[Latina]

I've been listening on and off as I'm very busy in the office today, but I'm really enjoying it. Apart from it being great to have the proper takeover back, I've found the info about the BFBS very interesting, and some of the messages to/from home quite moving.

My sister served in Iraq a couple of years back and I'm definitely going to ask her about this next time I see her.

I'm also quite impressed with how smoothly it's going, considering they're crossing over to Afghanistan every few records.

Is anyone else listening today?

[Yudster]

I heard a little bit this morning but I couldn't bear the presenter - I couldn't even work out if it was male of female (the name was Jessie, or Jesse - you pick) and had a horrible voice. I usually like regional accents on TV and radio but this wo/man was awful to listen to. And s/he talked a LOT.

[English Bob]

I listened to a bit this morning, they actually played music I liked! It was shocking. Wasn't sure what to make of the Forces radio thing as I was very much against the Afghanistan war (and the Iraq one for that matter). I found it quite moving, but also quite sad, considering soldiers are dying out there on a regular basis. Oh and to echo Yuds statement, I couldnt stand the scouse woman either.

Shame they only do the takeovers on Bank Holidays, then its back to the playlist crap! I still remember Colin Murray doing a takeover, and shouting at the listeners and refusing to play the playlist songs some morons kept requesting! "Seriously, you can have ANY song you want played on Radio 1 and you want Alphabeat? NO!"

I do miss Colin.

[Latina]

Jessie didn't bother me that much. Apparently they do 3 month rotations, so I guess if you don't like her it would be annoying to be stuck with her if you got sent out then!

[MK Chris]

Wasn't sure what to make of the Forces radio thing as I was very much against the Afghanistan war (and the Iraq one for that matter).

Whether you're for or against, they do a brave job - why shouldn't that be highlighted on Radio 1?

[Latina]

Indeed. And just think of the number of people in this country with a family member in the forces.

Yesterday really brought it all closer to home for me, especially when my sister wrote back and told me she had listened to BFBS every day when she was in Basra, and it was great to hear it promoted on Radio 1. It must be a very important link to home for them.

Apparently Radio 1 used to do this sort of thing a lot more in its early years (although I don't know whether that was linking with Forces radio or just assisting communication between the troops and home). If yesterday was as successful as it seemed, I think it would be nice if they made an annual thing of it.

[SAV1OUR]

Yes it brings it all home to me, things like this (even if, sadly, they themselves cannot be brought home). For example watching these brave men and women shaking hands with our team mascot at Wembley, that was nice.

[Yudster]

I live in Colchester, one of the largest - and definitely the longest established - garrison town in Britain, its impossible to be unaware of the army and what they do when you live here. One of our best friends is currently waiting to hear where he is being sent next. He will be going in less than three weeks and he won't know where for at least two weeks. I couldn't live like that. Don't get carried away with the idea that they are all heroic angels, they are ordinary people and some are great and some are wankers, some are brave and committed and some are hangers on and liabilities (apparently) - but they all have to step up and the British armed forces are one of the best teams in the world when they are called on. I liked the idea of giving the takeover to them.