Uckfield FM launched in style on 1st July with a party at their Bird-in-Eye studio.
Guests looked on as full-time broadcasting began on the frequency 105FM at 1.05pm.
First voice to be heard on the air-waves was that of Gary King. In the studio with him were chairman Mike Skinner and Mike Ziolek.
Mike Ziolek headed out shortly afterwards in the radio car to talk to people in and around town.
Looking on were guests who included Uckfield Mayor Jim Carvey. Cllr Carvey said it was fantastic to witness the launch.
“This town is a strong community and I think Uckfield FM is going to be very successful. It will be particularly valued when we have bad weather and people need to know what is going on,” he said.
Cllr Louise Eastwood added it was sad that the late Paddy Rae, one of the station’s founders, wasn’t able to share in the excitement.
But Mike Skinner pointed out a picture of Paddy looking down on them in the studio. “He’s watching us,” he said.
Company secretary Phil Moon said the next target was to build a second on-air studio at their Bird-in-Eye premises.
They needed about £50,000 to make that happen. “At the moment we have lots of support from local authorities and the Lottery but we are still looking for something like £25,000,” he said.
He added the station was grateful for all the support it had received from sponsors and advertisers.
In the photo, taken by Ron Hill, are Cllr Carvey cutting the ribbon with Mike Skinner, left, and Gary King.
Uckfield FM will broadcast for 365 days a year and remains a not-for-profit organisation run, in the main, by volunteers. Two members of staff look after the day-to-day running of the studios. The broadcasters are often seen out and about in town providing public announcements at fetes and shows and acting as masters of ceremonies.
Uckfield FM, East Sussex
Uckfield FM launched in style on 1st July with a party at their Bird-in-Eye studio.
Guests looked on as full-time broadcasting began on the frequency 105FM at 1.05pm.
First voice to be heard on the air-waves was that of Gary King. In the studio with him were chairman Mike Skinner and Mike Ziolek.
Mike Ziolek headed out shortly afterwards in the radio car to talk to people in and around town.
Looking on were guests who included Uckfield Mayor Jim Carvey. Cllr Carvey said it was fantastic to witness the launch.
“This town is a strong community and I think Uckfield FM is going to be very successful. It will be particularly valued when we have bad weather and people need to know what is going on,” he said.
Cllr Louise Eastwood added it was sad that the late Paddy Rae, one of the station’s founders, wasn’t able to share in the excitement.
But Mike Skinner pointed out a picture of Paddy looking down on them in the studio. “He’s watching us,” he said.
Company secretary Phil Moon said the next target was to build a second on-air studio at their Bird-in-Eye premises.
They needed about £50,000 to make that happen. “At the moment we have lots of support from local authorities and the Lottery but we are still looking for something like £25,000,” he said.
He added the station was grateful for all the support it had received from sponsors and advertisers.
In the photo, taken by Ron Hill, are Cllr Carvey cutting the ribbon with Mike Skinner, left, and Gary King.
Uckfield FM will broadcast for 365 days a year and remains a not-for-profit organisation run, in the main, by volunteers. Two members of staff look after the day-to-day running of the studios. The broadcasters are often seen out and about in town providing public announcements at fetes and shows and acting as masters of ceremonies.
Words and picture credit: Uckfield News