Locke FM 🎙️

Tune in to our Christmas Broadcast Weekend
29^th - 30^th November 2025

Join us as we continue to celebrate Live on Air 25 Years on!

Scan this QR Code to Listen Live

Will your all time Christmas Hit top our charts?

Choose your favourite, then listen to the Sunday Chart Show to see whether it reaches number one!

The true story of Locke FM

by David Cooper

What is Locke FM? Locke FM is a group of friends who for a while ran a very successful community radio station. 2025 is the 25th anniversary of our first Locke FM broadcast. It’s also the 30th anniversary of our first broadcast as YMCA Radio Barnsley our original station.

What is this broadcast? We decided in order to celebrate 25 years we’d do a short broadcast on the internet so everyone can get back together, have some fun and hopefully reconnect with our old listeners and perhaps pick up some new ones.

Good Mornin' Barnsley

Why did you stop? All our previous broadcasts were run on a restricted service licence which allowed us to broadcast for up to 28 days twice a year. Each broadcast cost in excess of £10,000 and the money came from advertising and other sources. To keep costs down we were staffed exclusively by volunteers.

24 years ago the full time radio licence for Barnsley was awarded to Dearne FM, remember them (me neither). As Locke FM we had bid for the licence to try and become a full time commercial community station but the Radio Authority chose Dearne FM instead of us for some reason (not that I’m bitter). After that it made it difficult to for us to continue as Barnsley had it’s own commercial station. But now Dearne FM is long gone and so we thought we might have another go.

Are you the original presenters? All the presenters you’ll hear appeared on Locke FM and Radio Barnsley. One of them is a clone of the original broadcaster (can you guess which?).

How can I listen? You can listen on the internet. There will be a link on our website and Facebook page before the broadcast starts. Click on that and you can be thrown back in time to 2000.

Steve White

What’s On? There’ll be interviews, community information, dedications and all types of music new and old. You’ll be able to interact with using that new fangled internet, why not give it a try.

I have nothing better to do with my life. Can you tell me about every previous broadcast?

You asked for it:

🔶 Part 1 - YMCA Radio Barnsley
🔶 Part 2 - YMCA & Locke FM

Meet the crew...

Born in Barnsley a long time ago, years of experience have given him the title of Doctor Love because of sexy voice and frequent visits to the hospital. David has broken many hearts including his own. Short fat and balding now goes for the sympathy angle. Whatever your love ills, Doctor Love has it worse.

A secretarial whiz, who has her hands on Lawyers briefs. Becky loves to play her fiddle, but has an ambition to learn bass guitar. Educationally challenged at Penistone, but still working to a higher degree. Loves all dumb creatures big or small as long as they are furry.

Not just blonde, made and moulded in Barnsley. Favourite pastime talking - you should see my phone bill. Is there one word to describe Michelle? - Yes Illustrious. To find out what's happening in and around Barnsley why not join me and my guests.

Tommy's wife says "EFB, Tommy is half the man he used to be and not only in the trouser department. Superstar to his dog, Tommy is a local DJ and a legend in his own lunchtime. Internationally known in Grimethorpe, Lundwood & Cudworth. Personally responsible for Agadoo. Currently doing a University Degree correspondence course in reading gas meters and gentlemens topshelf material" His wife however is a saint.

Responsible for Doctor Loves condition, he broke her heart so she broke his leg! This stops him chasing women. Maxine has three large assets, one of them her mouth, the others keep her chest warm in winter. Former diplomat, Maxine excels at Gunboat diplomacy. To hear her, just open your window.

David’s shows have been likened to a man having a nervous breakdown on air. Over the years with the help of Michelle Thomas, Stuart Ramsey and of course Jimmy Stickshift; David was able to introduce the classic game “Horse”, inspire 40 listeners to turn up and play “Louie Louie”, have a child phone in and play smoke on the water on a ruler and premier a live performance of the non-existing band “Monkey up a Stick”. And yet the Nobel prize committee continue to ignore his pleas.

