WAYNE'S WORLD: Celebrate the best of Trafford

I also like to shine a spotlight on those who work behind the scenes and therefore don’t always get the recognition that they deserve.

So this week I would like to introduce you to a lovely gentleman with a strong Trafford connection and a man I am very proud to call my friend. The BBC’s Chris Brindley.

I asked Chris about his connections to Trafford and here’s what he had to say.

“I live in Flixton with my wife and 3 children (all boys) aged one, three and six. I’ve lived in Trafford for almost 9 years (previously in Sale and Timperley) after moving up from London with the BBC in 2011. I was born and grew up in Birmingham”.

Chris is also a Governor of Sale Grammar School and a Trust Board Member of a multi academy trust which encompasses Tyntesfield and Bollin primary schools.

He said: "I’m really passionate about education and believe each child should be given the best chance to excel in whatever they are good at whether it be maths or music.

“I’m the News Editor for BBC Manchester. I lead the news team, programmes and social media. I spent a number of years at BBC Radio 5 live which I loved, but I passionately believe in local radio as it is so close to the audience and is part of the community it represents outside that London bubble, so moved back to BBC Manchester about 18 months ago”.

So I asked him what is an average day like at the Beeb?

“A lot of my time is taken up by deciding and commissioning the stories we cover, managing reporters and presenters, recruitment, making sure we are being fair in our coverage and most importantly championing Greater Manchester and the people who live here.

What do you love most about your job?

“I love so many things about this job. It’s hard work, but also lots of fun. From giving people a platform to tell their stories to developing new talent. I really believe in taking people to the heart of the stories that are important to them. Last year we embedded a reporter with Greater Manchester Police for 3 months to find out what pressures the police were under on the frontline (this coverage has just won 2 awards). We also gave homeless people a voice with a 5 months campaign and for arranging for THEM to interview Andy Burnham about what he was doing to tackle the issue. (This also recently won an award).

Fundamentally news is about storytelling and giving people a voice about the things they are talking about, whether it be politics or Love Island”.

Chris is also responsible for Mike Sweeney’s Children in Need Extravaganza at the Lowry theatre every year, where a host of big name celebrities give up their time to perform for the charity live on the radio.

I wanted to know how Chris got started in this business?

“I had a week’s work experience at Pebble Mill in Birmingham when I was 16 which led on to holiday work and then whilst I did my degree I worked part time reading the sports news.

Then over a number of years I worked my way up from a reporter and producer in local radio to a Senior Producer/Deputy Editor at BBC Radio 5 live and now back at BBC Manchester as News Editor. The honest answer is I talked a lot and had lots of ideas!”

To finish I asked Chris what he likes most about our area?

“I love how much of a buzz Urmston and Flixton has got over the last few years. From great new restaurants like Mulino to welcoming bars like the Prairie Schooner. It’s so friendly”.

Anything else you’d like to add?

“I also want to give a big shout out to all the staff and teachers at the schools I’m on the board of. Sale Grammar, Tyntesfield and Bollin.

They all work so extremely hard and are so passionate about putting children first and supporting them as individuals, and not just as one size fits all students.

Plus, my team mates at Flixton Tennis Club must also get a mention. The new season awaits and my serve is on fire, but my forehand needs work!”

I’d like to thank Chris for chatting with me about his work and our area and I wish him and his family all the very best.

See you next week!