Presenters
Tim Ashburner
Tim was our breakfast show presenter back in 2007 and resumed this role again last summer during our 2009 FM RSL. Famous for his touting of 'blonde' , 'Mother-in-law' and politically incorrect jokes, Tim takes pride in the fact that he spends time preparing for his show - sometimes spending 3, 4 or maybe 5 minutes of preparation time.
"I like the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type show with everything fast moving. I live in the 'live' environment and don't like to be caged. I like the fact that I don't know what's coming next!" says Tim.
During the test transmissions the breakfast show proved an important resource to those in Marlow heading into London or the surrounding areas who relied on the frequent and completely (spookily some say!) accurate traffic news.
The show discusses the daily papers, the lighter side of the news and includes interviews with leading Marlovians and celebrities. Tim's breakfast show is 'famous' for educating the listener in 'footreading' and various massage techniques (yes it did actually work on radio!)
Michelle Livings
Following a degree in Linguistics with French and several years spent behind the camera in TV land learning about the industry as what is often referred to as a ‘word bird’ (prompt operator), I finally decided to make the move in front of the camera and filmed my first showreel on a blistering hot day, one summer, being verbally abused at the Stevenage Music Festival.
That showreel got me my first job at cult shopping channel BidTV, allowing me to hone my presenting skills and gain hours of live experience. I now work freelance which has allowed me to further my TV work but also get more involved with radio, including MarlowFM.
Over the years I’ve read many interviews with broadcasters saying they preferred radio to TV any day. I used to wonder how that could possibly be, after all, with TV you have exposure, fame, glamour and money whereas with radio you’re out of sight working on your own for little (or no) money... But having experienced both mediums, I understand.
Radio is such a personal way of communicating with absolute strangers plus the fact that you can get away with doing a great show with no hair or make-up worries is the cherry on top!
The Classic Rock Show is a chance for me to indulge every week playing artists like Led Zeppelin, Guns 'N' Roses, Motley Crue, AC/DC and Pink Floyd. I’ve loved music from as early as I can remember... doing Disco to Boney M; dancing 'like a virgin' complete with crucifixes to Madonna; trying to 'throw a rose' to Joey Tempest at my first rock gig, Europe; working as an intern at MTV.... the list goes on. Music can most definitely provide a soundtrack to my life.
These days I do have eclectic tastes but as a teenager I once told my parents “Rock is in my blood”... wise words indeed!
Paul Mansell
I have a great love of music although totally inept at playing anything other than on my wife's nerves. I listen to everything from Abba, Arcade Fire & Andy Williams to The Zutons, Zappa & Lena Zavaroni...
...OK, maybe not Zavoroni but certainly Lena Horne. I have very eclectic tastes when it comes to music.
Although I'm not a huge fan of certain genres, I think there's room for every taste to be catered for on MarlowFMOnline - if the people demand it, then the people shall have it!
My own personal listening habits (when I'm not tuned in to my fellow presenters on MarlowFMOnline that is!) start with 'Today' on Radio4, then Robert Elms & Danny Baker on BBC London, 'PM' again on R4 followed by the comedy half hour slot each evening at 6.30pm. I think the specialist shows that Radio2 provide each week day evening would be very hard to beat and the thought of going up against Radcliffe & Maconie every night would give me sleepless nights. I think the quality of broadcasting in this country is still the best in the world and I believe that community radio can only enhance the listening experience for people. I loved my Saturday mornings with John Peel and his 'Home Truths' who is still much missed by me and by many. I recommend you read 'Margrave of The Marshes' if you haven't already done so.
I've always loved listening to radio and yes, I have to admit to being old enough to have retuned our wireless set from the Light programme to Radio Luxembourg much to the annoyance of my father who loved his Ted Heath & Mantovani. As I'm originally from 'up North', it was Radio 207 and Veronica and later 370 and Radio North Sea International until Caroline North came on the air.
I'm a serious Archers addict and shout a loud hurrah for the 'listen again' facility. There are so many fine radio programs around I love the fact that you can listen whenever you like now. I'm lucky because I work from home (one half of our conservatory is given over to PM Graphics and the other MarlowFM). I can listen to anything I choose to during the day, but I have to say I do like the automated music service on MarlowFMOnline. You never know what is going to come up next and there's no way it's akin to setting your iPod to shuffle; have you got every genre of music from the 1900's to the current chart hits along with the best in classical, jazz, country, Americana, folk, world and everything else in between.
