Phil Mercer

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

The Beast of Burford

 

Well we are nearly at the end of March. The clocks go forward this weekend and winter is finally over.

Actually its been a mad week or so. Last weekend was stunning weather, so spent plenty of time out and about (see photos in a later blog.)

Its been very exciting to see a story that I broke making it in to the national press.

Last week I visited a friend of mine, who together with his Landlord has a collection of sheep. A couple had died in the last few days... having been scared to death. The rumour was that there was a Black Puma out in the wild. Now anyone who lives in the UK will know that a Puma is definately not indigenous! The scariest animal we have in the wilde is the Wasp (which is quite enough for me!) There are Foxes and fluffy rabbits etc, but definately not Pumas!

Back to the saga. The next morning I mentioned on-air that the Puma had been causing problems. Before I could say "Loch Ness monster" we started to get emails and calls with sightings. One farmer not far from Brize Norton said he had lost three sheep to some animal... but definately not a fox or dog!

So what was it? Our telly crew covered it on South Today that evening. The next morning we had more emails... and on-air I decided it should be called "The Beast of Burford".

Since then the local Wildlife park have offered a £5,000 reward and its had coverage in everything from The Oxford Mail to the Daily Mirror.

And all because of me (and my mate James!)

Another legend begins...

# posted by Phil @ 5:38 pm

Comments: Post a Comment