EXCLUSIVE interview with BBC Essex legend Dave Monk as he bows out after nearly four decades
By Ben Shahrabi
24th Sep 2023 | Local News
BBC Essex's Dave Monk spoke to Nub News about his nearly four-decade career at the station, ahead of his 'last ever' show on Friday (September 22).
Despite being a popular local radio presenter since 1986, Dave says it was never a "conscious decision" to pursue it as a career, and he has never regarded himself as a "professional".
He started as a 'disc jockey' in 1970, performing at parties, weddings, and summer balls, providing a "fairly manic and mad" show.
"Cool, I never was," Dave says.
The BBC came to Essex in 1985, looking to create a radio station for the county. Dave applied for a position of Education Producer, while a law lecturer at what became Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. He is a solicitor by trade.
"I had an interview for the job, which went well," Dave recalled.
"And then I walked into a door on the way out."
The BBC later called to say Dave had not got the position, but instead offered him a job as presenter of the Saturday morning breakfast show.
From August 1987, Dave broadcast mid-morning on weekdays, after his predecessor became a producer at BBC Radio 2. Dave gave up lecturing to pursue radio full-time.
"The best thing about this job is talking and listening to the people of Essex," he said.
"You tend to have regular listeners, so you sort of get to know them. It's a privilege."
In nearly four decades at BBC Essex, Dave covered events including the opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at Dartford, riding in a vehicle behind the late Queen herself. He was also on-air when Margaret Thatcher resigned as Prime Minister in 1990, when Prince Phillip died in 2021, and was the first Essex voice heard on the radio after Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died last year.
However, Dave says his days of broadcasting are likely over, as he looks forward to pursuing voluntary and charity work.
"37 years is a long time to spend sitting on your backside in a studio," he joked.
As Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, Dave works alongside Lord Lieutenant Jennifer Tolhurst, encouraging voluntary organisations, attending citizenship ceremonies, and supporting local industry. He also helps to organise the Pride of Essex Awards.
Dave also hopes to work even closer with Kids Inspire, a youth mental health charity of which he is a trustee.
Speaking ahead of his final show on Friday, Dave said he did not want to be "a blubbering idiot".
"The thing to do in a situation like this is to look forward to the new adventures," he said.
"Celebrate the past and acknowledge it's been an enormous privilege. It's just another stage."
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