Allan Hannath returns to the studio

His second live session on Abbey FM due to demand from listeners from 10pm on the acoustic hour. Allan came to the studio from Ambleside where he currently lives.

The full radio session is available for download by clicking HERE and if you double click the photo you will then see it as full size.



A video of one of his songs performed live in the studio is below

Help Stop Bullying.- Late Night debate

This weeks late night debate and phone in attracted a very large number of comments, especially when we got onto the subject of bullying and I did promise to look into it a little further and see where help is available.

First of all a big thankyou to the young girl who came forward to tell her story on the radio. I promised you anonymity and it will stay that way. The discussion sparked a large response and other people contacted the show saying they were vistims of bullying and telling their stories.

Now, I want you to read on and see if this helps you.

Bullying can be a complex issue for parents of children with special needs. Things like language delays, academic frustrations, motor-skill problems, lack of understanding of social cues, and sensory-integration issues can make kids bigger targets for teasing, but they can also cause them to set themselves up for teasing, as well as do things that are perceived as bullying to others.

Check out www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov

One thing I like about the Stop Bullying Now! site is that it regards all aspects of bullying and offers suggestions equally to those who bully, those who watch bullying, and those who bully. The lines between those groups are often not as rigid as many anti-bullying programs make them out to be, and the videos and other resources on this site work to help students think these issues through and understand what others may be feeling.

Hope this information helps

Walney Carnival

Walney Carnival was a good turn out but the weather was mixed. Dry, wet and very wet. People still turned out to watch and it was a good day all round.

Friends of Furness Fest 2008 Live Music & Arts Festival,

More live acoustic acts coming on the show. promoting Furness Fest which is not too far away now and also promoting the live acts that will be appearing live at Furness Fest. Tune in Monday to Thursdays for the next 2 weeks for local live music

The weekend

Busy weekend for me. Starting tonight from 10pm with the retro dance party and on Sunday it is Walney Carnival so hope to see you there.

A change to the advertised line up.

With Furness Fest on the way and the walney Bridge Centenary celebrations some artists have found it hard to play on the radio whilst other gigs are on and this means a lot of swapping about but we finally got there.

The current line up is detailed below:-

ACOUSTIC SESSIONS JULY and AUGUST 2008

Mon 7th July ALLAN HANNATH
Tue 8th July JON BYRNE
Wed 9th July JONNY REGAN / CARL HALLOWS
Thu 10th July 43p SHORT
Mon 14th July ATLAS
Thu 15th July CRISSIE BLACK
Wed 16th July TONGUE TIDE
Thu 17th July DAVID DUFFIN
Mon 4th Aug FOR-PLAY

Local Bands on Abbey Acoustic tonight

Tonight from 10pm features a host of local talent playing on Abbey FMs acoustic hour between 10pm and 11pm. Listen out for Tongue Tide, 43p Short, The prophets, Gwen hechle, Louise Mary Martin, jon Regan, Atlas and Crissie Black

Jon Byrne returns to the airwaves

A special one off acoustic session live on Abbey FMs acoustic hour with Jon Byrne.

Jon Byrne's live performances have to be seen to be believed; with exuberant foot stomping, anarchic personality syndrome and broken strings. He then cleverley whisks you off into a seemingly tranquil state that leads you into a false sense of security by giving you soft tones, fragile heart strings and emotional roller coasters, before slapping you in the face once again with the honest realism of social degeneration and urban cataclysm. Jon Byrne is a 'finger on the trigger' zeitgeist troubadour.

Check out his website at www.myspace.com/jonbyrnemusic and tune into Abbey FMs acoustic Hour this Tuesday 8th July from 10pm

Jon has been living and playing down in London and is back in Barrow for a very short time and its a pleasure to have him back on the radio to talk about his life and loves of music as well as playing his songs.

Louise Mary Martin

Louise Mary Martin made their 2nd appearance on the acoustic slot, talking about their music and playing live on the radio. Chatting about Furness Fest and other upcoming gigs. Find out more at their website www.myspace.com/louisemarymartin .

Double click the photo for full size.



The whole session can be downloaded by clicking HERE.

A video of one of the songs performed live in the studio is below.

