23 Feb 2016

50 years of Country Calendar

From Nine To Noon, 11:25 am on 23 February 2016

Retiring presenter Frank Torley and producer Julian O'Brien reflect on 50 years of Country Calendar – New Zealand's longest-running television show.

The pair talk with Kathryn Ryan about television trends, farming trends, a 'who could shoot the heaviest pig' tournament gone wrong and that unforgettable theme music:

Soundie Tony Spear and cameraman Steve Fisher working near the Forgotten World Highway in the central North Island

On Cook Strait with the Heberly Brothers

A pig from Woody's free range farm

Veteran presenter Frank Torley

Jewel Davey brings a 64kg boar out of the bush

Frank Torley on set in 1975

In the studio with Fred Barnes crew and sheep late 60s

Grant Lawson, Andy Coleman and Tony Benny frame up a shot on the beach, 1990

Harvest 1987

Harvest 1987

Cameraman Mike O'Connor and Director Tony Rimmer in June 1970 with a 16mm Doiflex camera

Frank Torley at Feilding Saleyards in 2011

Country Calendar cameraman Chris Terpstra films a clearance sale at Matarau Station, Eastland in 1992

Frank Torley and team in earlier days of Country Calender.

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