Wessex FM Magazine Issue 1

Issue No.1 www.wessexfm.com

MAGAZINE Proper Local Radio for West Dorset

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WIN!

FREE FAMILY DAYS OUT FOR A YEAR WITH A

MERLIN ANNUAL PASS +£500!

WIN! £100 With our Dorset Picture Quiz

Make a nomination in Behind the scenes with our Local Hero Awards the Wessex FM News Team

Welcome to the first issue of the

Wessex FM Magazine! www.gpmetalsandspares.co.uk

We Buy And Sell SCRAP METAL AND CARS OUR MISSION IS SIMPLY TO DELIVER STRESS FREE, CUSTOMER FRIENDLY METAL RECYCLING SOLUTIONS.

WE PAY THE BEST PRICES FOR ALL SCRAP METALS CALL ON: 01305 871666

ARE YOU WORRIED THAT YOUR CAR MAY BE BEYOND ECONOMICAL REPAIR?

Established in 1997 by Gerald Pile, GP Metals has grown considerably as a family business, specialising in all types of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

As a registered DVLA facility, we take care of everything!

Issuing a Certificate of Destruction for all vehicles.

Should you have any metals that you are looking to get rid of simply give us a call or visit the site. All of our customers receive next day payments directly to their bank.

1. CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO GET A QUOTE 2. ARRANGE DELIVERY OR COLLECTION 3. LET US TAKE CARE OF THE REST

The quick and easy guide to scrapping your car:

You can already hear us on the air, interact with us online, and now we are in print. We pride ourselves on being the local radio station for Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester, Bridport, and all of the lovely surrounding villages.

We know how important local news is to you, and our dedicated news team keep you up to date on air and online seven days a week. We have also invested in our mobile app to make sure you have easy access to local news, travel, and weather right there in your pocket.

Every year, we celebrate the incredible achievements of local people with our Local Hero Awards, and champion the local economy with our Local Business Awards. We attend many

local events, fayres, carnivals, and charity fundraisers. We give out thousands of pounds worth of free tickets to local attractions every summer. We support local events on air and online with our What’s On Guide, and the local music scene with Unplugged. We’ll even mention your lost dog! It’s what local radio should be about.

If you have a local issue you’d like our news team to cover, are doing something or have an event you’d like us to promote, please do get in touch.

We believe in Proper Local Radio, and all of our programmes are broadcast from our studios in Dorchester.

We don’t share programmes with anyone else!

Contents 4 BEHIND THE SCENES WITH OUR LOCAL NEWS TEAM

7 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT JAMES O’NEILL 8 MAKE A LOCAL HERO AWARD NOMINATION 11 DISCOVER MY MUSIC RADIO 12 WIN MERLIN ANNUAL PASSES AND £500 SPENDING MONEY 15 DINING OUT WITH DAVE 16 WEST DORSET PICTURE QUIZ WIN £100 17 THREE GREAT PLACES TO VISIT 18 UNPLUGGED WITH MARIA GREENWOOD 19 MEET THE SALES TEAM

MEET THE ON AIR TEAM

Find Wessex FM on:

Call now: 01305 871666 wessexfm.com

SKIP SERVICE. FILL OUR SKIPS WITH METAL AND WE WILL PAY YOU FOR IT We offer a variety of containment options for your waste. Skips 4 to 12 yards, mini bins, battery boxes and many more! We even provide customised containment options for our commercial customers.

WE ARE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SPECIALISTS

James

Maria

Dave

Kieran

Mike

Carl

Ben

Steve

Owen

Justin

Ciara

Vicki

With Catalytic Converter revenues ranging from £1 to £300+ ensure that you get paid the best possible price.

At GP Metals we work alongside world leaders in catalytic converter recycling and can ensure that you get paid the best possible price.

