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Justin Leigh early in his 麻豆约拍 career

Radio days

By Justin Leigh

January 17, 1983 is a key date in my life. It was the day the 麻豆约拍 arrived on my doorstep, the day 麻豆约拍 local radio started in Devon and Cornwall. As someone desperate for a career in broadcasting, this was exciting news for me.

As a teenager who'd grown up in Cornwall and who was desperate for a career in broadcasting, I couldn't wait for the moment when 麻豆约拍 local radio arrived in the South West.

The date was 17 January, 1983 and I got up early that morning - well before anyone else in the house, to make sure I heard the start of Radio Cornwall.

It was also the day 麻豆约拍 Breakfast Time started on television, so with one eye on the TV and both ears listening to the radio, I was there at the start of a radio service that was to eventually play a huge part in my life.

From the moment the boards went up around the construction site of the new studios at Phoenix Wharf in Truro I couldn't believe the 麻豆约拍 was coming to my home city.

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by broadcasting, but during my childhood the 麻豆约拍 seemed to be a very distant organisation. Then, suddenly the presenters and programmes were just down the road.

Justin interviews a blindfolded driver

I was hearing place names I recognised; towns and villages I had visited; people I knew. It was a constant source of surprise and delight.

Towards the end of my time at school we were asked where we would like to spend two weeks on work experience. I wanted to go to Radio Cornwall. Sadly, they couldn't take on any trainees at the time and I spent a very dull two weeks in an estate agents office.

However, persistence paid off, and after gaining some experience at Truro Hospital Radio, I persuaded Gary Whitford, who was presenting a Sunday afternoon programme on Radio Cornwall called Fast Forward, to let me help him log records and make him tea.

That was it, I had a foot in the door.听

I had 10 happy years at Radio Cornwall. But in 1997 crossed the border to start work at Spotlight. I missed local radio hugely. So when an opportunity arose to present the 麻豆约拍 Radio Devon phone-in programme, I jumped at the chance.

Justin presenting the Radio Devon phone-in

The programme was 麻豆约拍 local radio at its best as far as I was concerned. Close to its audience, with an agenda set by the listeners.

Callers phoned to tell me about everything from escaped pigs to the state of the economy. There were calls that moved me to tears as people told me about their plight and calls that had me crying with laughter.

One listener wrote in to borrow a tie they'd seen me wearing on Spotlight. The colour matched the tractor that her husband was driving the happy couple to church on. They later sent me photographs and a piece of wedding cake and I got a mention at the reception.

That's what stands out for me looking back over 25 years. The huge affection the audience has for 麻豆约拍 Radio Cornwall and 麻豆约拍 Radio Devon.

When I left Radio Cornwall to come to Spotlight I received a huge number of cards and gifts. Listeners turned up at the station to say goodbye. Thank you for the last 25 years and Happy Birthday Radio Cornwall and Radio Devon.

last updated: 14/01/2008 at 14:22
created: 08/01/2008

Have Your Say

We'd love to hear your memories of listening to 麻豆约拍 Radio Devon over the past 25 years.

Sue and Colin in London
We're listening on the internet - lovely to hear a little bit of Devon even when we're so far away.

Hans-Joachim Hoffmann
A very good evening from Berlin Germany, I am listening your programme on the internet, found your programme during my Guernsey holiday . this song was very famous in germany

lynne and tony from swindon
we live in swindon but always go to devon three four times a year always listen to devon radio when were there when were home we listen on the net love it

CAROL ANN
it was really great fun listening to dougie mounce on a sunday morning , not just listening but taking part in his program by getting a family member or friend set up live on a phone in for TRAP DOOR SECRET PANEL , does anyone remember this program, excellent .....

Cheryl Purchase
We live in South Wales and started listening to Radio Devon when our son Ross was in the Navy, We could plan what time he would arrive home after hearing what time his ship landed, Ross is no longer in the Navy but we still listen to Radio Devon, its an excellent station, interesting, informative and ammusing.We are luckly enough to be able to pick it up on A radio thats about 30 years old we dont even have to use the internet.

Patrick kiefer
I have been listening to Radio Devon since it started,I love Radio Devon it so good,I remember Brasso on the midday show,and hurst when he used to play loads of 60s music,whatever happend to the good old sixties,I know Tony Gillham does the sunday 2hrs,but your still THE BEST.

Alan
I did listen to another program for a while but I have been back with Radio Devon for more than a year now, its brilliant, keep up the good work.

D J Bowden
Does any one remember Colm Connoly? He presented Mid-Day Parade and Morning Sou-west. And Guy Slatter, the producer? The Shielan, Trekenner, but then of Ivybridge.

