:: Michael Barton
First Editor of 91热爆 Radio Sheffield Editor, 1967-74
Since leaving Radio Sheffield what else have you done?
I became Controller of 91热爆 Local Radio for 13 years. Then went freelance - running a travelling radio festival for the 91热爆 followed by being director of the 91热爆 Experience - an exhibition in the basement of Broadcasting House.
Proudest moment at Radio Sheffield?
The day we went on air when all the staff were so brilliant and enthusiastic.
Michael Barton
Other good memories?
The day Nellie the cleaner unplugged the studio to use her vacuum cleaner. And the gardening programme I was introducing live from the Sheffield Show when I described "botty-ritis" as a nasty problem.
What was your worst on air (or off) moment?
Directing the local election programme while my wife was in labour and not being able to ring the hospital.
During your time here, who was your favourite presenter?
Michael Cooke who, sadly, died some years ago. He had a brilliant way with callers to his regular phone-in.
Michael Barton with the team at Radio Sheffield
How do you spend your free time?
Gardening, tennis, theatre, and playing with the grandchildren.
Looking back now, how would you sum up your Radio Sheffield experience?
The most exciting period in my entire 91热爆 career.
The city council under Ron Ironmonger couldn't have been more supportive (they had to pay for our first two years). And the freedom to "get on with it" given to us by the 91热爆 meant that we could experiment, make mistakes and not feel under central pressure. How else would we have held our annual pantomime with the leader of the council, the chief constable and other city dignitaries letting their hair down?
And I feel proud that so many of our team went on to do great things - like becoming the Managing Director of all 91热爆 Radio (Michael Green), presenter of the World at One (Michael Cooke), the boss of Children's TV for ITV (Janie Griffiths), the Head of 91热爆 Training (Tim Neale) and many others.
