James McClelland To Present His Last ‘Rejoice’ Programme

James McClelland will present his last ‘Rejoice’ programme on BBC Radio Foyle this Sunday (April 23).  

James has been a part of BBC Radio Foyle since it opened in 1979, and was a guest on one of Foyle’s early broadcasts.

Reflecting on his time with the BBC, James said: “Looking back I’ve had so many wonderful years and experiences in the BBC, and I have so many wonderful memories.”

Larry Deeney, Station Manager and Content Editor, said: “James has contributed to a range of programmes on BBC Radio Foyle and BBC Radio Ulster for more than three decades, most notably as the presenter of Rejoice on BBC Radio Foyle. 

“It’s a remarkable achievement and one which I know has been appreciated by his listeners and all of us in Foyle. We are deeply grateful and wish him well for the future.”

During his time with the station James was involved with a range of programmes, working with producers including Maureen Gallagher, Michael Magowan and others.

James’ first radio documentary about Donegal tweed (about which he has particularly fond memories) was followed by many others – something that took him across the region and to England and Scotland to gather material.

James says that he learned much about script writing, interviewing and editing from Michael Magowan. And it was Joe Mahon who gave him the go ahead to make a documentary in Canada, a commission that took James and his tape recorder along the famous Rockies Railroad from Vancouver to Calgary.

'Rejoice' began as a pilot programme in 1986 and it has been a showcase for many different types of religious music over the years – sacred, gospel and inspirational. Its popular appeal owed much to James McClelland and his connection with listeners in Foyle, and beyond.