Various local acoustic acts on the show

Thursday (3rd July) acoustic hour will showcase local talent and you can tune in and hear songs from local musicians, Tongue Tide, Gwen hechle, Louise Mary Martin, 43p Short, Atlas, Codejak, Crissie Black, Jon Regan and The prophets between 10pm and 11pm.

Gwen Hechle

Gwens back on the radio and she loves every minute of it. Live from 10pm she sang, played, chatted and performed very well.

Double click on the photo to view full size

Check Gwen out at her myspace site which is www.myspace.com/gwenhechle


The full session can be download by clicking HERE and a video of "The Old Lady" song is below.

Your Intentions

New to the late show, a local band called Your Intentions played live on the acoustic hour. The response by text was overwhelming and they are playing at the Walney Bridge Centenary on 27th July so go along and see them there.







The whole session on the radio is available for download by clicking HERE

A video of one of their songs recorded live in the studios is below.

Double click on the images to view full size

Sunday Night topical debate

What a busy night. The late night topical debate has really took off, talking and arguing about whatever you want to discuss. Thanks to all the callers, people who emailed and texted in and thanks to those people who took time out to talk to me on the streets of Barrow about issues that they wanted to bring up.

Join me next Sunday and we will do it again. If you want to email your issues, points, feelings, thoughts etc etc to me for broadcast on the show then email bill@abbeyfm.co.uk Also you can leave comments at the end of this post.

Meanwhile, have your say on any issue you like. Email me as mentioned above or on the night you can telephone the studio on 0871 900 1073, don't worry, we wont put you on the radio if you dont want to go on. You can also text in on the night which sees to be the most populest way of interacting with the show at the moment. Do it on the night to 07799 09 29 05

Do you have any ideas for next weeks show or the one after. Do you want to have your voice heard or your comments commented on, then email me now or leave comments below.

Local Issues

Tonights late night phone in and debate is focused locally on Barrow and asks, "Has Barrow lost its identity" Things such as marshes pop, The old Cream and white buses, Bruccis etc etc. ANy memories on this then leave them as comments please

Barrow Carnival

Today was Barrow Carnival and I couldnt be there due to the fact that yesterday I was in hospital for an endoscopy and was under sedation so couldnt work and needed to work today instead to make up any losses. Ulverston Carnival is next Saturday and Walney carnival is next Sunday.

Oh.. and regards the outcome of my endoscopy, I didnt get the answer that I would have liked from the specialist but hey, ho.. life goes on for now.

More line up changes to acoustic session.

After a reshuffle and also more acts wanting to come on the show the new list is as follows.

MONDAY 30th JUNE 2008 --> YOUR INTENTIONS
TUESDAY 1st JULY 2008 --> GWEN HECHLE
WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY 2008 --> LOUISE MARY MARTIN
MONDAY 7th JULY 2008 --> ALLAN HANNATH
WEDNESDAY 9th JULY 2008 --> JONNY REGAN and CARL HALLOWS
THURSDAY 10th JULY 2008 --> 43p SHORT
TUESDAY 15th JULY 2008 --> CRISSIE BLACK
WEDNESDAY 16th JULY 2008 --> TONGUE TIDE - The Twisted Cabaret
THURSDAY 17th JULY 2008 --> DAVID DUFFIN
MONDAY 4th AUGUST 2008 --> FOR-PLAY

Furness Fest [3 weeks to go]

Carl Hallows from Furness Fest with all the latest news and gossip will be on the show from 10pm

Another reshuffle of the bands

Some bands couldnt make the dates they originally wanted due to last minute gigs or holidays so the line up has been reshuffled again.

The current line up as of today is

Thu 26th June CARL HALLOWS
Mon 30th June YOUR INTENTIONS
Tue 1st July GWEN HECHLE
Wed 2nd July LOUISE M MARTIN
Thu 10th July 43p SHORT
Tue 15th July CRISSIE BLACK
Wed 16th July TONGUE TIDE
Thu 17th July DAVID DUFFIN


Dates are still available for live acoustic sessions. If you are interested then get in touch. Call me direct 01229 808222 and leave a message.

The following Dates are available at the time of writing this.

