We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our colleague, society member and most importantly friend Becki Luscombe within the past few weeks. From all of us here at BurnFM both past and present we would like to express our deepest and most profound condolences to Peter, our former Director of Technology, and all of Becki’s family and friends in this deeply troublesome time.
Below follow some tributes from those within BurnFM.
Joseph McDowell – BurnFM Head of Station
Very rarely do people of such quality and gentle grace enter into our lives. To translate this sadness in to words is of great difficulty considering both my friendship with Becki and brother Peter but my aim is not to mourn but to celebrate the life of my friend.
As Head of Specialist for BurnFM, she strived for only the highest standards in radio quality, performance and professionalism both on the air and throughout all she did. Under her tenure the specialist department grew in to something much more than when she took on the role. From being simply a collection of music lovers, they began on a road to becoming themed cohesive nights bringing shows together and creating a distinct feel for entire organisation. Becki’s tireless work and true gift for uniting people was a major contributing factor to the revival the station has enjoyed in recent years. For that we all owe her a debt of gratitude and her legacy will be definitive for years to come.
As one half of the wonderful ‘Anything Goes’ with her brother Peter she gave us hours of joy throughout their years on radio with one of the finest shows we had the privilege to broadcast. Produced to only the highest standards, with consistent originality and always a fresh approach to the week’s themes it was the very epitome of professionalism and will always be remembered fondly by all who were lucky enough to hear it or be involved.
Becki was and remains the best example I have known of a modern champion for a better world. Strong in the face of inequality, injustice and intolerance, gentle and kind as a friend but always committed and unwavering to that for which she stood, in the hope of a better more accepting world for all of us.
To have known her was a true privilege and to have been her friend was a real joy. As we all will, I will miss her and yet, I will only ever remember her with fondness.
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William Hazelton – BurnFM Head of Station 2013/2014
It is with a heavy heart I write these words in memory of Becki Luscombe. It is such a terrible loss to the world that such a kind, honest and colourful person has been taken from us far too soon.
I remember sitting in the BurnFM studio when the Luscombe ‘twins’ entered for their first airing of ‘Anything Goes’. I was instantly struck by their openness, humour and good nature. They pulled off an amazing first show and I remember listening to them perform made me so happy and proud to be a part of the society.
This only intensified once I got to know Becki more. After she and Pete became part of the committee (something I’m sure Pete will never forgive me for suggesting) she was an individual I could totally rely on, always willing to help and provide support, and on a number of occasions I had to send home as she was being ‘too helpful’.
As well as her help with making BurnFM a success, she became a valued friend to all in the society. Always laughing and smiling, she brought a lot of sunshine into that basement. As well as pouring a substantial amount of her time into BurnFM, she was a proud representative of the LGBTQ society and many others, fighting for misunderstood and underrepresented groups, something she did proudly. This is typical of her as an individual, always fighting for what was right, when many others would happily suffer in silence. She was a truly inspirational person, and someone everyone should strive to emulate.
It’s very difficult to think of Becki and not also think of her brother Pete. Rarely seen apart and clearly very supportive of each other, it is obvious how much love Becki had for her brother and how deeply connected they were. My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Pete and the rest of the Luscombe family in this terrible time.
I am incredibly honoured and privileged to have worked alongside, laughed with, and been a friend of Becki’s. She will be deeply missed.
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Ben Rider: BurnFM Deputy Station Manager 2013/2014
During my time spent as Deputy Station Manager for BURN FM I had the privilege of working closely with Becki. I could always trust her to see the potential for greatness in our new shows, and her ability to spot a truly unique application was second to none. When I found myself unable to organise BURN’s involvement in Community Day 2013, Becki quickly put herself forward to manage the day. Her sheer passion and determination were exemplary and Becki organised a day of outside broadcasting that was enjoyed by everyone who got involved; including dozens of local families. The recording from the day can still be listened to on BURN’s Mixcloud and I’m sure that anyone who chooses to do so will agree that Becki’s passion and desire for engaging people with new activities and ideas was something truly special.
Usually my trips to the BURN studio were motivated by official business or the show I used to co-present. If I ventured there around Monday lunchtime however, it was for no reason other than the knowledge that Becki and her brother Peter were presenting their truly exceptional radio show “Anything Goes”. Becki’s enthusiasm, determination, knowledge and sophisticated humour were above and beyond anything I have ever or will likely ever see again.
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Molly Wright: Guild of Students VP Activities and Developement 2013/2014 & BurnFM Deputy Station Manger 2012
It’s always difficult to put into words all the wonderful nuances and details that make a person and especially with Becki.
She was incredibly compassionate, gentle and good fun. Her sense of humour was unfailing and never at the expense of another person. Her integrity and support for those around her was inspirational, as she called out injustice and inappropriate behaviours, campaigning for change and awareness around mental health and gender and LGBTQ equality. Her work at BurnFM made her a highly valued member of the committee and BurnFM family, as she worked fairly to try and support not just her colleagues and shows but anyone who came across her path in the studio.
Becki was loved, highly appreciated and will be greatly missed
For those you wish to listen again to Becki’s commended coverage of community day 2013 or ‘Anything Goes’ you will find the links below.
University of Birmingham Community Day ’13 by Burn Fm on Mixcloud
