Cari Flower

Cari Flower played a live acoustic session on Abbey FM Tonight. A video of one of the songs filmed in the Abbey FM studios is available below. and the full session is available to download HERE







Cari brought her friend in the studio with her. Shannon read all the text messages out and gave Cari encouragement.

Bank Holiday Mid Morning

10am til 2am swapped with Murf who i`m sure will be doing a spendid job with tonights show whilst I have a night off.

Thanks to everyone who contacted the show today by text email and telephone. A very busy show for a bank Holiday

Star Wars

Hmmm....

Couldnt resist it......

Today is National Star Wars Day...... May the 4th be with you..

Monday Lunch

The Bank Holiday line up on Monday sees some changes for the day which measn me getting the night off and standing in n the 10am - 2pm slot. Looking forward to a Bank Holiday Monday Night off.

The Long Bank Holiday Weekend

Its a Bank Holiday coming up and some changes expected on Monday to the schedule. Meanwhile, tonight its a bank holiday retro party from 10pm. Requests and dedications can be emailed to bill@abbeyfm.co.uk

Gwen Hechle [The Requests]

Last week we had Gwen celebrate her birthday live on the radio and due to an exceptional demand for her to return, she filled a gap on the show tonight with all the requests that she had been asked to perform

The interview is available to download HERE

Crissie Black

Chrissie returned to the airwaves to play her own blend of acoustic music as well as cover versions.

The session is available for download HERE

The video was filmed in the studios of Abbey FM

Bank Holiday Weekend Line Up

This weekend is the May Day bank Holiday which means the usual changes so that we all get a bit of a holiday.

The complete line up for me is as follows

Tonight (Wed 30th April) Crissy Black acoustic session from 10pm
Thursday 1st May Gwen Hechle with the requests played acoustically

Friday Night from 10pm is the retro dance party playing the best of the 60s 70s 80s and 90s spanning 4 decades of great party tunes

Saturday is my day off. Yes, I do get one from time to time

Sunday night is Bank Holiday Sunday meaning no late night phone in this week but it does return next Sunday

Bank Holiday monday sees me presenting the 10am til 2pm lunchtime slot

Then Tuesday 6th May things return to normal and my guest on the acoustic hour is cari Flower

Audio Features

I have made a slight change to this blog resulting in the audio section being moved around a little bit. All audio features can be found by clicking the link at the top of the page or bookmarking this link http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk Note that there is no "www" there.

Jon Regan and Carl Fallows [Furness Fest]

Jon Regan from the JR Experience joined me in the studio for an acoustic session and also to talk about the upcoming Furness Fest. Also in the studio was Furness Fest organiser Carl Hallows and between Jon and Carl they had a great session chatting about the upcoming festival as well as playing some home brewed acoustic tracks by Jon.


pictured are Carl Fallows and Jon Regan.

The complete interview and session can be downloaded HERE.



A video of one of the songs played live is below

Oakbank

Tonights live acoustic session was with newly formed band called Oakbank. They are Ben, Joe and Harry from Ulpha and came to Barrow to perform live on the acoustic show.



They have been around only a few month and have their first gig in Coniston this weekend.

On the radio they came over as a friendly bunch who were eager to play on the radio but at the same time sounded quite nervous. On saying that, they are new to the music scene and I`m sure that with a little perseverance and some creative songwriting that they could make something of it.

The interview is available for download HERE

A video taken in the studio is below

This weeks guest line up

Coming up this week is another week of live acoustic sessions.

Monday 28th April Turtle Soup
Tuesday 29th April Jonny Regan and the JR Experience
Wednesday 30th April Crissie Black
Thursday 1st May Gwen Hechle, The requests by popular demand

Tuesday night will also see Carl Hallows from Furness Fest joining us in the studio to promote the upcoming live music festival in Furness.


The following week will see acts that are new to Abbey FMs acoustic hour which incluse Bird of Pray and Cari Flower

Free Promotion on the radio

Are you an acoustic act. If not then could you play and sing acoustically on the radio. This is your chance to promote yourself by appearing live on the radio.

It won;t cost you anything and its part of our programming to give local bands airtime to promote themselves and their music and on the face of it there is a lot of musical talent in the Furness and South Lakes area so if you feel you would like to come on the radio, have a chat and play some of your music then all you need to do is get in touch with me by emailing bill@abbeyfm.co.uk

All previous acts that have been on the show can be downloaded by clicking to the audio section of this blog and more information is available at myspace at www.myspace.com/billclarkontheradio

Live acoustic sessions last just under an hour and run Monday to Thursdays between 10pm and 11pm.

