9
July 2010 Redstone FM students take to the air
The current
Broadcast Opportunities course is coming to an end at the end of
July. The climax for our six students is the opportunity to produce
and present their own radio programmes. This will be taking place on Meridian
FM (East Grinstead) when students will be taking over the
weekday 12noon to 2pm slot from Monday 12 July to Friday 16 July and
again the following week.
Redstone FM is
grateful to the facilities offered by our friends at Meridian FM.
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17
June 2010 Ofcom deny Redstone FM a full time license
In October
2008, Redstone FM, the community radio station for Redhill, Reigate
& Horley submitted an application to Ofcom for a permanent
broadcast license. After a 20 month wait, we have been advised that
Ofcom are unable to grant us a community radio license giving the
lack of FM frequencies in Greater London as the reason.
The board of
Redstone FM will be meeting to consider the options for the future
although our current training programme will continue unaffected by
the news.
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10
January 2010 Redstone FM runs new course for blind and
partially sighted people
Redstone FM
has received funding to run a further 'Broadcast Opportunities'
course. The course is specifically for visually impaired persons and
those with other disabilities and will teach basic radio production
techniques plus sessions on developing CVs and job interview skills.
The course is
run in conjunction with Meridian FM who will provide broadcast
opportunities for students. The course runs from February to July
2010. Applications for places are now being accepted.
Click
here to read what one of last year's
students had to say about the course.
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28
November 2009 Former Student Treks to the
North Pole
In April next
year (2010) former student and Redstone.fm presenter Mike Scholes
will be trekking to the North Pole to raise funds for St Dunstan's.
Earlier this
year (2009) Mike Scholes successfully completed our Broadcast
Opportunities course and made his debut on the air during the summer
2009 Redstone.fm broadcast. Mike was a hot air balloon pilot and
owner of Chad Ballooning until November 2007 when he suddenly lost
most of his sight and had to give up flying solo. During his
ballooning career Mike set several ballooning records and flew over
the Channel.
Since his loss
of sight he has had considerable support and training from St
Dunstan's. This charity helps blind and partially sighted
ex-service men and women and has a training and rehabilitation centre
at Ovingdean, near Brighton. The demand for St Dunstan's services has
increased because of the recent conflicts and it relies heavily on donations.
In April 2010
Mike will be trekking to the North Pole to raise funds for St
Dunstans. He will be in a small group led by fellow balloonist
David Hempleman-Adams. Starting at the Russian camp at Barneo which
is about 89 degrees N, they will each be pulling a sledge with
food, tents and all their equipment over extremely rugged terrain in
very cold temperatures. Mike is hoping to take a lightweight
hot air balloon to fly on reaching the Pole, weather conditions
permitting. His aim is to set a new ballooning record as well as
raising as much publicity as possible for St Dunstans. He is
hoping to raise at least £50,000.
For more
information click
here. To sponsor Mike click
here.
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9
June 2009 Listen to
Redstone.fm on BBC Radio 4
Redstone.fm
was featured on BBC Radio 4's In Touch programme on Tuesday 9 June.
The piece features the current Broadcast Opportunities Radio Course
being run by Redstone.fm at the Merstham Community Facility. This is
the first of two features - the second is due to be broadcast towards
the end of June - details to follow.
Click
here to listen. (To
down load, right click the link and click 'save target as' to save
to your computer.)
Also - click here
and here
5
June 2009 Redstone.fm on Radio 4 - Transmission details
The radio
features about Redstone.fm, its training course and the current
temporary broadcast are to be broadcast on Radio 4's In Touch
programme this month. The first feature will be broadcast on Tuesday
9 June (8.40pm) with the second part the following week (Tuesday 16
June from 8.40pm). This is subject to any last minute change in
scheduling by Radio 4.
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5
June 2009 Interview with the
Minister for the Third Sector
On Friday, 5
June, as part of our Volunteers' Week celebrations, Redstone.fm
broadcast an exclusive interview with the Minister for the Office of
the Third Sector, Kevin Brennan MP. Our reporter recently
visited his office in Whitehall and recorded an extended interview.
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16
May 2009 Redstone.fm Training Course
to be featured on BBC Radio 4
BBC
Radio 4 were down today (Saturday 16th May) to record a piece about
our radio course for their 'In Touch' programme. When transmission
date/time is known we'll put the details here.
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5
February 2009 Funding on
the way from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Reigate &
Banstead Borough Council have awarded us a capital grant of approx
£9,000 to pay for purchasing and equipping an outside broadcast
unit. This grant is subject to a number of conditions related to our
bid to Ofcom for a permanent community radio license. However it does
illustrate that our local council is fully behind our plans for a
full time community radio station.
