:: Peter Crabtree
Presenter, 1970s and 80s
How did you come to work at Radio Sheffield?
I had always been interested in radio and started out doing Sheffield sports commentaries for hospitals. That led me to do some sports reporting for Radio Sheffield, interviewing managers at Hillsborough and Bramall Lane. When local radio was given the go-ahead to continue on a long term basis, two years after its initial trial, I got a full time job. I stayed till 1989, during which time I hosted the Afternoon Show, did various reporting and covered Sheffield United amongst other things.
What have you done since you left?
I've spent a lot of time abroad, and come back to visit Bramall Lane as often as I can.
Peter Crabtree (far left) and the team
Proudest moment at Radio Sheffield?
Meeting stars like Frankie Vaughan, Henry Cooper and Ray Reardon. Thanks to the popularity of clubs like the Fiesta, they all came to Sheffield and were happy to visit the radio station and talk to me to promote their shows. On one memorable occasion I got to have lunch with Frankie Laine.
Other good memories?
I went to Radio 2 and did some news bulletins for them. When Terry Wogan introduced 'Peter Crabtree with the News' I pressed the wrong button and nothing happened for about 12 seconds, a long time of radio silence. But Terry was so laid back he just let it happen until I eventually realised and put things right.
"I worked with some wonderful people. Most memorable were Michael Cooke, Tony Capstick and Winton Cooper. We were known as the 'four Cs'!"
Peter Crabtree
What about embarrassing moments?
One afternoon two guests turned up at the same time. Imagine having to choose between Ben E King and Bruce Forsyth? Luckily Ben E King was only staying around the corner and he kindly agreed to come back the next day. He did a wonderful interview.
Who were your favourite Radio Sheffield characters?
I worked with some wonderful people. Most memorable were Michael Cooke, Tony Capstick and Winton Cooper. We were known as the 'four Cs'!
Looking back now, how would you sum up your Radio Sheffield experience?
If I ever wrote an auto biography I would call it 'I'm So Lucky'. I got the job other people dreamed of, working with a fantastic bunch of people and in my own territory of South Yorkshire as well.
