"Mr Uckfield" - Radio presenter and local icon Mike Skinner dies at 71

Mike was one of founding members of Uckfield FM, now Ashdown Radio, taking on many roles at the station since 2003 - including director, chairman and presenter.

In an online statement, Ashdown Radio said: “We're saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Skinner.

“Mike was a founder of our forerunner Uckfield FM and served many roles, most recently as Chairman before retiring from station duties in 2019.

“He remained active throughout the community, as part of the team the puts on The Uckfield Festival and Weald on the Field events. He was also a key figure at AFC Uckfield Town.

“The team here sends our condolences to Mike's family and friends at this sad time.”

Mike was well-known in the town for presenting at the Weald on the Field festival on Luxford Field, as well as being a committed member and attendee of Uckfield & District Lions Club’s events and loving husband to Christine Skinner.

Jackie Love, mayor of Uckfield and town councillor, said: “Mike was an excellent presenter, he would support the Uckfield Lions at their festivals and fetes on the Luxford Field and make sure everyone knew what was going on within that event.

“He would also do the Uckfield festival and part of the organising behind the scenes. He worked really closely with the festival and became their vice chairman in the end.”

In a statement, Uckfield Lions said: “It is with much shock and sadness that we hear of the passing of Mike Skinner, our fabulous MC at our fetes and long time supporter of Uckfield Lions.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Christine and family. May you enjoy many ice creams Mike, sleep well.”

Mike also played a major role in Uckfield’s sports team, becoming a committee member at A.F.C. Uckfield Town, responsible for the club’s PR and hospitality services.

In a statement, the football club said it was in shock about the news of a ‘much loved and respected club colleague’.

A.F.C. Uckfield Town said: “We at AFC Uckfield Town are all in shock as will the town of Uckfield as a whole given Mike was pretty much involved in the organizing of most events that take place in Uckfield and of course is well known from his time in helping Uckfield FM move from a hobby radio station to a fulltime on air service listened to by many in the local community.

"Mike was genuinely a man of Uckfield living and working for Uckfield. He will of course be missed by so many people and our foremost thoughts and condolences are with those he leaves behind: his wife Christine and his family.”

The 71-year-old was also a supporter of the Uckfield Community Fridge and was booked to take part in the group’s ‘Apple Day’ event this Saturday (October 8).

The group confirmed the event was still going ahead, with Councillor Love leading round of applause for Mike at 10am on the day.

Uckfield Community Fridge said: “We are absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of Mike Skinner. Such a loyal supporter of the Community Fridge week in week out.

“The confidence he installed in our project and so many community groups and events in Uckfield by tirelessly working to promote, engage with and be present at everything in our town is irreplaceable.

“He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Christine and their family.

“At 10am on October 8, Uckfield Town Mayor, councillor Jackie Love will lead us in a huge round of applause for Mike and Christine to show our love and appreciation for everything he and Christine have done for us.

“This will be held at the entrance to the Community Fridge, just next to Luxford Field. We will continue with 'Apple Day' as Mike would have wanted us to, following this.”

Mike won an Outstanding Achievement Award for his services to the community and the radio station at Uckfield Business Awards at the East Sussex National Hotel, Uckfield, East Sussex in 2016.

HAVE YOU READ THIS?

Wealden is the ‘most peaceful neighbourhood’ in the UK

East Sussex charities receive donations following nominations

Wealden primary school students invited to design Christmas card for MP

Speaking of Mike’s impact on Uckfield, councillor Love said: “He’s had an incredible impact, he was always there with a smile and to lend a hand.

“There were so many different comments on Facebook about him from so many different groups. He’s one of those people that brings everyone together and it was always with a smile.

“He always greeted you with a hug, he just had an incredible thing, someone classified him as Mr Uckfield and I think that is a lovely title for him. Because he was always there, helping everybody, doing everything he could.

“I’ve lost one of my best friends, he always approached you with a smile and a hug, he would always listen to you if you wanted to have a rant or a sad moment, or you needed to talk through an idea or something.

“I’m going to miss that very much, he and his wife Christine came with a smile and hug to every event.

“He has left us with so many beautiful memories and we all hold those closely, we will remember them and talk about them, everything that he has done for us.

“His legacy will be that man that always said yes to helping and always with a smile and so much excitement. His preparation for when he did things was phenomenal. He will leave a huge hole and part of Uckfield’s sparkle has been lost.”