Curtin Radio

18/03/2025

RETIREES WA FUNERAL FUND

On the Afternoon Programme at 1.20pm today, Jenny Seaton will be speaking to Simon Hughes, Funeral Fund Manager for Retirees WA about their Funeral Fund.

The Retirees WA Funeral Fund has been operating since 1934. It was first established when the Australian Pensioners League wanted to provide affordable, dignified funerals at a low cost for its members.

The Retirees WA Funeral Fund is still going strong today and its purpose is to give all fund members the opportunity to obtain, at a substantial reduction to the market price, a bundle of products and services that comprise a standard funeral through several different schemes.

For more information visit: https://www.retireeswa.com.au/funeral-fund/about-retirees-wa-funeral-fund/

18/03/2025

On the Afternoon Programme at 12.20pm today, Jenny Seaton will be speaking to Artistic Director/ Lead Curator, Sandra Murray at Sculpture at Bathers about their Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition in Fremantle, WA.

Sculpture at Bathers began in 2013 to tell the story of West Australian sculpture as a distinctively special practice and was created to bring exceptional exhibitions to WA.

After five successful free exhibitions in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2022, Sculpture at Bathers, a much-loved part of WA’s arts calendar, returns in 2025 from 4th – 21st April.

They are a small not-for-profit organisation with a big heart, led by a dedicated group of artists, arts workers, volunteers and philanthropists.

A wide net is cast to ensure a dynamic mix of artists are exhibited, from those with a strong established reputation to fresh, emerging talent. Artists are invited to submit an artwork representing their best current practice. The result is the largest dedicated survey of West Australian contemporary sculpture.

For more information go to: https://www.sculptureatbathers.com.au/

17/03/2025

On 18th March, 1978, the Bee Gees had the Top 3 on the US singles charts with “Night Fever” at No.1, “(Love is) Thicker Than Water”, by brother Andy at No.2, co-written by Barry Gibb and “Emotion” by Samantha Sang written and produced by The Bee Gees at No.3.

The trio were successful for most of their decades of recording music, but they had two distinct periods of exceptional success: Pop music in the late 1960s and early 1970s and Disco music era in the late 1970s.

The Bee Gees have sold more than 220 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling music artists of all time. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. The Bee Gees’ Hall of Fame citation says “Only Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks and Paul McCartney have outsold the Bee Gees”.

17/03/2025

17/03/2025

On the Afternoon Programme at 2.20pm today, Jenny Seaton will be speaking to Rebecca Adams, President and CEO of First Light Widowed Association.

First Light Widowed Association is a charity organisation that connects young widowed people from all backgrounds and relationship structures to resources, programs and a community that will support them through the overwhelming task of re-building their world after the loss of the life they knew and the future they’d planned for.

Along with supporting the young widowed community in Australia, First Light also strives to help the family and friends of widowed people understand the best way to support their loved one during this most difficult time.

For more information go to:

Discover local widowed support groups and grief support groups near you. Connect with others who understand your journey and find the support you need.

17/03/2025

On the Afternoon Programme at 12.20pm today, Jenny Seaton will be speaking to Steve Gates, President of the Nature Reserves Preservation Group, Kalamunda.

Residents are up in arms over an application to extract 30 million litres of groundwater a year from a Perth Hills property.

The owner of an orchard in Pickering Brook has lodged an application with the City of Kalamunda to extract 30,000 kilolitres of water from a bore on their property, with a view to selling it to a bottled water company.

It has sparked concern and protest from members of the local community, which is already concerned about the use of groundwater by bottling companies.

16/03/2025

Born on 17th March 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama, Nat King Cole (Nathaniel Adams Coles) was an American jazz pianist and vocalist. His hit singles included the 1955 US No.2 single “A Blossom Fell”, 1957 UK No.2 single “When I Fall in Love” plus over 20 other US & UK Top 40 singles. He recorded over one hundred songs that became hits on the pop charts. His trio was the model for small jazz ensembles that followed. Cole also acted in films and on television and performed on Broadway. He was the first black man to host an American television series.