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Call the Studio: 01305 250300 Email: studio@wessexfm.com Text Wessex followed by your message to 81222 (texts charged at standard network rate) News Desk: 01305 260033 Sales/General Enquiries: 01305 250333 Poundbury House, Poundbury West Industrial Estate, Dorchester, DT1 2PG

Designed and printed by Anglebury Press. www.angleburypress.co.uk

The Wessex FM Magazine | Issue No.1

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Local News At Wessex FM we pride ourselves on bringing you balanced, fair and accurate reporting of local news. Meet the team that make that happen.

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One of the most frequently asked questions you get as a radio journalist is, “What do you do when you’re not reading the news?” Every local news story you hear on Wessex FM, is found and written by our news team, whether it’s for our news bulletins on air or our local news coverage online at www.wessexfm.com.

To tell a story well, it’s important you speak to the people involved. So a lot of our job involves recording interviews and editing sound bites to play out in bulletins. A 10 minute interview could be reduced to a 15 second clip, which still tells the full story.

That’s just one of the skills you need to be a radio journalist and at Wessex FM we pride ourselves on bringing you

Name: Maria Greenwood Job: Head Of News Favourite Story: I interviewed the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown and put listeners’ questions to him, which was quite nerve-racking.

Name: Justin Gladdis Job: Senior Online/Broadcast Journalist Favourite Story: I found it incredibly humbling to head our coverage on Domestic Violence Awareness Week in 2015 and Alcohol Awareness Week in 2016.

balanced, fair and accurate reporting of local news.

Proper local radio news is also about responding to events as they happen, which is exactly what we do. If there’s a major accident on the roads, a fire breaking out, or an appeal for a missing person, we can keep you constantly up to date with events on air and online.

We can now even provide you with breaking local news straight to your phone via the Wessex FM app. When there’s a major story we think you need to know about, we’ll send you a message through

Name: Ciara Hegarty Job: Online/Broadcast Journalist Favourite story: Two sheep went missing from a farm and were seen wandering the streets of West Dorset. It was very funny in the office that day.

the app and you can click on it to find out more. You can also get the latest local news sent direct to your inbox by signing up for the Wessex FM news email.

We get our stories lots of different ways. It could be a phone call from a listener, an email or even something we’ve spotted on social media. And how do we know it will be important to you?

Well that’s easy. Dorset is our home. We live here too. What affects your life affects ours too. We’re a proper local news team bringing you proper local radio.

How to contact the news team: Call: 01305 260033 Email: news@wessexfm.com #ProperLocalRadio

The Wessex FM Magazine | Issue No.1

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Do you claim Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, or Council Tax Discounts?

If so you must report changes in your circumstances to the council promptly

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THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT WESSEX FM’S JAMES O’NEILL

What to do?

Tell us immediately if someone moves in or out of your home or if you (or any member of your household) have a change to:

•

THE RENT YOU PAY OR THE ADDRESS WHERE YOU LIVE

•

THE INCOME YOU RECEIVE FROM ANY SOURCE (including welfare benefits)

•

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Soul legend Alexander O’Neal once put the phone down on me during an interview.

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I have two left feet, but signed up for the first Strictly Ballroom for Weldmar Hospice, and performed a jive with my dance partner Sarah in front of five hundred people!

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One of my favourite moments on Wessex FM, believe it or not, was the Breakfast Show where I had my legs waxed for charity!

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Away from the studio, my favourite thing about being a Wessex FM presenter is co-hosting our Local Hero Awards every summer. It’s just so inspirational and it’s amazing to think there are local people doing all these incredible things.

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One of my most embarrassing moments on air was when I had a spoonerism when saying ‘Patchy Mist’. It sounded a bit naughty…

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I do all the cooking at home. I love it. There are bookshelves in my kitchen bulging with books by Jamie Oliver, Nigel Slater, and my favourite food bloke, Rick Stein.

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My favourite place in Dorset, and I’m sorry to be predictable, is West Bay. Even when it’s full to the rafters of day trippers and holiday makers, it still feels relaxed and looks stunning in any weather.