Mon 7th July
Tue 8th July
Wed 9th July
Mon 14th july

ATLAS

Local Band ATLAS made their radio debut in Abbey FMs studios tonight and the session can be downloaded HERE.

A video of one of their songs recorded live in the studio is below.

Double click the photo to view full size.

Holiday cover

It appears that from around 18th july I will not be presenting the late show for a week and a bit as I am covering the mid morning show from 10am to 2pm so between the 18th and 29th July you will find me there. The late night phone in on Sunday night will continue as normal but please remember that the phone in and debate does not go out on Bank Holidays and we have one of them coming up at the end of August

Acoustic Reshuffle

Due to a bit of a change around and holiday cover coming up I have had to do a slight reshuffle with some of the acts I have lined up for the late show. The current line up as of todays date is as follows

Mon 23rd June ATLAS
Thu 26th June CARL HALLOWS
Mon 30th June YOUR INTENTIONS
Tue 1st July GWEN HECHLE
Wed 2nd July LOUISE M MARTIN
Thu 3rd July 43p SHORT
Thu 15th July CRISSIE BLACK
Wed 16th July TONGUE TIDE


Dates are still available for live acoustic sessions. If you are interested then get in touch. Call me direct 01229 808222 and leave a message.

The following Dates are available at the time of writing this.

Tue 24th June
Wed 25th June

Mon 7th July
Tue 8th July
Mon 14th july
Thu 17th July

Askam Carnival

It took place today and unfortunately rained. I couldnt make it due to work commitments and if you missed Askam Carnival then theres also Barrows in a weeks time. I wont be at that one either as I am in hospital the day before and need to work to make up lost revenue. Oh well. Looking forward to The Walney One in July.

This Weekend

Seems a bit of a change around with the schedule for Saturday as Colin is now on 5am-8am then Denis from 8am til Midday. John is standing in for Gary Young on Saturday Sport bringing you all the latest in local and national sporting events.

This Saturday also sees the team at Askam Carnival. So get yourself along, grab a car sticker and say hello

The Prophets

Tonight from 10pm live on Abbey Fms acoustic slot. "The Prophets". Talking about their love of music, Furness Fest and playing live and acoustically on the radio.

They have new material and played it on the show.

The whole session live on Abbey FM is available for download HERE


View the video of The Prophets performing one of their new songs that was filmed live in the studio tonight.

Furness Fest (only 4 weeks to go)

Carl Hallows joins me in the studio tonight from 10pm to talk about local acts appearing live at Furness Fest. Find out more at their website www.furnessfest.co.uk

Friends of Furness Fest 2008 Live Music & Arts Festival,

It's been a long time since the early festival news bulletins kind of ground to a halt due to increasingly limited time to write them! However as we quickly approach the festival date, it gives me great pleasure to announce details of the Official Furness Fest 2008 Live Music & Arts Festival Launch Party!!

The evening of Thursday 3rd July will see a great evening of live music, fun and frolics as the Furness Fest Team throw a gig for everyone who is connected to or just interested in the event!

Our chosen venue for the evening will be The Nines, Barrow in Furness - a prime nightspot with a growing focus on live music.

We'll be holding FREE prize draws for Furness Fest tickets and tour shirts and we'll be around to answer all your questions about this exciting and brand new event.

And the best thing is it will be FREE entry!

Come along from 8pm and help us to make it a night to remember!

For more details contact The Nines, Dalkieth St, Barrow in Furness,

Best regards,

The Furness Fest 2008 Team

If you require more info then contact Carl Hallows on 079580 70338 or Email: furnessfest@aol.com
www.furnessfest.co.uk
www.myspace.com/furnessfest

New text Number

077 99 09 29 05 is the new text number and it seems listeners have took to it straight away due to the high volume of texts received on Sunday nights late night debate.

Its the new text number and the only text number in use for the studio so delete any other text number you may have.

Late Night Debate at New Time

Sunday Nights late night debate and phone in now kicks off at 11pm. Phone lines and text numbers are open from 10pm and you can text or telephone us about anything you would like to mention on the radio and we will call you back after 11pm.