When he was fifteen, Cole dropped out of high school to pursue a music career. After his brother Eddie, a bassist, came home from touring with Noble Sissle, they formed a sextet and recorded two singles for Decca in 1936 as Eddie Cole's Swingsters. They performed in a revival of the musical “Shuffle Along”. Nat Cole went on tour with the musical. In 1937, he married Nadine Robinson, who was a member of the cast. After the show ended in Los Angeles, Cole and Nadine settled there while he looked for work. He led his own big band, then found work playing piano in nightclubs. When a club owner asked him to form a band, he hired bassist Wesley Prince and guitarist Oscar Moore. They called themselves “The King Cole Swingsters” after the nursery rhyme in which "Old King Cole was a merry old soul”. They changed their name to the King Cole Trio before making radio transcriptions and recording for small labels. Cole recorded "Sweet Lorraine" in 1940, and it became his first hit.

Around the time Cole launched his singing career, he entered into Freemasonry. He was raised in January 1944 in the Thomas Waller Lodge No. 49 in California. The lodge was named after fellow Prince Hall mason and jazz musician Fats Waller

His wife Nadine Robinson was the reason he landed in Los Angeles and formed the Nat King Cole trio. This marriage ended in divorce in 1948. On 28th March, 1948 (Easter Sunday), just six days after his divorce became final, Cole married the singer Maria Hawkins Ellington (she had sung with the Duke Ellington band but was not related to Duke Ellington). The Coles were married in Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church by Adam Clayton Powell Jr. They had five children: Natalie, who had a successful career as a singer, an adopted daughter Carole, (the daughter of Maria's sister), who died of lung cancer at the age of 64. An adopted son, Nat Kelly Cole, who died of AIDS at the age of 36 and twin daughters, Casey and Timolin, whose birth was announced in the "Milestones" column of Time magazine on 6th October 1961 (along with the birth of Melissa Newman).

In September 1964, Cole began to lose weight and he experienced back pain. He was appearing in a touring musical r***e, “Sights and Sounds”. Cole collapsed with pain after performing at the Sands in Las Vegas. In December, he was working in San Francisco when he was finally persuaded by friends to seek medical help. A malignant tumour in an advanced state of growth on his left lung was observed on a chest X-ray. Cole, who had been a heavy cigarette smoker, had lung cancer and was expected to have only months to live. Against his doctors' wishes, Cole carried on his work and made his final recordings

Cole died on 15th February 1965, aged 45.

15/03/2025

FROM THE VAULT
This morning for our Feature Hour, a fascinating look at the original versions of songs that were released as singles (there’s one or two B sides) by Cliff Richard Before continuing I do need to acknowledge that the inspiration for this topic came from a collection released in 2013 by Ace Records in England called Cliff Heard Them Here First (Ace CDCHD 1359). However, our playlist differs from their track listing since we have dug up a couple of their omissions and also added a couple of original versions of songs that were hits for Cliff in the early 1980’s.
It’s a terrific playlist, even if I say so myself, and it includes such people as Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis (you know his surname!), Neil Diamond and Peggy Lee. If you’re a Cliff Richard fan you will love this, and even if you’re not, it’s still an interesting insight into the musical inspirations behind Britain’s most successful solo singer.
Of course, there is more to the show than the Feature Hour and some of the songs we have taken out of the vault this morning include records from Roger Daltrey, Helen Shapiro, Barry White, The Springfields and Splinter. We’ve also had to retrieve a song by Adam Faith since he was at No. 1 in Britain on this day in 1960. In fact, by a strange co-incidence, both artists who were at the very top in Britain and America on this day in 1960 had the surname “Faith”. You’ve just got to have faith in the charts. (groan – Ed)

15/03/2025

SATURDAY NIGHT FLASHBACK PARTY

Your Saturday Night Flashback Party with Lawrence Noakes is heading your way once again with all your favourite music from the 70s and 80s from 9pm – midnight. Get ready to unwind, let your hair down, get into party mode to dance the night away. Don’t miss it!!

Richard is in the Producer’s chair this evening and you can give him a call on (08) 9484 1927 or, alternatively, email [email protected] with any dedications or comments.

To livestream go to: http://www.curtinfm.com.au/livestream

15/03/2025

SATURDAY FLASHBACK JUKEBOX

Join Nev Riseley from 6 – 9pm this evening for your Saturday Flashback Jukebox featuring all the hits from the 1960s.

Yvonne is in the Producer’s chair this evening and you can give her a call on (08) 9484 1927 or, alternatively, email [email protected] with any dedications or comments.

