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BBC Radio 4 Extra

Just a Simple Old New Zealand Bee Keeper

Factual: Life Stories

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Just a Simple Old New Zealand Bee Keeper

Sir Edmund Hillary recalls his life of climbing, bee-keeping and more. With Cliff Morgan.

4 Extra Debut. Record-breaking mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary recalls his life of climbing, bee-keeping and more. With Cliff Morgan. From 1985.

The record-breaking mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary reflects on an incredible life of adventure.

In conversation with Cliff Morgan in Auckland, he remembers his childhood and his father, who was a journalist-turned-beekeeper with strong social views and principles.

Sir Edmund remembers first seeing snow, and the tremendous moment he heard news of his successful summit of Everest with Tenzing Norgay, on BBC Radio.

A self-confessed "mediocre man", with no particular athletic ability, Hillary believes that it was motivation that led him to success on challenging projects.

The conversation also covers diplomacy, in light of his appointment as New Zealand's High Commissioner in Delhi, and his firm belief that the destruction of the natural environment is a worldwide concern.

Producer: Vanessa Harrison

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1985.

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