So what you waiting for. Drop me an email, tell me a little about yourself and your music and we will arrange a date for you to play live on the radio.

Friday Night Retro

Fridays Nights from 10pm is a little different from the rest of the week as we play some "feel good" tunes to get you in the mood to party. Join me from 10pm for 4 hours of retro sounds taking in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s and playing those party tunes. Any dedications or requests for a friday night can be emailed to bill@abbeyfm.co.uk during the week ready for the show.

So if "RETRO" is your thing then Fridays Nights from 10pm is where I bring the party to a radio near you.

Furness Fest

It's One huge shot glass full of the best South Cumbrian talent, blended with a selection of the UK's finest unsigned artists and topped off with a splash of established international performers - resulting in a truly explosive cocktail of the best entertainment ever seen in the area!!

Abbey FM showcases local talent and run regular acoustic nights providing local bands with the chance to perform live on air and are delighted that many of Furness Fest’s performers continue to be a part of our broadcasting and are equally delighted to be associated with this fabulous event!

Get ready for the first ever Furness Fest on the Furness Peninsular

• Three fun packed days and nights
• Fully licensed 2,500 capacity
• Secure 40 acre site with superb sea views
• Free camping and parking
• 50+ acts confirmed
• Supervised children’s workshops
• Amusements, competitions & exhibitions

Furness Fest 2008 will be based around Sinkfall Farm, Rakesmoor Lane. Spread over 40 acres, the Furness Fest site is an ideal place to get away from it all for a full weekend of celebration and relax into the atmosphere of the festival.

For full details please visit www.furnessfest.co.uk

The Prophets return to Abbey FM

It was a very busy show with emails and text messages coming in from all over. I was joined in the studio by The Prophets for a live acoustic session and also to promote their upcoming gigs and chat about the big event of the year in Barrow - Furness Fest.



The Prophets have their own website and a large following of fans and supporters at www.myspace.com/theprophetsuk

Double click the photos to view full size.



This is their second session on Abbey FM and were back on the radio by popular demand and within minutes of the show ending there were already calls for them to come back for a third session. Keep an eye on this blog or www.myspace.com/billclarkontheradio for more info.




The photos were taken in the studio during the live session and so was the video.

The session can be downloaded HERE and a video of one of their songs performed live in the studio at Abbey FM is featured below.

Tongue Tide [Live acoustic session]

Jodi and Ali known as Tongue Tide came into the studio, played live and acoustically and talked about their music and what they have to offer.

As well as an acoustic duo they also perform for weddings, funerals and other occasions. More info on them can be found at www.tonguetide.biz

The interview that was broadcast live on the radio can be downloaded HERE.

Gwen Hechle's Abbey Birthday

Gwen Hechle returned to the airwaves tonight and played acoustically live on the radio and she tells me that its a great way to celebrate her Birthday as she gets great enjoyment playing and singing no matter where, how or when.


Part way through the show I surprised Gwen with
a rather large Birthday cake which was a nice surprise
for her as she didn't expect it but you cant have a birthday without a cake.

Gwen had so many songs to play and so many requests from listeners that she has kindly agreed to come back next week and finish what she started so tune in next Thursday (1st May) to hear the concluding part of Gwens Abbey Birthday.

The complete Birthday Interview of the show can be downloaded HERE

Acoustic Sessions Live on Abbey FM

This Sunday from midnight sees a break from the late night phone in as we showcase some of the local talent that has appeared on the late show in the past. This leads us into next week starting Tuesday Night with live acousatic sessions in the studio on the radio from 10pm for the next 2 weeks.

The current line up is

Tue 22nd April Gwen Hechle acoustic session back by popular demand and celebrating her birthday (Part 1 of a Birthday acoustic session)

Wed 23rd April Tongue Tide acoustic session

Thu 24th April The Prophets

Mon 28th April Turtle Soup, Acoustic session

Tue 29th April Jon Regan and the JR Experience

Wed 30th April Chrissie Black acoustic session

Thu 1st May Gwen Hechle part 2 of a Birthday acoustic session

Wed 7th May Bird of Pray


The late night phone in returns the following Sunday where you can have your chance to coime on the radio and have your say in any topic that you like.

Website reviews

I am being inundated with emails from people asking me if I can review their website on the radio and give it a free plug. As much as I dont mind doing this I must point out that there are certain limitations and restrictions.

Your website or any other website you would like to review must be either for fun, be educational or non-profit making. Basically providing its not a business website then it should be ok.

If you would like me to take a look at your website or you would like to get it promoted on the radio then email me with the website details and a few lines saying what its about and listen out to the show to hear it reviewed.

