RUSSELL - Barrows Dog Walking Legend

This is something I would have liked to review live on the show but due to circumstances beyond my control I`m sorry but it cant yet be done. However, having known Russell for a number of years I personally feel that the website below is in good taste and is worthy of a mention on my blog at least. Having spoke to Russell he seems more than happy about the website even though it was put together by someone else.



The author of the site is quoted as saying. "It started about three weeks ago when a group of friends were slightly inebriated and discussing our love of this little tin pot, one
horse town called Barrow and we got on to talking about local characters and Russels name cropped up as he is well known locally by just about everyone in the town and is a local legend.

After talking about Russells zest for life and the love of his town and local area. this has given him celebrity status among Barrovians.

So what if he's not George Clooney? He is still that lovable friendly face and voice that we all know This is a man who is happy doing what he does, every day of his life withtotal commitment and a smile. how many of us can say that?

How many people say " I wish i'd done this or that" or "i hate my job".........not Russel.

He is affectionately know him as Mad Russ but you really have to wonder, are we the mad ones?

A facebook group was set up to celebrate and show appreciation

for a truly genuine man, one of the cheekiest and hardest working characters
to go down in Barrovian folklore.A shortcut to his facebook site is at www.southlakes.addr.com/russell

Visit the site and join the group if you have facebook, maybe
leave a russ - related story or perhaps even any photos of the man himself in order to pay homage to a true Barrovian. But please keep it and respectful because we feel that this man aptly sums up the mood and and community spirit of Barrow itself. We do not intend any offence to Russel whatsoever, we are seriously trying to give him the credit he deserves as seeing Russ out and about brightens everybodys day.


Russell - we salute you.

Late Night Phone In and Debate

This coming Sunday we look at the following issues. Email your comments and listen out theis Sunday from 11pm

THIS WEEK WE ASK,SHOULD THE STATE DO MORE TO HELP BRITAINS 6 MILLION CARERS..

WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE GOVERNMENTS NEW “GANG SPOTTER” GUIDE BOOKLET FOR PARENTS AND WE ALSO CARRY ON FROM WHERE WE LEFT OFF LAST WEEK ASKING THE QUESTION “WHO SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING OUR DATA SECURE”.

Cari Flower

Shes back to play acouistically this Tuesday night from 10pm live on Abbey FM. The last time she was on the show was on Tuesday 6th May and made a massive impact on the listeners. She is going away next weekend so we managed to slot her in last minute. Tune in from 10pm this Tuesday and listen to Cari Flower. More info on her at www.myspace.com/somecariflower

Late Night Phone In and Debate

Don`t forget the late night debate tonight from 11pm. Email your comemnts, views and remarks about anything you like ad we could be discussing it on air. Catch me tonight from 10pm on a radio near you.

Reeltime ceilidh Band

They played live in Abbey FM studios tonight and had an excellent welcome from listeners. They are a young group of 6 people who got it together and play a variety of instruments and it all fits together very nicely.

Chris, James, Anna, Hayley, Sarah and Carl produced some excellent ceilidh music and the session on the radio can be downloaded by clicking HERE.

Put together Two flutes, two violins a drum and a melodeon and add 6 talented performers and judge for yourself. I think you will be impressed.

To view the pictures full size just double click on them

There are two videos below both filmed in the studio live on Abbey FM

When you get a minute check out their website at www.reeltime.tk for more information.

The first video is the band playing together and the second video is Chris from the band performing solo live in the studio.


You can also view these videos along with other bands that have appeared live on the show at www.youtube.com/billclarkontheradio





Feel free to leave any comments





Heres Chris performing solo.

Reeltime ceilidh band

Tonight from 10pm live on Abbey FM. This blog will be updated witha new post soon after the show so check back then for details of how things went. Tune in to 107.3 FM around Furness or on-line around the world at www.abbeyfm.co.uk.

Also, if you get a chance, (nothing to do with my show but well worth a mention) have a listen to John Little on Abbey FMs evening show this Thursday from 7pm for an exclusive interview with legendary 70s and 80s singer BILLY OCEAN who will be appearing live on Saturday 25th September at Forum 28 in Barrow In Furness.