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5
February 2009 Redstone.fm secures European funding for
training programme.
This funding
is awarded to Reigate and Banstead Community Radio Ltd as part of the
South East Region ESF Community Grants. This is part of a Learning
& Skills Council and European Social Fund (ESF) programme. We
have been awarded approx £12,000 to fund a radio training
project, principally for visually impaired and disabled persons. This
training project will take place from March to May and the grant has
to be fully spent by the end of July. We are particularly pleased to
have been awarded this grant as we gather it was oversubscribed with
applications. It also means that we can continue with the training we
delivered at the former RNIB college in providing opportunities to
blind and partially sighted persons.
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24
January 2009 Redstone.fm confirms dates for Summer 2009 broadcast.
Redstone.fm
has confirmed that it will return to the air on 27 May 2009 and
broadcast until Monday 15 June. This follows the news for funding
received from Surrey Community Foundation who have grated £5,000
towards the costs of the broadcast.
This will be
the 6th temporary broadcast from Redstone.fm This year, Redstone.fm
will cover the annual Volunteers' Week (1-7 June 2009) and the
Redhill and Reigate Carnival (12-14 June 2009). Redstone.fm will be
broadcasting from a new studio suite located in Redhill Town Centre.
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3
January 2008 Redstone.fm is pleased to announce that it
has been awarded a grant of £5,000 from Surrey Community
Foundation towards the costs for a further temporary broadcast later
this year.
Details of the
next broadcast will be released on Saturday 24 January at the Reigate
& Banstead Volunteer Fair at the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill.
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18
November 2008 Redstone.fm submits application to
Ofcom for Community Radio Licence.
Redstone.fm,
the local radio station for Redhill and Reigate today submitted it
application to Ofcom for a permanent community radio license. The
application, complete with ten supplementary appendixes is the result
of many months work by members of the group. Chairman, Mike Ward,
commented, "This is the time we have been working towards for a
very long time. Redstone.fm has achieved so much since its first
temporary broadcast in July 2005 and I am grateful to all our members
who have contributed to what we think is a winning bid."
Redstone.fm is
now waiting for Ofcom to go through the assessment process.
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29
September 2008 Redstone.fm launches its bid for a
permanent radio license.
Redstone.fm,
the local community radio station for Redhill and Reigate today
launched its bid for a permanent community radio license.
Last month the
media regulator, Ofcom, invited applications for community radio
licenses in South East England. Redstone.fm has broadcast with 5
temporary licenses in the past three years and has always looked for
the opportunity to provide a permanent service for the borough.
Redstone.fm's application to Ofcom was formally launched on Monday
night (29 September) with three key commitments highlighted:
Redstone FM
will broadcast news, opinion and information of specific interest and
relevance to those who live in the borough.
Redstone FM
will continue to offer opportunities to the blind and partially
sighted and those with other disabilities to get involved with
producing and presenting radio programmes. Redstone FM will also
expand the opportunities for young people to get involved with
programme making. Local organisations will have the chance to
publicise their activities and reach an otherwise untapped audience.
Redstone FM
will offer affordable and highly targeted advertising and sponsorship
opportunities for local businesses.
Redstone.fm's
Chairman, Mike Ward commented, "At last we can move ahead and
finalise our plans to provide a genuine local service to the borough
of Reigate and Banstead. Our many volunteers have worked hard to get
this far and everyone is champing at the bit to get on the air to
provide a full time service."
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15
July 2008 Redstone.fm supporting Next Year's Redhill and
Reigate Carnival.
Following the
success of the 2007 Redhill Carnival, plans are underway for next
year's event. This time the Carnival and associated activities will
cover Reigate as well as Redhill. On Saturday 13 June, There will be
street theatre and entertainment in both towns and in the evening a
gala performance in Redhill's Harlequin Theatre. On Sunday 14 June,
the carnival parade will take place in the morning ending at the
Memorial Park in Redhill. The afternoon will see a Family Fun Day
with arena entertainment, stalls and other activities.
Redstone.fm is
not just supporting the weekend but are working closely with the
organisers of the event.
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8 July
2008 Ofcom announce dates for community radio licence.
Ofcom, the
media regulator, has announced that community radio licenses for east
and south-east England will be advertised on 27 August. The closing
date for the submission of applications is 18 November 2008. This
batch of community radio licenses exclude Greater London which will
follow later in the year. Click
here for more information.
What
it means to Redstone.fm
. . .
At last we
have a timetable and with just over 4 months to the closing date, can
now complete our work on our bid for a community radio license for
the Redhill and Reigate area.
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4
July 2008 Redstone.fm Presenter on BBC Radio 4.