Abbey Acoustic sessions on the way

Coming up on Abbey FM acoustic Hour are the following live acts playing and promoting themselves. If you would like to do the same then get in touch with me.


Tue 22 April Gwen Hechle returns to the airwaves and celebrates her Birthday at the same time.
Wed 23 April Tongue Tide make a welcome rturn by popular demand
Thu 24 April The Prophets are back in the spotlight

Mon 28 April Turtle Soup
Tue 29 April J.R. Experience
Wed 30 April Crissie Black

Booking a Taxicab to go to the Airport [Wind-up]

Thursday Night on the show I had the urge to make a phone call and so I rang A1 Taxis in Barrow and tried to order a nine seater taxi to take me to the airport. The result can be DOWNLOADED HERE.

If you know of anyone that would like a wind up then get in touch with me by email to bill @ abbeyfm.co.uk

From time to time I suddenly get the urge to ring somebody up and wind them up. Its usually unplanned but I do say that if anyone emails me asking me to wind someone up then I will do it.

The problem is that most people email me and ask me to wind someone up and thats it. No information, nothing to go on so I cant do it and those emails go ignored due to the vast amount of mail I get each day.

However, if you would like me to wind someone up then I need you to supply me with as much information about them that you can including what you want me to do to wind them up. The more info you provide then the more convincing it will be and a good chance it would get on the radio on the late show.

Late Night Phone In

Midnight Sundays on the radio. Join me, have a rant and rave, get it off your chest. Whatever annoys you. Anything you weant to talk about then talk about it. Call the studio direct 0871 900 1073 or text your comments in if you cant get to a phone. Maybe you are at work and want to make a comment but don`t ant the boss to know or maybe you dont want your voice recognised. Whatever the reason that you cant ring then you can text on the night to 07919261847 and your comments will be read on the radio or you can email me anytime you like with comments on anything and they will be used on the show. Email is bill@abbeyfm.co.uk

Listen to 107.3 FM around Furness from midnight Sundays for Abbeys late night phone in.

Hits and Headlines with a Twist

11pm Monday to Thursday we take a look at a light hearted story in the news and find songs that we could play that are connected with it. We started off this week on Monday chatting about Heather Mills and Paul McCartney playing songs such as "Money Money Money", "Moneys Too Tight to Mention", "Wide Eyed and Legless", DIVORCE, "She`s out of my life" and others. I suppose I could have played the Hokey Cokey :)

On Tuesday I got talking about David Cameron in the news riding his Bike the wrong way in one way streets and ignoring red lights. Somgs like Red light spells Danger, Queens Bicycle Race and Nine Million Bicycles got played as well as other songs for politicians such as Gypsys Tranps and Thieves and Fleetwood Macs - Lies.

Wednesday we chatted about the problems at the new airport terminal in London and played songs like Lutricia McNiels - Stranded and Westlife, flying without wings.

Thursday Night I am looking at the new parking laws where you can be given a parking ticket by camera so expect soings like Bucks Fizz - My Camera Never Lies and Snow Patrol Chasing Cars.

Right then you get the drift.

I need you to email me or leave a comment here. Email addres is bill@abbeyfm.co.uk email me your news stories and songs that would go with it and listen to the show between 11pm and midnight Monday to Thursday while we play the hits connected to the headlines. The news stories dont have to be up to date but anything within the last few month will do.

Pirate radio targets UK [UPDATE]

Many thanks to all those who contacted us with reception reports.

Not sure what it was you were listening to as there was nothing there.

APRIL FOOL

Pirate radio targets UK

A new illegal radio station has commenced broadcasting from the Irish Sea, targeting a new generation of iPod-owning radio listeners. The station, which is transmitting a signal of non-stop pop music from somewhere between Furness and the Isle of Man is now live on 87.5 FM and identifying itself as UK875.

It was thought in January that the file-sharing website from Sweden The Pirate Bay was planning to launch a radio station and now a radio signal is emitting from somewhere in the Irish Sea, The station is thought to be operating via a single computer with a large music database on 'shuffle' mode. It is not known if The Pirate Bay managed to secure the micro-nation, but if it did, this could be the first steps to providing free music to Europe.

We'll bring you more news on this as an official press conference is scheduled for later this morning. Meanwhile, you can send your reception reports to us. I personally would like to hear of any reception reports on this and ask that you email me direct to this address bill@abbeyfm.co.uk or leave your comments here on this blog.

The Fallen Leaves

Rosie, Matt and Chris, collectively known as The Fallen Leaves played live on Abbey FMs acoustic Hour. Double click the photos to view full size.



The complete session live on Abbey FM on 27th March 2008 is now available for you to download by clicking HERE. Also check out the Fallen Leaves website at www.myspace.com/2fallenleaves





The video is of one of their songs and was recorded live in the studios of Abbey FM.




