Spotlight on CCG Members - John Gillmore - January 2024

Jan, 1 2024

Not many of us know our calling so early in life. We may explore different hobbies until we discover something that may become a long term career.

This month’s ‘Spotlight on CCG Members’ knew what he wanted to do with his life as a youth. Let us discover more about Preston based John Gillmore AKA Gilly.

It was on hearing his local radio station BBC Radio Merseyside that he felt an immediate connection. John was only 11 at the time yet this was his vision following his school years.

After school, radio presenting didn’t occur immediately as John had to settle for working at his local co-operative bank in St.Helens, however, the dream was still there.

Following his stint at the bank, John invested some time volunteering at his local hospital radio station in Whiston. This helped him develop his niche and skills whilst sending off demo tapes to radio station across the North West. He eventually struck gold when he landed a job at Red Rose Radio in Preston where he stayed for almost 13 years.

John was an instant hit with the listeners. Despite glowing success, he wanted to try a different radio station and so, tried his hand at The Bay in Lancaster in which he managed to create a radio peak of listeners of the highest audience figures ever for the mid- morning show.

Gilly joined BBC Radio Lancashire in July 2005. He used to presents the hugely popular 12-4pm programme from Monday to Friday, including the popular outside broadcast feature. Gilly later on to presented 10pm week day slot. 

A veteran at his game now, his music preferences settle in nicely within the cosy- booth of Radio Lancashire. He especially likes Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight and when John is not spinning discs, he’s taking pictures and rolling bowling balls. He also enjoys scenic walks in the countryside.

Gilly also smashed a Guinness World Record for the most number of face-to-face interviews on the radio in 24hours, beating the previous record by 37. He did 293 interviews, asking 1648 questions.

He is also a former Tourism Superstar winner an award voted for by members of the public and organised by Marketing Lancashire.

John is very at home in the media based environment of the CCG.

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger