Ridge Radio is Tandridge's local community radio station. Broadcasting from its studio in Soper Hall, Caterham, it is staffed by 48 volunteer presenters. To listen, download the free mobile app, ask any Alexa-enabled device to install and then enable Ridge Radio, or visit www.ridgeradio.co.uk and click 'Listen Live'.
This month, our Presenter in the Spotlight is Stuart Taylor. His show, 'Stutay's Wednesday Night Mixtape', goes out fortnightly on Wednesdays, from from 21:00 to 23:00.
How did you get involved with Ridge Radio?
I was browsing around on Facebook when I saw a musician friend of mine being interviewed at a local radio station. At the time, I had never heard of Ridge Radio, but when I checked out the website it said they were looking for presenters. I thought to myself, I love music and I love a good chat so I reckon I could do that! I went for it and the rest is history.
Why is your show called 'Stutay's Wednesday Night Mixtape'?
Well the last part speaks for itself but, 'Stutay' was the nickname a friend gave me some years ago. Stu is the first three letters of Stuart, and Tay is the first three letters of my surname.
What was the first record or CD you ever owned, and how old were you?
The first record I owned was What's the Story (Morning Glory) by Oasis. My mum gave me the album for my 13th birthday and my world turned from black and white into glorious technicolour in 50 minutes and six seconds.
If you had your own talk show, who would you invite as your first guest?
I would invite Billy Connolly. There's nothing he has said that I haven't absolutely loved.
Do you have a secret talent, and what is it?
I have a talent for making my hair disappear slowly over many years. It's so secret I have no idea how I'm doing it.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
The first gig I ever went to was Paul Weller, at Victoria Park in London, in 1998. It was a whole afternoon of acts that included Finlay Quay and Ian Drury and the Blockheads. It was when Britpop was at its peak, days before the song Be Here Now was released, and Noel Gallagher joined Paul Weller on stage. Not a bad start, as first gigs go.
What food did you hate as a child but enjoy now?
I hated roast dinners as a child, but I love them now! I love them so much I could eat them for breakfast, too.
What is your 'go-to' dance song?
Go, by the Chemical Brothers. To not jig about when listening to that tune would be like trying to resist licking your lips after eating a doughnut. Impossible!
What was the worst style choice you ever made?
Ah, man…when I was in sixth form, I once wore a pair of sky blue trousers, sand coloured loafers and a white top. It all made sense in my head until one of my teachers said I looked like something out of Miami Vice. People were slowing down and pointing at me. You win some you lose some.
If you were able to play any instrument or sing, what band would you love to be part of?
I've had the answer to this for years! I would play George Harrison on lead guitar for the Bootleg Beatles. They're one of my favourite bands to go and see live. I think it's such a cool idea to be famous on stage and then be totally normal after. Although I think I'll leave the singing contained within the walls of my shower.
What's rocking your world this month?
I met Ronnie Wood at a work do. I asked him how he played the classical guitar part from Maggie May (listen to the extended version), because my guitar teacher said it was a big mystery as it's all over the place. If you want to know what he said you will have to tune in to my show, but he was a proper dude and an absolute gent.
I also found myself in the bizarre situation of chatting to Pierce Brosnan and Richard E. Grant about toilet rolls. Definitely ticked a couple of boxes off the old bucket list that day.
Ridge Radio has great opportunities for aspiring presenters. If you'd like to get on air, why not contact Andy Mac on andy@ridgeradio.co.uk?
