Radio station to battle isolation
A NEW volunteer radio station covering the Staffordshire Moorlands has hit the airwaves.
Churnet Sound is a nonprofit CIC broadcasting interviews and news live from Biddulph Town Hall.
Programming director Joe Pointon said: “We’ve been blown away by the support from the town council and town hall staff and local organisations within the town.
“The station is run solely by volunteers with costs covered by grant funding and advertising from local businesses. It is committed to supporting local businesses and get behind local initiatives.
“One of the station’s main aims is to combat social isolation in the most rural areas and will aim to be out and about in the community as much as possible once restrictions allow.
“Any charity, community group or local cause or fundraiser is welcome to come onto the station to share their work.
“We have a free community notice board online at churnetsound.co.uk which gives community groups and causes in the area to promote their events and fundraising. People can tune in online via the free smartphone app and via their smart speakers.
“The station is also looking for volunteers of all abilities and experience levels to get behind us and help promote the local community across the Staffordshire Moorlands and Cheshire East.
“Full training will be given.” Churnet Sound has welcomed former Signal One and Silk FM breakfast presenter Andy Bailey to their schedule.
The father-of-four from Congleton will be a familiar voice to listeners across Staffordshire and Cheshire after spending 20 years behind the microphone, and is very much looking forward to hosting the 10am to 1pm slot every Saturday.
Andy said: “As soon as I met the team from Churnet Sound, it was clear they had a real passion for the local area and were keen to shine a spotlight on local people and the great things that the Moorlands and the surrounding towns and villages have to offer.
“I jumped at the chance to join the presentation line-up.”