Join me every Monday night, 8-9pm, for PirateFM. I'll bring you both classic album tracks and new releases from the best in contemporary rock and acoustic with some great singer songwriters featured, including my personal favourite, Nick Drake. My 'BryterLayter' slot at 8.30pm each week highlights the works of this extraordinary talented musician and singer.
Along with my brother-in-law, Andy Fowler, I also present The Folk & World music Show, Saturdays 6-8pm. We're both passionate about the music and seek to push the barriers whenever we can; you're as likely to hear Jethro Tull and Bob Dylan along with both traditional and new folk.
Michael Eagleton
Michael has lived in Marlow all his life and is a big fan of the town. He collects local postcards, pictures and memorabilia and has written (with Ray Evans) five books about Marlow in past times and contributes a weekly ‘Memories’ column in the Marlow Free Press. He owned a busy record and hi-fi shop in the town throughout the 1970s and 1980s and has also run the Marlow Jazz Club for longer than he would care to mention. Previously worked on the Wycombe Radio Station in the days it was ElevenSeventy AM and also Portsmouth’s Radio Victory. Both stations now defunct – is there a message there? However, he’s also done a few things on the BBC: we think they're still in business!
Michael has a huge collection of CDs, LPs and even 78s, mainly jazz and blues although his weekly “Swing That Music” show on MarlowFM covers a whole range of music and vocalists and even includes an occasional touch of classic comedy.
SerenaSpencer-Jones & Lilley Mitchell
Serena is an enthusiastic lover of The Arts which made her the obvious choice when we were seeking an Arts Editor for MarlowFM. She is a keen movie buff, theatre lover and avid reader, a columnist for the magazine Round and About, an active member of Chiltern Shakespeare Company and runs a book club in Marlow. Serena really LOVES music! All sorts from Fats Waller to Duffy, via Tamla Motown & Bizet. She also watches every Oscar nominated movie she can for her all-night-stint watching the annual Academy Awards Ceremony live. Serena & Lilley were part of the presenting team who brought 'Mid Morning Matters' to listeners during our RSL in the summer of 2009. Together they present our 'What's On?' weekly magazine show 'Welcome To The Weekend' each Friday.
Lilley read biology at university, then went on to complete a Masters in Science Communication. She now works on online science documentaries for Nature and the British Medical Journal. She has a passion for science and would love to be a science presenter, but that demands lots of presenting experience, and she feels there are more opportunities to do so in radio.
She's been involved in radio for quite a while; beginnnng with hospital radio for the community part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award! During her undergraduate degree she was a keen member of Cambridge Science Productions, podcasting every month with recordings of passing science dignitaries. One of her favourite interviewees was Roger Highfield, the Daily Telegraph's Science Editor. Lilley is always amazed to discover how many scientists are into science fiction!
She shares a love of music, TV and film with Serena but has her own distinctive tastes. Their individual views and styles make for entertaining radio - catch them Fridays 6-7pm. Photograph courtesy of John Spence.
Ross Jordan
Ross spent nearly 20 years on the local music scene, best known as manager of Percy Prior's Music Shop in High Wycombe. With a passion for all things dance music, particularly trance, all the way back to '88, Ross ran the popular 'Skymouse' night with fellow DJ Alex, before travelling the world and playing in exotic places like Ko Pha Nang's full moon parties.
"The idea of my Dance Education show is not to teach or preach, but to try to introduce my listeners to some amazing new sounds and re-introduce forgotten classics. For me there is no more amazing feeling than hearing a soaring synth solo for the first time and having that uncontrollable urge to move. My favourite DJ is Tony De Vit (R.I.P.) because of his unique sound that proved the theory of the DJ as musician. Modern dance music changed things forever. As the late great Tony Wilson said; 'it is the beatification of the beat'."
Now with a selection of 'proper jobs' Ross loves spending Wednesday nights harking back to the days when Dance Music was truly rebellious and non-corporate."
