[cma-l] Dave McGealy of Oldham Community Radio wins award for decades on the airwaves - congratulations Dave!

[CMA-L]

*Source:*
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/oldham-dj-honoured-decades-airwaves-8582077

A radio DJ has been celebrated for his years on the airwaves with a civic
appreciation award.

Dave McGealy is a long-standing presenter on the Royal Oldham’s hospital
station Radio Cavell and also Oldham Community Radio.

The retired teacher has been volunteering on community stations for more
than 20 years.

He was due to be given the accolade at a special award ceremony in the
council chamber ahead of last night’s full council meeting.

The father-of-two, said: “I feel incredibly fortunate and very honoured.

“I don’t consider what I’ve done to be massively important.

“I haven’t saved someone’s life. I’ve just helped people keep in touch
about things in Oldham and tried to make where we live a better place.

“I would hope others would want to do the same.

“To me that’s nothing special and is the way you should live your life.”

He added: “It may sound strange but I was a little nervous about addressing
the council but I’m very pleased with the honour.”

Dave, who was born in Fallowfield, Manchester, moved to Oldham aged 22.

He took up a teaching post at Littlemoor Primary in 1971 and went on to be
part of a team which introduced the use of computers into the classroom.

He first hit the airwaves on Radio Latics, a special matchday service for
Oldham Athletic fans and also took part in a one-off broadcasts for Oldham
Rugby League’s 100th anniversary and a Second World War commemorative
broadcast.

He joined Radio Cavell in 1974 with his Saturday Night Requests programme
before being elected station manager.

He was also instrumental in applying to Ofcom for a licence for Oldham
Community Radio – launching the town’s first not-for-profit station.

Over the years he has held a number of posts including secretary, treasurer
and chairman before becoming station manger.

Dave, who now lives in Moorside, added: “My son Ian has a learning
difficulty and when I was coming to terms with that, the radio was
fantastic for me.

“It meant I had to stop thinking about what I was doing and think about
someone else.”

He added: “I accept this award on behalf of all the other volunteers who
have worked at both stations over the years.

“I don’t do this by myself. It’s very much a team effort.”

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Community Media Association
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