Tributes to ‘The Voice of Yorkshire’

A RURAL champion who was known as ‘The Voice of Yorkshire’ has died after a long cancer battle.
The late Mike Keeble, who commentated at the Great Yorkshire Show for more than 40 years.The late Mike Keeble, who commentated at the Great Yorkshire Show for more than 40 years.
The late Mike Keeble, who commentated at the Great Yorkshire Show for more than 40 years.

Agricultural show commentator Mike Keeble, of East Witton near Leyburn, died on Sunday, friends told The Yorkshire Post, prompting a minute’s silence in his honour at Masham Sheep Fair later that day.

Mr Keeble had commentated at the event for 29 years.

Susan Briggs, of the Masham-based Tourism Network, said: “People called him the voice of Yorkshire. He didn’t just commentate on what was going on but talked about farming matters for the benefit of the general public.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He was a rural champion who explained what rural life was really like. The farming community loved him because he understood what farming was about.”

Mr Keeble also commentated in the beef cattle ring at the Great Yorkshire Show for over 40 years and was given a long service award by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society at this year’s show.

Charles Mills, the YAS’s show director, said: “Mike Keeble was a wonderful advocate for the industry and an amazing friend to the YAS. His passion for farming was never more evident than during his cattle commentaries at the Great Yorkshire Show and during the year, he frequently helped us with our events to enthuse young people about agriculture.

“He had the unique ability to relate to people, whether they were five, 15 or 50. The industry has lost a great friend and a superb ambassador.”

Related topics: