![Over the air waves](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/10252/394468/5dfe1c30cc435/Over-the-air-waves.jpg)
Mark Wesley has happy memories of his time on the decks in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, broadcasting to pop-pickers across Europe.
‘Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to spend their days messing around playing hit records?’ asks Mark. ‘My interest in radio was sparked the same way it was for many of the others who got into radio in the 1960s – the pirate radio ships like Radio Caroline and Radio London’ I had been playing guitar in a rock band, so music was right at the top of the things I loved.’
Mark started out at Radio Essex, not a trendy pirate station but one willing to employ an 18-year-old from South Benfleet with no experience at all.
‘It was the smallest station at the time, but what a training ground. As for our listeners, I think they must have been very generous and patient to stick with the amateur programmes presented by a bunch of youngsters who were making it up as we went along.’
Having had his first taste of the decks in Essex, Mark managed to get on board at the pirate radio ship, Radio Northsea International, and it was his experience presenting at sea that led to his big break.
‘I sent an air-check of my Radio Northsea International breakfast show to Radio Luxembourg and then went to work for Dick James Music in a useful record plugging job that kept me in contact with radio producers. I was plugging the last of the Beatles records and the first of Elton John’s, such as Your Song, when I received a telephone call from the programme director of Luxy, who asked if I was still interested in working for the station. Daft question.’
Mark joined one of the most listened-to stations across the continent, Radio Luxembourg, in spring 1971 and stayed for 10 years.
Denne historien er fra January 2020-utgaven av Essex Life.
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Denne historien er fra January 2020-utgaven av Essex Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![The rise of maskne](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8eea3b74f95/crp_The-rise-of-maskne.jpg)
The rise of maskne
With the term ‘maskne’ becoming an increasingly common search online and on social media, Krystal Prince explains what it is and how you can control mask-induced acne
![The forgotten lady](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee4f29cb7e/crp_The-forgotten-lady.jpg)
The forgotten lady
Charlotte Christie shares the life story of Anne Knight, an Essex pioneer for the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage who’s achievements have almost been air-brushed from history
![Stride out in the Sampfords](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee1abd46f5/crp_Stride-out-in-the-Sampfords.jpg)
Stride out in the Sampfords
This charming, circular winter walk takes you on a tour from the village of Great Sampford to its neighbour, Little Sampford, and back again
![MUCH TO TALK ABOUT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee816a7c9d/crp_MUCH-TO-TALKABOUT.jpg)
MUCH TO TALK ABOUT
As a presenter on Sky Music and the host of two TV talk shows of her own on Gidea Park-based Sky channel Spotlight TV, Hayley Palmer is never short of words. Nicky Adams asks her how she came to be in front of the camera
![LIFE and SOUL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8edcff21042/crp_LIFE-and-SOUL.jpg)
LIFE and SOUL
Radio 1 broadcaster and producer Charlie Hedges began her career as Britain’s youngest breakfast show host and is now one of the world’s most successful female DJs. Denise Marshall caught up with the Essex-based queen of the air waves
![Lest we forget](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8edeb89888f/crp_Lest-we-forget.jpg)
Lest we forget
Remembrance Sunday will have a special poignance this month as 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Stephen Roberts profiles how much the county of Essex contributed to the war effort and how much it cost
![Lakeside Magic](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee0a0a18f8/crp_Lakeside-Magic.jpg)
Lakeside Magic
The Lake House, nestled in Mill End on the outskirts of the village of Bradwell on Sea, has been owned by the same family for 60 years and was once a thriving four-buoy water-ski lake.
![Keep on running](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8edba961078/crp_Keep-on-running.jpg)
Keep on running
BBC presenter and director David Whiteley shares his insightful view on stories from across the county of Essex
![Cheers!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee95b8a192/crp_Cheers.jpg)
Cheers!
Starting to get that festive vibe? Why not plan ahead by selecting not only the drinks you want to serve this Christmas, but also ticking off a few presents too?
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A doggy day out on… Saffron Walden
Join Ernie, the county’s most famous Westie, as he steps back in time on a trip to this medieval market town