Other interviews with guests on the Late Night show at Abbey FM can be found at www.billclarkontheradio.co.uk and click on the audio link near the top of the page

Louise Mary Martin

Louise Mary Martin played live and acoustically on
Abbey FMs acoustic slot.

Double click on the pics to view full size.

The show is available for download HERE.












A video of one of the songs recorded live in the studio is available to view below.

Gwen returns to the airwaves

Gwen Hechle returned to the airwaves once again for a live acoustic session. She played a few cover versions as well as songs that she has penned herself together with the music.

Put Gwen with a guitar and using her own inspiration she will write the lyrics and the music that inspires her and she will then play it to an audience that have grown to know and love her style and her music.

Double click the image for full size.

The session which was live on Abbey FM can be downloaded HERE

A video of one of her songs recorded live in the studio at Abbey FM is below.

43p Short

43p short is the name of a local 6 piece band. 3 of them joined me in the studio for an acoustic session. The audio can be downloaded HERE

Double click the photo for full size view.




A Video of one of their songs played live in the studio

Dave Duffin returns for Charity Night

Wednesdays acoustic session featured Dave Duffin live in the studio playing his music and promoting a charity night he has tomorrow night at the Canteen media and arts centre on Barrow island in aid of cancer research.

Dave can be seen here playing live from the studios at Abbey FM. Double click the picture for a full size image.

The interview can be downloaded HERE

Note: all interviews from all guests can be found in the audio section HERE

A Video of Dave playing one of his songs is below.

Acoustic sessions at Abbey FM on youtube

You can now find videos of the acts that appear on Abbey FMs acoustic hour performing live in the studio. Just check out www.youtube.com/billclarkontheradio

More are added as and when they happen.

Jon Regan (J R Experience)

The guy is back in the radio studio at Abbey FM for another session and has written some new material.

Double click the image for a full size view.

To download the Abbey FM session click HERE.

To download a video filmed during the session then click HERE. This video will be available for a short time to download. Alternatively you can find it at www.youtube.com/billclarkontheradio

Find out more about this guy at www.myspace.com/jonnyregan

CodeJak

They played live on Abbey FMs acoustic hour Monday 3rd March 2008.
They talked about their music and upcoming gigs as well as responded to numerous text messages sent to the studio by their fans.

Double click the image for full size


The session can be downloaded HERE and a video of one of their songs sang live in the studio can be downloaded HERE

Double click the image for full size

You can also watch this video on Youtube.com



(c) March 2008 - Bill Clark - Abbey FM

Chrissie Black

Acoustic guitarist, singer, songwriter joined me in the studio at 10pm playing live and talking about her music. The session can be downloaded from HERE.

Live acoustic sessions on Abbey FM

Due to the big success of the last acoustic tour on Abbey FMs late show and at the request of listeners we are doing it all over again.

For 2 weeks in March we will feature different acoustic acts as they play their music live in the studio on Bill Clarks late show from 10pm.

The line up so far is

Monday 3rd March CodeJak
Tuesday 4th March Jon Regan (The JR Experience)
Wednesday 5th March Dave Duffin
Thursday 6th March The Prophets

Monday 10th March 43p Short
Tuesday 11 March back by popular demand Gwen Hechle
Wednesday 12 March Barrington Mozart
Thursday 13 March Lobe Corners

If you would like to play live on Abbey FMs acoustic hour then get in touch with us now to bill@abbeyfm.co.uk for more information or telephone 01229 808222

Late Night Phone In

Sunday Nights from Midnight, Join me for a topical debate about anything you like. No matter what it is, get it off your chest, have a rant about it live on the radio. Phone the studio live after midnight Sundays on 0871 900 1073 or text your veiws and opinions to 07919261847 on the night.

You can also email me any time you like if you have a comment you would like rasied on the show. emails to bill @ abbeyfm.co.uk

Bills Acoustic world tour of Furness

The world tour of Furness came to an end tonight with the grand finale on the radio. It was an hour of the best bits of all the acts that have appeared live on the show in the last 2 weeks. The response by text was phenominal and people seems to like listening to it again (or the best bits at least).

I hope to do this again in the near future and anyone that is interested is asked to contact me using any of the methods below and we can arrange a live session.

Write to me

Bill Clark
Abbey Acoustic
22A Duke Street
Barrow In Furness
Cumbria
LA14 1HH

Telephone and leave a message on 01229 808222

email bill@abbeyfm.co.uk

www.myspace.com/billclarkontheradio

Sewer Side Cafe Acoustic session

The last act of two weeks non stop live acoustic on Abbey FM was Sewer Side Cafe from Millom. Neil and Maria travelled by bus from Millom to the Abbey FM Studios in Barrow to play live on the radio then travelled all the way back to Millom on the bus complete with musical instruments.

