Herring Shoes Journal

David Fitzgerald is a well-known face and voice around the south west. He is beamed into our living rooms on a regular basis as an anchor man for BBC Spotlight and has his own weekday radio show on BBC Devon, but his passions far outstrip his broadcasting prowess.

In complete contrast to his broadcasting life, which began in commercial radio in the 1980s, David is more than happy to dip out of the spotlight to follow his passion for wildlife and birdwatching.

Hot on the heels of a trip to Loch Long, David was eager to share his first sighting of a golden eagle.
He said: “It is a most magnificent creature; a light aircraft with a beak!”

David`s passion for birds and other wildlife has taken him across the world but he gets his fair share of exposure from his home in Ivybridge where he is delighted to report the bird of prey species, the kite, is gradually making its way down the A38.

Aside from writing scripts for TV, quiz questions and articles for local publications, David is a regular presenter for Children in Need and is a staunch supporter of the Devon Air Ambulance charity.

David has multiple interests but sometimes it is a single action that provides a clear insight into a person`s beliefs and character. David marched at the Cenotaph to mark Remembrance Sunday and the 100 years since the end of the First World War…but he wasn`t alone.

Of course, there were hundreds of active and retired servicemen and women by his side, but he had a particular companion. He led a blind veteran whose former guides had passed away.

He said: “This lovely lady was telling me that she would be unable to attend the march and I found myself saying I would do it with her.”

This mere mention of this volunteer role came up in passing as David relayed the details of his friendship with Falklands war hero Simon Weston CBE, who he has written four children`s books with and met with on Remembrance Sunday. Abundantly confident in his speaking skills, David was a little nervous about the Cenotaph march but knew former Welsh Guard Simon would give him some excellent pointers!

Herring Shoes was humbled to learn David wore a pair of our shoes for the march. It was a momentous occasion and David marked it in an honourable, practical and very human way; someone needed help and he stepped in. Lest we forget.

David is also pictured wearing the classic Richmond brogue in tan, one of our most popular styles.