Farewell to top TV presenter

A FAMOUS television presenter and frequent visitor to Chronicle Country has died.

Sir Jimmy Savile, 84, who was a well known face on the small screen and radio during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, passed away on Saturday (October 29).

Jimmy was a regular visitor at Champneys health spa in Henlow, first visiting in the 1960s. He became a close friend of the owners, Stephen Purdew and his mother Dorothy. When a new bedroom wing was opened in 1985 it was named after him.

Stephen Purdew said: “He was a very significant family friend loved by everyone.

“Many people in the Henlow area will have very fond memories of this great man. My mother and I will miss him dearly.”

Jimmy was known for his programme, Jim’ll Fix It. Also a DJ, he launched Top of the Pops in 1964. He did a large amount of charity work and raised money for the spinal injuries centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire.

To read the full story see the Biggleswade Chronicle of Friday, November 4.