Chairman

Stephen Bowditch​

Hi I am Chairman of Carlisle Radio FM. One of my first memories is as a young child listening to the radio and being mesmerised by the cleverness of actually how radio works; being fascinated by how it can entertain, inform and educate. I have never lost that feeling. I was delighted therefore when I was first asked to be chair seven years go. Steering it through the ideas stage to being a major development in the City. I have been a Headteacher in the City for twenty one yeas and am now retired. I have been a Carlisle City Councillor for a total of 18 years. I was very proud when I was made the Mayor of Carlisle in 2014/2015. I continue to be involved with various charities through the City. My role as Chairman of CRFM involves working with its excellent, indeed exceptional team. Our local radio continues what I learnt as a young child. The best of radio entertains, informs and educates. I am very proud of it. I hope you will be too. Steven Bowditch

Managing director

Darrell Thomas

Hi my name is Darrell Thomas, I came to Cumbria in 1993 to assist with the launch of CFM Radio with John Myers. I then ran the station for 7 years before going off around the country to run a further 4 radio stations as well as one in Spain. I also was Deputy Advertising Director for Cumbrian Newspapers and although I have travelled a fair bit, I kept my home here in Carlisle knowing I would return one day. In Early 2023 I was asked to join the team and head up the launch of CRFM which was a no brainer. So here we are, a successful Community Radio station in the heart of the City of Carlisle. CRFM is growing from strength to strength with the addition of CRFM West.

Director

Lindsey Kerr

Hello! My name is Lindsey Kerr, I am a director and head of station sound for CRFM. This station has been my passion for more than 5 years! I have worked professionally in radio for many years, Stations include CFM Radio, The Bay 96.9FM, Lakeland Radio (which I launched in 2001), BBC Radio Cumbria, Bay Trust Radio, Beyond Radio, Central Radio and others! I present the Saturday Breakfast show on CRFM with my Partner Jo, who is also part of the CRFM team.

Sales Director

Kerry Bentley​

Hi I'm Sales Director at Carlisle's local station Carlisle Better Music Mix CRFM

head of music

Lindsey Kerr / Ian Timms

These two genius's programme all our music to make us Carlisle and West Cumbria's Better Music Mix!

head of Engineering

Jack Davies

Hi, My name is Jack. I am the Head of Engineering at CRFM. Its my responsibility to make the whole station tick. From the database that holds all the amazing music you hear right up to the transmitter providing the music to your ears, and everything in between. If its to do with technology, I'm your man at CRFM

presenters

Joe Costin

West Cumbrian born & bred Joe Costin is a beloved local radio voice known for his wit, charm, and passion for music. A legend at BBC Radio Cumbria, Joe has been part of CRFM since the start, presenting his ever popular Golden Sunday show. We are beyond delighted to have Joe with us on mid mornings Monday to Thursday at CRFM West.

Gibson Freedman

Joining us weekdays between 12 and 1 is GIBSON FREEDMAN. Gibson is a Maryport lad. After Camp Road school, then Netherhall school he left in 1962 working as an apprentice joiner before heading to Risehow Colliery. Then in 1969 he became a State Enrolled Nurse working at Workington Infirmary & later the West Cumberland Hospital marrying his wife Hilary in 1970. Gibson was a club DJ for 27 years working the clubs and the pubs in the in UK & Magaluf. For several years now he has been involved in community radio and it’s a pleasure to welcome him to CRFM West.

Karen Rollason

Karen is a Radio Presenter, published writer and obsessive family historian with a life long passion for music. Karen sees it as the universal language that bridges age, culture, and belief — a common thread that connects us all. On air, Karen likes to bring together stories, sounds, and songs that spark joy, evoke memories, and create community. Whether it’s a timeless classic or a fresh discovery, the goal is always the same: to share music that unites and inspires her listeners. You can join Karen on Friday mornings 9 - 12 on CRFM West.

Mark McLaughlin

🔥 Ever since we announced Mark’s arrival at CRFM West the excitement has been building! Mark will be providing the official soundtrack to your weekend – and if you’re from West Cumbria, you already know his name. From legendary nights at The Park, Fusion, Shakers and Joe Bananas, to appearances at Mood, Tiger Tiger, Liquid and Nation – Mark’s DJ credentials are the real deal. 🎉 Fridays – he’s starting your weekend with pop and party classics that hit just right. 💃 Saturdays – it’s all about Dance Anthems, with a mix of old school bangers and modern classics to keep the energy high. 🕺 Whether you’re getting ready to go out or bringing the club to your living room, Mark McLaughlin on CRFM West is your weekend essential.

