We are an inclusive community Radio Station broadcasting every day throughout the year, at the heart of the 22 towns and villages of Tandridge, serving the community and broadcasting to the wider world.
Ridge Radio began some years ago based opposite the ARC in Caterham on the Hill, and several moves later in 2018 we moved to a new studio at Soper Hall in Caterham Valley.
Tune in to hear a wide range of music genres, from pop to alternative and even some comedy classics. We also have a business show, chat shows and a sports show, meaning there is something here for everyone.
We are all volunteers from very diverse backgrounds, using our personal experiences to enrich Ridge Radio. We are a Community platform for local charities, schools, events, businesses, local clubs, organisations and musicians to come in and share their stories.
We would like to introduce our Presenter in the Spotlight for January – Danny Andrews
What inspired you to get involved with Ridge Radio?
I have a huge love (and unhealthy obsession!) for music. I’m always looking for a new and upcoming artists around the county, getting to know them and going to their gigs. When Ridge Radio started in 2011, I jumped at the opportunity to come on board and share my passion and love for music and local talent. Since then I have been part of Ridge Radio on and off for about 4 years.
What type of show do you present?
I host a show on Thursday evenings from 6pm – 7.30pm. Each week (and sometimes every 10 minutes!) is completely different, I’ll play cheesy music to soft rock to trance to disco to musicals… sometimes even a mix of them all. It’s never a dull moment on the show. I have guests on the show from all walks of life talking about a range of things from life coaching to plumbing and I also bring local artists on the air to share their incredible talents as well as local scouters and scout groups to talk about the wonderful world of volunteering.
What is your daytime job and do you have any spare time for hobbies?
I work at a school in Guildford teaching children with special needs and mental health disorders, which is incredibly rewarding and I couldn’t ask for a better job. I am part of Surrey Scouts and I perform at large events, such as Surrey Scoutabout, as a presenter and a DJ and I also do this for Scouting events across the UK, such as WINGS and Kent International Jamboree. Other hobbies include football (a LOT of football, c’mon Liverpool!) and travelling, as well as listening to a lot of music!
Who influenced you the most in your early years to be the person you are today? How about now?
The Andrews Clan. Everyone in my family has played a huge part in my life and still do to this day. They introduced me to so many things in my life which I still continue to do to this day, from Scouting to falling in love with Caterham and Surrey and all of my random and vast knowledge and taste for pretty much every single music genre there is.
What songs form the soundtrack of your teenage years?
There are just so many, okay… The Killers – Mr Brightside, Eminem – When I’m Gone, Pink – U + Ur Hand, Red Hot Chili Peppers – Snow (Hey Oh!), Example – Kickstarts, Professor Green – Read All About It, Coldplay – Paradise… I’ll stop now otherwise I’ll be here forever.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
How can I answer this without feeling bad about the other foods! Erm, okay, I’m going to make this a 3 course meal… it’s going to have to be Battered Calamari with Garlic & Lemon dip to start, Pasta & Meatballs in a Tomato Sauce (sorry pizza!) for my main and then Banoffee Pie for dessert.
What music are you currently listening to?
I’m listening to a lot of music from local artists such as Hannah Dorman, AMBR and Fortnight in Florida but as well as those guys, I’m really into Stormzy, Professor Green, Example, Lewis Capaldi, Bang Bang Romeo and Meduza at the moment, they seem to be really hitting the mark.
If you hadn’t been born in this century, when and where would you have liked to live?
I would have liked to have been a Jester in 16th Century Britain. Just because I don’t mind making a fool of myself and if it’s to perform for royalty then that’s good enough me!
If you could put a dream band together, who would be in it?
This is a toughie but I would have to go for; Freddie Mercury & David Bowie on the vocals, Slash on the Guitar, Elton John on the Piano and Keith Moon on the drums.
Who’s autograph would you like to have?
There are 3… Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury.
Do you have a motto for life?
Don’t let others change who you are. Be you. Be Happy.
What advice would you give to an aspiring radio presenter?
Having a radio show isn’t just about playing music. Find your niche, find out what makes you different from everybody else. Whether that’s the music you play, catchphrases, jingles, segments in your show. Find out what sort of things you would want to hear on the radio and make it your own. The key thing is to not be nervous, nobody can see you! You’ll be surprised how much of a confidence boost you get just by talking to a microphone! Sit back, play some tunes, have a chat and relax.
To listen to Ridge Radio and find out about the range of shows go to
www.ridgeradio.co.uk
Listen on the go with your iphone, ipad, or ipod touch with the Ridge Radio iOS App.
Our personalised App gives you one click to listen, click on the App icon and search Ridge Radio.
If you have an Android phone or device, click on the Google Play Store icon and search Ridge Radio.
You can also find us on your Alexa device just say, “Alexa Enable Ridge Radio”
We look forward to you joining us and listening to Ridge Radio.
