Dan delves into the archives for show
MEMORIES FROM THE PAST ARE BROADCAST ON THE SHOW
RADIO broadcaster and journalist Dan Walsh has decided to delve into the archives of his popular weekly radio show, ‘Midweek Voices’, for the next few weeks as a result of working from home.
Speaking to this newspaper Dan said the Covid-19 restrictions are ‘kicking the stumps from everybody’s field’ and while local radio is curtailed in its broadcasting schedule, Dan said his own programme is still going out at 8 p.m. every Wednesday.
He is embarking on an audio version of ‘Reeling in the Years’ to keep people entertained throughout the pandemic.
Dan has been presenting the programme for over 30 years and expressed gratitude to his loyal listeners.
‘Without them I’m wasting my time and I am grateful to them,’ he said.
‘The listener is first and foremost and large numbers have stuck with me for over three decades so I owe them the courtesy of continuity,’ he added.
However, with everything shut down and isolation and social distancing being of paramount importance, Dan said ‘nothing is happening’ and, as a result, opportunities are severely limited.
‘I have decided that for the next number of weeks I will be working from home using the Midweek Voices archive,’ said Dan.
The programme’s archive is vast as he has retained a lot of material over the years.
‘I didn’t know what to do with it, so here’s my chance to air the best and most memorable,’ he said.
‘It’s all cheerful and aimed at lifting people’s spirits and entertaining them at the same time,’ he said.
‘It’s about taking our minds away from the troubles of the world, for at least an hour beside the radio, and reflecting on what we enjoyed and laughed at; and inspiring the confidence that good and great days will return again for all of us.’
Dan said the range of material and topics he will air is very diverse including interviews and coverage of public events like Strawberry Fairs, outdoor events and agricultural shows from times past to the 1998 bicentenary commemorations of 1798.
‘I’m sifting through hours of recorded material, some may not make it because the quality has deteriorated, but I’m intent on presenting some great material over the next number of weeks,’ said Dan.
He is also mindful of the fact that many of the people who will feature on the programme may have passed away: ‘I’m conscious that many of the voices that can be heard will be those of our loved ones or cherished friends no longer in our company, who have passed to their eternal reward, however, I’m sure many families will take comfort in being united through the airwaves.’
Mid Week Voices airs every Wednesday between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on South East Radio