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Radio Player:
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Our Presenters and the rest of the team , here at acacia radio
Meet the Acacia Radio Birds
Media Bird, Sticker Bird and Angry Bird
Media Bird, Sticker Bird and Angry Bird
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Brian Ford
Music Styles: 50s to 90s music I first started work in radio by means of a radio presenters course run by Ashfield Community Radio under the banners of "Kirkby Diamond", "Sutton Sundial " and "Hucknall's" Radio as well as more general broadcasts to the whole of the Ashfield Area. I have also had links with other Local Community Radio Shows as well as some links with commercial radio outside the Notts Area. I did my first Broadcast for Acacia Radio on the 17th March 2011 along with 2 other original presenters Mike Jackson and Horace. Please tune in every Tuesday 14:00 – 16:00 for Brian Ford's Backtracks Show. Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Ian Hales
Music Style: Indie I consider myself the oldest Indie kid on the block. Picture the scene... the year is 1986 and a certain music magazine, which shall remain nameless, but famously known by 3 letters, released a free, yes free cover mounted cassette entitled 'C86' containing bands, some unsigned, some on unknown independent record labels, even some on their own record labels. Bands such as The Wedding Present, The Pastels, Primal Scream, Soup Dragons...plus many more top INDIE bands. Throw the Legend John Peel's radio show into the mix and I was hooked. I do the Sunday Evening Service 6-9pm every week, playing the best in indie/alternative music from around the world, old and new. Also do a really cool show on a Saturday morning 10-2pm with the boss Mr Shaun 'old rocker' Hayfield, loads of fun and lots of frolics..... both worth a try. Please tune in every Saturday 10:00 – 14:00 for The Saturday Selection with Ian & Shaun and Sunday 18:00 - 21:00 for The Sunday Evening Service. Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Paul Lightly
Music Style: Northen Soul & Tamla Motown I have been playing Northern Soul and Motown for well over 45 years after getting hooked playing my brothers records. My first DJ spot was at the age of 14 at the school disco. Please tune in every Wednesday 18:00 – 21:00 for Paul Lightly's Motown & Northern Soul Show. Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Russell Walters
Music Style: Popular Music I have been broadcasting on radio since 2006. My tastes in music are varied having run my own mobile disco for over 30 years. I currently present the GOLDEN YEARS on Acacia Radio which takes the audience on a journey through the history of popular music. Please tune in every Sunday 16:00 – 18:00 for Russell Walter's Golden Years. Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Eliza Hyde
Music Styles: Heavy Metal & Hard Rock Eliza Hyde is a twenty-something ex-supermodel, with a certificate to prove that she is completely sane. She has been a lifelong lover of heavy metal music and always looked forward to taking over Heavier Than Time for many years. Her other hobbies include watching bad horror movies, drinking lots of tea and reading books on how to easily dispose of bodies. No, she doesn't know where Evermore Evil is and no, she doesn't want your phone number. Please tune in every Tuesday 19:00 – 21:00 for Heavier than Time with Eliza Hyde Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Shaun Hayfield
Music Style: Rockabilly, Rock 'n' Roll though 60's Beat & R&B to Northern Soul I have always loved Rock 'n' Roll music since I found my Mum & Dad’s record collection in my early youth. I used to play their records on a large radiogram which was the size of a side board in the living room and this soon got me into collecting vinyl records spending many hours in record shops in Mansfield & Nottingham. By the time I had left school my musical taste had moved to the 1960's & the Mod culture but my vinyl collecting remained as important. By the mid 80's I had found Northern Soul and I started Djing on the Northern Soul scene, moving into hosting music quizzes in the 90's and I became interested in radio after attending a course at the Acacia Centre. You might say "so why a Mods & Rockers show?" well I feel that all music came from the raw Blues & Hillbilly sounds in the deep south of America. There is a fine line between Rock 'n' Roll and the music that the Mods listened to and in our show we aim to play the extremities of both cultures as well as the tracks that cross that fine line. Please tune in every Saturday 10:00 – 14:00 for The Saturday Selection with Ian & Shaun and Monday 18:00 - 20:00 for The Mods & Rockers Show with Shaun & Mark. Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Ady Crampton
Music Styles: Soul & Funk Listening to and playing has always been a large part of my life. I Remember in 1974 spending my birthday money on my first record, aged just 7, which I played on repeat on the family radiogram to escape the household's staple diet of either Tom Jones or Slim Whitman, and record buying soon became a common occurrence, albeit at jumble sales due to relying on pocket money for funds. While I can listen to pretty much anything, the Mod revival of'79 introduced me to soul music as school discos began to play Motown and soul alongside 60s beat and ska instead of pop. By 1983 I was immersed in the UK scooter scene and began attending rallies around the country at which ex-Wigan Casino DJs played their records at the all-nighters there. There was so much music played that I hadn't heard before. Of course, there was a record bar conveniently placed in the venue and on the rally camp site and each scooter rally saw my record collection increase, although never as much as my wants list. In between rallies, which were held about 3 weeks apart, there would be scooterist nights' organised by clubs in the region and Newark was no exception, so when we organised our event I was usually on the bill which I enjoyed very much; I really get a kick out of sharing my passion for music. My introduction to radio came when Acacia Radio's Paul Lightly invited me to guest on his very popular Northern Soul show on a Wednesday night. Please tune in every Friday 17:00 till 19:00 for Ady Crampton's Funk n Soul Show and Monday 20:00 till 21:00 for In The Spotlight Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Mark Monaghan
