Helen Willetts

One of the BBC's foremost weather forecasters.

Born:

10 FEB 1972

Place of Birth:

Chester

School:

Pendorlan Primary School, Eirias High School, Colwyn Bay

Biography:

In 1997, Helen transferred to the BBC Weather Centre in London to work on BBC News 24. She now broadcasts across all main BBC domestic channels, and does regular stints on BBC Breakfast.

She says: "I return to Colwyn Bay as often as I can to see my parents and a few friends who still live locally." Helen Willetts' family moved to Colwyn Bay when she was very young. She was a keen badminton player, coached by her dad at Bryn Estyn, Deganwy (The North Wales Badminton Centre).

She also played for the Eirias High badminton team, helping to run it with a teacher.

"I won numerous local tournaments through my youth and got to the semi-finals of many national tournaments. My top ranking in Wales was number 2," said Helen.

She first became interested in meteorology whilst studying A level geography. In 1993, she graduated from Nottingham University with a First Class Honours degree in physics.

On joining the Meteorological Office in February 1994, Helen began a five-month forecaster training course at the Met Office college. In July 1994 she moved to Cardiff Weather Centre and from April 1995 she appeared as a forecaster on BBC Wales Television and Radio.

your comments

Sue Minor from Penrhyn Bay
Whilst at school Helen had a part time job at our video rental shop in the West End of Colwyn Bay and also babysat for us, taking care of our daughter. Great girl, lovely nature - so pleased that she has done so well for herself. Always knew she would make a success of life.
Mon Jun 16 10:42:35 2008

Brian Owen, Colwyn Bay
i remember helen as a total geography nut (in a nice way) and was very proud to have had the privlage of her company again when mrs huphreys the geography mentor retired a few years ago. good looking and good natured i wish her more success in the future.
Tue Jan 2 10:29:31 2007

Peter from Henley
I remember Helen, right back from Conwy road, and stayed seeing her nearly every day, until I left Eirias in 1989. Although I do not remember much about her, I do remember being on a visit with her, when I was about fourteen. It was my birthday, about this time, and I ended up sitting with her and her friends, the last night of the visit. There were many other happy times that I had with Helen, and her friends, but that one was the most memorable.
Fri Nov 10 09:38:34 2006

J. Edwards, Conway Rd Infants Colwyn Bay
Helen Willetts was a pupil at Conwy Road Infants.They are celebrating the school's 130th birthday on July 14 th 1-5pm.We hope that Helen can visit the school.
Wed Jul 5 10:52:31 2006

Nigel Malkin, Bangor
I used to play badminton with Helen and we won the county senior mixed doubles on one occassion.
Wed Mar 24 14:38:36 2004

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