Over the past couple of months, I've not been able to update my Blog.
A double-dose of the flu and an injury to my neck has prevented me from sitting down to conduct many of my duties as a full time Professional Mobile DJ. I have a massive backlog of galleries to put online. So, if you are customer who is waiting to see the pictures from your wedding, please hold on a little longer.
I was hoping to get a new website up and running, but that has been put on the back burner for the time being.
I'm going through the workload and hope to have it cleared in the near future.
John Forbes
Professional DJ
www.johnforbes.net
Monday, 16 November 2009
Monday, 7 September 2009
The Bryan Adams Experience Interview
For those of you who have looked through some of my Blog entries, you will be fully aware that I am an active volunteer at Darlington Hosptal Radio (Radio Skerne). As well as presenting and training up new members, I am also a Committee member and have the roles of Vice-Chairman and Secretary of the station.
I give up my free time to entertain the patients, staff and visitors to Darlington Memorial Hospital. This is a voluntary role that I have been doing for more than 14 years and throughout that time I have tried to make my shows as appealing, entertaining and enjoyable as possible. I always try out new features, try to get audience participation and generally help some of the time pass during a stressful stay in hospital.
I'm always trying to think up new features or segments of the shows I present and I've decided to include a regular interview slot. I'm hoping to get various people in to discuss what they do and in the case of some bands, get them to perform live from the studio.
The first opportunity went to a local tribute band - The Bryan Adams Experience. Gary and Stuart joined me in the cramped studios for a bit of irreverent chat and live music. Stuart was kind enough to play the acoustic guitar and sing five of the most memorable and popular songs from the Bryan Adams back catalogue.
Gary provided some of the backing, but I'd rather not tell you what he played with :-)
I thought that the show was highly entertaining and I must pay a big thank you to Gary and Stuart for taking time out on a Monday evening to join me in the studio for an interview and to perform on Radio Skerne.
I've been invited down to see the boys perform live at The Forum Music Centre in Darlington on Friday 25th September 2009 and I'm looking forward to a great night out and perhaps take a look behind the scenes of The Bryan Adams Experience!
John Forbes
Professional DJ
www.johnforbes.net
I give up my free time to entertain the patients, staff and visitors to Darlington Memorial Hospital. This is a voluntary role that I have been doing for more than 14 years and throughout that time I have tried to make my shows as appealing, entertaining and enjoyable as possible. I always try out new features, try to get audience participation and generally help some of the time pass during a stressful stay in hospital.
I'm always trying to think up new features or segments of the shows I present and I've decided to include a regular interview slot. I'm hoping to get various people in to discuss what they do and in the case of some bands, get them to perform live from the studio.
The first opportunity went to a local tribute band - The Bryan Adams Experience. Gary and Stuart joined me in the cramped studios for a bit of irreverent chat and live music. Stuart was kind enough to play the acoustic guitar and sing five of the most memorable and popular songs from the Bryan Adams back catalogue.
Gary provided some of the backing, but I'd rather not tell you what he played with :-)
I thought that the show was highly entertaining and I must pay a big thank you to Gary and Stuart for taking time out on a Monday evening to join me in the studio for an interview and to perform on Radio Skerne.
I've been invited down to see the boys perform live at The Forum Music Centre in Darlington on Friday 25th September 2009 and I'm looking forward to a great night out and perhaps take a look behind the scenes of The Bryan Adams Experience!
John Forbes
Professional DJ
www.johnforbes.net
Friday, 3 July 2009
Online Gallery
I always aim to give the very best service to my clients before and during my performance.
However, I started thinking about what I could do for my customers after their big day.
I've always asked for permission to take photographs or video footage at the events I've attended and I thought that it was a natural progression for me to make these photos available to my customers and also their friends and family. Therefore, all of my clients now get access to an online gallery depicting some of the events from their special occasion.
These sections of my website are only open to my clients, but they can choose who they wish to send the link to. I think this is a great idea and my customers have been highly complimentary about the additional free service I am including in my packages. Many people have commented that friends and family members who could not attend, now had a chance to see some of the pictures from the event.
The pictures I put online are usually available well before the professional photographers have been able to compile an album depicting the celebration. I've found that even professional photographers do not stay any longer than the first dance at weddings. This means that I have a perfect opportunity to show the evening celebrations in full swing and these are pictures that will not feature in any wedding album.
