Sell-out tribute to TV favourite
It was truly a night to remember – as the stars came out to celebrate Bob Warman’s 50 years in television.
Bob, who is president of Birmingham Press Club, took centre stage at the Birmingham Rep Theatre as one after another celebrities came forward to reminisce about his successful career as anchorman for ITV Central News.
Press Club chairman Llewela Bailey, who for a number of years co-presented the news programme with Bob, said: “It was a fabulous evening – brilliant in every way - and a marvellous tribute to one of the ‘greats’ of Midlands television.”
The “Night of Stars,” organised by Jasper Carrott and friends, was a sell-out event which featured tributes, anecdotes, music and laughter, a few embarrassing escapades – and a trawl through all our yesterdays. Helping to provide the entertainment were personalities such as Alistair McGowan, Bobby Davro, Chris Tarrant, Don Maclean, Des Coleman, Gary Newbon, Nick Owen, Ruby Turner, Tony Christie, the Abba Tribute band, Strictly Abba, – and, of course, Jasper himself.
There was also a “Christmas” dance routine coupled with a tribute from Roy Wood of Wizard, who pointed out that his hit song, Wish It Could Be Christmas, was recorded 50 years ago! And a tribute from Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands.
Bob, who started his journalistic career in Walsall, retired last summer after serving as one of ITV’s longest-serving news anchors and having presented regional news in the Central region since 1973.
Bob, who was also a journalist on the Birmingham Evening Mail, entered television in the days of Central's predecessor ATV, the same year that saw the end of the American war in Vietnam and Britain joining the Common Market. He subsequently covered every kind of story – from the Birmingham pub bombings to the closure of the Longbridge car works as well as fronting up charity marathons. Along the way, there was a two-year spell on Yorkshire Television, and being co-presenter of the very first breakfast television programme, a three-month pilot that led to the establishment of TV-AM.
The Birmingham Rep event was in aid of charity, raising funds for The Journalists’ Charity, of which Bob is a Life Vice-President and Acorns Children’s Hospice, of which he is a patron.
Derek Inman, Regional Chairman of The Journalists’ Charity said: “I am delighted we could honour Bob Warman, one of our Life Vice Presidents, for his 50 years in journalism. Particular thanks to Jasper Carrott and the talented cast for putting together such a memorable show and raising such much needed funds for our charity.”