Tickets and more info available from the box office on 01229 820000

Sundays Late night debate and phone in

You can text your comments on the night or phone the studio from 11pm this Sunday or you can email your comments or you can leave them here on this blog and they will be used in the show on Sunday night.,

So then... Lets have a look. What we got lined up for this coming Sunday (7th September)

WE WANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH TIME YOU SPEND WATCHING TELEVISION OR HAS TECHNOLOGY STEERED YOU MORE TOWARDS THE INTERNET.

TALKING OF INTERNET WE TAKE A LOOK AT FILESHARING AND ITS LEGALITIES AFTER A RECENT COURT CASE FOUND A LADY GUILTY AND HANDED OUT A FINE OF £16,000.

AND WHILST ON THE SUBJECT OF COMPUTERS, A COMPUTER MEMORY STICK CONTAINING DETAILS OF THOUSANDS OF PRISONERS HAS BEEN LOST SO HOW SHOULD OUR DETAILS BE PROTECTED.

LOCALLY, AN ASSAULT ON NURSING STAFF AT FURNESS GENERAL HOSPITAL SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. IF YOU WORK IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF CRIME THEN GET IN TOUCH WITH THE SHOW.

WE ALSO FIND OUT IF THE NEW POLICE STOP AND SEARCH POWERS WILL DETER KNIFE CRIME

leave your comments on this blog if you like or email them to me and they will be used in Sundays show

Late Night Debate

Tonight from 11pm talking about issues that were mentioned on Fridays post as well as anything else you would like to add. Tonight from 11pm

Billy Bradshaw

Little Billy from the Bradshaws which is part of the late show has asked me to check out his website and tell you all about it. You dont need me to do that as you can find it all out for yourself by taking a look at www.thebradshaws.biz and when you sign that guest book then tell them I sent you.

Late Night Phone In and Debate

As requested by a few people "Why Dont I publish what the topics of discussion are for this weeks late night debate." Good question. The answer is that topics are not always thought up well in advance, however I do get lots of feedback on various issues and do use them on the show from time to time.

I will endeavour to do list the topics here and you can leave your comments for broadcast on the show.

This Sunday

WE LOOK AT TV PROGRAMMES AND ASK DO YOU PREFER THE MODERN DAY PROGRAMMS OR THE OLDIES FROM THE 70S AND 80S.

THIS WEEK I’VE HAD TO DEAL WITH COMPANIES WHERE I HAVE BEEN PUT ON HOLD FOR A LONG TIME AND TRANSFERRED TO THE WRONG DEPARTMENT SO LETS HEAR YOUR EXPERIENCES OF CALL CENTRES

AND FINALLY WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE CENSUS AND ASK IF IT SHOULD BE SCRAPPED OR NOT.

EMAIL YOUR VIEWS AND COMMENTS RIGHT NOW TO BILL@ABBEYFM.CO.UK AND JOIN ME SUNDAY NIGHT FROM 11PM TO FIND OUT MORE RIGHT HERE ON YOUR STATION ABBEY FM

Reeltime ceilidh band

A ceilidh band called "Reeltime" will be joining me in the studio live from 10pm this coming Monday.

If you want to know what a ceilidh band is (pronounced kay-lee) then check this link here and join me Monday night from 10pm live on the radio to find out more

Bank Holiday Monday

Today from 2pm I will be playing all your favorite somgs on the big Jukebox. All songs requested by you between 2pm and 6pm. As for my usual late show, then it is in the hands of Murf for tonight. Back to normal tomorrow

Bank Holiday Sunday

Its August Bank Holiday meaning no late night phone in and debate tonight. Instead its just some great tunes to listen to between 1pm and 2am on the late show with an hour of good chill out choons from 10pm

Barrow Live

Its a Saturday in August... The Bank Holiday Weekend and a busy week ahead for me. If you need time to chill out and have a good time then go visit Barrow live tomorrow in the town square. Loads of live bands playing from 1pm through til 11pm. More info at http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=3524

Black Sanitarium live on Abbey FM

They played live on Abbey FMs acoustic hour and I had great pleasure in chatting to these lads as they were very popular recieving over 50 text messages from listeners within an hour.

