A celebration of the values of local radio is almost upon us! Local Radio Day is on Friday 20th October. Almost a decade since its inception (2023’s celebration will be the eighth year running), the event once again hopes to raise the profile of local radio and recognise its benefits and values within the communities which its serves.
This year’s theme is ‘Community Heroes’. One of the considered recipients of this proud title could be community radio itself. As hubs for volunteering and a vital conveyor for local information, local radio is a vital cog in community life.
Our area has a plethora of special people, making our community a greater place to live, and this fact is recognised by our local radio station, Somer Valley FM. They, along with the charity Sound Vision – which empowers people through skills-based learning that encourages creativity in audio, communications, and music for anyone needing to build confidence and self-belief - are carrying out a day of special programmes on Friday 20th, featuring some of the heroes recognised by volunteers and Sound Vision trainees. Sound Vision organise Local Radio Day nationally and Somer Valley FM will be joining local stations across the UK for the celebration.
One such hero, picked out by three Sound Vision trainees, Alice, Elsie and Clara from years 9 and 12 of Somervale School, is Midsomer Norton Mayor Gordon Mackay. The students defined a community hero as someone who steps up and goes the extra mile on behalf of either one person or a group of people within the locality, and chose to interview the Mayor for their special show which will be broadcast at 12pm on Friday, exclusively on Somer Valley FM.
During his visit to the station, Mayor Gordon Mackay praised the work on show at Somer Valley and Sound Vision, and even gave a glimpse into who he considers community heroes.
He mused: ”Involving students with producing and broadcasting is a great way to build their skills and confidence. Midsomer Norton is all about community and we’re incredibly lucky to have a fantastic community radio station in SVFM with dozens of amazing volunteer staff, they are true heroes.”
Dom Chambers, founder of the radio station and head honcho at Sound Vision, will be helping the students to present their show, alongside year 12 student, Clara.
Dom said: “On Local Radio Day, our aim is to highlight strong community activity and those contributions that are made to make community life a better place for us all.”
“We’d love to hear from local people and get their ideas on who they consider a community hero. Please get in touch with us via email or social media to let us know who your heroes are.”
To get in contact with the station, email: [email protected] or message through Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) by searching for @SomerValleyFM