A Bermondsey DJ who set up a pandemic radio station during lockdown has written a book about a lifetime spent spinning records for the community.
Noel Smyth, 62, established Bermondsey Radio Station when lockdown struck in March 2020, entertaining up to 3,000 listeners daily with tunes and laughter.
The local figure, whose career has seen him organise boat parties for MPs, and play at “just about every pub in Bermondsey”, has written ‘Noel Bermondsey’s Number One DJ’ as a thank you to the community.
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Noel, who grew up on the Dickens Estate, said: “I was helping the community and the community was helping me. Their donations kept the radio going, and I helped them through music and the funny times of the radio station to cheer them up.”
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Noel lost his job as a stationary delivery man in the City and was forced to use the Love North Southwark Food Pantry on Slippers Place.
“It was a situation where you had to do something or you would be finished. So the idea of starting a radio was natural to me having previously worked on the Guy’s Hospital radio. Once we were on air, and had cracked it, I was broadcasting every day for 10 hours, all 365 days of the year!”
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At it’s height, Noel entertained 3,000 listeners daily. But amidst the daily toll of the pandemic, there was a sadder side, which saw him hold virtual wakes for listeners unable to attend in-person funerals
Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, and donations made to the radio station, Noel was able to support himself, paying bills he wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford.
The book is an ode to Bermondsey, featuring funny stories from well-known characters including local landlords who Noel says many will be familiar with.
“There’s sadness, funniness, and a little bit of sexiness – something for everyone,” says Noel.
He is urging people to donate to Love North Southwark’s ‘Toy Drive’, a scheme that will deliver toys to children whose families are struggling over Christmas.
To donate to Bermonsdey Radio’s Toy Drive appeal, send money to Noel’s PayPal account: PayPal.me/NoelSmyth1961
Tune in to Bermondsey Radio every Sunday from 10.30am: http://play.radioking.com/radio/bermondsey-radio
Buy the book here. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Love North Southwark: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Noel-Bermondseys-number-deejay-autobiography-ebook/dp/B0BK269YZJ