So, Seaside FM has just celebrated its second Birthday, and in the last 2 years many changes have taken place and many colourful characters have passed through its doors. Some went onto bigger and better things in radio, some moved away and others realised it just wasn't for them. With this in mind I couldn't resist taking a look back over 2 years of broadcasting to Holderness with a special birthday blog...

Brief History

In the early days, when Seaside FM was still Seaside Radio, it was run by former Holderness Gazette editor Lyz Turner. It was Lyz who I first contacted over 3 years ago about getting involved with the station after seeing an article about the station in the Hull Daily Mail.

I was surprised when Lyz told me how it actually dated back to Easter 2001 when they'd done a temporary broadcasts in Keyingham, Bridlington and Filey. As well as radio, a camper van was ingeniously coverted and kitted out with equipment to provide training services in the community, this was seen as an important part of the regeneration of the Holderness area.

Following the broadcasts and training projects, Lyz applied for a 5 year licence and then in November 2005, OFCOM granted the station the permanent frequency of 105.3 MHz.

Then, in September 2007, after obtaining all the licences, gaining charity status for the Social Enterprise and recruiting the staff, Lyz stood down. Her sucsessor was Carrickfergus born, Justin Macartney who took the reins as Station Manager on 3rd September 2007.

Once the aerial was erected and a studio put in place, Seaside FM made it to the airwaves on 5th October 2007 at 3pm...

People

All the new team were there on the launch day, but the first presenters heard on-air were Simon & Tim Harris. I remember they gave each of us a few minutes on the programme to plug what we'd be doing on our own shows, some of the guys took advantage of this, but I was too busy taking advantage of the buffet and wine that the boss had laid on!

A few local 'dignitaries' attended the party, including MP Graham Stewart and the mayor of Withernsea who all gave the station their seal of approval.

Some photos taken for prosperity on the day, although these never seem to have seen the light of day. Where you there? Did you take any photos? Email me and I'll try to display them on the website.

If your interested, the 'big boys' (as they became known) now broadcast on a community station in Grantham, Lincolnshire called Gravity FM. They do a programme called 'The Morning Comb Over', which is a bit of a joke as the last time I saw the pair of 'em they didn't have a single hair on their head!

Anyway, enough about them! When I presented on a Sunday afternoon, I was sandwiched in between two of the nicest people i've ever met... Dave Rymer and Karen Everitt. Dave lives in Leeds and works for a bookmaker, he also still does his bit for the broadcasting world on 2HR, the hospital radio service in Huddersfield, so if you happen to be sick enough give him a listen. As for Karen, she disappeared off the face of the earth and I didn't even get chance to say thanks for the cakes that she used to bring me, so if your out there... THANK YOU!!!

Who can forget Big Dave with his 'Love on the Rocks' show? We've had a few good times me and the big man, including a random karaoke night at a back street boozer, Withernsea Carnival and the time he gave his services to film some of the show for me, thank god he gave his time for free as lets just say that he's no Steven Spielberg! One particular occasion that I won't forget in a hurry was the Burton Pidsea festival in 2008. Paul Ashworth provided the commentary from a tent, whilst both me and Big Dave made fools of ourselves on the bucking bronco bull! Once he'd dusted himself down, Dave later managed to interview Chas I'anson from Hull K.R whilst i checked out the beer tent. Good times!

I haven't got the space to tell stories about everyone, although I would if I could! So, here's the full roll of honour of everyone... that I can remember who has played a part in the running of Seaside FM/Seaside Radio over the years: Lyz Turner, Justin Macartney, Martin Bancroft, Chris Hughes, Tim Harris, Simon Harris, Dave 'Wildthing' Kitch, Pete 'The Colonel' Travis, Tom Robinson, Dave Hutchins, Peter Ashworth, Paul Ashworth, Donna Ashworth, Paul Gray, Daniel Matthews, James 'Dazzel' Bray, Dave Rymer, Jake Whitehead, Levi Curtis, Graham Jay, Phillip Jayson, Andy Solly, Kevin Young, Neal Bailey, Karen Everitt, Diggy, Presley, Jim Blake, Lorraine Blake, Lola Ratcliffe, Gavin Mintus, Patricia Frost-Copping, Callum Cowham, Owain Wood, Karl & Dav the busmen, Joachim Noreiko, Will 'wicky-wicky-wah-wah' Smith, Dan Morgan, Mark Robinson, Jayney Wright, Karolyn Jepson, Joey Brennan, Sam Cook, Kevin, John Butcher, Susan Dukes, Katie Sheldon, Ben Small, Peter Young, Dale Baxter, Mike & Vicki, Michelle Savage, Kirsty White, Art, Mike Collier, Toni Iveson, Mike 'Smifffy' Smith, Martin Pritchett, Ben 'Dwain' Pipes, Sam Woodings, Phil Catt, Simon Williams and Luke Owens. Apologies if I've missed anyone out, my memory ain't what it used to be!

I can honestly say that during my time at Seaside FM there was never a dull moment and most of the above people have made it fun or memorable in some way shape or form, so thankyou! I'm sure the management would also like to thank each and every one of you for the time and devotion you have given to the station and given the good people of Holderness something different to listen to.

So, lets raise a glass to Seaside FM and all the people that have made it happen over the last 2 years. Lets hope it continues being part of local life for years to come and keeps going from strength to strength.

Happy Birthday Seaside FM!

Cheers,
Mike Brown - former presenter.

P.S Don't forget to keep listening t'Seaside FM, in particular me old mucker Paul Ashworth every weekday morning with his funny Bratford accent and Bradford Bulls shirt, he knows i'm only kidding!