Double click the image to view full size.


The session can be downloaded by clicking HERE

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

Barrow Live - Coming Soon

Super Sunday - 24th August!!

The line up of acts includes: Wonder Stuff, Coldcut, Plastic Population, My Passion, Spokes, Tim and Sam's Tim and The Sam Band, Major Major and The Steeples

Local acts Jon Byrne, The Mooncats, Codejack, Screwy and The North willa lso be appearing and playing live and they have all featured on the show in the past so now you have your chance to meet them all in the flesh.

Its going to be a full afternoon and evening of entertainment for all the family with fun fair, stalls, and acoustic tent

Tickjets available only in advance to get them now (£5 per adult), available from the Canteen and Media Arts Centre, Kates Skates, Scotts (Barrow) Inspirations Two, Working Class Heroes (Ulverston) and Ticket Line

An Alarming experience

There I was sat in the studio preesenting my late night show tonight when around 12.10am when an alarm got my attention. Turns out the fire alarm had triggered and after looking around the building and finding nothing and doing all the usual like making sure fire doors are shut I decided that it was time to vacate the building (well I was persuaded by a fire officer).

Anyway I left the building and even though it wasn't on fire, the alarm system is linked to all the buildings in the complex and it turned out to be a false alarm triggered in another building.

The fire officer would not let me return to the studio until everything had been checked and the alarms reset and luckily in this world of computerisation that we live in, all I had to do was hit one button (like a panic button) and that kept the radio station on air with random music until the situation was resolved.

What an eventful night it turned out to be. Very busy on the last night phone in and debate and then the fire alarm. Dont want too many of these on my show.

Still, it did allow me to put into practice what we had been taught at fire training at a staff meeting... Now then, where did I put that extinguisher:)

Leave a Message after the tone

You can leave a message to be broadcast on the show, Maybe its a request or a dedication or maybe you want to say something special to someone on the show. All you need do is call 01229 808222 and leave your message. If you like you cvan give a date (mon-Thu) and a time (10pm til 1am) as well and listen out to hear your voice on the show

Barrow Live - Update

Date 24th August
Venue Town Square behind Town Hall, Barrow In Furness
Tickets £5 from www.ticketline.co.uk also available at local outlets and must be purchased in advance. More info soon

Gentle Touch George [cancelled]

Due to illness, Gentle Touch George have had to pull out of appearing on the show at last minute but will be re-scheduling a date when they are ready.

The new look late show

Its August and starting tomorrow (4th) everything is back to normal. The Bradshaws return along with the website review of the day and the hits and headlines as well as the Big Jukebox between midnight and 1am.

Barrow Live

As part of the show involves promoting local talent then I feel its only right to mention the upcoming "Barrow Live" event which will be held in the town square in Barrow and involves quite a few bands playing. A full list will be published nearer the time. Tickets are £5 and the date for the event is Bank Holiday Sunday 24th August 2008

Friday Nights on the radio

From 10pm its the retro dance party playing the best of the 60s 70s 80s and 90s. Due to heavy demand and a very busy schedule then if you want your favourite tune or a mention on this show then please email me in advance to the usual address

Forplay on the radio

That got your attention.....

This Monday (4th August) sees the return of "For-Play" They haven't played on the radio for a long time due to other heavy commitments.

Actually, they have changed their name now and go under the guise of Gentle Touch George.

Join me Monday night from 10pm live across Furness and South Cumbria from 10pm on 107.3 Abbey FM to find out why and here them live on the radio

Back to the late show

Back tonight from 10pm but you will have to wait til Monday to hear the Bradshaws and more website reviews of the day.

Last Morning Show for now

After covering the mid morning show for a while I am now returning back to my late night show. A lot of presenters don't like doing late night radio but I have worked nights most my life and on late night radio you tend to get your regular listeners and callers and hearing a human voice on the radio allows them to interact. Late night radio is interactive, fun and also gives me the chance to promote local musical talent so join me back on the late shjow from 10pm tomorrow night.

Videos of local talent live at Walney Park

Local acts that have appeared on the acoustic show played at the Walney Bridge Centenary and videos of them playing are below.

