The voice behind many of New Zealand’s greatest sporting moments has been inducted into the Timaru District Hall of Fame.
Renowned sports broadcaster John McBeth was born in Kurow but moved to Timaru when he was 3 years old.
He began his illustrious broadcasting career at Timaru radio station 3XC, which would later be known as Radio Caroline.
He initially worked as a music programmer but it took a rugby injury while playing for Celtic to set him on his true path.
He began ringing around the various rugby grounds while on air to find out how the teams were getting on.
Thus began his decade-spanning career covering rugby, multiple summer and winter Olympic Games, America’s Cup events and more.
Mr McBeth said it was an honour to have been inducted.
‘‘In your career, in what ever area it may be, you never expect or have any thought that you might be recognised for what you do over next 50 years or whatever it might have been.
‘‘I was just completely blown away when I received my letter because I didn’t really consider that what I’d done, that is, working in a field I absolutely enjoyed, getting to see as many parts of world and talk about wonderful sports events, would end with any recognition.”
Last year Mr McBeth released his autobiography It’s Over! A Broadcaster’s Story, in which he spoke about his time in Timaru.
He said despite leaving more than 50 years ago, he still had retained a strong connection to the area.
‘‘There has always been a strong attraction to Timaru for me, probably because I have enjoyable memories of growing up there, my family was there, I completed my education there and met my wife and was married in this area.”
He said with his family being in Timaru, he retained that link.
‘‘I always talk about Timaru fondly, I keep coming back so it must be something and it’s not just for the Caroline Bay carnival.’’
Although very much retired nowadays, Mr McBeth said he is still very busy.
‘‘Next month I’ll be in Auckland for about 10 days commentating on some international bowls events, so I’m still doing bits and pieces.
‘‘I still occasionally speak at functions. I was at the South Canterbury 50th reunion for the Ranfurly Shield team, so a little bit of that goes on.
‘‘I’m also a funeral celebrant. Sadly people continue to die so I’m constantly being called to do funerals.’’
Although feeling the term was overused, he said he felt privileged and humbled to be recognised for his career.
‘‘There really is something special to have been welcomed, invited into people’s living rooms over the length of my broadcasting career via their radios and television sets.
‘‘It really has been on reflection a very personal role that I’ve had over the years and I thank those people who have put up with me or listened or watched me over the years and got some enjoyment out of it.’’