Laura's weather gets the Royal treatment
Laura Tobin's shared her weather maps with a number famous celebrities - from Jonathan Ross to Steve Carell and even Kermit the Frog!
But earlier this week she presented the weather with the Earl of Wessex, as part of his visit to the University of Reading.
Laura tells us how it all went in her blog...
On Tuesday I was honoured to be invited back to my old university; Reading where I studied meteorology for a special celebration. The department of Meteorology received one of 12 Regius Professorships bestowed on UK Universities by HM The Queen to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. The Earl and countess of Wessex were the guests of honour Prince Edward presented the award on behalf of the queen as part of just one of the activities marking his official 50th birthday celebrations this year.
We attended a small intimate lunch in the university’s dining room in the beautiful historic park house. We were welcomed by the Mary Bayliss, Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire. Many important people from Reading and the world of weather were also invited including the Mayor of Reading Councillor Marian Livingston, MP for Reading East Rob Wilson, Sir John Madejski, University of Reading Chancellor, and Sir David Bell, the Vice-Chancellor, along with members of staff from the Department of Meteorology and Walker Institute for Climate System Research and the CE of the Met Office.Not forgetting Professor Keith shine, who received the award on behalf of the Meteorology department and was my lecturer for my final year project
Thankfully the weather was onside. It was sunny and dryfor our walk around campus where the Earl and Countesshelped to launch a helium-filled weather balloon into the sky. We then went into the TV studio where current students did a great job under lots of pressure presenting the weather; this is a new part of the Meteorology course. They said they were more nervous presenting the weather in front of me than the Earl and Countess. I was also told I was considered a ‘rock star’ in the world of weather, praise indeed.
I then told some funny stories from my presenting career and about having talk back in my ear, including laughing when on air one day when the director was telling a funny story in my ear. I then gave my top tips for weather presenting, including be confident, smile, don’t talk too fast. Also using intonation and having a beginning middle and end.
Finally I gave a brief broadcast, I’ve never been so nervous! The Earl was invited to have a go for himself, following in his brother, Price Charles' footsteps. He was surprised that there was no auto cue and quickly adapted to the green screen technology where everything behind you is superimposed and everything in the camera is reversed, that's just the first step. He then took on board my weather briefing and after a little practice pointing at towns in the map he took the ‘the air’. I have to say he did a great job, giving detail about the rain in Balmoral and sunny weather for us in Reading; he handled the green screen like a pro, smiled and the weather flowed, he finished with a weekend summary and a round of applause from the audience.
I asked if he was free at 6am to cover on Good Morning Britain but he said he was busy!
Maybe next time!
Watch the moment when Laura presented the weather with Prince Edward here