A Surprise Visit to BBC Cambridge with Peter Reeve MBE

Chris Elliott accompanies Peter Reeve MBE on a visit to BBC Cambridge, reflecting on the experience and contrasting it with memorable broadcasting visits to Bayrak Television in Northern Cyprus.

A Surprise Visit to BBC Cambridge with Peter Reeve MBE

By Chris Elliott

I welcome every opportunity to discover new events and experiences, and Monday 19th October 2026 proved to be another memorable occasion. I visited BBC Cambridge at the invitation of Peter Reeves MBE, whom I met there along with two of his friends. After receiving security clearance, we were escorted into a reception area where we sat and waited while arrangements were made for Peter’s interview.

After a while, a member of staff came through a secure door and took Peter away for his interview. Some time later, he returned to the reception area and our visit came to an end. While there was no opportunity on this occasion to explore the wider facilities, it was nevertheless interesting to visit BBC Cambridge and accompany Peter during his interview.

The experience was in stark contrast to the many occasions I visited Bayrak International Radio and Television in Northern Cyprus. My first visit was with my late partner, Margaret Sheard, shortly after we launched the CyprusScene.com website. One of our later interviews is shown in the video below.

Radio and TV in Northern Cyprus

Over the years, I was interviewed there on numerous occasions and was also delighted to introduce many others for radio and television interviews. We were regularly shown around the radio and TV recording studios, and through those visits developed many valued friendships with members of staff.

Bayrak International Radio and Television studios in Northern Cyprus.”

Bayrak International Radio and Television studios in Northern Cyprus, where CyprusScene founders Chris Elliott and Margaret Sheard were interviewed and developed lasting broadcasting friendships.”

The welcome was always warm and genuine, and whenever I was in the area I would often call in around lunchtime to share a coffee and enjoy a friendly chat. Those visits gave me a fascinating insight into broadcasting and created friendships that I still value today.

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The purpose of Peter Reeve’s visit to the BBC was to take part in an interview for a programme review, and it was fascinating to accompany him on this occasion. Although my expectations of seeing behind the scenes at BBC Cambridge were not realised, it was nevertheless an interesting experience and a pleasure to support Peter during his visit to the BBC.

Peter Reeve MBE after being awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace.

Peter Reeve at Buckingham Palace after receiving his MBE

Peter Reeve MBE in the BBC Cambridge radio studio

Peter Reeve MBE on BBC radio

About Peter Reeve MBE

Peter Reeve MBE is a well-known broadcaster, presenter and community champion with a long-standing connection to Cambridgeshire and the East of England. Through his radio work, public appearances, and charitable activities, he has become a familiar and respected voice across the region.

Peter is widely recognised for his support of local communities, his promotion of charitable causes and his ability to engage audiences through thoughtful interviews and discussion. His commitment to public service was recognised when he was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).

Today, Peter continues to play an active role in community life, using his experience and enthusiasm to support local initiatives and connect with people from all walks of life.