All these were recorded at the Centenary party. The recording quality of the audio isnt perfect due to background noise and other factors.


Gwen Hechle performing Masters of War.




Gwen Hechle singing Mr Tamborine Man (taken from the side of the stage)




The Mooncats





Fallen Leaves





Crissie Black

Local Bands at the walney Bridge Centenary

I had the pleasure of talking to local bands and introducing them on stage. Most have played on the acoustic hour before and photos are below. Double click to view full size.


43p Short

Black Sanitarium

Crissie Black

Gwen Hechle

Walney Centenary Photos

More photos of the crowds at the Walney Bridge Centenary


Publish Post

More photos of the Walney Centenary Event

More photos of the Walney Bridge Centenary celebrations. Double click to view full size

Walney Bridge Centenary Celebrations

What a brilliant day it was. The weather was extremely hot, thousands of people turned out to the event and it was a full day of entertainment. Abbey FMs John Little took to the stage for a few hours, there was a talent competition as well as local live music throughout the day and into the night.

I managed to get photos and videos of some of the acts that were playing and in the evening I was on the main stage myself bringing on different bands and performers

Photos below are mainly of the crowds that attended. Will post more photos in a seperate post.

A Busy Sunday

Its Sunday which means a busy day for me as I prepare for tonights late night topical debate but before that I attend the Walney Bridge Centenary Celebrations. Hopefully I will be posting some photos and maybe a couple of videos of some of the acts that are playing as most of them have appeared on the show in the past.

If you have a bit of free time then get down to Walney Park near to the Ferry pub from around midday.

The end of the week

Well, its Friday and I have been on the mid morning slot for a week now and a very busy week it has been. I now get one day off before I do it all over again as I`m back on Sunday night for the late night phone in and debate. Join me from 11pm for that

More acoustic slots available

I am back on the late show from 4th August and there are slots available for any artist who woiuld like to come into the studio and promote themselves and play acoustically on the radio. Get in touch with me on 01229 808222 if you are interested

Walney Bridge Centenary Celebrations

This Sunday (27th July) is the Walney Bridge Centenary Celebrations. Abbey FM will be at the celebrations and you can meet the team and spend a great day out with us. Abbey FMs John Little will be comparing a childrens talent show and there are also lots of different bands playing on the day. Most of the bands playing have been featured on Abbey FMs acoustic slot and now its your chance to see them live so pop along to Walney Bridge this Sunday for all the fun and an enjoyable family day out.

Local website about the Furness area

Whilst I am covering the mid morning show then maybe you want to while away a feww hours looking at a site dedicated to the Furness peninsula and it has a very busy message forum as well as over 2000 photos of Barrow and the area dating from mid 19th century to modern day and is updated regularly.

The site is at www.southlakes-uk.co.uk and whilst you're at it have a look at www.barrowpubs.co.uk which is a history of every pub and hotyel that has ever stood in Barrow In Furness

And why am I giving you these two sites to look at..... Two reasons....

They're local to the Furness Area
They are both my own work.

You guessed it. I am the author, creator and webmaster of them both.

More Pictures of Furness Fest

Photos of some bands who played at Furness Fest. For more information and photos check ut www.myspace.com/furnessfest and www.furnessfest.co.uk

43p Short

ATLAS

Damaged Angels

Acoustic sessions in picture

Take a look at www.abbeyfm.co.uk and click on the photo gallery and look at ACOUSTIC and see photos of most the acts that I have had in the studio playing live on the radio.

Mid Morning Show

My first mid morning show that I am covering was on Friday and a very busy show it was. Lots of interaction from listeners and it was that busy that time just seemed to fly by.

All this week I will be presenting the mid morning show whilst at the same time taking a break from my late night slot with the exception of Friday nights retro dance party and the Sunday phone in.

Website reviews and The Bradshaws will return in August to the late show but meanwhile its Mid Mornings til and including next Tuesday.

Late Night Debate

I know I`m covering the mid morning show this week but the late night phone in and debate goes ahead as normal so please join me tonight from 11pm. Chat about anything you like.

Furness fest Live music event

Been back and forth to the fest over the last couple of days and managed to grab a few photos

My Schedule

So as not to confuse things (and I`m good at that lately). I said in an earlier post that I was going on mid mornings for a while and Denis was looking after the late show.