“Mad” Ade is Locke FM’s Eye candy for the undiscerning and has the ideal looks for Radio. Often mistaken as a mature responsible adult due to his age. Has a brilliant memory, although the other 99% of them are terrible. Was always the last to get picked at school which was bad enough during sports events, but really sad at home time. Suffers from Dyslexia and once got badly mauled when attempting to inflate a Baboon with helium. Was totally sober for 12 years but then had a spectacularly epic 13th Birthday. Sometimes plays records in between talking rubbish.

Still rocking but now in a chair with a rug over his knees and comfy slippers, Steve is desperately clinging onto his youth by listening to classic rock while pretending to understand the music the youngsters are listening to. Expect a show of rock favourites from the 70's and 80's and some stuff his kids have told him to play.

James is one of the original Locke FM lot who never bothered getting a proper job. Instead he went into radio full-time until a few years back when he started his own podcast production agency. In many ways he hasn’t really grown up at all in the last 25 years - especially musically. His first show way back when was playing 90's Indie; fast forward to now and he’s all excited about seeing Pulp and Oasis in the next few weeks. Also likes cats and house plants; dislikes seagulls.

Steve has enjoyed a long and successful career in broadcasting, which he insists would not have happened were it not for his time spent with the Locke FM team. Having gained his early experience as a teenager at Radio Barnsley, Steve then joined forces with a number of colleagues from the station to form Locke FM in 2000. Steve went on to work as a presenter on both the BBC and commercial radio, including Peak FM, Trax Fm, Dearne FM and Hallam FM. Steve joined the BBC in 2007, and after many years behind the mic is now enjoying life behind the scenes as an Audio Producer. His most recent production was a programme about The Beatles for BBC Radio 2, presented by Tony Blackburn. Steve’s very early training courses at Radio Barnsley took place every Saturday morning at 10am, so it’s quite fitting that his journey has come full circle and he will be presenting Saturday morning 10am - 12pm as part of the Locke FM 25th anniversary weekend.

Now this is a story all about how Jase’s life got flipped, turned upside down ⦁ And I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there ⦁ I’ll tell you how he went from Athersley to livin’ in Kendray there.

On Athersley North, born and raised ⦁ Next to Sporty is where he spent most of his days ⦁ Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool ⦁ Messin’ with his mates outside of the school.

Went to Eddie, learnin’ some stuff ⦁ Actin’ a bit daft, sometimes gettin’ rough ⦁ When a couple of lads, up to no good ⦁ Started causin’ trouble in his neighbourhood ⦁ He got in one little scrap, his mum got scared,

She said, “You’re not goin’ out till your homework’s prepared!” ⦁ He grew up fast, met love on the way ⦁ Had three kids, and they brighten his day ⦁ He still loves Athersley, but he found his way ⦁ To a nice little spot down in Kendray.

He whistled for the bus and when it came near ⦁ The driver said, “Ey up, lad! Hop in here!” ⦁ If anything, Jase could say this bus was rare ⦁ But he thought, “Nah, forget it – to Kendray, I’m there!”

He pulled up to the house around half-past three ⦁ Another cuppa tea? Yeah, sounds good to me ⦁ Looked at his life, said “Aye, it’s proper fair” ⦁ Now Jase is loving life, down in Kendray there!

Jamie: The Man, The Myth, The Laugh! Back when Locke FM first hit the airwaves, Jamie was just a mere spring chicken, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and already obsessed with radio. Since then, he’s popped up on more online radio stations than he can remember, pretending (fairly convincingly) to be a proper radio presenter. Known for his quick wit, love of dance music, and unmistakable laugh (trust us, you’ll hear it before you see him), Jamie will bring energy, banter, and big tunes on his Saturday drive-time show.

Born & bred in Barnsley, Paul grew up in the Army and found a talent for violently changing the landscape and recycling beer cans. Forced onto the unsuspecting public with Radio Barnsley then Locke FM. Bounced between driving everything, heavy engineering and building wind turbines. Now flying a desk at the RSPCA National Control Centre and loving it.