To get in touch with the show and have your say on anything you like you can do it in the following ways

On the night from 10pm
Telephone 01229 845888 and register your call and we will ring you back.
Text your comments on any issue to 077 99 09 29 05 (Note, its a new text number)

24hrs a day you can put your point across by emailing it to bill@abbeyfm.co.uk or you can leave a voice message on 01229 808222

All telephone numbers are charged at normal rates.

Alternatively you can use the good old fashioned method and put pen to paper and write to me at this address

Bill Clark
The Late Show
Abbey FM
22A Duke Street
Barrow In Furness
Cumbria
LA14 1HH

Live Acoustic sessions on Abbey FM

The following acts have been lined up for an acoustic session on Abbey FM. They are either appearing at Furness Fest or the Walney Bridge centenary celebrations. There are still a few dates left if any acts want to perform acoustically live on the radio


WEDNESDAY 18th JUNE 2008 --> CARL HALLOWS - Furness Fest
THURSDAY 19th JUNE 2008 --> THE PROPHETS
MONDAY 23rd JUNE 2008 --> ATLAS
TUESDAY 1st JULY 2008 --> GWEN HECHLE
WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY 2008 --> ORANGE HEART Cancelled
WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY 2008 --> LOUISE MARY MARTIN
TUESDAY 15th JULY 2008 --> CRISSIE BLACK
WEDNESDAY 16th JULY 2008 --> TONGUE TIDE - The Twisted Cabaret
MONDAY 21st JULY 2008 --> DAVID DUFFIN - Celebrating the centenary of Jubilee Bridge
TUESDAY 22nd JULY 2008 --> YOUR INTENTIONS

Buzz Hawkins - The Bradshaws - The Interview

Thursday Night I had an exclusive interview for Abbey FM with Buzz Hawkins. After talking to Buzz I also had the opportunity to talk to the characters, Billy, Audrey and Alf.


You can download the interview HERE and tune in Monday to Thursday at 11.15pm and 12.15am to 107.3 Abbey FM.


As The Bradshaws are now "Home to Abbey FMs Late Show" then I urge you to check out their website and find out more about them. You can buy Bradshaws CDs on their website. Go on... Don`t be stingy, buy a CD. The money will put new shoes on the lad.

Click this link to go to their website
www.thebradshaws.biz

Oh, yes, before I forget, if you want to see one of their shows the next one

Friday 20th June ~
showtime 7.45pm
Ormskirk Civic Hall,
Southport Road,
Ormskirk,
West Lancashire,
L39 1LN

Tickets £10
Tel: 0845 1309517 (local rate)

New Text Number

Gawd knows why the sudden change of text number but it happened without warning at sometime today so disgard the old number you had for texting the studio and use the new one which is

07799 09 29 05

Whilst on the subject of numbers, if you are a local band or solo artist and want to come on the show or maybe you are a listener who wants a mention or song playing and would like to do the dedication themselves then you can leave a message for broadcast on my own personal voicebank. Call 01229 808 222 and leave your message.

The Bradshaws Interview on Abbey FM Tonight

Join me tonight and find out what Buzz Hawkins, the inventer and creator of The Bradshaws has to say. From the studios of Abbey FM from 11pm.

The Bradshaws Interview on Abbey FM

This Thursday sometime between 11pm and Midnight Buzz Hawkins joins me for a chat about his fictional characters, "The Bradshaws" - - - - - or maybe its the other way round, The Bradshaws join me in the studio to talk about the fictional Buzz Hawkins.

Find out more and listen to the interview with the man who made the Bradshaws on Abbey FMs late show this Thursday between 11pm and midnight.

New time for late night phone in and debate

Don`t forget the late night phone in and debate tonight at the new time of 11pm.
Phone in on the night on 01229 845888

Bradshaws in Chorley

This weekend I was in Chorley having a chat to the creator of The Bradshaws, Buzz Hawkins. What a fantastic night. Its a show definitely not to be missed. If you lived in the time of pre-decimalisation in the days of pounds, shillings and pence and can relate to life around the 1950s where the streets were cobbled, gas lamps were outside, the washing was done with a dolly tub and a mangle. If you remember tin baths in front of the fire and outside toilets with old bits of newspaper threaded on a string for toilet roll then you should be able to relate to this way of life.