SAVINGS/CAPITAL HELD

To tell us about a change for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support: Visit: www.dorsetforyou.com/benefits/change-my-details Email: benefits@westwey.gov.uk Telephone: 01305 211930

To tell us about a change for Council Tax Discounts: Visit: www.dorsetforyou.com/council-tax/change-your-details Email: revenues@westwey.gov.uk Telephone: 01305 211970 Failure to report changes could mean you miss out on benefit you could have been entitled to or you could be being overpaid. Overpayments will need to be paid back so to avoid debt keep us up to date with your circumstances.

Did you know that most of our customers now access information online at:

www.dorsetforyou.com/online-services Register today to access your information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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I am a huge fan of Simple Minds. Our own Maria Greenwood and her band Hustle played at my wedding last year, and got me to sing Don’t You Forget About Me at the reception. Although I’ve heard the song thousands of times, I forgot the words halfway through!

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I’m afraid of heights, and tried to conquer my fear by wing walking!

It was the most thrilling and the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done.

And it didn’t make me any less scared of heights.

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I’ve run the London Marathon three times and New York once. When I crossed the finish line in Central Park, someone came up to me and said ‘Are you that James from our local radio station’? I couldn’t believe it! #ProperLocalRadio

The Wessex FM Magazine | Issue No.1

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Local Hero Awards 2017 Make a nomination now at www.wessexfm.com Winners join us for a black tie event including three course dinner, entertainment, and awards ceremony at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy The Animal Hero Award Celebrate animal rescuers, animal carers and indeed animals who are heroes themselves! Do you know someone that has campaigned for animal welfare, or cares for and rescues animals? Do you know an animal that has gone above and beyond for an owner or friend? Or maybe you have a pet that has had a traumatic life but has shown outstanding resilience and now brings joy to your life?

Teacher of the Year We’re sure you can remember your favourite teachers from school, but which teachers will your children still be talking about in years to come? There are some brilliant teachers working hard in Dorset, and we’re looking for 8

nominations for those teachers who have really made a difference in the learning experience of our children, or the way they have inspired youngsters to better things.

Making A Difference In the Community There are many unsung heroes in the towns and villages across Dorset, and Wessex FM is looking to honour someone who has demonstrated excellent community spirit. They may have helped out an elderly or vulnerable neighbour or group, been instrumental in a community initiative, or fought for better local facilities.

individual who has excelled in grass roots or professional sport in the county. They may have achieved success beyond expectation, or it could be someone behind the scenes who has made it possible for others to take part in sport in Dorset.

Parent of the Year Being a parent isn’t easy for anybody!

Every parent is a star, but this award is to recognise a truly outstanding mum or dad or foster parent. They may have coped with adversity, shown friendship or support to other parents, or gone an extra mile to support their child.

The Charity Award The Sport Award This Award will honour one club or

Raising money for charity is getting tougher, with more demands on our

time and pocket. Our Charity Award will recognise an individual who works for, or volunteers for, a charity or good cause in Dorset.

The Services Award This Award is to recognise the outstanding achievements of anyone working for the emergency services, in nursing, or the armed forces.

Young Person of the Year This category is to recognise the achievements of somebody under the age of 25 from Dorset. This could be in the world of work, such as an apprentice, someone who has shown inspiration or maturity beyond their years in a difficult situation, or been instrumental in helping to improve the lives of others.

Background image: © skyfoto – stock.adobe.com

Carer of the Year

Neighbour of the Year

There are many more people caring for others than you may think in Dorset.

Not only are there full time carers, but people who put their own lives on hold to make sure that elderly or disabled neighbours, family members, or friends are looked after.

Who’s a great neighbour? Who’s always there to help with an odd job, or always has time for a coffee and a chat? Who goes the extra mile to look in on an elderly or vulnerable person living nearby, or has helped look after your children at the last minute?

