Ridge Radio is Tandridge’s local community radio statio. 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 Steven Rann. You can hear his show every Thursday afternoon, from 15:00 to 17:00.
Steven, how did you get involved with Ridge Radio?
I am Autistic and used to attend The Orpheus Centre, Godstone, for young disabled adults. We visited Ridge Radio as part of the curriculum and I later went back to Ridge for work experience (they don’t do this anymore, so I was lucky). Because of my interest and knowledge of music they decided to train me up and give me a show.
What type of show do you present?
I love all genres of music, from classical, blues and jazz, right across the board, so I try to include a piece of everything in my show. It is a mix and blend of music from around the world: that’s why it is called Steve’s World of Music.
Do you have guests on your radio show?
I do have guests and, in particular, I have interviewed Sir Richard Stilgoe and Anna Kennedy, who is a huge campaigner for people with Autism. Of course, at the moment with the restrictions we have not been able to have guests, so I can’t wait for things to get back to normal.
If you could meet any musician, living or deceased, who would you choose and why?
My big inspiration, and who I would love to meet, is (blues rock guitarist) Joe Bonamassa, plus Bob Dylan and Elton John.
Do you like to go to live concerts? And if so, who did you see last?
I love live music and before the pandemic I used to go to the Beaverwood Club in Chislehurst to watch many different bands. The last was Danny Bryant in 2019. I have also been to concerts at the O2, and the Royal Albert Hall: the last one was Queen, at the O2.
Now for some personal questions, how has lockdown affected your life?
Lockdown has affected me, and I have found it rather difficult, especially when I caught the virus. Luckily, I am ok now, but it was not nice. Because I have Autism, things are quite challenging for me but as long as I am allowed time to absorb things I can usually deal with it ok. I also moved into supported housing during lockdown, which I love, but all the changes put together have been quite daunting for me.
What is the most memorable holiday you’ve ever taken?
My favourite holidays are caravan holidays, which I go on with my mum: we have been doing these since I was a child. I am not a lover of hot weather or crowds, but I do enjoy a caravan holiday in the UK. I have been to Disneyland Paris a few times with school and college, but holidays here at home are my favourite.
What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession has to be my CD and DVD collection, which is huge and covers nearly every genre. I love collecting new and old music.
Finally, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to become a radio presenter?
If you are a music lover, why not share it with everyone and become a presenter on Ridge Radio? It’s a brilliant way to show the world all the different genres there are. I have been presenting for over nine years now and enjoy it as much today as I did when I started.
Ridge Radio is always looking for presenters! If you would like to get involved with the station, email Andy Mac at: andy@ridgeradio.co.uk, for more information.