Andy Fowler
Along with my brother-in-law, Paul Mansell, I co present the weekly Folk & World Music Show on MarlowFM. I'm passionate about Folk music in all styles especially Electric Folk/Folk Rock and songs with a social justice meaning. Folk Music is music for the people by the people and its fascinating to hear songs from 200 years ago about problems such as Debt, Unemployment, Starvation and Racial Prejudice which are all still problems in the modern world. I also have a great love of comedy including Monty Python, The Office, Al Murray, Harry and Paul etc and believe that if the world learned to laugh more it would make it a more bearable place!
Folk music doesn't have to mean guys in Arran sweaters with their hands in their ears (although there is still a large place for traditional music). The current mega folk artists such as Show Of Hands and Seth Lakeman have a contempory rock feel about them that makes them accessable to both rock and pop fans. I love the fact that folk artists all help one another out and there is no room for egos. I've attended The Cambridge Folk Festival regularly for over 30 years and after attempting to learn the fiddle but failing miserabl, I'm going to turn my attention to the mandolin or ukelele.
I also love classic rock/blues such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, Eric Clapton, Roxy Music, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, The Stereophonics and Snow Patrol. I still have a scar on my head after Pogoing to a Punk band back in the 1970's and head butting the stage! My favourite artist of all time is Bob Dylan and American Country Music holds another interest for me as does World music; I just love the North African Bedouin Bands.
Outside of music I love classic aviation, airshows and anything that flys. The Supermarine Spitfire is the greatest machine ever produced in Britain and to see them still flying today is awesome. The restored Vulcan jet bomber is also a great example of British engineering and brings a lump to my throat everytime I see it. One day I will learn to fly when I get enough pennies together. I enjoy the quiet of the countryside and watching the beautiful Red Kites soar over Marlow. I'm also into science, history and antiques.
To earn my daily bread I work as a postman in Marlow and have done so for 20 odd years. I started off my working career with The Civil Aviation Authority and have worked in firms both large and small. My family keeps my feet on the ground; I have a lively 13 year old son, Jonathan, and have been married to my lovely wife Liz for a million years! (Sorry Liz) It's actually 14 years... it just feels like longer! Only Joking!
Tune in to the MarlowFM Folk and World Music Show with myself and Paul on Saturday evenings, 6.00-8.00pm. We'd love to have your company and an entertaining time is guaranteed for all!
Dan Richardson (A.K.A. Danny Wave)
My musical tastes have been heavily influenced by my parents. Big up the TMB & BMB. I grew up listening to all genres of music including artists such as Eric Clapton, Bukka White, Jimi Hendrix, Bach, Fleetwood Mac, Robert Johnson, The Jam, Puccini, Bob Dylan and The Beatles. A very eclectic range! Even now I get a call from them saying have you heard this artist or this piece of music.
The 80’s was a catalyst of my musical ambitions. But I didn’t know it!! In the late 80’s I got into acid house scene. Clearly not able to attend such events as I was only a kid. But listened to the mix tapes and 12”s. I was amazed by the sounds and the beats that were being created it was mind blowing! I was still listening to all genres of music but this was something that really had me gripped.
Throughout the early 90’s I was listening to both Electronic music and Grunge/Metal - Nirvana, Metallica, PWEI, The Levellers and Chilli Peppers – I had different groups of friends at school and they were divided in their musical tastes. So with my parents’ love of different styles of music and mates I was in a really good position to turn my love of music into something that I had never even thought about. DJ-ing.
In 1996 I got a lucky break. I was going to college and chose to do a work experience at my local record store Frequency Recordz owned by Phil “Tin Tin” Mills who became a good friend. This experience enabled me to follow my passion for music further. Work experience turned into part time work and then to running the business. Purchasing, selling, banking, marketing and being able to play choonz. What a life!! Big up all those who graced me with your presence. Scratchmaster Gee, ADS, Nigel Mihill, Betty, Shop Bod, Ashton, Jev, Tiff, Besta, JP, and the one and only Sparkie.
During my time at Frequency Recordz it seemed the norm that DJ’s started producing, so I took the plunge. With the expertise of the Scratchmaster Gee and MarlowFM, in 2007 I started producing. The first release was Comet, a track that is still talked about. A number of remixes followed Comet, notably a remix of Olive You’re Not Alone. There are a still a large number of tracks that still remain unfinished, there is never enough time. However, there will be premieres on shows in the not so distant future.
