What The Listeners' Say
This Website gives an impressive portrait of the man and an inspiring account of his deeds. He is a big man in every sense of the word - a kindly, genial man of exemplary character and possessing a youthful spirit, a magnificent broadcaster.
A broadcaster like a singer must be judged by his staying power.
How good has his average been over the years? Richard Spendlove's will show
that he's been up there on top for a good many years and i know he will
remain there for a good many more.
It is a remarkable achievement in that his fame is uniquely the product of
his voice - warm clear and expressive - and a style - relaxed affectionate
and low keyed. Mr Spendlove does not make the headlines . He is involved in
no escapades. He does not even mention the hundreds and hundreds of miles
covered to visit terminally ill listeners over a year.
A delicate sense of comedy has always been in evidence on Richard's radio
shows. Long before he became a radio giant , Richard displayed a friendly
ear for comedy and was a wonderfully welcome figure on TV, appearing in
the comedy series ' Oh Doctor Beeching.' brilliantly written by Richard and
David Croft OBE.
He has a most beautiful voice , It is magnificent and never makes the
slightest concession to modern vulgarity, I am sure he will not mind me
suggesting that anyone who is interested should tune in fairly soon.
Today, fewer children are taught to read poetry. It is the age of
spin-doctors, not orators.Richard,who was born at the beginning of the
second World War, belongs to a different age.
He was born in Carlton,Nottingham , sixty five years ago. He joined the
railway, like his father, and quickly progressed through the railway
promotional system (in almost record time) to be appointed Relief station
Master at Ely, Cambridgeshire. After thirty five years service he retired
(or escaped) on his fiftieth birthday.
Richard began freelance writing in 1969 and freelance broadcasting some
years later, his work has included contributions in media to news ,
documentary and feature work, as well as straightforward presenting. It
proved a crucial period. Richard concentrated for the first time on a six
week trial radio programme called 'Reflections',honing his talents to the
one-to-one profile/interview. The programme actually ran for one hundred and
fifty six consecutive weeks, during which time it became evident that his
kind of talent gave him the repuation of one of Britain's most gifted
presenters.
Today, he hosts one of the most popular 'phone-in' chat shows on radio. His
loyal listeners campaigned for yet another award on June 16th, 2000 he was
made A MEMBER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.
Sylvia Cooper, Norfolk
“I am writing to ask why he has only been honoured with the MBE. Myself
and many more of the same age group feel the way he entertains and directs
his programme to our age group deserves a much higher recognition.”
Clive V. Cambs
“There is no substitute for warmth, empathy, kindness, civility and
intelligence. Mr Spendlove possesses all these qualities in abundance. The
tone of the programme, the way callers are spoken to, in a genuine caring
way and Richard’s uncanny ability to put his arguments coherently, and not
as so many modern day ‘high-profile’ presenters do, put the caller down at
the same time. I can see the comfort that his show would give the elderly
and the lonely, and I come away with a sense of warmth and cosiness that I
remember getting from the radio as a child, when I listen to his Saturday
night programme. Once again, thank you for his broadcasting style.”
N. Langdon, Northants
“It is my privilege today to write a few words about Richard Spendlove; I
only regret that I cannot do him more justice. As one of my oldest ‘radio
friends’, although we have never met, I express the greatest pleasure that
my radio association with him has given to me. Many of us have special
memories of his kindness and we realised, many years ago, that no-one could
ever replace him”
Brian Willis, Essex
“The way you digest the Richard Spendlove Regional Radio Programme
depends so much on your love of the radio, but whether you are eight or
eighty a ‘person centered’ approach is the cornerstone of this much loved
broadcaster.
Set in four hours of wonderful music and conversation, we the listeners,
have been aware of his high quality broadcasting for almost twenty years”
D.Snelling Norfolk
My Wife, Averil and I feel we must put pen to paper to express our deep appreciation of the very special Saturday night show, “The Richard Spendlove Show.” We cannot think how many years we have switched on 9pm., Saturdays to BC Radio Suffolk.
“We cannot be without the show
To Keep the Listeners’ all aglow
So we close our eyes at 1am.,
Thanks, dear Richard - Once again.”
Mr and Mrs R.C.Dale, Ipswich
Just wanted to write to says thanks for the wonderful programme you put on every Saturday night. I have listened for several years now and it is always good to speak to you. The music is always good, no matter what age you are. It is also good to hear the young people who phone in and speak to you
Keep up the good work and long may you broadcast
Joyce Walsh, Meopham, Kent
