Abbey FM News Team reports on Morecambe Bay Tragedy

A tragedy occurred in Morecambe Bay on Wednesday Evening and as soon as we heard about it the Abbey FM news team sprang into action to obtain as much information as possible and report on it live from the studios.

I was on air at the time and the news team and myself co-ordinated live reporting as it happened. Telephones were ringing and we were making calls to all sorts of sources to gather information and deal with the situation efficiently. Rosie from the News Team as well as myself sourced as much information as we could and Colin Yare [Programme Controller] kept listeners up to date by displaying information first hand on our website. The team worked together to bring the local people the news live as it happened.

It goes to show that smaller stations can cover major events as much as bigger stations and lets face it, a local station bringing the listener local news live as it happens just goes to show how dedicated Abbey FM is to the people of the Furness Peninsula.

Personally I would like to thank Rosie Hillman [News] and Colin Yare [P.C.] for job well done, especially liaising with myself and emergency services to bring the news direct to the listeners.

At the time of writing this one person is still missing and six bodies have been recovered from the site where the helicopter crashed on it's way to a gas rig in Morecambe Bay from Blackpool airport.

Lonely at Christmas

On Christmas Days show we talked about loneliness at Christmas and how it affects people. Maybe you miss a loved one or have suffered mental or physical stress or perhaps you just need someone to talk to. We also mentioned pets as Christmas presents and pointed out that an animal is for life and not just for Christmas.

I also gave out some telephone numbers of organisations that maybe able to help over the festive period and these are listed below:-

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

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

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

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

• If you are homeless or worried about it and need support then you need Barrow Homeless Support centre located at 27 Bath Street Barrow. Telephone 821177
  

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

Happy Xmas

Have a great Christmas and New Year. The hits and memories, interviews and website reviews are on hold til the first Monday of 2007.

Non Stick

On Wednesday I was trying to figure out how they manage to stick the label onto a non-stick pan. Lets face it, If its advertised as "Non-stick" then why doesnt the label keep sliding off.

Lost Production

my guest were a duo known as "Lost Production". We discussed their music and other influences in their music and what plans they have for the future as well as playing some tracks that they had performed. The interview is available for download from http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk along with others.

Boomtown

On Tuesday 5th December 2006 I chatted to Bill Myers who is the author of "BOOMTOWN" which is a book all about Barrow in the 1980s. He has also wrote other books in the series and we gave away a copy of this book live on the show to Steve Culley from Barrow who was the first one through with the correct answer to a teaser set by Bill Myers. Steve walks away with a copy of Boomtown courtesy of Bill Clark, Abbey FM and Bill Myers of Evening Mail Memories. This book and others in a series of memories in the Furness area are available to buy from the Evening Mail priced £7.99p each.

Local Bands of the 60s decade

Monday 4th December I reviewed a website for anyone interested in Cumbrian Bands of the 60s era. The website takes a look at bands from all over Cumbria that played in the 60s. Bands such as The Defenders, Chapter 5, The Menthis Roadshow and a whole host of others. Not only the 60s but bands from the past. Check out the website at www.fenderstrat.co.uk

The Fallen Leaves

Its the last day of November 2006 and tonight I talked to Matt Kassell and Abbey FM's very own Rosie Hillman. They call themselves "The Fallen Leaves" and came along to chat about their music. They brought their guitars with them and played some great acoustic music and sang live on the radio.

Check them out at
www.thefallenleaves.co.uk

The interview can be downloaded
at http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk

Voicebank

One way to interact with the show is to use the voicebank which is exclusive to me. Simply dial 01212 888 777 and leave your message and it will be played out on the next show. If you also state a date and time then I will try and accomodate that as well. It could be a request or a dedication to someone and is an ideal way of getting your message across.

Other methods of contact are:-

Email bill@abbeyfm.co.uk
MSN Messenger bill@abbeyfm.co.uk

Abbey Acoustic

If you love acoustic music then you'll love this, Monday to Thursday from 10pm we play an hour of acoustic music. During this hour I like to interview local bands giving them the chance to promote themselves for free.

If you want some free promotion and are available to come into the studio and have a chat on the radio and maybe play a couple of your own tracks then please get in touch using the details below. Better still if you can bring an acoustic guitar and play live on air.

Contact me direct as follows.

Tel: 01229 80 81 81 and leave your details
Fax details to 07092 291563
email bill@abbeyfm.co.uk

Download the promo here

Love on Sunday

Every Sunday between 10pm and midnight I play you 2 hours of the worlds greatest love songs Txt your romatic dedication to the usual number 07919 261847 or call my personal voicemail and leave your message to be played on the air by calling 01212 888 777

Download the promo here

The 70s Dance Party

If you love the 70s music from the Glam Rock era through to the Disco Era then this is for you. Every Friday between 10pm and 2am you`ll find me presenting the 70s dance party on 107.3 FM and on line at www.abbeyfm.co.uk Download the Promo here.

Audio Downloads

Some of the interviews and web reviews are available for download. These can be found at http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk keep checking in case more are added

His own little world

Tuesday 14th November 2006, I talked to Paul Laing about life from his point of view. Paul was born blind and has had no sight at all since birth and we found out what his world is like and how he survives in it.

The interview can be heard at http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk

Barrington Mozart

On Monday 6th November I spoke with Peter Garbatz from Furness Music Promotions and also interviewed an act called "Barrington Mozart" who played live "accoustically" in the studio on air, The response was phenominal with plenty of texts coming in to the studio. It was such a success that he stole the show and left me with nothing left to do but the 11 o'clock news:-))Barrington Mozart can be found at www.myspace.com/barringtonmozartandfriend

Audio is at http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk

Chapter 5

Tuesday Night (28th October 2006) my guest was local musician Allan Davies from Barrow In Furness. Allan is a vocalist and guitar player specialising in music from the 50s 60s and 70s. He talked about how he started out in life and progressed to where he is now. Allan was also a member of popular Barrow 60s group Chapter 5 and more info can be found at www.chapter5.co.uk This interview can be heard at http://audio.billclarkontheradio.co.uk

OTHASYDE

On Monday 27th October 2006 we interviewed a local new band, "OTHASYDE". Based in Barrow In Furness these lads are making theor own music and more information on their website at www.myspace.com/othasydeonfire