There acoustic set can be downloaded from HERE

Double click the photo for full size

Gwen Hechle acoustic session on Abbey FM

Tonight, Gwen Hechle amazed the listener with music and lyrics written by herself as ell as cover versions from Bob Dylan. Gwen played her little heart out and was in her element enjoying every moment playing to a wide audience on the radio.

Check out Gwens website at www.myspace.com/gwenhechle

Audio of the session on the radio is available for you to download HERE


Gwen playing live on Abbey FM




Gwen with Bill Clark (me) Radio Presenter

Double click the photos for full size.

Dave Duffin Acoustic session

Live on Abbey FMs acoustic hour tonight at 10pm Dave Duffin played acoustically. We also played a couple of tracks from his CD`s. The show can be downloaded by clicking HERE

Photos are of Dave Duffin and myself. Live from Studio 1 Abbey FM. Double click an image to see full size version.

Tongue Tide [Live acoustic session]

They are back, they were so good last time that I have invited them back to talk about whats been happening since their last gig on Abbey FM.

Tongue Tide played live on the radio and stole the show

The session is now available for download HERE .

Photos show Ali and Jody playing live in the studios at Abbey FM. The bottom photo is where I managed to squeeze in the middle of the picture after (or was it before) they tried to kidnap me so they could steal the show... Ho Hum.. It was a brill show all round. Don`t forget to check out their website at www.myspace.com/tonguetideuk




Double click the photos for a full size image.

The Prophets [Live Acoustic]

The Prophets played live in the studios of Abbey FM and was an instant success with text messages coming in from all over the UK. They performed 6 songs and chatted about their love of music and the local music scene.

Check out the Prophets website at www.myspace.com/theprophetsuk

An audio download of the show is available for download HERE.



Double click on the photos for full size images

The Dead Letters

They came all the way from Kendal to play live on Abbey FMs acoustic hour. They talked about their music and played acoustically.

Check out their website at www.myspace.com/wearethedeadletters

Listen to the show by downloading it here

Double click a photo to view full size

2 weeks of live acoustic on Abbey FM start this Monday

It all kicks off this Monday

2 weeks of acoustic

There are still a few slots left if anyone wants to fill them then get in touch as soon as by telephone and leave message on 01229 808222

It all kicks off this Monday (28th Jan 2008) with the Dead Letters playing live and acoustic on the radio from 10pm. Followed by The Prophets on Tuesday and Tongue Tide on Wednesday

The following week so far we have lined up Gwen Heckle on Tue 5th Feb and Sewer Side Cafe on Wed 6th Feb.

I have 3 dates available at short notice and a list of other oppertunities for bands, singers, songwriters to promote themselves free of charge on the radio. If you can play acoustically then get in touch today.

Web site reviews

Website reviews returns to the radio in a week. If you have a good website then please email details to bill@abbeyfm.co.uk and it may feature on the show free of charge

The J.R. Experience

Jon Regan of the J.R Experience played a live acoustic session and talked about his music in an interview on 107.3 Abbey FM. The interview is available for download by clicking HERE.

All other interviews with singer/songwriters in the studio can be found HERE



John can be contacted via this website www.codejak.co.uk





A short 30 second video clip of him playing live in the studio.

Upcoming live acts in the Studio

Live on Abbey FMs Acoustic Hour soon

Tuesday 15th January 2008 The JR Experience
Monday 28th January 2008 The Dead Letters
Wednesday 30th January 2008 Tongue Tide
Wed 6th February 2008 Sewer Side Cafe

If you would like to appear on the show and play live or talk about your music then get in touch with me now. Email bill@abbeyfm.co.uk or leave a message on 01229 808222

Watch this blog for news on Sandi Thom playing live in Barrow. Dates to be announced this week and ticket prices

Welcome to 2008

Hello and welcome to 2008. Hope its gonna be a good year for you and after what turned out to be an excellent Christmas and a nice break its time to get back to normal so tune into Abbey FM either on 107.3Mhz FM or listen on line at www.abbeyfm.co.uk from 10pm weeknights to the Late Show bringing you a feature packed late nights entertainment hosted by yours truly....

Listen out for The Bradshaws, The Club Sarnie, The Midnight Jukebox, The Hits and Headlines as we backtrack through a timewarp to years gone by. As well as the website review of the day which will be featured in this blog, it all starts with an hour of acoustic music to relax and wind down to as part of Abbey FMs Chill Factor with Abbey Acoustic from 10pm

So if you're up late at night no matter what you are doing then turn on, tune in and let Abbey FM help you through the night. Its late, its live and best of all its local and you can interact with the show in a number of ways.

