Countryside presenter Jules Hudson in Ipswich

An escape to the country. Picture: COURTESY OF JULES HUDSON (Image: Archant)

BBC Countryfile and Escape to the Country presenter Jules Hudson is heading into town, next month ? appearing at his old school in Suffolk, for a charity event.

He will be at Ipswich School talking about his life, career and many interests ? including history and archaeology ? and his friendly inquisitor, that’s me (Lynne Mortimer), will be encouraging him to give us the inside story on some of those country houses and their prospective buyers. How many people hit their heads on those low beams? Does anyone really want to downsize?

Jules’ talk includes illustrations from his forays into some of the most popular shows on TV.

The evening, on Thursday, November 23, will be raising funds for the NSPCC and is being held in the Great School, at Ipswich School.

Countryman Jules. Picture: LIBRARY (Image: Archant)

Jules, who grew up in Colchester attributes his love of history to the Essex town. “Famous for its Roman past, Colchester inspired me with a love of history and this led me into an early career as an archaeologist working in the UK, Europe and the Middle East,” he says and adds: “Of course, Ipswich School too is steeped in history with its Tudor origins and links to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor. I was a week-day boarder at the school in the 1980s ? though fortunately the boarding facilities had been updated since Wolsey’s day.”

Now living in the west of the country, Jules is married to Tania and the couple have a young son, Jack.

Over the last decade, Jules has established himself as an engaging and versatile writer and broadcaster. His interests in country life, archaeology, architecture and both social and military history combine with his natural warmth, easy manner and good humoured approach to bring a hugely entertaining raft of series to the screen. As a writer, he contributes articles to many magazines covering his areas of expertise. His first book, on Walled Kitchen Gardens will be published in late March 2018 by the National Trust. He says: “In the book I explore the history, innovative design and cultural heritage of walled gardens.”

Known to millions of property show fans as a friendly face on the BBC’s rural property flagship Escape to the Country Jules has also been involved in Britain’s Heritage Heroes, Britain’s Empty Homes and history strands Dig 1940, Dive World War 2, and How we won the War, all for the BBC. Most recently, Defenders of the Sky saw hims explore Britain’s aviation history for the history channel H2.

He was tested on his knowledge of 20th century military history when he took part in Celebrity Mastermind in 2012, and came out top of the specialist round on the subject of ‘Operation Market Garden’, and the Arnhem Campaign of 1944.

A keen countryman and craftsman, Jules spends his spare time renovating his period home and garden in Herefordshire and rescuing old furniture.

A passionate dog lover, Jules has two labradors, father and son duo Iolo (Welsh; Pron Yollo) and Teddy. “I’m also a keen horseman having ridden all my life and this ability has often been put to good use on Countryfile, while Teddy and I can often be seen on the wider- ranging Countryfile Diaries.”

Jules has a love of antiques and collectibles and the social history that surrounds them. These days, militaria is top of the list, and Jules is often found seeking out yet more bits and pieces ? which include a jeep ? to add to his growing collection.

Lynne adds: “I am looking forward to meeting Jules, later this month. I am absolutely hooked on all the programmes Jules presents. I love it when he’s showing off some of the beautiful properties in this region. I would be thrilled to take part in the show but as I already live in the place I love ? East Anglia ? I wouldn’t offer much of a challenge! ”

• An Evening with Jules Hudson (with Lynne Mortimer)) is being held on Thursday, November 23, 2017 at Ipswich School Great School, Henley Road, Ipswich (Ivry Street entrance), 7.15 for 7.30pm. Tickets £12, including refreshment. The event is in support of the NSPCC. For information email shirley.ingham@ntlworld.com or phone 01473 405882.

Jules on East Anglia:

“I love Woodbridge, and the swathe of coast from Aldeburgh up to Norfolk. But then Lovejoy country, around Long Melford, Clare and Saffron Walden is also wonderful. Having the

chance to film in and champion places I knew as a child is a real treat.”

Talking about canals in Waterfront in 2015, he said: “I grew up in East Anglia... for me, the Stour was a great influence. We’d go down there on a hot summer’s day, hire a boat, paddle down from Flatford... to Dedham. It was a great way of creating an early sense of the romance of the landscape, the way canals and rivers take you places you wouldn’t normally see from a road or a railway.”