The Achievement Award This category aims to highlight some of the great achievements by individuals in Dorset. This could be in business, in sport, or at school. It could also be a personal achievement in overcoming adversity, or surpassing expectations.

#ProperLocalRadio

The Wessex FM Magazine | Issue No.1

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Go national, go MY MUSIC RADIO

Mobile

Online

DAB

PLAYING ALL THE GREAT HITS FROM THE 1970’S PLUS SOME CLASSICS FROM THE 1960’S AND 1980’S.

Featuring legendary artists like The Beatles, Queen, Elton John, David Bowie and Abba Reaching at least two out of every three people who live in our patch, we know that you love Wessex FM as your local radio station.

Delivering great family-focussed music, heaps of local news and information and based in our area, we live and breathe everything about our local community; and we’re proud to do so.

But, we also know that there’s a lot of choice out there and as well as listening to Wessex FM for everything local, you might sometimes try BBC Radio 2, Classic FM or maybe Heart from time to time.

Well, if you do dance around the dial every so often, we’re delighted to let you know about our new, sister national digital station, My Music Radio, which is all about the 70’s and more!

Available only online (mymusicradio.co.uk) and via our free app available from your mobile phone app store, this is a fantastic station playing all the great hits from the 1970’s with a few chucked in from the 1960’s and 1980’s. And it’s ours!

And there’s something else!

When you download the app, or click to connect online via your laptop or PC, you’ll be asked to tell us where you are. You simply select “Dorset” and not only will you start to receive My Music Radio and hear all those great tracks from the 70’s but, when they are broadcast, you’ll get local Dorset-based advertisements from local businesses based right here in the area.

So, go local, go Wessex FM! Go national, go My Music Radio online or via our free app!

Nationally renowned presenters like David “Kid” Jensen and Pat Sharp add to that flavour of nostalgia and the sound of the era.

If you’re of a certain age, you’re going to recognise those names straight away!

Two great choices for you to enjoy, courtesy of your proper local radio station, Wessex FM.

#ProperLocalRadio

The Wessex FM Magazine | Issue No.1

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You can listen to Wessex FM on 97.2 and 96.0FM, online at wessexfm.com, or by downloading the Wessex FM App from your app store!

MUSIC BINGO!

Listen and Win! Your chance to win a year of fun with a Merlin Annual Pass for the family AND £500 spending money!

Just for listening to Wessex FM, you could be treating the family to an entire year’s worth of trips to places like Legoland, Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, the Coca-Cola London Eye, Blackpool Tower, Dreamwork’s Shrek’s Adventure, and of course Weymouth Sealife Adventure Park and Jurassic Skyline!

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Not only that, but to make sure you’ve got plenty of ice creams, drinks, and snacks, we’ll throw in FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS spending money!

you’ve filled in the whole card, add your name and contact details and pop it in the post to us, and we’ll pick a winner at random!

Listen to Wessex FM and jot down on your bingo card when you hear the artists we’ve picked out. When

The closing date is 30th June 2017.

Full terms and conditions for Wessex FM competitions can be found at www.wessexfm.com.

Michael Jackson

Bruno Mars

MUSIC BINGO!

Madonna

Ed Sheeran

Date:

Date:

Date:

Date:

Date:

Time:

Time:

Time:

Time:

Time:

BRYAN ADAMS

Queen

U2

Pink

ABBA

BLONDIE

Date:

Date:

Date:

Date:

Date:

Time:

Time:

Time:

Time:

Time:

TAKE THAT

Olly Murs

PET SHOP BOYS

DURAN DURAN

Little Mix

Date:

Date:

Date:

Date:

Date:

Time:

Time:

Time:

Time:

Time:

Name:

Email:

Address:

Mobile Number: Daytime Number: Tick this box if you agree to be contacted by Wessex FM for future promotions.

Your data will not be shared with any third parties.