I have been offering this service for a number of months, but this is the first time that I have made the news of it public knowledge. My current and future customers will all be offered this service and based on the take-up so far, I expect the vast majority of people to give a resounding 'yes' when offered.
I would love to give examples of the online galleries I have already produced, but I respect the privacy of my clients and it is up to them who they make the album available to.
For further information on this service, please do not hesitate to give me a call or send me an e-mail.
John Forbes
Professional DJ
http://www.johnforbes.net/
However, I started thinking about what I could do for my customers after their big day.
I've always asked for permission to take photographs or video footage at the events I've attended and I thought that it was a natural progression for me to make these photos available to my customers and also their friends and family. Therefore, all of my clients now get access to an online gallery depicting some of the events from their special occasion.
These sections of my website are only open to my clients, but they can choose who they wish to send the link to. I think this is a great idea and my customers have been highly complimentary about the additional free service I am including in my packages. Many people have commented that friends and family members who could not attend, now had a chance to see some of the pictures from the event.
The pictures I put online are usually available well before the professional photographers have been able to compile an album depicting the celebration. I've found that even professional photographers do not stay any longer than the first dance at weddings. This means that I have a perfect opportunity to show the evening celebrations in full swing and these are pictures that will not feature in any wedding album.
I have been offering this service for a number of months, but this is the first time that I have made the news of it public knowledge. My current and future customers will all be offered this service and based on the take-up so far, I expect the vast majority of people to give a resounding 'yes' when offered.
I would love to give examples of the online galleries I have already produced, but I respect the privacy of my clients and it is up to them who they make the album available to.
For further information on this service, please do not hesitate to give me a call or send me an e-mail.
John Forbes
Professional DJ
http://www.johnforbes.net/
Monday, 15 June 2009
Appointment to the National Association of Disc Jockeys (NADJ)
I've always tried to further the DJ trade in the North East of England. It's not an easy task trying to get DJs to integrate and network, but at least I have made the effort.
These local meetings are an ideal opportunity to meet with your peers and also get to know fellow professionals in my line of work. It's also a great opportunity to pick up on new ideas or experiences from colleagues.
However, earlier this month, I was asked by Mark Porley, Chairman of the NADJ, to take up an important and vital position within the organisation. I had met Mark and some of the other Committee members during my travels around the country and also when representatives from the NADJ visited the North East to attend our branch meetings.
Mark wanted me to take up the role of Membership Officer. This is one of the most important Committee positions and after a couple of days to think about the offer, I decided to make my commitment to the DJ industry a bit more formal. Rather than sitting on the sideline, I was asked to play a more instrumental role in recruiting and spreading the word of what the NADJ does.
Mark and the other Committee members noticed that I had a real passion for my work and that I was willing to help others raise their standards and offer a more professional way of conducting their business. Mark commented that it was these exact traits that the NADJ was looking for in spearheading and developing the organisation.
All membership enquiries come through me and I'm looking forward to meeting more of the membership at branch meetings and at other DJ related events throughout the UK.
John Forbes
Professional DJ
http://www.johnforbes.net/
These local meetings are an ideal opportunity to meet with your peers and also get to know fellow professionals in my line of work. It's also a great opportunity to pick up on new ideas or experiences from colleagues.
However, earlier this month, I was asked by Mark Porley, Chairman of the NADJ, to take up an important and vital position within the organisation. I had met Mark and some of the other Committee members during my travels around the country and also when representatives from the NADJ visited the North East to attend our branch meetings.
Mark wanted me to take up the role of Membership Officer. This is one of the most important Committee positions and after a couple of days to think about the offer, I decided to make my commitment to the DJ industry a bit more formal. Rather than sitting on the sideline, I was asked to play a more instrumental role in recruiting and spreading the word of what the NADJ does.
Mark and the other Committee members noticed that I had a real passion for my work and that I was willing to help others raise their standards and offer a more professional way of conducting their business. Mark commented that it was these exact traits that the NADJ was looking for in spearheading and developing the organisation.
All membership enquiries come through me and I'm looking forward to meeting more of the membership at branch meetings and at other DJ related events throughout the UK.
John Forbes
Professional DJ
http://www.johnforbes.net/
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Mayor of Darlington's Generous Donation to Radio Skerne
It is with delight that I'm able to tell you that the outgoing Mayor of Darlington (2008/9), Councillor Ian Haszeldine, invited representatives of Darlington Hospital Radio (Radio Skerne) to the Town Hall to receive a very generous cheque.As the Vice-Chairman and Station Secretary, I was asked to attend a gathering of local organisations to pick up a cheque from the Mayor.
