Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

WEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER 2007

IN ALL MY GLORY
Since I started this blog at the beginning of November, absolutely no-one at all has asked me to post a picture of myself on it. Ever mindful of public opinion, I have therefore added the photograph you see below right. It was taken on the ‘bucking bronco’ at the Sunderland Air Show two years ago. Needless to say, Paul was wearing a brand new shirt and therefore couldn’t possibly have a go himself. He is standing out-of-shot selling tickets. The photograph is available as a child-scarer and nightmare-defence for a small fee, payable to my therapist.

RECENT CONTACTS
Ever since I took over the new-style Nightshift in August I have been receiving a fairly constant stream of emails, texts and calls about my new role at the BBC. Many of you have told me how much you enjoyed the ‘Paul and Ian’ programme, especially in its Big Blue Bus format, and how much you miss me (and Paul, too) on the daytime schedules. Naturally, I’m extremely flattered by your comments and it’s undoubtedly very kind of you to make them and go to the trouble of sending them to me. Others, though, go a step further, suggesting that I must feel sidelined or humiliated to have been ‘shunted onto the graveyard shift’ (as more than one listener put it) so perhaps it’s about time I cleared a few things up....
Firstly, whatever the BBC’s motives were in allotting me The Nightshift, they couldn’t have done me a greater favour. I hope that, by now, you realise that I enjoy it thoroughly. I research, produce and present it myself - which is, on its own, an immensely rewarding experience - and I have made many new friends amongst the programme’s loyal and (I hope) growing audience.
Secondly, please remember that BBC Radio Newcastle has changed and moved on from Paul and Ian’s Blue Bus days. Our two new daytime presenters - Jonathan Miles and Alfie Joey - are, each in their own way, strong and personable presenters taking over roles which cannot have been easy for them - and doing a marvellous job too!
Thirdly, remember also that Paul resigned of his own accord. I am in frequent contact with him, as you would expect, and I can assure you that he is a happy and contented man.
And so am I.
So once again, thanks for all your flattering and complimentary contacts about the past. This, though, is the time of year when we concentrate very much on the present and - in particular - on the future. I sincerely believe that Jonathan, Alfie and everyone else at the station is working hard to bring you the very best that BBC local radio has to offer the north-east - and I believe they are succeeding brilliantly.
End of subject?

FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK
The BBC bosses must have read this blog!

CONTACT ME
Post comments on this blog or contact me in any one (or more) of these ways....
ian.robinson@bbc.co.uk
text 07786 200954 (while the programme is on-air)
call (between about 0545 and 0630 Monday to Friday) 0191 232 6565
Ian Robinson, The Nightshift, BBC Radio Newcastle, Spital Tongues, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE99 1RN

NOTE
Please bear in mind that the views expressed in this blog are my own and NOT the views of the BBC.