Free Radio Forum: Re: Neil Gates what did he do for Free Radio?

That last year of Caroline was very inconsistent as far as reliable signal, as for professional presenting I thought most presenters were competent, but Caroline is where they learnt their trade and if good enough, they got land based work and if not ending up in radio they certainly did more than any of the armchair critics. I speak as one myself. I take Dave's first hand experience of the man above others, as he was there and has the experience I lack. From my perspective as a keen anorak, for me he was the last presenter on offshore Caroline. Finally he seems a diehard purist.
Nothing wrong with that and although his comments used to bore me, repeating the same thing about present day Caroline. They are as valid as anyone else's. I disagree with his view, but respect where he comes from, plus on other opinions he has on radio I agree with some and can see he has some valid points. All part of debating on the these forums.
I for one was glad he was part of it, because at the other end of the radio even when programmes were mediocre it was great on my end of the radio and brought some escapism from the more mundane day to day matters of life and I have fond memories of that magical form of broadcasting.

Previous Message

Apart from a small handful of people who experienced life on the Ross, at the end of time in the North Sea, we are giving the viewpoint from our comfortable sofas or bedrooms, from 30+ years ago without really knowing any of the facts. Neil may or may not have good reason to feel aggrieved about his last days on board but his currently displayed attitude does nothing to help anyone, especially himself.
Can I suggest that we draw the line now on having a go at Neil as he may have issues in 2023 with dealing with some past events and is unlikely to defend himself on here. We don't want to be as negative as that 'other place'.

Previous Message

I've heard/read various accounts of how hard he worked on the Ross, and that he was a good cook too, I believe he had worked as a chef.

And, of course, he was one of the last onboard the Ross, well after it became clear to others that it would never broadcast from the high seas again, whether that made him a hero or a fool is debatable, probably more diplomatic to call him a foolish hero.

I never rated him much as a DJ personally, and I found his rather nasal accent annoying, but he certainly knew his music.

He certainly did his bit for Caroline, and indeed went the extra mile, sad that he's so angry and bitter now, which leads him into posting a lot of complete nonsense.