Where were you born? A small Village in the
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, called Drybrook
Where do you live now? Just outside the City
of Gloucester, a small place called Hardwicke
What is your favourite part of the Country?
Very difficult to answer, I like the West Country, and parts
of Wales, both due to the ruggedness of the landscape. I
have been lucky enough to sample most parts of the country
including Scotland and Ireland. I would like to go to The
Scilly isles and The Orkneys.
How did you get into radio? I have asked myself
that question; it should be what are you doing in Radio!!
I suppose the answer is when my local BBC station was looking
for assistants I went along t help with Sports Commentary,
with my friend Peter Wilson, who has a weekly program now
on BBC Radio Gloucestershire. I have reported from Henley
Regatta, and the National Rowing Championships in Nottingham,
doing a race commentary while riding a bicycle along the
tow path. And then along came Caroline, as a young lad I
always wished I could have been involved, and now I am very
lucky to be.
When and why did you first join Caroline? Oh
these are interesting Questions, I have been a listener
since 1964, yes really that long, I started listening after
reading an article in the Coventry Evening Gazette while
on holiday at my cousins. To fully answer the question,
after I visited the Ross in Rochester & Tilbury. I thought
this Ship needs a make over and a clear out, I have some
free time, offer your self..The rest is a very tiring history
What other radio stations have you been involved with?
All local to Gloucestershire, BBC Radio Gloucester, Stroud
FM and Triangle FM
What are your earliest memories of Caroline? Now
what should I say here, I listened as often as possible,
and when we could receive the signal in the Forest of Dean,
this meant erecting a very long wire aerial in the garden.
The 1967 Marine Offenses Broadcast was possibly the one
I remember with Sadness and Happiness; I was in Butlins
in Bognor that night
What's your favourite station other than Caroline?
Over the years many stations have come and gone but some
still hold in my memory, Beacon Radio & BRMB in the
Midlands, the original JAzz FM on DAB. I like RNI as it
was on shortwave, and I used to repair Radio equipment,
so could give then a long soak test. I currently listen
to MVY Radio on the internet, as it plays a lot of new interesting
music. The problem is there are too many outlets to listen
to, plus buying your own music.
Famous people that you have met? What
a question, how long a list do you want!!, Seriously though
Sir Stephen Redgrave, Tim Foster, Matthew Pinsent, James
Cracknell, as my son was involved the GB Junior Rowing squad,
it was easy to meet and talk to these people. Various Broadcasters
from the Pirate radio era, to many to mention, sorry guys
What is the best and worst thing about radio today?
100% of the Radio Stations in the UK all sound
the same, and play what I consider Dull music, I dont know
who the Program Controllers are but they should be shot.
The best thing about Radio, is still Caroline with its Presenters
all having a different take on music, hence the vast selection
heard.
How much music freedom do you have on Caroline compared
with other stations? Being a fill in presenter
I have a total freedom to play what I feel is good quality
album music, and I like to bring to the table new bands
and artists.
What's the most embarrassing or funny thing that's
happened to you? Not too funny at the time, but when
used to Row in Ross-on-Wye I was always the one to fall
out of the boat, as I was always last getting out
What do you do for your day job and relaxation?
My Day job is a Network Analysist, not certain what it
entails, but it things go wrong I get the blame. Relaxation
what is that?, unless you class listening to music, going
to gigs and sporting events, I am a season ticket holder
for Gloucester Rugby, and enjoy the Horse Racing at Cheltenham.
A nice pint of Real Ale always helps.
What's your favourite food? Food and
me get along very well, I suppose one of my favourites was
my late Mothers steam treacle pudding, my sons were always
happy when Nan was in a baking mood as well. I will try
all types of food, so I hope that answers the question
What do you dislike doing the most? - Needle
gunning on the Ross Revenge, and paying Bills, house work.
Who would you like to get stuck with on a desert Island?-
. I have never really planned to get stuck on a desert island,
but if I did it would have to be some one practical, so
that we could get back to civilisation, and survive while
planning the escape, I think the answer is my Dad.
What's the most important thing that you have learnt
about radio?- Its all about communication, the
way you talk to the listener and involve him or her, to
be focused on that possible one person who maybe listening.
Never take your next program for granted
What was the first record you bought?- Tom
Dooley by The Kingston Trio, the B side was Ruby Red
What are your favourite bands and who is your hero?
Being as old as I am, I have had many favourite bands
and artists, and still have many of their Albums in my collection.
A long time favorite is Kenny Loggins whose music and lyrics
I enjoy, currently high on the list is folk singer Jenna.
Never really had a Hero, but possibly my Father should be,
as he taught me a lot in my younger days.
What are your favourite tunes? There
is not enough room here to select them all, I really like
Celebrate Me Home by Kenny Loggins, and Music by John Miles,
both of which I usually play when on Caroline, there is
so much new music which is making me forget the older stuff,
as I found out on the Ross recently
When did you last go on board the Ross Revenge?
I was on the Ross for the Easter & May Bank
Holiday Broadcasts. It was a great experience; meeting people
I have previously meet on the Ross, and this time adding
Steve Conway & Nick Richards and Ray Copeland to the
list. The atmosphere was tremendous, the stories told about
life on-board were very interesting, its a bit like when
you go on tour with your rugby club, whats talked about
on tour stays on tour, so enough said. You could sense on
board that all the presenters were on their top game, hence
the cracking programs that were delivered, All helped prepare
the food, and kept the place clean and tidy
What are your plans for the future? -
Well to carry on going to Concerts and Sporting events,
do some more broadcasting when the opportunity arises, and
just be happy and helpful to other people. More weekends
on The Ross Revenge helping the restoration work
Presenters
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