Saga 106.6 FM - Medley

Saga 106.6 FM was the second station to be launched in the Saga stable. Targeting the over 50s, it had been a sure-fire winner for the East Midlands licence.

The station was managed by Ron Coles, of solid Nottingham radio stock. Ron had been at BBC Radio Nottingham in its early days; managed Trent in its most influential times; launched Radio 106; and here he was back again with this calmly-launched operation.

Programme Director was Paul Robey, who assembled a cast of familiar names and a polished station which appeared to have been around for years the second it came on air. John Peters was first voice on, just as he had been on Nottingham's Trent 301 and GEM-AM. He was joined by many old Trent counterparts including Tony Lyman and Erica Hughes. David Hamilton was on the launch roster too, live from Nottingham, playing an enthusiastic part with all the energy, professionalism and hard work for which he has been known for his whole career.

I was delighted to be asked to host Sunday mornings, despite the fact I was working behind a desk elsewhere in a proper job. Broadcasting to one's home town is always special.

Saga was re-branded Smooth in March 2007, after its acquisition by GMG. Whilst national radio brands make utter sense, and sadly advertisers still fail to recognise the value of an older audience, Saga was a fine station. This is a slice. In loving memory. #radio