If you’re wanting to either kick back or jump around your living room on a Saturday night following a few beers, then The Danny Wave Experience will be the show that will be bookmarked as the one you’ll be wanting to choon into. If Funky House, Old Skool, Electro House, D&B is your bag then it's 10-12 pm each and every Saturday, repeated Thursday 10-12pm.
Rijul Ralhan
One of our youngest presenters, Rijul, better known as Rij (pronounced ridge) presents the MarlowFM Chart Show live every Sunday, 7-9pm. Somehow he finds the time to produce a regular show whilst juggling his studies at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School and maintaining a strong social and family life. In addition to this he has keen interests in drama, music and sports; mainly rugby and rowing. His out-going nature and his love of life means he has first hand experience of the lifestyle and issues that our younger listeners can no doubt connect with.
Rij hasn’t as yet decided on a future occupation when he completes his studies, but he's looking into the field of law to perhaps become a barrister or the world of journalism with the hope of maybe pursuing his interest in radio as a career.
Somewhat of an 'old hand' now at broadcasting, having started presenting on Cookham Summer FM a few years ago, and now with two FM RSL's under his belt for MarlowM and 18 months doing the chart run down online.
His knowledge and enthusiasm for upbeat mainstream music is perfect for the chart show and should provide a great escape from all the serious goings on in the world; the perfect recipe for a 'feel-good' Sunday night.
Alex East
Alex presents 'It's Only Rock 'n' Roll' every Tuesday night 7-8pm, repeated Sundays 9-10pm. What he doesn't know about Rock 'n' Roll just isn't worth knowing! He's been DJing for over 25 years, starting out, as so many do in hospital radio in his hometown of High Wycombe. After brief stints in Spain and again in the UK, he moved to the United States and was hired as drive-time host on a Spanish Radio Station. After only a year on the air, audience figures increased more than tenfold.
Rock 'n' Roll has always been his first love, so he decided to write a book called "The Encyclopedia of Rock 'n' Roll" available @ www.rocknrollencyclopedia.com; all the proceeds from this book go to the American Heart Foundation.
He decided that the book would make a great radio show, so "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" took to the airwaves and was very well received around the world. The show is aired on radio stations on 4 continents drawing fans from every corner of the world.
Alex is also the voice of arch villain Ian McClusky in the video game Subsurface.
Alex now lives in California with his wife and two sons.
The Radio Girls - Taragh Bissett & Nicola Rowsell
Radiogirls Taragh Bissett and Nicola Rowsell are new to radio. They met at art school over twenty years ago and have enjoyed a close friendship ever since. They jumped at the opportunity to share their love of music, art and conversation each week. This show is like Marmite; you’ll either love it or hate it. There’s a strong lean toward electronic music and a touch of acoustic, new and old. Taragh is a regular gig-goer and shares her opinions and interviews with new up-and-coming bands. Nikki is a Marlow bred girl, illustrator and artist. Together they chat about what inspires them and what makes them laugh.
Nikki and Taragh encourage you to comment on the show, view playlists, videos, photos, drawings and other gems of knowledge each week. Go here for more info.
Join them monthly on the first Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8pm, and for the repeat on the following Sunday afternoon 4pm to 5pm.
The Nic & Sammy Show - Nic Attwood and Sammy Clinch
Nic always wanted to give radio another go since doing a bit at College; it only went out to the canteen area but we all need our breaks don't we? He's performed in many different genres: radio plays, stage shows and stand up to name but a few. "I saw great potential in MarlowFMOnline and I'm really happy to be a part of it".
The Nic & Sammy Show is primarily there to look at the Blues and the like but we also break it up with a bit of banter. Sammy and I have been mates for a while and although I sometimes give her a hard time, I can’t knock her (I wouldn't anyway as she packs one helluva punch!). Sammy and I met at a drama club and got on straight away. She is currently at a well known drama school in London and is hoping to make it big with hand modelling. She is crazy, but there to keep me in order.
Our show looks at Blues but we also like to play tracks you might never have heard before. We have regular features such as 'Sammys Stories', 'The Marlow Archers Adventures', 'Rapping Russian Roulette' and 'Nic Criticising the Critics'. We have a group on facebook, so please come and join us and we may even mention you on air.