To contact the show just phone 0871 900 1073 or text 07919 261847 after 10pm or at any other time you can email bill@abbeyfm.co.uk or if you are feeling really adventurous why not leave a message to be broadcast on the show. Just call 01229 808222 and leave your message to be broadcast, its as simple as that.

Back in the New Year

Its been a busy week with Xmas now gone and new year on the way. All the usual features of the late show are on hold and will return on Monday 7th January 2008.

Thanks to everyone who contacted the show on Christmas Days night and hopefully the people we talked to have found the help they needed in the organisations that we put them onto.

2008 has been planned well in advance and you can expect to hear a fair bit of live acoustic music as we have singers and songwriters lined up for an acoustic session on the show.

Watch this blog for more details nearer the time

Have a great New Year. All the best for 2008 and I will be back woth everything on 7th January

Lonely this Christmas

Christmas is a lonely time for a lot of people and if you are going to be alone this Christmas then there are voluntary organisations whois services will be available to you over the festive period.

In the run up to Christmas its always a demanding stressful time, especially if you are alone but hopefully we can help you get through Christmas and New Year

Join me on Christmas Days night from 10pm when I will be talking about various organisations that can help you as well as chatting live to the Samaritans in Barrow in Furness ans putting you in touch with people that can be there for you at Christmas. You can also call 01229 808 222 right now and leave your special Christmas message to be broadcast on the show on Christmas Days night.

Telephone numbers of organisations that maybe able to help over the festive period and these are listed below:-

• Samaritans can be found at www.samaritans.org.uk , The local branch is at 16 Hartington Street in Barrow and can be contacted 24 hrs a day on 01229 825656

• Mind In Furness is there for any mental health and care in the community issues. The Barrow Branch is in School Street and can be contacted nationally on 0845 766 0163. Their website is at www.mind.org.uk

• Furness Carers association is available for anyone who cares for someone else and they can be contacted on the web at www.furnesscarers.co.uk or by telephone Barrow 822822

• Animal concerns should be directed at the RSPCA and they can be found by telephoning 0870 5555 999 or on the web at www.rspca.org.uk

• If you are homeless or worried about it and need support then you need Barrow Homeless Support centre located at 27 Bath Street Barrow. Telephone 821134

• SAFE stands for Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE) and is available to anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence. They will help you out in a number of ways and they can be contacted directly on Barrow 838746 and are committed to tackling issues of violence and also offer practical support for those in an abusive relationship as well as providing a service for children.
• 
  
• Victim Support provides services to Furness residents and you can find out more about them at www.victimsupport.org.uk or by telephoning the local office on Barrow 839989

• Age Corncern is there for helping the elderly and inirm. They are based at Lakeland House on Abbey Rd in Barrow and they can be contacted on Barrow 831425 or email joanne.smith@acbarrow.org.uk No matter what the issue is then Age Concern are there to help you, It could be anything from dealing with pensions and allowances to help with keeping warm and there are a number of things you can do to keep you and your home warmer this winter.
  
  * Wear thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer
  * Choose clothes made with wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic materials
  * Don’t stay sitting still for long periods
  * Spread chores through day and alternate between rest and activities
  * Get a flu jab
  * Eat at least one hot meal a day
  * Sip hot drinks regularly throughout day and before bedtime
  * Keep a flask of hot drink by your bed should you wake up feeling cold
  * Stock up on provisions in case it is too cold to go to the shops
  
  * If you are using an electric blanket make sure you have it checked by a safety expert at least every three years. Age Concern are offering free electric blanket testing in selected areas across the UK.
  
  For more information and help please visit www.ageconcern.org.uk and download the factsheet which will tell you about:
  
  * Reducing heating expenses
  * Warm Front Grants
  * Cold Weather Payments
  * Winter Fuel Payments

If anyone reading this knows of any other organisations then please feel free to click on the comments link and leave details there

Hits and Memories

Starting tonight on the show from 11pm, we play the hits of one particular year somewhere between 1965 and 2006 and ask you to identify the year. We will talk about the news stories and events of that year making it easier for you to get the year right as well as bringing back a few memories.

It all starts tonight on the late show straight after "Abbey Acoustic" at 11pm on your local station across Furness, Abbey FM

New Look Late Show

Abbey FM weeknights late show kicks off @10pm although some features stay, there are new ones introduced. One is the return of the Hits and Memories, Giving you clues to the news as we play an hour of music from one mystery year. It all starts Monday 12th November 2007

Hazel OConnor

My special guest on the show on Thursday 1st November 2007 was 80s pop icon, Television Celebrity and film star, "Hazel O'Connor".

