:: Chris Van Shaick
Reporter, newsreader, producer, news editor, programme organiser, 1980s
How did you come to work for Radio Sheffield?
I was working as a reporter on the Sheffield Star, saw an advert, told a joke in the interview and got the job. I started as a reporter, then newsreader, producer of Rony's mid morning show and then the breakfast show, then News Editor then Programme Organiser.
Since leaving Radio Sheffield what else have you done?
Managing Editor of (first) BBC Radio Lancashire, then BBC Radio Solent and BBC Southern Counties Radio. Then Head of Marketing for BBC English Regions and now Head of Development for BBC Local Radio.
Proudest moment at Radio Sheffield?
Working with legendary presenters like Rony Robinson, Winton Cooper and Michael Cooke. Being mentored by terrific editors like Frank Mansfield, Geoff Hibbert, Ian Bell and Nigel Kay.
Other good memories?
Huge fry-ups at 9am each Friday in the station kitchen cooked by the management for the breakfast show team.
Chris and Jenny got engaged at Radio Sheffield
What was your worst on air moment?
Setting up Rony with a live interview about the Coal Board's Fence workshops. I - and Rony - thought these were the workshops where they made fences for the pithead. In fact they were the workshops at the village of Fence, near Rotherham.
During your time here, who was your favourite presenter?
Well that Jenny Day was quite nice. So nice, we got married!
"Came as fresh faced reporter. Left eight years later having learned about radio, lived through the Miners Strike and Hillsborough and become a dad!"
Chris Van Shaick
Favourite place in South Yorkshire?
The walk from Hunters Bar in Sheffield up through Porter Valley and out into the countryside.
How do you spend your free time?
Cycling round country lanes with my mates, stopping off in a teashop or pub. It's more Last of the Summer Wine than Tour de France.
Looking back now, how would you sum up your Radio Sheffield experience?
Mind blowing. Came as fresh faced reporter. Left eight years later having learned about radio, lived through the Miners Strike and Hillsborough and become a dad!