To livestream go to: http://www.curtinfm.com.au/livestream

14/03/2025

THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN TRUMPET………………

Born on 15th March 1922, Albert Edward "Eddie" Calvert was an English trumpeter, who enjoyed his greatest successes in the 1950s. Calvert had his first UK No.1 single in 1954, with the instrumental "Oh, Mein Papa" and in 1955 a UK No.1 with “Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White”.

Calvert was born in Preston, Lancashire, England, and grew up in a family where the music of his local brass band featured highly. He was soon able to play a variety of instruments, and he was most accomplished on the trumpet. After the Second World War he graduated from playing as an amateur in brass bands to professional engagements with popular dance orchestras of the day, including Geraldo's plus Billy Ternent. He soon became renowned for the virtuosity of his performances. Following his exposure on television with the Stanley Black Orchestra, an enthusiastic announcer introduced him as the “Man with the Golden Trumpet”, an apt description that remained with him for the rest of his musical career.

Calvert's style was unusually individualistic, and he became a familiar musician on BBC Radio and TV during the 1950s. He was the first British instrumentalist to achieve two number ones. "Oh Mein Papa" which also sold well in the United States, topped the UK Singles Chart for nine weeks (then a UK chart record), and he received the first gold disc awarded for a UK instrumental track.

Further chart entries were "John and Julie", taken from the soundtrack of the film “John and Juliet”, and "Mandy", his last major hit. Other recordings included "Stranger in Paradise" (1955), "The Man with the Golden Arm" (1956) and "Jealousy" (1960). Calvert co-wrote the song "My Son, My Son", which was a hit for Vera Lynn in 1954. In spite of being an instrumental, his theme music for the film “The Man with the Golden Arm” was banned by the BBC "due to its connection with a film about drugs".

In 1960 he was invited by orchestra leader, Norrie Paramor and their mutual friends Ruby Murray and Michael Holliday to record an extended-play single with four tracks. Calvert played “Silent Night” and, on another track, he Murray and Holliday teamed up in a version of “Good Luck, Good Health, God Bless You”. The single, released by Columbia Records achieved some success in Britain but was more popular in Australia and South Africa.

As music began to change in the 1960s with the worldwide popularity of groups like the Beatles and the rock n' roll genre, Calvert's musical renditions became less popular among record buyers. By 1968 Calvert had become disillusioned with life under the Labour government of Harold Wilson and was especially critical of London's policy towards Rhodesia. After a world tour that included several stops in Africa, he left the UK, making South Africa his home. He continued to perform there, and was a regular visitor to Rhodesia.

On 7th August 1978, Calvert collapsed and died of a heart attack in the bathroom of his home in Rivonia, Johannesburg. He was 56 years old.

14/03/2025

Coming up on Let's Talk Gardening, Rae Burton will be joined in the studio by Andrea Whitely Garden Consultant and horticulturist Jazzy Briers. Cyrus Roussilhes will be talking about his passion for collecting edible plants. Bigga Trees and Green Life Soil Co generously offer $75 prize vouchers for winners of Johns weekly quiz. Call us on 94841927 with your gardening questions or email [email protected]. Last but not least, if you miss the show you can listen at your leisure to any of the podcasts recorded over the last few years. Happy gardening!

14/03/2025

ERNIE MANNING’S RACING AND PACING TIPS

Ernie Manning from The West Australian has, once again, provided all his latest racing and pacing tips for this weekend 14th & 15th March:

Gloucester Park on Friday nightk on Friday night
Race 6 No.9 Miki Windemere
Race 7 No.1 Wishing Belle
Race 9 No.2 Montana DJ

Ascot (Perth Racing) on Saturday afternoon:
Race 1 No.2 Shmoov Moova
Race 2 No.4 Hymns Of Eladdair
Race 6 No.2 Covert Rose
Value Bet: Race 8 No.8 Secret Attraction – quoted at $3.90

14/03/2025

Join Jenny Seaton on the Afternoon Programme today at 2.20pm today for our regular talk with Boyd Brown, Regional General Manager for Telstra WA.

Boyd has over five years of experience in the telecommunications industry and has seen many developments in the industry including the expansion of Telstra’s mobile networks across Regional WA. Firstly with the introduction of the Next G network, the expansion currently via the Regional Mobile Communications Project, and also more recently with the expansion of the 4G network. Boyd is currently Area General Manager for Telstra in WA South & Central and works closely with Telstra’s team to deliver world class communications to Regional WA.

