Behind the microphone with Ronnie McGhie

Dec 7 2012 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

I cannot believe that it is a month since we last talked. Life has been hectic, but that is how I like it!

December is always a busy month for my shows. All the local community groups want to come on and talk about their Christmas events. I enjoy meeting them all. The passion that each of them has for their causes is totally inspirational. I wish each and every one of them a successful Christmas.

Last Monday, I had hairdressing students from James Watt College in Kilwinning on my “Community Sounds” show. They were talking about their passion for their course.

These students need clients to come into the college, so they can hone their skills. Don’t be afraid, you will get a good haircut at a bargain price and you will be helping future pro-hairdressers in the process.

As we are heading up to Christmas, I plan to get some local artists on the show for a “Christmas Session”. They can perform a couple of their own songs but I will be asking them to perform a seasonal song of their choice. Their phones will be ringing very shortly.

Radio is ever changing, just last week my good friend Casper presented his last show for 3TFM. I will miss him and I wish him well in his chosen path.

At this time of year, you naturally reflect on what 2012 has meant to you. I would not change anything, well there are a few CDs I would have rather not bought.

This has been a great year for music. I have bought albums by established artists but, for me, it has been music by new and unsigned artists that has excited me the the most. EPs released by Julia and The Doogans and Irvine’s own Sean Kennedy are brilliant. My favourite album of the year though has got to be Paul Buchanan’s “Mid Air”. I have been a fan of Paul’s since his Blue Nile days. Running close were the albums by Bat For Lashes and Prestwick’s own Scott Nicol.

2012 has also been a great year for gigs. This year I have been to gigs by major artists and local gigs supporting Ayrshire talent, My favourite gig of the year has to be Simple Minds in Dublin last March. Fantastic music from a band revisiting their past.

2013 is also shaping up to be a great year for gigs. I already have tickets to see Status Quo, Love and Money, Edwyn Collins, Simple Minds and The Boss, Mr Springsteen himself, has just announced a June date at Hampden Park. I may have to remortgage my house to get a ticket for that.

I am already planning shows for next year. After the festive season is over, I am going to be putting a show together just for the guys. It will be a men’s health special.

It will take in exercise, nutrition and male grooming. It will feature input from doctors, fitness experts, nutritionists, beauticians and hairdressers.

I have already been doing some physical research for the show. Recently, I ran 5k for the first time in over 20 years. I also had a personal training session from Chris McMahon down at Kilwinning Sports club. He just about killed me! Next up is some Cardio40 with Louie Fecou.

I also hope 2013 will be the year Irvine Beat FM obtain their five year license and become Irvine’s own Community Radio station. That would be a nice present to get from Santa.

Talking of Louie, this Friday, December 7, it will be Food and Fitness Friday at 1pm on 3TFM 103.1fm locally and online at www.3tfm.org.

I will be joined by fellow Irvine Herald columnists Sarah Jennings and Louie Fecou. This show is always the highlight of my month.

You can take part in the show, just listen for the phone and text numbers.

However you spend your Christmas and New Year, I hope you all have a great time and that 2013 will be good to you.