Julie Bastow

Fridays 10am-1pm

As the program title ‘Swingtime’ suggests, the listener will hear plenty of music from the 1930s and the 1940s, featuring the Big Swing Bands of that time and their singers especially the girl singers.

Songs from the Great American Songbook will feature with emphasis on the famous composers such as the Gershwin Bros, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and Harry Warren and many more, plus music of the British Dance Bands.

Other segments include News at 10 am, the Garden Clinic and Community News and a repeat of the Tuesday segment Madeline at the Movies follows the News at 12 noon.

How did you first connect with GDR?

I heard over the air that GDR required a Minute Secretary.  Having just retired, and with suitable qualifications, I applied for the job.  That was in March 1998.  I find Golden Days Radio an absorbing and delightful activity providing me with an ideal community service opportunity.

Why did you want to be a presenter?

I was invited to join the list of presenters by one of the Founders of Golden Days Radio, Mr Jim Shaw. I feel strongly that the marvellous body of music composed in the first five decades of the 20th Century must continue to be heard to ensure its preservation and to attract new generations of listeners. I also relish the chance to learn more about the music of the 1920s, ’30s, ’40s and ’50s from the various luminaries amongst the GDR volunteers and the vast musical resources of the station.

What experience do you want to give your listeners?

I want my listeners to cherish that wonderful body of music composed between 1920 and 1960.  I like to speak to them as I would if sitting in their home enjoying the music with them.  I want them to be uplifted, as I am, by the wonderful melodies, lyrics, singers and orchestras.