Hazel has had Top 10 chart success with "Eighth Day", "D-Days" and "Will You" and continues to perform live in front of her fans.

She played a live acoustic set at The Nines in Barrow on Friday 2nd November and she joined me for a chat and to play some of her music live on 107.3 Abbey FM.

The interview in full is available for download by clicking this link.

All other interviews can be downloaded from http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk


More Photos Below. Double click any of them to view full size

Sewer Side Cafe

“A rising band in the local area, who have impressed audiences at The Canteen in recent months with “an alternative acoustic set” and a “youthful contemporary take on acoustic pop” From sunny Millom, it‘s Sewer Side Cafe”

Sewer Side Cafe played live and acoustically on Wednesday 24th October 2007 on the late show and were interviewed by me on 107.3 Abbey FM.

The interview is now available for download from the usual place at http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk

Double click on the image to enlarge

Happy Abbey Birthday

ABBEY FM, the local station for the Furness Peninsula is 1 year old today. Please feel free to leave your comments or birthday wishes.

That means I have been here since the start and still enjoying every minute of it. The late show has seen some changes over the year and there are more to come.

Achievements on the late show this year have seen new up and coming bands promoted as well as listenership increase and the show is very popular. You only have to read back through this blog to find out what we have achieved.

Not only have I promoted local bands but also big name bands as well. If you are a local band please get in touch and we could be having you on the show.

More info can be found at www.myspacecom/billclarkontheradio

To celebrate this first birthday we are inviting you to join us this Sunday (21st October 2007) at Craven Park Rugby Ground in Barrow between 12 noon and 4pm for a great family fun day where you can have a great day out and meet the Abbey FM Team.

Thanks to everyone at Abbey FM for a good year and for making great local radio.


Check out the Abbey FM website for more info.

From Late show to Breakfast

There have been no website reviews for a couple of weeks and this is still on hold due to the fact I have been covering the Breakfast show and not been able to sort any out. If anyone has a great website they would like reviewed on the late show then please email me bill@abbeyfm.co.uk

The Rezillos live on Abbey FMs Late Show

I had the oppertunity of chatting to the Rezillos and playing their music on the late show on Thursday night.

The rezillos were formed in the 1970s and have appeared on Top of The Pops and shared a stage with Souxie and the Banshees and other pop icons of that era. They also wrote the song "Dont you want me" for the Human League,

Pictured left to right are The Rezillos, Eugene Reynolds, Bill Clark (Abbey FM Radio Presenter), Johnny T., Fay Fife, Angel Patterson and Jo Callis. Credit to the photograph goes to Fays son, Eliot Hynd (Double click the image to enlarge)

Jo Callis is the man who gave the Human League a top hit by writing "Don't You Want Me" and also was once part of them.

They appeared live at the Canteen Media and Arts centre in Barrow last night and the radio interview including their original "Dont you want me" is availabe for download.

Click here to download

or

Click here to go to the audio page and download anything I have done on the radio.

Please check out their websites at

www.rezillos.com and their myspace site at www.myspace.com/officialrezillos

Taking a break.

Website reviews will take a short break for a week. If you have a great website you would like reveiewed please send details to bill@abbeyfm.co.uk

Tongue Tide

Tongue Tide and Twisted are a female duo known as Jodi and Ali and they appeared live on Abbey FMs Acoustic hour on Thursday 20th September playing some of their own material and promoting themselves.

The interview is available to download and listen to in the audio section at http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk scroll down near to the bottom to locate it.

Double click on image to enlarge

Dave Duffin's Acoustic Meltdown

Dave Duffin joined me in the studio this evening and played acoustically and talked about his music. He is playing at The Nines on Dalkoeth Street this Thursady and all money raised will go to the Oncology appeal.

More info soon. Watch this space.......

Hairy Bikers

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Dave Myers who is one half of Televisions "Hairy Bikers". Dave Myers is now part of the Abbey FM team and can be heard with John Little on Sunday afternoons between midday and 4pm.

The photo is of me and Dave Myers.

Gwen Hechle

Gwen joined me again on Abbey FMs acoustic hour on Tuesday 28th August 2007 and played her little heart out to the listeners.

The interview and music is available for download in the usual place http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk

Lobe

Lobe are an acoustic duo who have appeared on the show before and have come back by popular demand. Tonight they were playing at The Canteen in Barrow and came straight to Abbey FM to play again live on the radio and had yet another phenominal amount of feedback.

