Diane "Diddley" Southall

Hi there, as of July 2025 I am the newest member of the presenters on VRN

A little about me:

First, my connection to the military is that my grandfather and his three brothers were all in the forces during WW2 and after. My grandfather was in the Army, and his brothers (my uncles) spread across the other forces. So, you can imagine the banter that flowed. I also had an uncle who was in the RAF and my stepfather was in the Army.

Born and bred in Birmingham, then I retired to Bempton, a lovely little coastal village in East Yorkshire. One day I came across Bridlington Veterans Coffee morning on the big wide world of social media and begged and pleaded to join their group. Well, they took pity on me and let me join. It was through Rubes (The Naked Submariner) a fellow presenter, who suggested I join the VRN chatroom (did you know VRN has a chatroom? Well, they do!) and with a fair few “why don’t you?” from some of the listeners and presenters, I find myself here entertaining your good selves. So, you have the infamous Naked Submariner to thank for me joining the presenting team (yes, it’s all his fault).

I was a secretary for South Birmingham Radio Station so I have some knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes of a radio station, but I have never ventured as far as sitting behind a mic, so this will be a different experience for me.

My taste in music is eclectic, and I am hoping to bring old and new from all genres to the airways. I’m known to go to the odd live band, show, or gig! I look forward to hearing from you in which ever manner you can get hold of me, and you never know I may even play a request for you.

Now to find a favourite piece of music. It’s like choosing a favourite child or pet, impossible! So, for now, I’m going with this: