Martin Turner

Martin Turner

 Interview by Roland Beaney.

Where and when were you born?

Strangely enough in Maidstone way back in 1955, my Parents were both teachers, I lived in Maidstone - Penenden Heath but spent most of my first five years with my Grandparents in the Foster Clark Estate, just opposite the Moat Park Cricket Grounds.

Where do you live now ?

I’ve lived in Dover since 1965, still there.....

What is your favourite part of the Country?

I've always loved South Wales, Llanelli through to Tenby. My best school friend Alan I met some 39 years ago, lives just outside Llanelli. 

How did you get involved in Radio?

Hospital Radio, the Gateway Hospital Broadcasting Service (serving Dover & Deal).  Through Dover Rotaract I met Mark Stafford around 1983ish. He became (and still is) a great friend, through Mark I was fortunate to be involved in many different radio stations including European Klassik Rock. I'll always be in debt to Mark.

What are your earliest memories of Caroline?

1965, my Dad bought me a Grundig radio and an old Marconifone open reel tape deck. I found Radio Caroline and totally fell in love with her !. I also bought a small pocket size radio which I took to school.....and got away with for several years !. 

When did you first join Caroline?

Just at the end of E.K.R’s life in Maidstone, it was the case of one door closed then another opened, right place @ the right time.  I was able to present two shows on Radio Caroline (Sky analogue) just before my Daughter Kelly was born. I quickly learned that a baby was more demanding (and her Mother) than I first realised so I gave up Radio. Family always comes first in my life.  

Have you got any special/fond memories of the station?

Sad ones when Caroline went off the air for some reason / sinking / raids etc... Total elation when Caroline returned - how I bored my family & friends with my love & passion for Radio Caroline (and still do).  

How much freedom do you have on Caroline?

More than I had dared to hope for. There's a tight format which I try to follow as closely as possible, then some lovely listener emails in their gems of requests - well one just feels compelled to play what is asked for... doesn't one ??  

Have you ever worked on a Radio ship?

Alas not, well not in a Radio Presenting capacity....  

What other Radio stations have you been involved with?

Oooooh... GHBS (Dover / Deal), Atlanta Radio on 6260 49Mb, Radio Boulogne Littoral (France), White Cliffs Sound (Dover), Shepway Sound (Folkestone), Coastline FM (Dover), European Klassik Rock (Maidstone) and Radio Seagull (Harlingen, Netherlands).  

What is your favourite station other than Caroline?

Classic FM and Kiss 100 FM (depending on my mood).  

What are the worst and best things about radio today?

Dreadful repetition of music and "tag lines". I hate "local" radio for that, Best - Radio Caroline still lives on.

Do you have any embarrassing or funny moments to share with us?

I suppose the most embarrassing one was on Radio Caroline several months ago when I mispronounced K.T. Tunstall.. !!! I received a couple of texts and some amusing emails, fortunately no complaints.  

What do you do for your day job and for relaxation?

Day job, I'm a Civil Servant (well it pays the Mortgage), for relaxation being with my lovely family. Wife Linda & Daughter Kelly (now 7yrs) keep me amused and entertained. I know I reached Fatherhood late in my life but they make me feel young. Kelly gives me an excuse to watch Boomerang & be very silly..  

What is your favourite food?

Anything edible really. Love Sunday roasts - particularly love carving joints of meat, I get the chance to eat the burnt & crispy bits I know Kelly & Linda don't like.  

What do you dislike doing the most?

Without a doubt - Ironing. I’ve always avoided that chore like the plague. I'd rather clear out our drains than do the ironing.  

What are your favourite bands or groups?

Nice one - YES, Led Zeppelin, Steve Miller Band, Linkin Park, Ian Brown, Pink Floyd, The Ozric Tentacles, Tomita, Tiesto, Brian Transchau, Bjork, The Beatles, The Who, Imogen Heap, Mike Oldfield, Mandi Perkins, Rush, Steve Hackett, Astralasia.... God I could go on & on & on...............  

Who is the most famous person you have met?

Luckily.. who are.... James Burke (of BBC's Tomorrows World) - In Dover Hoverport, I let him use an office as respite from the "public" who were bothering him. Roger Daltrey  I stood at his front door & had a brief chat.  Dave Gilmore - he made me a cup of coffee at Canterbury Airfield, smashing chap, nice coffee. Mike Oldfield - Drank coffee with Mike, he told me he loved Tubular Bells and was re-mixing it sometime, years later TB II was released. Dave Cash - Awe inspiring, loved working with Dave on EKR. Johnny Lewis - What a genuinely lovely bloke, a nightmare to follow on air though. This happened a few times on EKR, not yet on Radio Caroline. Her Majesty The Queen... at the Queens Garden Party @ Buckingham Palace, lovely ice cream as I remember. Lastly - Mark Stafford - Say no more, he's a diamond geezer.

 What are your top 5 favourite tunes?

Streuth no, you would ask! (1) YES - We Have Heaven / South Side Of The Sky (from Fragile) (2) YES - Ritual (Nous Sommes Du Soleil) (from Tales from Topographical Oceans) (3) Doobie Brothers - Long Train Running (4) Alanis Morisette - Thank U (5) Ian Brown - F.E.A.R.    

When did you last go on board the Ross Revenge?

In Dover. Just as the Ross Revenge tied up in the Granville Docks. A memorable experience.

What are your plans and hopes for the future?

If I'm lucky - To keep Presenting on Radio Caroline & Radio Seagull, fingers always crossed eigh? Thank you for answering my questions. Martin is always looking for "sensible" ideas for the album of the show, something main-line ish with at least 6 playable tracks not exceeding 5 minutes.

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