In fact, in addition to the temporary move to days I will still be presenting the retro dance party on Friday nights as well as the Sunday night phone in.

First Mid Morning show

Well, to be honest, it isnt my first ever mid morning show as I have covered this in the past mainly on Bank Holidays.

It was a busy, (very busy) show, lots of texts and interaction from the listeners. Not sure if that is the norm for this show or whether it was because it was the weekend coming up.

Lets see what Monday's show brings

Furness Fest starts today

Its a live event over a 3 day period and it starts today from midday. More info at www.furnessfest.co.uk I will be there at some point so if you see me then pop up and say hello.

Holiday cover

Thats it for me now on the late show as I take a break from it as I move onto the Lunchtime show for a little while. Join me later today from 10am and all week next week from 10am as well as the Monday and tuyuesday the week after.

Denis Horan will be looking after things on the late show for me and I will be back on the late show from Wednesday 30th July.

Furness Fest [Setting it all up]

Today I spent a little time on the site of Furness Fest. Work is going on round the clock to set everything up and in its early stages I took the following pictures of the site.




The location sets the scene for a backdrop of the beautiful Furness Peninsula with some magnificent views.



Double click any photo to view full size

David Duffin

Live tonight from 10pm David Duffin, acoustic guitarist and vocalist in the studio playing and chatting about the upcoming Walney Bridge Centenary.

The session can be downloaded Here

Tongue Tide

Jodi and Ali (Aka Tongue Tide) back on the show to promote their upcoming "Twisted cabaret" gig at Ulverston Sports Club on Friday 25th July. More info at www.myspace.com/tonguetideuk

The full session is available for download HERE.

A video of Tongue Tide peforming "The Irish Ballad" live in the studio is below.

Crissie Black

Live tonight from 10pm Crissie Black talked about her music and was joined by Carl Hallows to talk about Furness Fest.


The session can be downloaded by clicking HERE.





Double click the photos to view full size and you can find out more about Crissie at www.myspace.com/crissieblack

ATLAS

Atlas had such a good response last time they were on the show that they have been invited back to play and talk about the upcoming Furness Fest.

They played live on the show, talked about their influences and we linked up live with Carl Hallows who was on the site at Furness Fest preparing for this weekends big events.

Double click the photo for full size. A download of the full session is available HERE and a video recorded live in the studio is below.

Late Night Debate

Tonight from 11pm join me on the phones, text and by email for more topical issues to be discussed as well as anything else you would like to add.

Furness Fest [1 week to go]

Tune in all week this week coming as we have local live acoustic sessions in the studio from bands performing at Furness Fest. One week to go and more information can be found at www.furnessfest.co.uk

Holidays

Starting next Monday (21st July) til Tuesday 29th July Denis Horan will be looking after things on the late show whilst I move onto the Mid Morning Show during this time, so that means if you want to hear me then you need to tune in between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday.

The Sunday Night phone in and debate will continue as normal and so will the Friday Night Retro Dance Party

Back on the late show on Wednesday 30th July with a new look to part of the show.

Note that all the usual features on the late show will be suspended until I return

43p Short

43p Short back on the radio promoting themselves and Furness fest on the acoustic slot


Double click the photo to view full size. Download the session recorded live in the studio from HERE. A video of them performing one of their songs called "If I Were You" is below.

Jonny Regan

Hes back, very popular with listeners and will be playing Furness Fest.

Jon did a live acoustic session in the studio and chatted about the "fest" which is getting nearer the date. 18th 19th and 20th July at Sinkfall Farm.


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

The full acoustic session is available for download from HERE

Double click on the photo for a full size image

The talented Jon Byrne

Tonight from 10pm live from Abbey FM studios, Jon Byrne made a welcome return to the airwaves playing acoustically. The last time he was on Abbey FM was April 2007 and since then he has gone from strength to strength playing all over the UK, more notably in the London area.


He is now signed to a record label and the whole session live on Abbey FMs acoustic hour is available for download HERE.

Double click on the photo to view full size.

A video of one of his songs recorded live in the Abbey FM studios is below.

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