Radio Wimborne goes live on FM
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Great Expectations
By Karen Wyatt-Epapara | mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Since its inception in January 2014, Radio two members: “We are especially lucky Wimborne has been steadily building its to have Chris Rigler and Glen Fowler on listener base through its internet radio board. Both are very well-respected for model and is now ready to reach a wider their technical expertise in their fields audience as it has gone live on 94.6 FM. of work and we could not have got up While the station has regular listeners and running on FM without them.” as far away as California, station directors Radio Wimborne is also behind Malcolm Angel and Kelly Webb are Son et Lumière and Carols in the looking forward to increasing their local Cornmarket, both of which will be reach. Broadcasting on FM means returning this year. You’ll be able people can listen while out and about and to sing along to the Carols in the not have to rely on Internet connection Cornmarket on 17 December, while to listen to their favourite shows. Son et Lumière, a lightshow set to The path to launching on FM has music, will take place on the evening not been without its difficulties. The of 18 December at the Minster. opportunity to apply for an FM licence only comes about every four years and the station was not able to apply until early 2019. After more than six months, the licence was granted and the software needed was purchased. Plans to access grants to update equipment were scuppered by the pandemic as funding streams were diverted to organisations directly helping with the response efforts. Funding was eventually secured, the studio and transmitter set From L-R: Glen Fowler, Chris Rigler and Malcolm Angel up, OFCOM was satisfied that its conditions had been met and the station went live on FM on 16 October. Malcolm said he held a firm belief that a local radio station for local people, airing local news would complement Wimborne’s sense of community. “Wimborne can hold its own against larger towns as it has a heart. People want to hear positive, local news, which feeds back and helps grow a thriving community.” He added: “We made sure we were a source of up-to-date information for people during the pandemic, with Kelly’s daily updates on where to get help and support. We also aim to cover local events such as Wimborne History Festival and Dreamboats events, so people who aren’t able to get out and about don’t miss out.” Community spirit inside the station is just as important. Everyone involved is a volunteer and dedicated to the station’s success. Malcolm paid particular tribute to
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DORSET VIEW December 2021
Perhaps this year, even more than usual, there are great expectations surrounding Christmas. Last year, Covid required last minute changes to plans and meant that many of us couldn’t gather with friends and family to celebrate in our usual ways. So this year, St Mary's will make up for it. This year, Great Expectations is the theme for the Christmas celebrations at St Mary’s, Ferndown. There were great expectations surrounding the first Christmas. There had been such a long wait for God’s promised rescue plan. There were great expectations around what that rescue would look like. But what actually happened was far more wonderful and momentous than anyone had anticipated – all quite unexpected really. That God should leave the rescue of humanity in the hands of a vulnerable baby, born in dubious circumstances is extraordinary. But this is the way that he chose to demonstrate His love, and because of this we can have great expectations for our lives and future. Hope is restored. St Mary’s will have something for everyone to enjoy, and will also be live streaming many of its services to enable as many as possible to join in. So why not grab a neighbour or friend, and book a place? They look forward to welcoming you. St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Ferndown BH22 9EU www.stmarys-ferndown.org.uk office@stmarys-ferndown.org.uk
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