Wiveliscombe radio station nears the big switch on

ORGANISERS of 10Radio have passed an important milestone with approval by Ofcom engineers to start test transmissions on the newly-allocated frequency 105.3FM for the Wiveliscombe area.
Although only broadcasting a test signal of music and voice messages about the new community radio station, the station has received a positive response from listeners.
The station also serves the surrounding nine parishes although reception is strong in and around the Wiveliscombe area.
It is now on schedule to start full-time broadcasting from 7 am on Monday, January 21.
The main studio in Croft Cottage, West Street, Wiveliscombe, has been converted by director Dave Meehan and a group of volunteers from the 10 parishes community, and other directors have been putting the finishing touches to the first schedule of programmes covering the opening three months of broadcasting.
The new community-led service will run full time 7 am to midnight on Friday to Sunday.
During the rest of the week there will be breakfast-style programmes from 7 am to 9 am with the remainder of the time featuring a representative selection of 10radio music and repeated output of the best bits from the weekend.
Director Eddie Gaines said: “We are very pleased with our radio signal and also how our presenter training, both youth and adult, has proceeded.
“We have a committed group of broadcasting trainers and presenters of all ages - all bursting with creative ideas for their programmes, great knowledge and passion for the local area, and, of course, tremendous knowledge of all kinds of music to suit everybody’s taste.
“10Radio will no doubt act as a central communication hub for Wiveliscombe and surrounding parishes which everybody will be proud of and able to benefit from.
“We will also be entertaining and, above all, fun to listen to.”
Help with building and equipping the station has come from Somerset Rural Renaissance Funding, Somerset Partnership Funding, and Kingsmead Community School.
However, as the station commences broadcasting, it anticipateslocal businesses and organisations will come forward to support the running of the station through sponsorship and limited advertising.
There is also a ‘Friends of 10Radio’ scheme to which the listening public can subscribe.
For more information about 10Radio and how to take part as a volunteer helper, presenter, friend, or business supporter, visit http://www.10radio.org/ or contact Julian Mellor on 01984 623104 or Eddie Gaines on 01984 624657.
The 10 parishes covered by 10Radio are Wiveliscombe, Milverton, Ashbrittle,
Stawley, Bathealton, Fitzhead, Chipstable, Huish Champflower, Clatworthy, and Brompton Ralph.

• Our photographs show (TOP) Members of the 10radio youth group in preparation for their 10Radio broadcasts, and (BELOW) Dave Meehan outside the Croft Cottage studio. Photos submitted.