IF YOU’RE ever stuck in the jungle, Ray Mears would be the man to have with you.
But if you needed him to record EastEnders for you, forget it – he’s useless.
The celebrated survival expert and author admits he can’t get to grips with modern technology.
“It’s too complicated to understand the mechanics of Sky Plus when there’s so much else to do,” he said.
“Life’s too short for that!”
Ray Mears will be paddling up river to address his adoring public in his one-man show at the Music Hall on Tuesday.
And as usual he will be submerging himself in the experience.
Ray said: “I really think it’s nice to have a two-way exchange with the audience.
“In return, they get to see the real me away from their TV screens, and that is very important to me because it can be easy to mistrust television.
“I care deeply about what I do, and it’s always wonderful to share my passion with like-minded people.”
Over the past 15 years, Ray, 44, has cemented his reputation as Britain's foremost authority on traditional bushcraft survival.
He has toured the world investigating native skills and has built a cult family following for his books and BBC television documentaries.
Ray’s no-nonsense approach to life in general is refreshing, and most likely it’s his oneness with nature that has kept him well grounded.
Whether he’s carving wood to build a canoe, sharing his wisdom, or building a fire, the most endearing quality that shines through our TV screens is Ray’s ability to always give 100% to whatever he turns his hand to. At least 3 million viewers think so.
He is now celebrating the 25th birthday of Woodlore, the school of wilderness bushcraft that he set up as a young man.
“I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or bad thing to be 25 years in the business, ” he added.
“It’s like I’ve clicked my fingers and 25 years has gone by.”
So given Ray’s affinity with nature, what does he make of the fight faced by closure-threatened Doonies Farm?
“We can all learn from having close contact with animals,” he said.
“The Native Americans believed it was tremendously important to keep children close to animals because it softens them, and keeps them compassionate.”
My First Home
I stayed in Nigeria for a short time when I was one-year-old. My dad was working out there for a time. I can still call to mind the building, the floorboards, chickens, and servants, and even the car my dad drove. When we moved back to Britain, we settled in Kenley, London.
My First School
Downside Lodge, Purley. It was a very old-fashioned school in its teachings. You were encouraged to read and take an interest in the world. It was surrounded by green, which was nice.
I was in the Cubs as a boy but I left because they didn’t teach enough bushcraft. It’s good to see enthusiasm in young people, and I think it is incredibly important that they have the opportunity to be closer to nature and animals. There is so much out there for them to see and learn.
Some of the children who come along to my shows bring their home-made canoe paddles with them.
My First Holiday
When I was 10 my parents took me on a motoring holiday around Scotland. I remember visiting Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the Trossachs. I love the place and spend a month every year visiting. My two favourite places in Scotland are Perthshire and the West Coast. I like the people, and think it is a healthy place to be.
My First Job
I remember helping the milk man out occasionally when I was a lad. My first real job was working in the financial sector in London in the early 1980s. I was one of only three people who didn’t smoke in the office. I only managed to stick it for a year. Thank goodness times have changed.
My First TV Show
I used to watch all the usual things like Dr Who as a child. But the show that had a lasting impression on me was screened in the early eighties. It was a programme by Gerald Durrell called Amateur Naturalist. He’s more famous for his books, but I think that programme was his greatest work.
I’ve just returned from working in Canada where I’ve been filming for my next TV project.
All I’ll say for the moment is it will be another year in the making, and will involve another few trips.
My First Film
Grease. It was the first movie I went to the cinema to see. I loved the music, and if my memory serves me right it was also an excellent way of meeting lots of girls!
My First Record
Hard Days Night by the Beatles. I think I was lucky to grow up in a time when music was made by musicians not record producers.
My Big Break
I took a chance and set up Woodlore, my bushcraft school, in 1983. Some 10 years later I was invited to audition for a screen test for the BBC.
I’ve enjoyed making shows like Wild Food. My favourite dish to rustle up around the campfire is venison, hunted by me, marinaded in juniper berries. Cowberries make a lovely jelly, so I’d probably serve that with some strawberries or raspberries for dessert, providing they were in season.