Graham Norton, my new best friend
Here's my first blog of 2014 and I'm telling you it's been a busy old time over at Wealden Coffins HQ.
Firstly, thanks to Holly, we have a brand new and shiny website which I must say is looking rather sparkly and fabulous. If you haven't seen it yet then please head over to www.wealdencoffins.co.uk and take a peek. Please feel free to feedback and let us know what you think.
Secondly, we've been busy on the business side of things - upping the marketing on social media (for the very latest news and views see us on facebook and follow us on twitter @wealdencoffins), working on a business case to raise finance for our planned expansion in 2014 and undertaking some extensive design work to upgrade the Curve.
Thirdly, of course, making and painting beautiful Curve coffins for our clients.
Holly painting on one of the few sunny days
Andy putting the inner framework together for another Curve
The finished product - a hand painted Curve coffin
During one such Radio 2 fuelled workshop stints I overheard the dulcet tones of Graham Norton requesting listeners to come on air and present their "Tune with a tale" and at the same time have the opportunity to promote their business to the public.
So, not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I was soon tapping away on the world wide wibbley-wob to submit my tune to Graham's production team and await their reply.
Now, being a bit of a media tart, I've made many approaches to press, radio and tv over the years and so I wasn't expecting a response at any time too soon. Imagine my surprise, therefore, when a very nice man called Paul rang me just a few days later to talk through my submission and to "audition" me for the show. Literally, all I had to do was tell him a bit about myself and the business and then present my Tune with a Tale. Easy Peasy!
To my amazement Paul then asked me if I was free the following Saturday at 12 O'clock to go on the show - now, either they struggle to get submissions for this part of the show or Paul liked the idea of having a coffin maker on the show or I delivered such an amazing audition that they couldn't possibly let me get away. Of course I like to think it's the latter.
So, all too soon the big day came round and after a brief conversation with Paul I was live on the air with Graham in front of millions of listeners around the country. As ever, Graham was jolly and chatty and gave me plenty of time to talk about myself and my work. I did notice a small titter from the great man when he first asked me about my business - I guess it's not everyday you talk to a coffineer and I must admit I've had a few odd looks from people in the past - but I must say he showed great interest in the Curve and gave me every opportunity to promote our beautiful coffins on national radio.
Amazing publicity that money just can't buy!
Following the broadcast, we had over 400 hits on the Wealden Coffins website (www.wealdencoffins.co.uk) and several comments via our Facebook page and twitter.
So, a big thank you to Graham and everyone at BBC Radio 2.
Oh, and my tune - Meat Loaf, Two out of three ain't bad.
Play tune
PS If you're quick, you can still catch me on the iPLayer at 2.14.55
Listen here
For more information please visit our website at www.wealdencoffins.co.uk
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