Music Style: 50’s and 60’s of all types…and a bit more! I’ve been a music fan almost it seems since birth…first through my parents record collection of course (ranging from The Rat Pack to The Beatles and The Stones) then steadily discovering all the greats…but it was Xmas 1974 that I found Elvis…beginning a great journey that has taken me as An Elvis DJ hosting many events (from charity evenings to all dayers, weekenders and weeklong festivals) from Memphis to Mansfield! I’ve been lucky enough to meet many musicians and associates of Elvis over the years… I’ve always been fascinated by the lesser known acts of this era…I always believe (as many other Acacia Radio presenters) that there is more to music that the charts and obvious hits…there is so much out there. I came into Acacia Radio because of my good mate Ian Hales…having gone on to The Saturday Selection show promoting an upcoming Elvis night I was asked by Ian to cover for co-presenter Shaun Hayfield for three weeks back in Sept 2014 and then several times over the next two years. That lead me to join Shaun on The Mods and Rockers show in June 2016… covering 60s beat , Mod , Northern Soul, Motown and much more…I’ve also been involved in our roadshows over the last 2 years..i finally got round to my own show (60’s Jukebox broadcast over New Year 2018)…as well as co-hosting one off specials…it’s great fun with a great team…long may it continue! Please tune in every Monday 18:00 - 20:00 for The Mods & Rockers Show with Shaun and Mark. Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Dave Watkins
Music Style: New Traditional Country, Honky Tonk, Outlaw, Bluegrass, Ameripolitan & Americana I first got involved in community radio here in Frome, Somerset, in 2011, with a sports show and soon after, a Blues programme. This grew into an award winning show which ran until 2016. I also tried my hand at Prog, Rock and a Breakfast Show! I was able to set up a small studio at home therefore enabling me to launch The Country Mile in January 2017. The show has evolved into a playlist that plays new released music from mainly independent artists. I source from various places to find some amazing music and it's all the proper stuff! So no modern mainstream Pop or Bro Country, just the traditional, Honky Tonk, Outlaw, Bluegrass, Ameripolitan and Americana artists. I try to carefully piece the playlists together and keep the chat to a minimum once I get going, so I am hoping to introduce you to some new favourite tunes here on Acacia Radio! Please tune in every Tuesday 18:00 - 19:00 for The Country Mile with Dave Watkins Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Steve Hughes
I have come to radio presenting after a lifetime playing bass guitar in different bands – it gives you a real insight into the way music is constructed. Playing classic albums is brilliant because it gives me freedom to delve into every style of music and feature the best and most interesting tracks, and I love finding out about the back stories which go with the making of these records and all the characters – the great producers and musicians who made something special. Please tune in the 1st Wednesday of every month 16:00 - 18:00 for Alphabet Soup. Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Jeff Bressler
Music styles: 1930's - 1940's I have been a Golden Age of Radio and Big Band sounds of the 1930s and 1940s enthusiast for decades. After a long career in radio and TV broadcasting, announcing, public relations and marketing, I decided to lay back and devout all of my broadcasting time to the Make Believe Ballroom, my ode to a historic era of timeless music. The Make Believe Ballroom had its origins on the radio starting in the mid 1930s and stayed a daily program on WNEW 1130 AM in New York until the late 1980s. My parents always had the dial set to 1130 so at an early age I gained an appreciation for the music I would love the most up until this day. The Ballroom has had a few attempts at revival, but never lasting for more than a couple of years. As the latest guardian of the Ballroom I sees no reason why I will ever relinquish the post. The Ballroom has seen success in the US, broadcast on over 30 public radio and community broadcasting stations. The Make Believe Ballroom not only features the sounds of the Big Band era but also focuses on the stories behind the music with great recollections and sound recordings of some of the great musicians talking about the period. I am honored that I can now share my passion with listeners on Acacia Radio. Please tune in every Thursday 18:00 - 19:00 for The Make Believe Ballroom Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Steve James
Music Style: Blues I live just north of London, UK and am a lifelong musician having picked up the guitar at 12 years old. I love all genre of music and have played in many different types of bands from blues to dance to jazz to folk. Still playing in bands and love every minute of it. I have a special love of the Blues and sharing that love with you on the radio is a real privilege. My love of all music comes across in my show at the ‘Joker in the Pack’ feature where I play a tune that is not necessarily Blues but one I really love. The Blues Café is my venture into Radio … Member of the IBBA (Independent Blues Broadcasters Association). Member of the UK Blues Federation. Member of the European Blues Union. Member of the Blues Foundation
Please tune in every Monday 15:00 - 16:00 for The Blues Café Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Mark Bilsby
