John Griff had a musical upbringing. Born in Northampton (he was a Barratt baby!) he was a chorister with the world famous St John’s College Choir in Cambridge, making records, touring the world and performing on tv and radio. On leaving school, John first worked in banking which taught him many of the skills he would go on to use in broadcasting.

Working in local and national radio and television since the early 80s, John joined the BBC as a presenter in 2009. Over the years he’s done everything from making the tea to broadcasting from helicopters and hot air balloons. In 2011 he abseiled down all 418 feet of the world’s tallest freestanding abseil tower (in Northampton) for the BBC’s Children In Need telethon. In 2012 he briefly came out of musical retirement to sing in front of fourteen thousand premiership rugby fans and on the radio at Franklins Gardens, the home of Northampton Saints, also for Children In Need. Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” has never sounded quite the same!

A long term columnist for the Northampton Chronicle and Echo newspaper, through his production company John helps clients develop their communications, presentation and broadcast skills (www.jgmediaservices.co.uk). He’s hosted numerous public events (like this one!) and is a podcast producer and presenter, having worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Northamptonshire Police and the Chester House Estate amongst others.

Away from work John’s a Trustee of the Nene Rivers Trust, a past Chairman of the Nenescape charity, and an Ambassador of both the Northamptonshire Community Foundation and the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust. In 2020 he was honoured by being appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire.