Libby Purves OBE (agent - June Ford-Crush)

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Libby Purves OBE

Broadcast biography

Corporate biography

Libby Purves OBE

corporate biography

Broadcaster

Libby Purves is the presenter of BBC Radio 4's 'Midweek' a programme of lively and diverse conversation; she is a Times columnist and drama critic, broadcaster, author and speaker.

Libby makes an entertaining and informative speaker, and she can often be found hosting events and award ceremonies or acting as a judge. Recent bookings include The Royal Society, The Royal Navy, The Gin and Vodka Association, Roedean School, The National Bursars Association, The National Association of Head Teachers, several private club events, and a regular onstage interview event for The Royal Geographical Society.

She was the youngest and first ever woman presenter of the 'Today' programme, and has presented 'Midweek' since 1983, as well as having fronted 'The Learning Curve' and numerous documentaries for BBC Radio 4.

Libby Purves is a major columnist for The Times and writes for many other publications. She was awarded the O.B.E. for her services to journalism in 1999 and was Columnist of the Year in the same year. She accidentally edited The Tatler for 6 months in 1982.

As an author she has written a series of books on childcare and family life, as well as twelve well regarded novels. She has published a memoir on radio and a classic account of sailing around mainland Britain.

As the daughter of a travelling diplomat, she was educated in Israel, Bangkok, France, Johannesburg, Tunbridge Wells and at St Anne's College Oxford, where she obtained a first class honours degree in English Language and Literature.

Libby Purves is a writer and broadcaster par excellence and has that certain something which combines natural wit with an incisive perception. Libby took part in 'Stand Up With The Stars' on BBC Radio 4 for Comic Relief, when she was mentored in the art of stand up comedy prior to performing at the Comedy Café. She is married to the broadcaster Paul Heiney, and her interests are education, parenting, sailing, travelling and theatre.

“Your input was just brilliant and was extremely well received by the audience – who because of their varied nature could have been quite challenging at that point – but you informed, stimulated and amused in equal proportions – people loved it.”

Eastern Leadership Centre, Jan 2009

“I would like to thank you personally for the key note address at the Education Conference. We have received many positive comments and know your session was greatly appreciated by the delegates.”

General Secretary, NAHT

“I am writing to thank you very much indeed for your stimulating, thoughtful and entertaining chairing of such a memorable 'In Conversation' event with Harriet Walter and Jill Kennington. It was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who came. Harriet was delighted by the response to both the event and the exhibition.”

Salisbury Arts Centre

“Thank you so much for your wonderful speech. It went down really well with our audience, and there were lots of comments about how much they enjoyed your anecdotes and how relevant your experiences were to the night. You were really engaging and very entertaining. Your interaction with the sponsors and our winners was fantastic, and brought a relaxed professionalism to the occasion which was just what we wanted. So thank you for setting the perfect tone.”

Re:locate Magazine

“Libby was a fantastic after dinner speaker and went down a storm! ”

Trinity College

To enquire about Libby Purves OBE or make a booking please contact us