Audio VU Meter Test

🎤 This is Locke FM

Steph

Christmas Calendar 2025

Saturday 29^th November

08:00 – 10:00
Breakfast Unwrapped
with Michelle Cooper & Rachael Sharpe

10:00 – 12:00
Mid-Morning Mince Pies
with Mad Ade

12:00 – 14:00
Lunch Time
with Jamie Gorner

14:00 – 16:00
Saturday Afternoon
with David Cooper

16:00 – 18:00
Drive Time Crackers
with Paul Booth

18:00 – 20:00
Rock Show
with Steve Taylor

20:00 – 22:00
Night Light
with Evie Vaines

22:00 – 00:00
Northern Soul Recorded
with Steve White

Sunday 30^th November

08:00 – 11:00
Long Weekend Breakfast
with Jason S

11:00 – 14:00
Extended Sunday Lunchbox
with James Marriott

14:00 – 16:00
Xmas Chart Show Part I
with Tommy Taylor

16:00 – 17:00
Xmas Chart Show Part II
with Tommy Taylor

17:00 – 19:00
Sunday ~~Carol Service~~ Requests
with Becky, Maxine & David James

19:00 – 21:00
The Evening Session
with Michelle Cooper

21:00 – 22:00
Festive Farewell
with David Cooper

Archive group photo of the Locke FM crew

Designed & hosted with Stormdance

YMCA Radio Barnsley

105.4 FM

7^th October - 3^rd November 1995

Station opened by Mayor of Barnsley
News provided by Barnsley College Media Department
Live coverage of FA Cup tie between Barnsley & Arsenal
Interviews include Police, Citizen's Advice, Trading Standards

106.2 FM

22^nd June - 19^th July 1996

Pub Quiz
Community Access Programme
Live Broadcast from McDonald's
Broadcast from a Folk Club
Report on a night spent with the police report
Coverage of the Mayor's Parade

107.8 FM

24^th November - 21^st December 1996

Community Access Programme
McDonald's Promotion
Outside broadcast at the Alhambra
Schools programme featuring different schools in the area
Coverage of Christingle Market
30 listeners perform an improvised version of Louie Louie

107.6 FM

28^th June - 25^th July 1997

Live coverage of Mayor Parade
Launch of website
Settled weekday schedule which continued for the rest of the broadcasts. Jason, Clive, Tommy, Michelle. David James on late nights
More competitions including Guess the year and chain reaction
Live music on Michelle’s show
Live coverage of the battle of the bands

107.6 FM

11^th January to 8^th February 1998

Schedule published in the Chronicle
More completions including the missing link
Barnsley chart show

107.3 FM

28^th June to 25^th July 1998

Live coverage of the Mayor Parade
Grand draw on air
Black Lace live on air

End of Part 1

The journey continues in Part 2 ...

YMCA & Locke FM

107.1 FM

6^th - 8^th October 1998

Short broadcast run on behalf of MACA

107 FM

10^th January - 6^th February 1999

Over 14,000 calls from listeners
Overnight stay given as a prize
Return of community access slot

107 FM

3^rd - 30^th July 1999

Over 16,000 calls from listeners
Visit to parliament and interviews with MPs
Automation system used for the first time

107 FM

8^th January - 4^th February 2000

Last broadcasts as Radio Barnsley

Locke FM 87.7 MHz

29^th May - 25^th June 2000

Featuring a spaceship promotion
Live music from Fallen Angel
Promotions at Penistone Gala

Locke FM 87.7 MHz

18^th November - 15^th December 2000

Live 24/7
Pub Quiz with Pubmaster
Interview with Steve Harley who had terminal cancer. Using a computerised speech device Steve told his story to Michelle Cooper
Monkey up a stick

Locke FM Online

19^th - 20^th July 2025 📆

The Locke FM journey continues !

Tune in & join us for our celebratory 25^th Anniversary Live Online Broadcasts, Saturday 29^th - Sunday 30^th November 2025

Saturday 29th November

Sunday 30th November

YMCA Radio Barnsley

YMCA & Locke FM

Saturday 29^th November

Sunday 30^th November