Join Buzz Hawkins, Author of the Bradshaws as he takes you back in time to bygone days in a comical look at life with Alf, Audrey and little Billy.

Find out where they are appearing next and also tune into Abbey FM week nights at 11.15pm and 12.15am for a dose of life in the olden days.

All I can say is if you havent seen them then check out these websites and find out where they are next and grab yerself some tickets to go and see 'em

• www.thebradshaws.biz
• www.jennifershawevents.co.uk

Out and About

The Carnival season is on the way and we have quite a lot lined up.

21st June Askam carnival
28th June Barrow carnival
5th July Ulverston carnival
6th july Walney carnival

Then there's Furness Fest and the Walney bridge centenary celebrations on the way.

Website reviews

I`m on the lookout for some good useful or useless websites to review. if you have a good one then get in touch with me either by email or leaving a message on my voicebank on 01229 808222

Cute

She is 6 years old today, had her since she was a pup, cant believe time goes so fast. She was born this day on a farm in Ulverston.

Salthouse Mills Fire

Sunday Night was a busy show as during the course of the show I was alerted to road closures and a big fire by local listeners and after making calls to Police HQ and the Fire Control Room to confirm things .

It seems Salthouse Mills was on Fire. It started around 9.10pm and when I last spoke with Fire Control at just after Midnight they told me there were 8 appliances at the scene and the fire was still burning.

Photo courtesy of Bobs Taxitales

Late Night Phone In

Don't forget, the late night phone in at a new time tonight. 11pm. Call text or email and debate or chat about anything you like

Buzz Hawkins and The Bradshaws

I had a great night in Chipping with Buzz Hawkins and The Bradshaws. Looking forward to another show soon. If you want to see Buzz Hawkins performing live with The Bradshaws then find out more at www.jennifershawevents.co.uk and tune into the late show to hear them at 11.15pm and an hour later at 12.15am

The photo shows Buzz Hawkins. Agent Jennifer Shaw and Myself

---

The next event if you want to see them live is

Saturday 7th June -
Chorley Little Theatre,
Dole Lane, Chorley,
Lancs, PR7 2RL

Tel: 0845 1309517 (local rates)

or Malcolm's Musicland, Chapel Street, Chorley Tel 01257 264362 - £10.00

Weekend Changes to the Late Show

Its another weekend and it seems to have gone so fast since the Bank Holiday last week. Sunday night will see the start of the Late Night phone in and debate brought forward to a new time of 11pm. Join me for that and if you want to email any comments and views to be considered for debate then get in touch right now to bill@abbeyfm.co.uk

The Bradshaws

The Bradshaws feature prominently in Abbey FMs late show twice nightly and this weekend I have the chance to meet the creator of the characters, chat with him and see the show.

"Buzz Hawkins Does The Bradshaws

.. An' All That!"

*** Next show!!***

Saturday 31st May - Chipping Village Hall, Garstang Road, Nr Preston, Lancs, PR3 2QH

Tel: 0845 1309517 (local rates) - £10.00 (or pay on the door)

After chatting on the phone I will be looking forward to meeting the man behind the voices and the famous Bradshaws. I`ll tell you more next week.

Whats On Guide

Are you a registered charity or a non-profit making organisation? Would you like your event featured on the whats on guide. You can do this free of charge by emailing your event details to info@abbeyfm.co.uk and it will be publicised at regular intervals on the radio during the day

Alphabet Artists

An hour of artists beginning with A, then tomorrow its artists beginning with B then C then D and so on. Music from artists as well as finding out a little bit about them starts from 11pm tonight. Also look out for the website review of the day and The Bradshaws as all part of the late show.

Another Bank Holiday already

Standing in for Mark on Afternoon Drive for a Bank Holiday Monday with the biggest jukebox ever on the radio. All music chosen by you. I`ll be there from 2pm so text, email or phone your requests through to the studio and sit back and chill on a Bank Holiday Monday with some great tunes.

Bank Holiday Sunday

Its the Whitsuntide Bank Holiday Weekend so join me tonight @10 for some great tunes to chill out to. The normal features of the late shows are back to normal on Tuesday.

