Well aside from the fact I’m the licensee for the station…I got involved with Radio Moyle, Larne’s hospital radio station, back in 1996, becoming Programme Controller/Station Manager in 2001. Ever since I have been involved with Radio Moyle there had been talk of running a short-term radio station over Larne but we never quite got around to it, not least due to the fact there were legal and ethical issues about a hospital radio station with a charitable status doing so. However, knowing that the future of Radio Moyle was in doubt with the question mark hanging over Inver House we started thinking about the future and together with some friends formed Chaine Music to promote music through broadcast, performance and participation. (That said Radio Moyle is still running). And thanks to our friends at the National Lottery Awards for All grant scheme and our advertisers/sponsors here we are now with Chaine FM.

As well as presenting a variety of shows on Radio Moyle, including most of the Roadshows, I have also worked on similar stations to Chaine FM in Carrickfergus such as Vibe FM, Castle FM and Carrickfergus FM – I think I’ve covered virtually every show on those stations at some point. I’ve also been DJing out and about in recent years so you may well have heard me before!

Who on the radio inspired you? 

A whole range of people – it was probably mid-90s Radio 1 that made me want to do radio – people like Simon Mayo, Kevin Greening (RIP - shocked and gutted at his loss), Nicky Campbell and Mark Radcliffe. Chuck into that Pete Tong, Robin Banks, Nick Abbot, Terry Wogan, Chris Evans and even Gerry Anderson and you have the people I’ve loved listening to and who have inspired me in some way or another. I’ve also been inspired by the production values of Xfm, Kiss and the short-lived New Atlantic 252 – I suspect some of this can be found in the jingle packages commissioned for Chaine FM.   Actually speaking of Atlantic 252 I suspect my presentation style is partly inspired by a Scottish guy called Matt Finlay who used to present there.

Give us one embarrassing story about you?

Over the years Radio Moyle has provided discos and roadshows to the wider Larne community. One night whilst looking after a school disco I made a huge error….having been asked to judge the fancy dress competition I picked out a young lad dressed as a pirate as best boy…when I invited him forward to collect his prize I was horrified when he said he was a little girl…. What made it worse was that in my panic I very nearly made a rather unfortunate comment about boys dressed up as girls….

What’s your idea of a good night out? 

Definitely those closest to me being there – some good food, then out somewhere with a good, friendly atmosphere and great music. Oh not to mention a few drinks! Sounds a bit lame but I’ve reached a point now where a night out at a club has little appeal – I’d far rather have a cheesy DJ playing songs you can sing along to (and that’s not shameless self promotion) or a band playing. I always enjoy being out with the other folk from Chaine Music – probably seems rather hard to believe but we all actually get on very well and are good friends. I know that a night out with Brendan, Murray, Darren etc is always going to be fun.

Favourite drink? 

I’d have to say Red wine is my tipple of choice…especially when DJing as it means fewer toilet stops than beer! Also love strong European lagers, Vodka and white, Guinness, Gin, Cheeky Vimtos… And when I’m not boozing (remember we should all drink in moderation kids…) love a nice coffee and that new Lucozade Energy really does it for me too...

Dream date?

21/02/05 or Judith Chalmers..

Favourite holiday destination?

I’ve been in Bergen, Norway twice now and love it. Huge fan of Scandinavia and the Baltic States in general – really loved Estonia this year. Next year have plans for a short tour taking in Poland, Sweden, Finland, Latvia and Estonia. Oh and been very impressed by Albania and Santorini too..

In their own words: 

Tries to be a nice person but let down by a very dark sense of humour.