The Mayor had already given visited our studios and he took part in one of the shows. Councillor Haszeldine gave the charity a cheque for £800 on that occasion. That money would cover the two main expenses each year- insurance and the broadcast license to Phonographic Performance Limited.
I attended this meeting on Wednesday 13th May 2009 along with the the station Chairman, Frank Benson, and Treasurer, Mike Denham.
We didn't know how much was going to be donated on this occasion, but even a hundred pounds would have been an enormous help.We were completely lost for words when our group was highlighted for special attention. The Mayor's last duties in office was to reward local organisations for their efforts in the community.
Councillor Haszeldine talked about the visit to our studios and the on-air interview in which he commented that yet again he was roped into singing a song on the radio. It was all in good humour and I was singled out as the presenter who conducted that interview.
At the end of the wonderful comments from the Mayor, he called forward the representatives from the station to receive a cheque for £3,000!!!
We couldn't really believe it, the charity hadn't received financial assistance of that kind for many years. It also meant that the station could keep on entertaining the patients at Darlington Memorial Hospital for many more years to come.
The station now has a comfortable financial safety net in place and we will continue to cater for our listeners to the best of our abilities.
A letter of thanks has been sent to the outgoing Mayor of Darlington and he is keen on a second trip to our studios. Councillor Haszeldine will always be welcome at the studios of Radio Skerne and I look forward to meeting up with him in the near future.
Darlington Hospital Radio (Radio Skerne) is always on the look-out for new members who are aged 18 or over. If you would like to join the station and can spare a few hours every week, please do not hesitate to get in touch:
Telephone: 01325 743304
E-mail: radio_skerne@hotmail.com
Web: www.communigate.co.uk/ne/radioskerne
Darlington Hospital Radio (Radio Skerne)
C/o Darlington Memorial Hospital
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
DL3 6HX
[Pictured above (L-R) Mike Denham, Treasurer, Frank Benson, Chairman of Darlington Hospital Radio and The Mayor of Darlington (2008/9), Councillor Ian Haszedine]
John Forbes
Professional DJ
http://www.johnforbes.net/
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Mayor of Darlington Interview
If you visit the 'About Me' section of my website, you'll see that I am active member of Darlington Hospital Radio (Radio Skerne). I have been at the Hospital Radio station since I was 18 years old. I currently hold the position of Vice-Chairman and Secretary of the charity.
The station recently wrote to the Mayor of Darlington, Ian Haszeldine [pictured right], to see if he would consider giving the organisation a small grant to help with running costs. We were delighted to be informed that the Mayor's Charitable Fund was willing to give us £800 to keep the station running for another year. This grant couldn't have come at a better time!
Some of the volunteers at the station went to the Mayor's Parlour at Darlington Town Hall to receive the cheque and to personally thank the Mayor for the grant. We also invited Councillor Haszeldine down to our studios to find out about what we do and to have a quick tour of our studios.
The visit took place on Monday 6th April and as well as having a chat to some of our members, the Mayor was kind enough to spare some time for an interview and to announce a few requests that had been collected for the live show. I conducted the interview and four of the listeners had the pleasure of their request being announced by the Mayor.
The two main expenses are the ridiculously high insurance fees and the broadcast license to Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL). I think it's best that I say as little as possible about the insurance and PPL fees - I could be here quite a while!
Darlington Hospital Radio (Radio Skerne) is always on the look-out for new members who are aged 18 or over. If you would like to join the station and can spare a few hours every week, please do not hesitate to get in touch:
Telephone: 01325 743304
E-mail: radio_skerne@hotmail.com
Web: www.communigate.co.uk/ne/radioskerne
Darlington Hospital Radio (Radio Skerne)
C/o Darlington Memorial Hospital
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
DL3 6HX
John Forbes
Professional DJ
http://www.johnforbes.net/
The station recently wrote to the Mayor of Darlington, Ian Haszeldine [pictured right], to see if he would consider giving the organisation a small grant to help with running costs. We were delighted to be informed that the Mayor's Charitable Fund was willing to give us £800 to keep the station running for another year. This grant couldn't have come at a better time!Some of the volunteers at the station went to the Mayor's Parlour at Darlington Town Hall to receive the cheque and to personally thank the Mayor for the grant. We also invited Councillor Haszeldine down to our studios to find out about what we do and to have a quick tour of our studios.