Completed bingo cards should be sent to Wessex FM, Poundbury West Industrial Estate, Dorchester, DT1 2PG Background image: © tostphoto – stock.adobe.com

#ProperLocalRadio

The Wessex FM Magazine | Issue No.1

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DINING OUT Aslan Bar & Grill 38 Maiden Street Weymouth Dorset, DT4 8AZ T: 01305 781100

www.aslanbargrill.co.uk

We aim to bring all of our customers the very best value for money, services and food in Dorset.

I

f you know me personally, you’ll know that I live and love Dorset having been born and raised here. I also have quite a hearty appetite as I simply love good food. Combining both of these loves I felt aptly qualified to make a trip to one of Dorset’s finest foody destinations.

Opposite West Beach, on Station Road in West Bay, sits the West Bay Hotel, owned by Palmers Brewery. Dating back to the 18th century, Sam and Tess Good have been custodians since 2014.

The menu suitably fits the rustic charm and warming coastal feel of West Bay, boasting an array of locally sourced fish

with Dave

dishes and hearty pub meals, guaranteed to fill the belly of any passing walker or Broadchurch fan out spotting filming locations. On choosing my dishes I was tempted by the beer battered cod and chips, the batter fried with one of Palmers fine local ales. Equally I was nearly swayed by the lobster, which would not have looked out of place at a state banquet.

In the capable hands of Sous Chef William Good, I opted for a starter of juicy Lyme bay scallops with pork belly and a pea volute. The pork belly was a delight, cooked in garlic with white wine and a touch of orange juice that gave it a warming rich taste and unique twist.

The smooth pea volute was a refreshing accompaniment to the plate.

Background photo: © Konstiantyn – stock.adobe.com

My main course, the Wagyu Burger is one of the stars of the menu. This fine cut of Japanese beef is accompanied by streaky bacon cooked in honey, served with a thick slice of Monterey jack cheese in a sesame seed brioche bun, served with salad and chips.

To finish, a homemade Baileys and coffee ice cream, although it was difficult not to choose any of the new selection that includes Blueberry, Avocado and Clotted Cream.

The food at the West Bay Hotel is good honest pub grub of a very high standard. You will not leave disappointed and with very generous portions you will not leave hungry.

#ProperLocalRadio

The Wessex FM Magazine | Issue No.1

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Win £100 with Wessex FM’s Dorset Picture Quiz!

Answer all 4 questions below and return your completed entry form by 30th June 2017 1. Who is this?

1. Can you name this iconic local landmark in Weymouth?

3. In which Dorset village is this building?

4. Can you name this hill?

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GREAT PLACES TO VISIT

Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre Monkey World provides sanctuary to over 250 rescued and endangered primates of 20 different species. The expert team of primate care staff rehabilitate and integrate the animals into natural living groups. The park is open every day to visitors, and provides fun and education to people of all ages.

Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre Longthorns Wareham Dorset BH20 6HH Website: www.monkeyworld.org Email: apes@monkeyworld.org Telephone: 01929 462537

Weymouth Sealife Adventure Park Your SEA LIFE adventure will take you on a fascinating journey from the coastline to the depths of the ocean. Discover a magical underwater world filled with an array of amazing creatures. Every step will reveal something new, from a face-toface encounter with sharks to a hands-on rockpool experience. Don’t miss Dorset’s

1. 2. 3. 4.

Name:

Email:

Address:

Mobile Number: Daytime Number: Tick this box if you agree to be contacted by Wessex FM for future promotions.

Your data will not be shared with any third parties.

We’re lucky to live in one of the most gorgeous parts of the UK, and there are plenty of great places to go locally with the family. Here we’ve picked three suggestions for days out…

greatest outdoor adventure playground in our brand new Caribbean Cove!