Margaret, now in Cumbria
Just moved to Cumbria after living in Bude, and listening to Radio Devon for years. I used to look forward to listening to Michael Chequer every morning as I was getting ready for work, and Ian Brass years ago when he was on weekday afternoons

Tracey
I allways listen to radio devon. miss justin now he gone

Stephanie in Bideford
I only started listening to Radio Devon afer my mum converted me from another station. Best move I've ever made. All the radio's in my house are tuned to Radio Devon and are on all day long. It's such a friendly station and it's like your part of a large extended family. Happy birthday Radio Devon, here's to the next 25 years.

Hyder Ali Pirwany
I have been a radio Devon listener since 1992. I first talked to Jerry Clarke and Sue Lloyd on the phone-in shows. I used to participate in the debates and controversies on the evening shows. I miss Sarah Gorrell immensely. Though I l like Duncan Warren and Joy it is not quite the same now. Duncan talks a lot over the introduction of the record. He should stop talking when the record starts. the starting music can be as much important as the song itself. I hope I cause no offence to Duncan by saying this. I would like to have the old formats back please on the evening show. Thank you.

kay.
justin gone is the end of an era. miss his humor.

patricia
just the best

Gary
I am the one that thought Justin was more than a coffee fetcher and offered him the chance to come into 麻豆约拍 RAdio Cornwall and help out. It's great to see that you've done so well. Very proud of you.Gary

Hilary Mabon
Just to say a huge Thank you to you and all the Staff of 麻豆约拍 Radio Devon for the superb Birthday celebration Special programmes. Hearing the voices of past presenters, evoked so many happy memories of programmes enjoyed over many years.My, what a long way 麻豆约拍 Radio Devon has come. You must be so proud and rightly so.

Jimmy from Up holland, West Lancashire
I have been a listener and contributer to the Judi Spiers show for about the last eighteen months or so and I love listening. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Cookie
I haven't been listening to Radio Devon for the 25 years but wish I had. What a great bunch. I have converted many others. Keep up the good work

james lee
i love to Listen to bbc radio every day best radio in devon

jenny
lovely programme on radio devon today after 9am,nice to hear some of the old presenters

Jan Stainer
What can I say? There is no other Radio or Television Station like our wonderful Spotlight or Radio Devon. As in the song "You are simply the best". You give us news, you give us facts, you give us laughs and you sometimes can make us cry. Sincere congratulations to each and everyone of you for the past 25 years, may you continue to go from strength to strength. THANK YOU for being "our" radio station and for all that you give. You are "second to none".Our very best wishesRay & Jan Stainer

ann topsham
dear Judi, just trawled through the photographs of last 25 years. What memories, what fashions,haircuts, and expanding waist lines!! You've kept me company from the first broadcast and allowed me to put my 2 pennyworth in from time to time. You've helped me through some bad times, just listening to you, like an extending family. Thanks to one and all. Happy birthday. Love and regards ann Topsham

Peter and Maureen Thursby
Have heard many local Radio Stations on our car radio and none of them are half as good as Radio Devon! We are proud of you and wish you continuing success for the next 25 years! Congratulations!Our beloved late blind friend would also be proud today--he was on the very first Advisory Council with Roy Corlett!

Greg Allen
Congrats on you special day, Hear BIG AL reading travel, my personal top of the 25 yrs?! FANG - YOUR FURRIEST FRIEND

jean
In the 80's John Pierce had Chris Murray from Pennywell Farm as his regular contributor on the early morning breakfast show. Chris brought a large farm bird in with him one morning and the creature deposited a large "whoopsi" on Johns lap! The bird was certainly an early morning contributor that morning! John was not amused!

Jon Harvey
I moved to Dorset in Jan 1984, having just retired from the RAF in Cornwall. I somehow found Radio Devon, and always listened to G=good old David Bassett. Very distinguished he sounded, and very particular if a caller didn't say it was Devon County Radio, or possible Radio Devon, but Devon Air or similar. Good ticking off sometimes, and made the caller repeat the correct radio name. At this period, Radio Cornwall, was also part of this programme, and two callers of note, were Harvey from N Devon, and John (from memory,) Cockle I believe. Both always had really interesting matters to discuss, and like David, didn't really need introducing, as listeners knew who they were, immediately, by their voices. Then there was a lady called Ester, from, I think Pathfinder village, sounded elderly, but always full of joy, and good conversation. I think she was also visually impaired, so maybe that is why she came over the airwaves in such a refreshing way.

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