Theatre Productions I have been involved in many theatre productions having worked back stage and on the stage in various chorus parts and more recently as, Motel - Fiddler on the Roof, Mike Connors - High Society. Ko Ko - The Hot Mikado. The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland. Various Ensemble roles in numerous musicals. I have been involved in broadcasting for over 25 years working for many local radio stations, travelling around the South East. Most recently having worked as a Producer and Presenter Greasepaint and Stage Lights is your weekly ‘Front of House’ musical experience presented by myself, Julia Rufey and Alastair Woodgate. We play the best showtunes, include great competitions and some theatre banter to keep you amused and informed. With weekly features of, challenge the experts. Our ‘two at twenty-two’ with two songs from one musical. The lyrical Challenge. Al’s Album and Rufey’s Review. Book a request by emailing. [email protected] Please tune in every Monday 21:00 - 22:00 for The Greasepaint and Gas Light Show Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Julia Rufey
Theatre Productions I trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and my Theatre credits include: Hermia, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Mistress Quickley, Henry V; Lucy, The Rivals; Sonya, Uncle Vanya; Anna, Ivanov; Mrs Conway, Time & the Conways; Maureen, Madam Blavatsky Lives; Grace Dalrymple Elliot, Terror; Sheila, A Chorus Line; Sally, Follies; The Bakers Wife, Into The Woods; Woman 1, Putting it Together; Reno Sweeney, Anything Goes; Lily Vanessi, Kiss Me Kate; Julia has also toured extensively with the Comedy Sketch Group Mutton and has appeared in various radio comedy shows. Julia has guested at Radio Verulam and is a regular presenter for Grease Paint and Stage Lights. I have also starred on TV in such shows as; Softly Softly, The Kett Rebellion, General Hospital, The Bill, Family Affairs. And various appearances for the History Channel. Greasepaint and Stage Lights is your weekly ‘Front of House’ musical experience presented by myself, Mark Bilsby and Alastair Woodgate. We play the best showtunes, include great competitions and some theatre banter to keep you amused and informed. With weekly features of, challenge the experts. Our ‘two at twenty-two’ with two songs from one musical. The lyrical Challenge. Al’s Album and Rufey’s Review. Book a request by emailing. [email protected] Please tune in every Monday 21:00 - 22:00 for The Greasepaint and Gas Light Show Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Alastair Woodgate
Theatre Productions I am an actor, Production company Chairman and award-winning Set designer. I have been involved in the theatre for over 30 years and have acted in many musicals. I have also been the chairman of a Theatre production group for over 20 of those years. Greasepaint and Stage Lights is your weekly ‘Front of House’ musical experience presented by myself, Julia Rufey and Alastair Woodgate. We play the best showtunes, include great competitions and some theatre banter to keep you amused and informed. With weekly features of, challenge the experts. Our ‘two at twenty-two’ with two songs from one musical. The lyrical Challenge. Al’s Album and Rufey’s Review. Book a request by emailing. [email protected] Please tune in every Monday 21:00 - 22:00 for The Greasepaint and Gas Light Show Check the scheduling page for replays of the show. |
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Lucas Jackson
Music Style: Eclectic mix of music from the 40s to the noughties. I've always loved music & comedy, after completing a radio course at the Acacia Centre I decided I would like to have a go at presenting a show. I have experience in theatrical staging including, building of scenery, artistic work, lighting fx, some sound fx and I have also been active on the acting side too. |
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Kelly Wilson
Twister Bird I am the twittering Twitter bird and Instagram bird (Twister Bird for short). I love to help out at any events the Acacia Centre holds and I also like to join the Acacia Radio team at events such as Vanjamboree, The Great Brithish Campout and many, many more. I have a real passion for entertaining kids, I love playing silly games and making them laugh and I also enjoy doing Glitter Tattoo's. I enjoy all types of music, especially Eminem. I have a real passion for his music. If I had to describe myself, I would say I was a bubbly, outgoing, crazy nutjob, haha who loves to get involved and have a good laugh. |
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Dale & Julie Jubbie
Outdoor events coordinators Julie and I have been music lovers from a very early age and we even met at the local disco back in the 80s. We ran a karaoke on the East coast for over ten years, holding themed nights like "Stars in your eyes", which ran for over 5yrs. Julie still loves the disco/motown and modern music and continues today on the dance floor from start to finish. I myself still dig the beat of the fifties, Rock 'n' Roll and Rockabilly. We joined the Acacia Team following many joint ventures organising charity nights at the Acacia Centre. From there formed a great friendship with the presenters and started to help out on outdoor events. |
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Sarah Manley
Sticker Bird Hi, I make all of the merchandise stickers that we give away at events and to competition winners - talking of which, I do love a good competition! Unless I'm losing of course! I've also made the decals for the studio window at Acacia Radio, the DJ's record boxes and for the bands' cases. I am a huge fan of 90's pop and 50's/60's Rockabilly (with the tattoos to prove!) I also love almost every other genre of music (with just a few exceptions!) I could not live without music. I feel honoured to be a part of the Acacia Radio family, and love having the chance to attend some of the events, and at times co-host 'live on air' with 'Twitter Bird' (we may have our own show one day, who knows, watch this space!) |