Weymouth Sealife Adventure Park Lodmoor Country Park Weymouth DT4 7SX Website: www.visitsealife.com/weymouth Telephone: 01305 761070

Wookey Hole Caves Wookey Hole, world famous caves and over 20 fantastic attractions included in your ticket. New caves and tunnels recently discovered and opened – part of the UK’s biggest cave system! A family, fun-filled day out, including the UK’s biggest cave system and newly discovered chambers and tunnels, 4D

Cinema, 16th Century Paper Mill, Valley of the Dinosaurs and much more!

Over 20 fantastic attractions included in your ticket.

Lots to do, whatever the weather!

Wookey Hole The Mill, High Street Wookey Hole, Wells BA5 1BB Website: www.wookey.co.uk Telephone: 01749 672243

Completed entry forms should be sent to Wessex FM, Poundbury West Industrial Estate, Dorchester, DT1 2PG 16

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#ProperLocalRadio

The Wessex FM Magazine | Issue No.1

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Are you in business in Dorset?

Wessex FM’s Local Music Show with Maria Greenwood

When it comes to going out to see live music, Dorset is hard to beat.

Whether it’s a local pub or a town centre night spot, you can walk into most venues on a Friday or Saturday night and find a band playing.

My love for live music started when I was a teenager. I was 15-years-old when I began singing with my first band and I am pleased to say that I’m still doing it today.

Because Wessex FM is a proper local radio station, we can reflect the passions of the place where we live. And that’s how the idea for Unplugged came about. The live music scene is such a big part of Dorset – its only right we give it the coverage it deserves.

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Got a job vacancy? Did you know it’s absolutely free to post it on our website? Just click Jobs Online at wessexfm.com, or call our team to discuss upgrading to a featured job, backed up with an on air campaign.

U nplugEgRYed AIRS EV OM R SUNDAY F N 5-7PM O M WE S S E X F

Each Sunday on the show I interview a special guest. It could be a local band, a local singer songwriter or it could even be a big name artist who’s playing a local venue as part of their tour. I’ve had some great guests on Unplugged. I’ve quizzed Mel C on a possible Spice Girls reunion, I’ve slightly swooned over Ronan Keating and most recently I’ve been spontaneously serenaded by G4.

As well as interviews, Unplugged also features a look back at the week’s top music news and gossip and my pick from the Dorset Gig Guide. We offer bands and venues the chance to plug their dates for free in the Gig Guide at www.wessexfm.com.

And I have just as much fun interviewing local bands. I take great satisfaction from the fact we are able to give them a chance to have their original music played on a commercial radio station that nearly half the local population tune into every week, which makes us one of the top three most successful radio stations in England.

And if you’re a local band or singer and you would like to feature on the show then make sure you get in touch, and I could be playing your music on Dorset’s Wessex FM.

Plus, if you need a treat at work, we also have our famous Bun Run! We deliver cakes to a local workplace every morning thanks to the Dorset Cake Company. Just head to our website to register.

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d e g g u l p n U

Wessex FM is proud to have supported local business since we launched in September 1993.

Back then, it was all about local businesses getting their name on the radio. Now, we can provide a number of multimedia solutions, ranging from commercials, sponsorship and promotions on air, through to engaging features on our website, and interaction on social media platforms. We can even provide presenters, music, and games at your premises for an open day or event!

To discover more about our portfolio of solutions to help your business grow, call the Wessex FM Sales Team on 01305 250333.

Every campaign is tailor made to your requirements and your budget.

“Dorchester Timber has been successfully advertising on Wessex FM since the station first launched in September 1993.

It’s made a massive difference to our business – we are still on air today!” Pat Bickel, Dorchester Timber

Kitchens | Living Spaces | Bathrooms | Studies | Replacement Doors | Worktops

IT’S LIKE HAVING DORSET IN YOUR POCKET! Local news, weather and travel. Plus listen to Wessex FM on the move.

www.wessexfm.com #ProperLocalRadio

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Download the Wessex FM app from your app store today.