The interview is now available for download on the audio page at http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk

Elvis Hasnt quite left the building

Thursday 16th August 2007 will be 30 years to the day since the death of the legendary Elvis Presley. Join me for 10pm for an hour as a special one off Elvis special playing his music and talking about his life.

Special guest joining me in the studio is Neil Maclaughlin who is well known throughout Furness and Cumbria as a very talented Elvis Impersonator. Its gonna be a show not to be missed if you are an Elvis Fan.

LATER.............

The show is now available for download in the audio section of this website. http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk

Screwy Live on Abbey FM

The interview and songs are now available for download in the AUDIO section.

Photo taken in Abbey FM Studio 1. Double click it to enlarge.

SCREWY

Monday Night at 10pm 13th August SCREWY, playing live in the studio

LOBE

LOBE played acoustically and live on 107.3 Abbey FM last night. It was a good night and the listener response was famtastic. They will definately be back on the radio in the very near fututre and dates will be announced soon. A copy of the interview will be available for download on the audio pages at http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk

Harry Potter Fever

Harry Potter fever gripped Barrow at the weekend with people queueing to get their hands on the new book "Harry Potter and the deathly Hallows". I was at "Waterstones" in Portland Walk talking to those people who were desperate to get their hands on a copy.

The interview, which was played throughout the day on 107.3 Abbey FM was also featured in full on Abbey Tonight at 6pm on Monday 23rd July 2007

The interview is available for download here

Other interviews are available at http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk

Lobe Corners

On Wednesday 25th July 2007 join me in the studio live for an hour of acoustic music and chat played live on the radio.

Check out lobe corners and find out more at www.myspace.com/lobecorners

For-Play return to the airwaves

After much success For-Play will join me in the studio as my guests on Abbey Acoustic playing their own brand of acoustic music. Visit their website at www.myspace.com/forplaymusic to find out more about them and tune into 107.3 Abbey FM on Tuesday 10th July at 10pm to hear them play live. You can also email any questions to them at studio@abbeyfm.co.uk or text in on 07919 261847

Tenpole Tudor

How many people remember the band Tenpole Tudor from the 80s. The lead singer joins me in the studio on Thursday night to promote his upcoming gig at The nines on Friday 6th July.

John Byrne will be back in the studio discussing his music and playing live acoustically on air and Joihn will be supporting Ed Tudorpole at the Nines.

Tune in from 10pm Thursday 28th June 2007

The Way We Worked

Anyone reading the Evening Mail or reading their website at www.nwemail.co.uk will have noticed in the memories column that 2 new CDs are available as well as a new memories Book called "The Way We Worked 2".

Very soon I will be giving away a copy of this book on the website forum so watch out for details on that one and this Tuesday 12th June I will be chatting to the author of the book, Bill Myers live on the radio between 11pm and midnight and giving away the new book or CDs on the show.

To be in with a chance to win on Tuesdays show just listen to Abbey FM either on 107.3FM or online at www.abbeyfm.co.uk to the Late Evening Show from 11pm. Find out more info in Mondays Evening Mail memories pages.

Paul and his Guide Dog

Paul Laing joined me in the studio Thursday 7th June at 11pm to talk about his own little world. Paul has been blind since birth and visualises everyday things in his own perception.
The show was busy with textxs and calls coming in from listeners for Paul and he enjoyed himself on the radio talking about life the way he visualises it.

Gwen Hechle - Local Songwriter

Gwen Hechle played acoustically on the radio on Monday 4th June 2007. Gwen is an older lady who got a guitar for her 48th birthday taught herself to play and started writing songs 18 months ago. Check her out at her own website at www.myspace.com/gwenhechle

Click the photo for full size view. The interview is available for download in the audio files section. Please visit http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk and scroll down to the interview you want to download.

Alternatively there is a direct link to the Gwen Hechle interview by clicking HERE

Feel free to leave any comments about the interviews on the blog

Late Nights on Abbey FM

From 10pm its Abbey Acoustic so if you want to promote your band and have the chance to come in the studio and play live on the radio as long as its acoustic then get in touch. Details below.

From 11pm its late night interactive radio. Have your say on any issue. If you are interested in coming into the studio for a late night chat on the radio then please get in touch. Also at 11.15 and 12.15 we are visited by the Bradshaws with their comedy sketches as well as the website review of the day now moved to 11.30pm. If you fancy a chat on the radio and get to chose your own music then please get in touch,

From midnight, its the big jukebox where you choose the music.

If you are interested in appearing on the show for some late night radio between 11pm and midnight then get in touch by emailing bill@abbeyfm.co.uk or by telephoning 01229 808 222