When I became a presenter on Ten FM - local community radio, I needed to find a "DJ handle". Cath suggested "Mumbles Inaudible" but that didn't quite convey the image I was looking for so I called myself the Scotsman. As I was new to town, I needed something that would be distinctly me and what better than to call myself what I am - a Scotsman? However just in case we got any other Scotsmen (and lo and behold we did - I went for "The Scotsman" sometimes referred to as the original Scotsman. Ten FM now has another Scotsman (Ron Bowick) but he will always be the other Scotsman - sorry Ron :-)
I couldn't have imagined a better way to spend my retirement. I've always been passionate about music so to get the opportunity to play the music I love and hopefully introduce others to some of my favourite songs was a dream come true. I also get the chance to play all our wonderful local musicians and to do what community radio should do and support independent Australian artists. However, I also like to keep up with what's happening back in Scotland so I play new Scottish music and being a naturalised Kiwi I like to keep up with the music from Godzone.
The other magical thing about being on Ten FM is that it gives me the perfect opportunity to connect with my new community. Stanthorpe is the last stop for Cath and me and it was a perfect choice because it's a beautiful, friendly little town & so full of talented people, not just in Stanthorpe but across the Granite Belt and Southern Downs. I get the opportunity to chat with interesting people on the radio and help them communicate what they or their organisation is doing. Again, this is what community radio is all about, giving the community a voice and I love being part of that.
Our community thrives on the backs of volunteers. Where would we be without them and it's such a privilege to be able to volunteer my time to give something back to my community.