You are welcome to call with any telecommunication issues you may be experiencing on (08) 9484 1927 or, alternatively, email [email protected].

14/03/2025

On the Afternoon Programme at 1.40pm today, Jenny Seaton will be speaking to singer Little Pattie about ‘The Good Old Days of Rock n’ Roll coming to WA at the following venues next week.

For a great night out don't miss The Good Old Days of Rock n' Roll show with Jade Hurley, Dinah Lee, Digger Revell, Lucky Starr & Little Pattie. This is not a tribute show, this is the real deal, taking you back to the music of the 60's & 70's.

* Mandurah Performing Arts Centre - 18th March
* Albany Enttertainment Centre - 20th March
* Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre - 21st March
* Perth Regal Theatre - 22nd March

Full details & tickets via the venue's websites

14/03/2025

STORIES OF FISHERMEN WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES IN WA

On the Afternoon Programme at 12.20pm today, Jenny Seaton will be speaking to James Paratore, President of the WA Fishers Lost at Sea Memorial Association.

The WA Fishers Lost at Sea Memorial Association (FLatSea) was established in 2022 by a small group of passionate volunteers dedicated to collecting, preserving and promoting the tragedies that have befallen the WA Commercial Fishing, Pearling and Whaling industries.

They are dedicated to the recognition of the hundreds of fishermen and women who have lost their lives in pursuit of the development and operation of Commercial Fishing in Western Australia since early settlement.

It is a considerable task, but one that ultimately seeks to provide a final resting place in the form of a Physical and Virtual Memorial to honour those we have lost, and to provide a place of remembrance for the family and friends who were connected with each tragedy.

Their aim is to build a Sea Organ Memorial to honour those who have been lost at sea.

For more information go to: https://www.fisherslostatsea.org/

13/03/2025

Born on 14th March 1947, English singer-songwriter and pianist Peter Skellern who had the 1972 UK No.3 with “You’re a Lady”. The use of brass bands and choirs in his music to create a nostalgic and romantic feel became his trademark.

Peter Skellern was born in Bury, Lancashire. He attended Derby High School and studied piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He later joined the pop groups Harlem and March Hare.

Skellern's first song to become a hit was "You're a Lady" in 1972. The record featured the Congregation, who had previously recorded the top ten hit "Softly Whispering I Love You". "You're a Lady" reached No.3 on the UK Singles Chart and No.50 on the United States Billboard Hot 100. Success for Skellern followed three years later with "Hold On to Love" which reached No.14 on the UK chart. He also sang the theme song to the London Weekend Television series “Billy Liar” (1973). For three years in the 1970s he worked on BBC Radio 4's “Stop the Week”. A non-charting song, "Too Much I'm in Love", received radio play.

In 1978 Skellern had a minor hit with the 1930s Ray Noble song "Love Is the Sweetest Thing" (which featured backing by the Grimethorpe Colliery Band), winning the Music Trades Association award for best middle of the road song. This followed his departure from Island Records after his previous album, “Hard Times”, had failed to chart despite a guest appearance by George Harrison.

In 1981 he wrote, composed and performed in a series of musical playlets for the BBC called “Happy Endings”. Two years later he hosted the “Private Lives” television chat show. He wrote the lyrics for the song "One More Kiss, Dear" from the film “Blade Runner” (1982).

In 1984, Skellern performed the theme song for the London Weekend Television programme “Me and My Girl”. In the same year, he formed a group called Oasis with cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and Mary Hopkin. The group released a self-titled album in 1984 on the Warner Bros. Records label which earned a silver record.

In 1987, Skellern wrote and performed the theme music and song for the Yorkshire Television series “Flying Lady”.

In October 2016, it was revealed that Skellern had developed an inoperable brain tumour and that he had fulfilled a lifelong calling to be ordained in the Church of England. Under a special faculty from the Archbishop of Canterbury, he was ordained both as a deacon and priest on 16th October 2016 by the Bishop of Truro.

Skellern died as a result of the brain tumour in February 2017 at the age of 69, at Lanteglos-by-Fowey, Cornwall. He is survived by his wife Diana, two children and four grandchildren.

On 17th April 2017, Tim Rice introduced an hour-long tribute for Skellern on BBC Radio 2.