Biz Extra
Published: January 6, 2022 | Updated: 9th January 2022
Each week we shine the spotlight on a prominent person in Dorset and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…
He gets frustrated at technology not doing what it’s meant to – particularly in the middle of a live radio show – chooses The West Wing as his favourite TV programme; would like to see more public apple trees if he was PM and says he could live without the 4am alarm, Monday to Friday!
Steve Harris, Presenter, BBC Radio Solent’s Dorset Breakfast Show, weekday mornings 7-9am, occupies the 20 Questions’ hot seat.
Question: What is your favourite TV show?
Answer: The West Wing.
Q: Who would you like to share a car with?
A: Chris Evans (the radio one, not the Captain America one).
Q: The best bit of my job is…?
A: The lovely people of Dorset sharing their life stories with me.
Q: And the worst?
A: I could live without the 4am alarm.
Q: Who was your childhood hero?
A: My sister and I used to watch loads of athletics in the 80s. We both loved Linford Christie.
Q: What’s your favourite smell?
A: Fresh cut grass in the spring is a bit of a cliché, right? How about a Dorset-y answer? The Parterre Fragrance guys (near Blandford) make a really lovely perfume called Run of the River.
Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?
A: For trivia alone, I like Whitchurch Canonicorum. The church there has all these really fascinating claims to fame.
Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?
A: Say yes to every opportunity offered to you. Even if it means missing out on sleep.
Q: What was your first record/CD?
A: I had the Bowie/Crosby version of Little Drummer Boy on seven inch.
Q: What gets you angry?
A: I surprise myself with how intolerant I am of people without children parking in the family spaces at the supermarket.
Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?
A: No. I listen to music to suit my mood. Loud, punky stuff to accompany runs, moody, sombre stuff for nights in with a glass of wine.
Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?
A: I don’t choose who gets employed. But the people who are easiest to work with are keen, bright and full of ideas.
Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?
A: Surely a really good roast dinner is the only correct answer.
Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?
A: Sponge pudding. But with ice cream.
Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?
A: I like the ‘village’ feel of the county. It’s not so big you can’t get to know almost all of it. And it’s so pretty.
Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?
A: I think there should be more public apple trees.
Q: What’s your biggest frustration?
A: Technology not doing what it’s meant to. Particularly in the middle of a live radio show.
Q: Where’s your favourite holiday location?
A: I’ve been lucky enough to go to Tuscany a couple of times. It’s pricey, but the food and the scenery are both pretty mind-blowing.
Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
A: Still right here. I’ve got the best job in the best county. Why would I go anywhere else?
Q: What would you like to be remembered for?
A: I’d like to be one of those presenters that clocks up decades reporting on his home patch.
