Sir Richard Stilgoe behind the desk with Steven Rann at Ridge Radio.

On Wednesday 19th March local composer, songwriter and entertainer, Sir Richard Stilgoe, paid a visit to Ridge Radio in Caterham Valley. Richard is also the founder of the Orpheus Centre in Godstone, a performing arts centre for young disabled adults. He was interviewed by ex-Orpheus student, Steven Rann, who now runs his own weekly show at the station.

Steven posed questions to Richard that were e-mailed in to the show from listeners, and played some of Richard's favourite tracks and music performed by Orpheus Centre students.

During the interview Steven asked Richard what his most inspirational moment had been, to which he replied: “Hiding under the bed covers when I was about 14 and listening to Elvis Presley for the first time. I was bowled over - we had never heard anything like it before. I think it was Heartbreak Hotel. I feel really lucky to have grown up at that time.”

Richard went on to tell Steven and the Ridge Radio audience that as a young adult living in Liverpool he used to go and see the wonderful musicals that were being performed locally before going to the West End, which further nurtured his interest in music. He was especially inspired by the comical singing duo, 'Flanders and Swan'.

Speaking about the Orpheus Centre, Richard told Steven: "The Centre helps build the youngsters' skills and confidence and encourages them to think about themselves and what they want to do with their lives. It is really satisfying to see you doing your job now, behind the desk at Ridge Radio."

Every week Steven is joined on his show by a student from the Orpheus Centre to give them the opportunity to get involved with radio production. Mark Jones, Chairman of Ridge Radio, said: "It has been great to have Sir Richard here today, he is so entertaining. I think it is brilliant that students from the Orpheus Centre are coming here every week to learn about radio production. It is one example of one of the outreach links we have and demonstrates that we are a true community radio station, for everyone in the community."

To listen to Ridge Radio online, go to www.ridgeradio.dreamhosters.com