Work at the BBC Radio Suffolk
In April 2001, some 37 years after my original wish to work for BBC Television, I at last started work for the BBC – BBC Radio Suffolk to be precise. Originally I was a part time receptionist covering for sickness and holidays, then, in September 2001, I became the station Handy person. My main work was looking after the station cars and OB vehicles, along with general building maintenance.
In 2005 most of the building maintenance work was taken over by an external contractor and so, late in 2006, my official title became station Technical Assistant. This more accurately reflects the diverse nature of the jobs I now undertake. Although I continue to do my original task of looking after the station vehicles, I also work alongside David Butcher the Station Engineer helping with the cabling and other jobs at large outside events such as Ipswich Music Day and running the live sound at the recording of the annual Carol Concert. Very occasionally I work as a Telephone Answerer usually for the Nick Risby regional programme which is broadcast every week night from 10.00pm to 1.00am. and I organise our Monday Night tour taking various groups for a look around the station.
In addition to my normal work I’ve been trained as a Satellite Van trainer so I can teach new staff to use this vehicle, and I can set it up and demonstrate it at outside events and open days.
My time working for Radio Suffolk came to an end on 31st July 2020 when I finally retired, but you could say that I did achieve the wish I had back in 1964 to work ‘for the Beeb’ – well almost!