Acoustic sessions

I am on the lookout for local bands solo acts who can perform acoustically. get in touch with me at bill @ abbeyfm.co.uk and you could be playing live on the radio reaching a very wide and varied audience. If you want to promote yourself for free then get in touch now by email or leave your details on 01229 808222

The Bank Holiday Weekend starts here

Its another Bank Holiday weekend and that means another game of musical chairs so to speak. Thats when the presenters change around and we all cover each others shows. As for me this weekend I will still be there for the Retro Dance Party from 10pm tonight and you can email, text or phone your bank holiday dedications in.

Monday coming you will find me having a well deserved night off the late show as I will be presenting Afternoon Drive between 2pm and 6pm with every song played being one chosen by a listener. Then Tuesday, things go back to normal.

Allan Hannath acoustic session

Live from studio 1 at Abbey FM, playing acoustically is Allan Hannath from Ambleside. Allan played his music and talked about what he does and enjoyed the acoustic session.

A video of one of the songs performed live in the studio is below. The complete session can be downloaded HERE.

Changes to the late show

As mentioned in an earlier post, things are changing a little on the late show. Between 11pm and Midnight, its "Alphabet Artists". One night we play an hour of artists beginning with A then next night B then C and so on and you can also choose the artists that we will showcase and talk about on the show. It all starts Monday 2nd June

late Night Phone In

Sundays late night phone in and debate this week will be the last one starting at midnight.
Next week there will be a break for the Bank Holiday weekend as things change around again and the following Sunday (1st June) The late night phone in and debate moves to a new time of 11pm.

Dave Duffins Acoustic Experiences

Dave Duffin played live in the studios at Abbey FM together with "George". They played an acoustic session consisting of their own material as well as a few cover versions.





The session is available for download HERE and a video of
one of the songs performed live in the Abbey FM studios is below.

Double click the images to view full size. Do you know which one is Dave and which is George?

Furness Fest 2008

Carl Hallows came into the studio tonight for a chat about Furness Fest.

More info at www.furnessfest.co.uk and tickets for the event are available from www.ticketline.co.uk

The Late Night Phone In

Do you somethimes feel that you have a point to make and want to put your issues across or perhaps feel the need to comment or debate them with other listeners, or maybe you feel so strongly about something that you feel the need to have your say?

Well you now have that chance because you have the oppertunity to have your say, make your voice heard on any issue that you like.

Join me on the late night phone in from Midnight Sundays for now and then 11pm Sundays after the Whit week bank holiday.

Call the studio on 0871 900 1073 and we will ring you back so you dont have to worry about any costs.

Have your say on ANY issue? email me anytime with your views on anything to bill@abbeyfm.co.uk

Sounds for a summer night

Its Friday. The end of the week and some great retro tunes making their way to your ears from 10pm tonight. If you cant get to a party then let us bring the party to you. Tune in from 10p for the best party tunes spanning 4 decades including the 60s, 70s, 80s and the 90s.

More on the new look late show

Its on the way just after the next Bank Holiday. The acoustic hour and Juke Box remain as they are due to being very popular but the bit in between from 11pm changes,

Monday to Thursday - The A - Z of artists. More information soon,

Sunday Nights from 11pm things change as we cut the love songs from 2 hrs to one hour and start the late night phone in an hour earlier.

It all changes the Tuesday after the next Bank Holiday Monday

New sound of the late show

The new sound of the late show on Abbey FM is imminent.

The acoustic hour and promoting the local music scene will still be between 10pm and 11pm Monday to Thursdays so if you can play and sing acoustically then get in touch with me and we could be promoting you and your music on the show.

After 11pm it`s all change for a new feature which will be starting very soon and I just need to produce the shows output and will be making an announcement soon as to what it is.

The shows affected will be Sunday to Thursday, leaving Friday Night as it is.

Bird of Prey

John Reynolds (under the name of Bird of Prey) travelled from Lancaster to play live acoustically and talk about his music on Abbey FMs acoustic hour. John performed very well and the interview can be downloaded HERE







A video of one of his songs performed live in the studio is below.

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.