From May 2000-May 2003, ‘Collectables Guru’ at Ideal World TV. (A refreshing new shopping channel – where the emphasis is on fun). At Ideal World, Gary was in charge of buying all collectables, planning the collectables shows, research and also going on air as presenter of most of these programmes. He also located and brought on related guests.

Regular collectables shows cover subjects like: Die-Cast Models, Pop & Rock Collectables, TV & Film Memorabilia, Soccer & Sport Collectables, Beanies, Dolls, World Wrestling Federation, Teddy Bears, Trading Cards, Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, James Bond, Sport Memorabilia, Dr Who, Formula One etc. These programmes have built up a strong cult audience and brought excellent sales. (Gary received approx 600-800 communications per month).

For 3 years (up to April 2000) – QVC Television Gary would appear on air as guest presenter in Collectable Models, Big Boys Toys and later Soccer Legends. Additionally he would locate and advise on relevant collectables for these programmes At QVC, Gary adopted an “Agony-Uncle” type role (and had continued this again at Ideal World) where he deals with viewer’s queries/questions both on air, in writing and by telephone.

For 2 years + (up to August 2000) Gary was employed as Group Commercial Director for Stanley Gibbons/Benham Group of Companies. Here he was on the Board and responsible for all marketing, promotions, advertising, readers offers, PR and press matters, etc. Gary also oversaw the day-to-day running and advertising of the UK’s most successful stamp publication, a series of catalogues and the UK’s most prestigious and respected Collectables Exhibitions. (Best attendance was 16,000 in 2 days).

For 15 years (up to July 1999) Gary was responsible for the hugely successful collectables division of magazines at Link House Publishing (A division of United Newspapers and now owned by I.P.C.)

He ran 9 different collecting magazines, including 5 market leaders. These titles covered subjects like: Model Cars, Stamps, Sci-Fi, TV & Film Memorabilia, Coins, Formula One, Model Railways etc. Incidentally, he started seven of these publications from issue one and helped to build them into market leaders in Europe.

Prior to Link House, he worked for the Evening Standard in advertising and special features. Gary also had spells at Daily Mail and Capital Radio.

His early career was as a buyer for mail order companies.

Good Food Live on UK Food and BBC1. Appear as the regular expert on kitchen collectables – recently voted Best Cookery programme on satellite & terrestrial TV.

Love2Shop – Daily ½ hour show on ITV1 (run from Oct-Dec 2003). Reality lifestyle show about ‘The Trafford Centre’ in Manchester. I was the collectables expert seeking out potential ‘new’ collectables. I also acted as the main presenter on some programmes.

Loose Lips – Daily chat show on Live TV with Melinda Mesenger. I appeared as a guest discussing unusual things people collect/values etc. (Including celebrities who collect).

Automobilia – A new series commenced January 2004 on Men & Motors. Automobilia is the term for anything collectable in the world of cars – be it plans, photos, badges, models, historical accessories etc. The format sees two viewers who are into this theme of collecting, being assisgned to one of our experts and then cut between the two teams who try to spend £150 each on the best Automobilia they can find. ‘Cockney Geezer’ Gary ‘Gazza’ Ashburn is one of the two presenter/experts who precipitate in a good natured haggling match!

Antiques Fair on Granada Breeze. Gary appears regularly discussing different areas of collecting.

VH1 – He appeared approximately every 4-6 weeks on ‘Something for the Weekend’ with Julia Carling. Basically Gary is perceived as an ‘Anorak’ and discusses music related collectables and memorabilia…

‘Collectors Lot’ on Channel 4. Gary has appeared numerous times.

BBC 1 Breakfast News – Gary has been invited on to this and other ITV and Sky news programmes several times to discuss collecting trends, interesting items in auction etc.

‘The 10 Best of Everything’ on ITV regions. Gary was adviser on these kids’ programmes with all collecting ideas.

‘Livetime’ on Granada. Gary would appear sitting on the sofa discussing modern collectables with celebrities like Julia Carling, George Hamilton, Julie Goodyear, Eamonn Holmes etc.

Advisor on modern collectables to: Antiques Roadshow, Big Breakfast and Granada TV.

The Big Breakfast – Channel Four – Highly popular morning programme. Appeared on several occasions discussing bizarre/unusual things people collect.

Gary has also appeared on:

Sky News, Money Programme on BBC2, ITN News, Looking East on Anglia TV, Capital Radio, Talk Radio, Heart FM, GMTV, L.B.C., CBS and CNN in the USA, Virgin Radio, BBC Radio 2 & 4, BBC Asia, Many other different BBC Radio Programmes, both nationally and locally, QVC in both USA and Germany.

Gary is extremely experienced at presenting/interviewing live and regularly host many different cult live programmes – one and two hour live specials – including:

James Bond 2 hour special with George Lazenby (007) Richard Kiel (Jaws), Maud Adams, Lois Chiles & Gareth Owen (Roger Moores PA)

Star Wars with Darth Vader himself – Dave Prowse

Hammer Horror Movie Memorabilia with Count & Countess Dracula: Christopher Lee and Ingrid Pitt

Soccer Collectables with regular special guests such as England 1966 World Cup Winning Legends Martin Peters and George Cohen, other guests included Viv Anderson, Lee Sharpe and Jimmy Greaves

TV * Film Classics with Britain’s King of good honest slapstick humour – Sir Norman Wisdom

‘Fly to the Past’ – A two day heritage event celebrating the history of flight. This included a guided tour of Blenheim Palace and an in depth interview with legendary Concert and Event Promoter, Harvey Goldsmith.

ITV2- A Behind the scenes look at the Baftas. Gary interviewed various celebrities, as they got ready for the Bafta Awards. Including interviews with Claire King, Anneka Rice, Trish Goddard, Suzanne Shaw, Annabel Lamb and Gillian Anderson.

Collectormania Convention. A special piece shown on Sky and several other TV Channels, interviewing many different actors and actresses from the world of Sci-Fi & Cult movies and TV . Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord Of The Rings, Dr Who, Buffy, Lost, Harry Potter, Battlestar Gallactica and of course James Bond.

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy—Gary was one of the main guests and spoke extensively about life in front of the camera, on a special programme about Male Presenters on Shopping TV. Gary has since been invited back and appeared on other shows, both in the UK and the USA.

Celebrity Collect—A new programme on USA TV. Gary hosts this high profile collecting related programme and has met and interviewed such big names as: Madonna, Tom Jones and Judy Dench.

JML - Sky Channel number 631. Every night at 9pm. ( From July 2007) Gary co-presents a different collectables programme every night offering an amazing array of wonderful collectables and Memorabilia for sale, from the exciting worlds of Soccer, Sport, Pop N Rock, TV & Film, Sci Fi and History and Heritage to name but a few……..