Arlene Fleming talks to Neil Nunes
Newsreader & Announcer on the BBC
A warm welcome back..
ISSUE 2 - December 2020
Festive greetings and a warm welcome back to this my second edition of Art & The Airwaves; bringing you an eclectic mix of artwork, news and interviews with both artists, broadcasters and those who do both! I’ve been very busy both in the art studio and in the voice studio 40D at BBC Radio 4. It’s Christmas time and all the announcers love a bit of Christmas cheer (and a lot of chocolate) in the studio!! I like to add something new to the Christmas decorations each year if I can, last year it was the train set and this year - as I had been been making Christmas Angels for my website - I thought I would make some special ones for our lovely colleagues who are no longer with us.
“4 Angels to hang on the tree
Peter, Rory, Howard and Laurie”
Forever in our Hearts
And In 40D Voice Studio…..
……..it’s Christmas.
NEIL NUNES
I would like to continue this second edition of Art & The Airwaves by introducing one of the most loved and recognisable voices on the Radio - Neil Nunes.
Neil Nunes
Neil is a colleague and friend who works at BBC R4 …
Neil is a colleague and friend of mine who works at BBC R4 as both an Announcer and Newsreader and also on the World Service. Not only does he have a flair for cool hats (just like mine) but he is a thoroughly lovely, funny and at times a very modest man. His lovely rich voice has brought him well deserved attention from listeners, fans and from impersonators . I will always remember when I left the BBC a few years ago (to pursue some art interests) how utterly sweet it was of Neil to turn up with the most amazing leaving cake in the shape of the sound desk we use in our Continuity Studio at BBC R4. Neil as I mentioned before can be modest over his many achievements, but I managed to coax a few unknown facts from him - read below to find out more…..
How did you get into broadcasting?
I started broadcasting at my university's (NCU) radio station in Jamaica. I was the co-presenter of a morning show and also a continuity announcer. That's more than two decades ago.
What do you love about your job?
Everything. But as silly as it sounds, I get a thrill from speaking into a microphone.
What are your passions/hobbies in life?
Reading. I particularly like books about marketing, sociology and psychology; I am a keen amateur photographer, I mostly take profile pictures of people. I also play pick-up basketball - usually with my teen daughter.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
I'm a lay clergyman in my local church. I write a lot of poetry (they're not very good). I perhaps could also confess that I am nearly addicted to news. I'm always scouring the web and online newspapers to read stories - for hours each day.
What is your favourite dinner?
I don't usually have one. I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to matters such as dinner
What has brought you to tears recently?
That's an interesting question. Can a man really admit to being brought to tears? I ask that question with tongue in cheek. I find supreme excellence a bit moving. So my "eyes watered slightly" watching a recent documentary series about Michael Jordan.
What/who has inspired you recently?
I am inspired daily by a range of hardworking people who do supposed ordinary jobs. From cleaners to security guards etc. My wife (a nurse) is a constant source of inspiration for me.
What advice would you send back to your younger self?
You won't believe how amazing the journey will be so worry less. I'd perhaps also urge him to work even harder.
What is your favourite quote/saying?
I have a lot of them but my top two are:
“The impossible is often the untried.” Jim Goodwin and the other is from scripture: godliness with contentment is great gain.
Neil is a keen photographer …
…..especially of his beloved Jamaica.
Sunset on Treasure Beach Jamaica - Natures is Art South Coast Jamaica - Trinidad and Tobago Vibes
Night Shift by Neil Nunes
‘This was taken near Oxford Circus as I was coming in for a night shift at The BBC’
Neil also likes to write poetry …
My Epitaph by Neil Nunes
Christmas in the Art Studio…
….where I have been busy crafting and painting. Please have a look at what I’ve been up to. There are more items available from my website www.arlenefleming.co.uk.
Lockdown Angel -'This angel holds a golden key, to remind our hearts that we are free’. £12.95 (7.5 x 3.2”)
Lockdown Golden Key - A Golden Key to hang on the tree, a reminder our hearts are always free” - £4.50
Santa’s Magic Key - “ Santa, please use this magic key, to leave presents under the tree.” - £4.50
Goddess Gaia fine art giclee print . Alcohol ink on yupo paper. A5,A4,A3 - from £21.99
Moonlight Hares - giclee print. Ink lino. A5,A4,A3 - from £21.99
Seven celestial sisters - giclee print - joy, wisdom and healing. A5,A4,A3 - from £21.99
Mazu Chinese Sea Goddess -giclee print . A5,A4,A3 -from £21.99
Red Kite - giclee watercolour print A5,A3, A4 - from £21.99
Luna - giclee print acrylic A5 & A4 - from £21.99
Beautiful artic fox cubs - giclee print pastel. Eyes full of wonder and hope. A5,A4,A3 - from £21.99
