Meet Stuart

I’ve been a print journalist for 40 years but I’ve always been a huge fan of radio ever since I first heard Junior Choice as a kid. My first real taste of radio was when I worked abroad and I was invited into the English language radio station’s studio to present a “What the Paper’s Say” slot alongside a DJ called Ewen Cameron who is still presenting!

I loved the experience and when I returned to the UK I started to get involved with community radio, which to cut a long story short eventually led to Durham OnAir. 

The two shows I produce couldn’t be more different. Classic Rock is just me playing my favourite music and hopefully that passion comes across. The Teesdale Takeover show is me trying to bring a taste of south-west Durham to the radio, interviewing interesting people and playing a few top tunes along the way.

What are some of your favourite Durham memories? 

County Durham is simply home. It’s where I was born and grew up and after many years working away, it’s the place I came back to. The best thing about the county is that it remains an undiscovered gem. Many people outside the area still think of pit villages and slag heaps when they think of the county. Those who venture here are amazed by Teesdale and Weardale and Durham City. As for the north east, it’s got everything you want, whatever you’re looking for.

Top three songs of all time?

Well, these tend to change from time to time, but…

1 Ring of a Change, by Status Quo. The first single I bought was Rocking All Over the World by the mighty Quo, but it was the B side, Ring of a Change, an album track from the Blue for You LP that really got me into the band

2 Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be by ACDC. Find the live version from River Plate in 2009 and you’ll see the unifying power of what at face value is a simple rock and roll song

3 Just the Way You Look Tonight, Ian Hunter. Well into his 80s, Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople) has produced some of the best music of his career in the last few years, including this sublime love song.

What is your ideal weekend look like?

Simple. With my wife travelling the inland waterways on a canal boat.

Join stuart for the Monday Morning Music show at 10am, Classic Rock on Mondays at 9pm and Sundays at 4pm. Teesdale Take over is broadcast on Sundays at 2pm and Tuesdays from 7pm (When the football isn't on...)

Catch Up

Contact The Show