Neil Gits To Enable Skill

Being live on air just once a week and presenting an evening show, I don’t get to see too much of the other folks who work at the radio station, which is a shame as quite a few of them I have known for several years now. We have an AGM every January and I try to attend each year if I can for a catch up with some old faces and also get to know some of the newer recruits. The directors put on a smashing free buffet too which is also a big plus point to entice me along !!

The latest meeting a couple of weeks ago allowed me to chat with some of our “Tech Team” who look after the website and computers at the station. It was quite interesting on the whole but with my infamous lack of understanding in the ways of modern technology, they might as well have been speaking in Bulgarian half the time ! However, I did learn something quite useful which may enhance certain listeners’ Gateway experience …

I was alerted by Andy in Thaxted that he was suddenly unable to hear my show (or any of our oher programmes) because he usually listens via a smart speaker and Alexa just wasn’t playing ball ! It turned out there was a problem with “Tune In” which had resurfaced from a few weeks back and although this has been re-resolved I learnt a sneaky ‘cheat’ to bypass that streaming service and get straight into our online output.

All you have to do is say “Alexa Enable Skill” and then when she asks you “which skill ?” tell her “Gateway 97 Point 8” and … boom ! You are into the music !! I’ve tried it at home on other online radio stations and it works for nost of them too, so no more “Stormy 615 Warren” in your face or other annoying ads, just try it yourself and enjoy some terrific radio shows.

See how you get on when I am next live on air this Monday at 7pm and if you did miss any shows recently as a result of the issue, remember you can catch up with the last 30 days worth of programmes at the “Listen Again” section of this site. Here’s my most recent playlist :

The Tunes – Monday 10th February 2025

Bo Kirkland & Ruth Davis – You’re Gonna Get Next To Me
Teena Marie & Rick James – I’m A Sucker For Your Love
Gene Chandler – When You’re Number One
Julian Jonah ft Robbie Love – Just Can’t Wait
Manhattans – Crazy
Manhattans – Forever By Your Side
Luther Vandross – Michelle
Cardell Harrington – Like I Do
Patti Austin – (Ooh-Wee) He’s Killing Me
Alexander O’Neal & Cherrelle – Never Knew Love Like This
Amii Stewart – Light My Fire / 137 Disco Heaven
Persuaders – Two Women
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas-Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone
Isley Jasper Isley – Caravan Of Love
Brandy – Sittin’ Up In My Room
Jacksons – This Place Hotel (Heartbreak Hotel)
Clauds – I Feel Good
Al Jarreau – So Good
Glenn Jones – That Night Mood
Marva King – Fire Love
Sine – Just Let Me Do My Thing
Martyn Ford Orchestra – Let Your Body Go Downtown

Feel free to get in touch with your soulful request or just for a mention on the show – put a post on “The Old Gits Soul Show” page on Facebook, text (01268)833978 or message me via e-mail : [email protected].

The Old Gits Soul Show is broadcast LIVE from 7pm–9pm every Monday, repeated on Saturday evening from 5pm–7pm, on Gateway 97.8FM in Basildon & East Thurrock, across South Essex on DAB and available nationally via the Radio Player on your TV as well as online via www.gateway978.com You can listen on your smart speaker or your phone too … plus you can hear it again anytime you like via the “Listen Again” button on the Gateway website – just search “Cool Soul” !