If pushed for a presenter comparison Andy Maybourn would align himself more with “Terry Wogan or John Peel than Kenny Everett or Rosko.”
“Laid back rather than manic”, which is just as well as the presenter has been broadcasting on one station or another since 1970 and therefore is a well-known face (or should I say voice) on the Kentish community radio scene.
CommunityAd were delighted to get a chance to ask Andy Maybourn a few questions about his life on the airwaves.
When did you first become interested in radio presenting?
I started with Herne Bay’s Radio Cabin in December of 1970; the Hospital Radio station began broadcasting on 25th December 1970. I was 12 years old at the time. My best friend from school was Kevin Worrall and he had been involved for a few months already by then with the installation and testing of equipment as he had an interest in electronics. Kevin asked me to join the station.
I am currently at Cabin FM and have been for three years after a break of many years. Now doing a two hour show on Monday evenings. The only original member from 1970 still there.
Why do you think a radio station within our community is so important?
Having a ‘local’ radio station gives a more community focused output although stations can be listened to online worldwide. An old school friend who now lives in Canada messages me to say he is listening now and again. It also enables local businesses to reach local people with advertising.
If you had to self-isolate tomorrow and could pick only three singles to take with you into isolation what would they be and why?
I was asked a few months ago to name albums that influenced my musical taste as I grew up. I tried to keep to a dozen which soon became 21 before I was 21 years old which still became 25 choices. I will choose the first three that come to mind from so many favourites as I have a very eclectic taste from Classical to Heavy Rock and everything inbetween.
‘Year of the Cat’ by Al Stewart would be one, I can remember where I was when I first heard that. Quines Diner in Canterbury, I was with Kevin at the time. We would go there to hear the unusual music they played as much as to eat.
Number two would be ‘Music’ by John Miles. It has the line ‘Music was my first love and it will be my last’ very appropriate for me.
The third would be ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ by the Carpenters, Karen Carpenter’s wonderful voice and beautiful lyrics. I have played that at so many wedding receptions as I am a mobile DJ also.
We’ve got a bit of a thriving music scene here in Kent, any bands you think we should be listening out for?
With my mobile disco I shared a gig with The Lost Weekend at The King’s Hall, they have been around for many years and I love the music they play. Perjury and The Warriors both fronted by my old classmate Graham Saxby do some serious and well regarded Oi and punk both locally and further afield. Bare Poets, Harry Evans and Spinner are also worth a listen.
Why do you think radio is still such an effective broadcasting medium and saw such a big resurgence during the lockdown days?
You can listen to radio anywhere, in fact everywhere these days. There is a radio station for every taste, interest and age group. It can be your main focus, on in the background or company if you are on your own. Many were on their own during lockdowns and at 106.9SFM we were told we helped people who were alone.