Join us weekly every Thursday from 9pm to 10pm, and for the repeat on the following Sunday afternoon 5pm to 6pm.
Martin Willingham - 'MW on MFM' - 'Take It Easy with Martin Willingham'
Hi there. My name is Martin Willingham and I'm proud to be a presenter on MarlowFM. I host a couple of shows, 'MW on MFM' each Tuesday evening 6-7pm and 'Take it Easy' Sunday afternoons 2-4pm; both full of the best music, '…And Finally' stories and a few surprises along the way! My Tuesday night show often includes special guests, competitions and so so much more: you're guaranteed to be entertained for an hour every Tuesday and 'have all the hard edges smoothed away' ona a Sunday afternoon.
Artists I like: Queen, Michael Jackson, Daft Punk, George Michael, Alex Gaudino, ACDC, Kiss, Weird Al, Robbie Williams and way too many more to list here.
I'm LIVE 6-7pm Tuesdays and Sundays 2-4pm. Why not contact me?
Text: 07856 99 11 45 Email: MWMFM@Live.com Tweet: Twitter.com/MWMFM
Or Alternatively Send a thought my way. I hope you enjoy the shows!
Dan Thompson
Hey guys. My name is Dan and I LOVE music. I'm a teen so suitably qualified to present 'Teen Time' on MarlowFM every Wednesday 6-7pm. I'm into all the new kind of music, R&B, Rap, Rock, Pop etc but I also like older music as well such as Queen, Bon Jovi and Michael Jackson.
I like sharing my music with people and have some of the greatest friends with the best music knowledge that I know. I aim to introduce you to as many of them as I can when they guest on my show. We'll talk about all Teen related stuff; Games, TV, Movies, Music, School... and the meaning of life.
I love bringing friends into the studio and having a laugh on air so I trust you'll tune in to my show to listen to everything teen and share in the fun. You can contact me via dbtmfm@live.com
Ash Bull & Leon Wood - The Bullwood Sessions
Ash Bull is the owner of Denmark Rehearsal and Recording Studios in Maidenhead. He's been involved with the music industry for 10 years achieving the most success with his band Kid Galahad who were signed to Ignition records. The band toured America, wrote film soundtracks and were given the high acclaim of Record of The Week in the NME and again on Radio 1’s Mark and Lard Show. Ash now produces many of the bands that come through Denmark Studios and also writes, performs and produces with Electro pop band Me and The Beast. He's in a great position to be able to select and showcase both established and up and coming bands and artists for our listeners to enjoy every week on The Bullwood Sessions.
Leon wood is one half of L and J Promotions who run regular gigs in Maidenhead at the Phatz Bar. Leon has been a live sound engineer for about 8 years and has provided his expertise for shows at lots of different venues all over Berkshire for many different types of bands. He also writes and performs music with Irregularity who are a funk, rock and hip hop band. Leon and Ash have a great affinity and share a love of music but a particular passion for LIVE MUSIC.
Catch their show every Friday night 7-8pm, repeated Tuesdays 7-8pm to find out what's 'new and happening' on the local music scene.
Simon Yates
Simon has worked as a presenter/producer for the Sunrise Radio Group in London, England since 1989. He has presented various programs for Sunrise Radio and its sister station Kismat Radio, from the Breakfast Show to Drivetime to Swop Shop, a buy and sell radio show.
He currently produces and presents Soapbox a current affairs talk show which has consistently achieved the highest audience ratings for the station. Simon was also launch Station Manager for London wide radio station, Easy Radio London and has presented shows for WLR in West London and Blast 1386 in Reading, England.
Simon’s passion for disco music is evident from his vast music collection dating back to 1975. He loves playing the disco tracks that were popular on the dance floors of the 70’s and 80’s, as well as the more hard to find rare grooves that you no longer hear on the radio. Today, listeners can continue to hear those discotastic sounds on the show where disco lives forever. Disco Days features the classic disco songs, some hard to find disco tracks and the best 80’s euro disco.
Think of Donna Summer, Thelma Houston, Shalamar, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Brothers Johnson…. the list goes on. Simon digs out the glitter ball, the vinyl 45 and 12 inch single to bring back that good dancing feeling in a one hour weekly program on MarlowFM each Saturday night 9-10pm with a repeat on Wednesday evening 8-9pm.