The visit took place on Monday 6th April and as well as having a chat to some of our members, the Mayor was kind enough to spare some time for an interview and to announce a few requests that had been collected for the live show. I conducted the interview and four of the listeners had the pleasure of their request being announced by the Mayor.
The two main expenses are the ridiculously high insurance fees and the broadcast license to Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL). I think it's best that I say as little as possible about the insurance and PPL fees - I could be here quite a while!
Darlington Hospital Radio (Radio Skerne) is always on the look-out for new members who are aged 18 or over. If you would like to join the station and can spare a few hours every week, please do not hesitate to get in touch:
Telephone: 01325 743304
E-mail: radio_skerne@hotmail.com
Web: www.communigate.co.uk/ne/radioskerne
Darlington Hospital Radio (Radio Skerne)
C/o Darlington Memorial Hospital
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
DL3 6HX
John Forbes
Professional DJ
http://www.johnforbes.net/
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Customer Feedback
January to March every year can be one of the quietest periods for work for a Professional DJ.
Many people are paying off the luxuries and added expenses from Christmas and New Year. However, people still want to get married or hold other celebrations.
Just this week I have received several messages from some extremely happy clients and I feel it's only appropriate I let people know that it fills me with great pleasure to know that I have contributed in a small part to making a celebration an event to remember for years.
Here's just what a two of my customers have said:
We have been meaning to get in touch but things have been a bit hectic so I do apologise for the lateness of this.
We wanted to thank you very much for such a wonderful evening. It was even better than we had anticipated and everyone has commented on how fabulous everything was and how good the music was.
We could not have asked for a better night or a better service from yourself.
We have highly recommended you to all our friends and family for any upcoming events they may be planning.
You are sure to see us again, as any event we plan you will most definitely be our first choice.
Thank you again for your professional yet personal touch you added to our day.
Kind Regards,
Mr & Mrs Fudge
March 2009
&
Now that we're back from a great few weeks away in Sri Lanka, I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your efforts a few weeks ago. From the packed dance floor all night I can safely say, and hope you'd agree, that people loved the tunes!
I was generally very impressed with your set up and was especially grateful for the assistance you offered to Ron and his band.
Thank you for essentially sticking to the play list and for choosing some cracking tunes off the play list. My only slight regret is that I didn't ban requests and so could have saved myself the shame of the "Ice, Ice Baby" display! At least the video chap had gone back home by then so there is no lasting record!
If you're in need of recommendations I'd be happy to give one on your behalf so please feel free to keep my details on record for that purpose.
Many thanks again.
All the best,
Mr & Mrs Slade
March 2009
If you would like to see more feedback from my customers, please visit my 'Client Comments' section of my website.
John Forbes
Professional DJ
http://www.johnforbes.net/
Many people are paying off the luxuries and added expenses from Christmas and New Year. However, people still want to get married or hold other celebrations.
Just this week I have received several messages from some extremely happy clients and I feel it's only appropriate I let people know that it fills me with great pleasure to know that I have contributed in a small part to making a celebration an event to remember for years.
Here's just what a two of my customers have said:
We have been meaning to get in touch but things have been a bit hectic so I do apologise for the lateness of this.
We wanted to thank you very much for such a wonderful evening. It was even better than we had anticipated and everyone has commented on how fabulous everything was and how good the music was.
We could not have asked for a better night or a better service from yourself.
We have highly recommended you to all our friends and family for any upcoming events they may be planning.
You are sure to see us again, as any event we plan you will most definitely be our first choice.
Thank you again for your professional yet personal touch you added to our day.
Kind Regards,
Mr & Mrs Fudge
March 2009
&
Now that we're back from a great few weeks away in Sri Lanka, I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your efforts a few weeks ago. From the packed dance floor all night I can safely say, and hope you'd agree, that people loved the tunes!
I was generally very impressed with your set up and was especially grateful for the assistance you offered to Ron and his band.
Thank you for essentially sticking to the play list and for choosing some cracking tunes off the play list. My only slight regret is that I didn't ban requests and so could have saved myself the shame of the "Ice, Ice Baby" display! At least the video chap had gone back home by then so there is no lasting record!
If you're in need of recommendations I'd be happy to give one on your behalf so please feel free to keep my details on record for that purpose.
Many thanks again.
All the best,
Mr & Mrs Slade
March 2009
If you would like to see more feedback from my customers, please visit my 'Client Comments' section of my website.
John Forbes
Professional DJ
http://www.johnforbes.net/
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