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Our Breakfast Show Presenter!🍳☕️ Some say he can be found wandering the fells all hours of the day in his flat cap and fancy wellies! ⛰️🥾 Others say he’s more likely to be gracing the coffee shops of West Cumbrian towns and villages looking for a flat white! ☕️ All we know is he’s called THE MARRA and he’ll be joining you every morning between 7 and 9 😀 The CRFM West breakfast show is brought to you by Your Move Cumbria Sales and Lettings. Locally owned and on your high street in Whitehaven, Wigton & Carlisle.

Paul Johnston

Paul started his radio career at Hospital Radio Haven in Whitehaven. After training as a presenter at BBC Manchester, He joined CFM in 1996 where for four years he presented several shows most notably weekend breakfast. After some time away from radio he was delighted to be asked to be involved with CRFM and has been with the station from the start. Paul is also in charge of bringing CRFM West to West Cumbria.

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Sunday evenings are about to get much smoother😎. Join Paul on the weekend wind down from 7pm every Sunday as he prepares you for the week ahead with West Cumbria’s Better Music Mix. You can listen online, on the ‘your CRFM’ app or ask Alexa to ‘Play CRFM West’. 😀

Phil Haslehurst

Phil Haslehurst aka "El Heapo", Big Phil or The Mighty Tree!
Phil escaped the deepest of deep South Yorkshire/North Nottinghamshire border to come up to Cumberland in 1974. Coming here originally to push the boundaries of nuclear science he found better remuneration by spinning bits of vinyl around the county and in 1979 went "full time" into the mobile DJ business. He was subsequently invited to do residences at Toffs in Egremont prior to opening The Whitehouse in Whitehaven as a co-director. The Whitehouse was famous (some would say infamous) for visits and performances by Radio one DJ's, American Disco groups and Rock Bands. He also did freelance work at Radio Cumbria. More recently he has performed and MC'd at Solfest, Green Gathering, Sedbergh Folk Fest, Langdale folk festival, Five Days in May etc, and still performs both as a DJ and a live singer songwriter though radio has always held a special attraction. Phil was given the nickname “El Heapo” by Dave Lee Travis after blocking out the light in the Radio 1 Studio!!😮😀

Steve Quinn

Born and raised in Yorkshire, Steve wandered into Cumbria over 10 years ago and still hasn’t found the exit. He serves up great music, and enough waffle to fill a café menu. In his own words Steve is “Living proof that anyone can get into radio these days!”🤣 😃 You can listen to Steve every weekday between 1 & 3 👍🏻

Stuart Mortimer

Until an unfortunate incident in 2015 involving cheese, Stuart was Jeremy Clarkson’s stunt double. Since then he has been roaming Midwest American towns helping aggrieved farmers being forced off their holdings by corrupt officials. (Or was that the A-Team.) Stuart has also been with Hospital Radio Haven in Whitehaven for 15 years.

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Tim is an award winning Illustrator and Author of children’s books, even venturing into the music industry to team up with the iconic Right Said Fred to bring you his first single Dinoshakes and Bellyaches! Tim has written and illustrated his own children's books 'So, you ran in the wash', Harry & the Butter Bye-Bye, "Ted needs some Space!", Count Coffins Cough!, Pims Pims Christmas list, Fat Bat & The Strange Woolly Hat, Dinoshakes and Bellyaches!! Hanging with The KOOL SQUIDS. Also the Award Winning Book The Snots with comedian Phil Walker, and newly released for 2024 is the ‘iPlay’ book with ITVs (Britains Got Talent) actress and impressionist Francine Lewis. He has also illustrated for the Steady Eddie fanzine magazine with Eddie Stobarts. And now he’s bringing you superb music every Saturday morning with CRFM West!

Jason Rushworth

Jason Rushworth exemplifies the role of a journalist who goes beyond the call of duty.
By using his talents and platform to support important causes, he has left an indelible mark on both his profession and his part of Cumbria, demonstrating how public figures can make meaningful contributions to society through both their work and their charitable endeavours.