University between 1966-68.Michael Fish's broadcasting career began in 1971 when he started forecasting for BBC Radio and in January 1974 became part of BBC Television's weather team. He has made many appearances on television and radio shows ranging from light entertainment to factual programmes. He has also been involved in the training of television weathermen in various African countries.
He has written numerous articles on travel and weather and acted as consultant for several meteorological books In December 1996, Michael was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the City University in London and in August 1997 was granted the Freedom of the City of London. In 2004 he was awarded the MBE in the Queen's birthday honours.
Michael lives in Middlesex and is married to Susan, with two daughters, Alison and Nicola. A Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, his hobbies include travel, DIY and genealogy.