This site is for Lois Bickerton & her participation in The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race 2009/10.
e-mail: lois@ocean2ocean.co.uk
www.ocean2ocean.co.uk © Lois Bickerton 2008
BBC Radio Solent H2o interview
My first ever radio interview, how scary! It all went surprisingly well though and I met all sorts of local people that I have been reading about during my sponsorship campaign. I arrived in Weymouth with support from my mum and got on board the ‘fun bus’ as Shelley Jory called it. Sir Robin Knox Johnston and Shelley Jory present the H20 show.
I was very nervous in the count down towards the start of the live show. I knew what I wanted to say but also realized quite often it doesn’t come out quite how you want it to. As we were counting down to the show going live there were all sorts of people mulling around ready to be interviewed on the radio. I was especially pleased to meet Steve White from Spirit of Weymouth who is bravely doing the Vendee Globe this year. It was great to meet him and listen to his latest news. A few months ago I had spoken to his wife Kim whilst he was doing the Artemis Transat, she was very helpful in giving me advise about sponsorship.
As it grew closer to my time to be interviewed, I could feel my mouth getting drier and my mind getting in a muddle about what I was going to say. Shelley was quite a giggle, so she put me somewhat at ease. Suddenly it was time, Sir Robin introduced me and then the first question came from Shelley. I was asked about why and how I came to be doing The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race. I also got the opportunity to ask Sir Robin some questions. Politely I asked him any tips for seasickness – he suggested a pint of seawater. A true naval sailor, I thought! Before I knew it, it was all over in a few minutes and I had the thumbs up from Sir Robin and the BBC producer. I was pleased with what I had been able to say, though I did get a few words muddled and maybe giggled too much, but I think I was interesting to listen to. I got a return invite too and I managed to plug my website www.ocean2ocean.co.uk, so that is great!
The show was over and it was a great privilege and very exciting to have been part of it all. Having been recorded during the heart of the 2008 Olympics, and with Weymouth being the next host of the 2012 sailing events, I could sense the excitement and pride of our region. I thanked everyone for letting me be a part of H20. As I got off the bus, off air Sir Robin set me a mini challenge “Lois I hope you can tie a bowline”. “Of course I can” I replied. Sir Robin “ I will test you next time!”
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