The BBC Radio
4 programme In Touch included a feature produced by Johny Cassidy in
the 1 July edition. This is Johny's first commission for the BBC
since completing a Broadcast Journalism course at Highbury College in Portsmouth.
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28
May 2008 Redstone.fm completes 5th successful broadcast.
Redstone.fm,
the local community radio station for Redhill and Reigate, completed
its 5th temporary broadcast on Bank Holiday Monday (26 May) and is
now looking forward to the opportunity to apply for the permanent
community radio license for the Redhill and Reigate area.
This
Redstone.fm broadcast had three objectives - offering opportunities
to blind and partially sighted broadcasters, to showcase how a full
time community radio station might sound and to provide an outlet for
young DJs.
Offering Opportunities
Previous
Redstone.fm broadcasts have enabled blind and partially sighted
students from the RNIB Redhill College to produce and present live
radio shows. Whilst the college closed in 2007, Redstone.fm is
committed to offering opportunities to blind, partially sighted
people and those with other disabilities. The outcome of the recent
broadcast was that:
* 33% of
live output was produced and presented by blind or partially sighted volunteers.
* 45% of
live output was produced and presented by volunteers who had a
disability of some kind (including sight loss).
Showcase
for permanent community station
The
involvement in 'trial' broadcasts is considered an important part of
the process in applying for a permanent community radio license.
Redstone.fm aimed to provide a showcase for community based
programming for the Redhill and Reigate area. During the recent broadcast:
* 55
interviewees appeared on Redstone.fm during the 17 day broadcast
* There was
coverage of Adult Learners' Week with a special page on the
Redstone.fm web site and 8 interviews which looked at a range of
education issues. This activity was supported by East Surrey College.
* A wide
range of local personalities were interviewed. This ranged from local
singer/songwriter Sally Cranham playing some of her music to an
hour-long special with the out going Mayor (Cllr. Mrs Dorothy Ross-Tomlin).
* Local
events and activities were promoted. This included live coverage of
the Territorial Army parade on the 10 May.
*
Listener's local knowledge was tested with a competition. This is
part of an on-going theme of civic pride supported by Reigate and
Banstead Borough Council.
* Local
businesses showed support with programme sponsorship including
Metrobus, the Harlequin Theatre and La Barbe (Reigate's French Restaurant).
Youth Programming
Previous
Redstone.fm broadcasts have involved young DJs and presenters. This
has ranged from organising a young DJ competition to working with
Spin FM in providing opportunities to 16-25 year olds. Redstone.fm is
committed to continuing to provide opportunities to 16-25 years olds
within its programmes. During the recent broadcast:
* 45% of
our volunteers were under 25 years of age and they presented 31% of
our live output.
* 24
hours each week were set aside for specific 'youth' programming, i.e.
programmes broadcast to an under 25 year old audience by under 25
year old presenters.
Steve Burge,
disability officer for Redstone.fm commented, "We have yet again
demonstrated our commitment to blind and partially sighted people by
offering the facility to produce and present live radio programmes.
We plan to build on this achievement as we go forward for a permanent
community license."
Chairman, Mike
Ward said, "Redstone.fm has again shown what a real community
radio station can sound like. The number of interviewees and the
range of subjects covered would put many full time local radio
stations to shame. As Chairman, I am proud of the work of our team of
29 volunteers and I look forward to the opportunity to apply for the
full time licence which Ofcom should be advertising soon."
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11
May 2008 Redstone.fm Returns to the air
Redstone.fm,
the local community radio station for the Redhill and Reigate area
returned to the air on Saturday morning with it's 5th temporary broadcast.
The opening
day saw coverage of the Territorial Army parade in Reigate with a
live interview with the town's Member of Parliament, Crispin Blunt.
Redstone.fm
grew out of the radio training courses at the former RNIB college in
Redhill. Despite being denied access to the Soundscape facility
(which was specifically funded and built for the benefit of blind and
partially sighted people) up to 50% of live output on Redstone.fm
will be produced and presented by blind, partially sighted people or
those with other disabilities. This is very high proportion
compared to just 1.7% of disabled people employed within the radio industry.
Redstone FM's
Disability Officer, Steve Burge, commented, "We are proud of our
achievements in helping the visually impaired and the fact that we
are the only station in the country that provides such an opportunity."
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5
May 2008 Redstone.fm back on the air from Saturday.
Redstone.fm,
the local community radio station for Redhill and Reigate returns to
the air on Saturday 10th May at 7am. It will broadcast on 87.7 fm
This is the
5th temporary broadcast from the local community radio broadcaster as
they prepare to apply to Ofcom for a permanent full-time licence for
the Reigate and Banstead Borough area.
Amongst the
programmes in the broadcast is a special one-hour conversation with
the current Mayor, Cllr. Mrs Dorothy Ross-Tomlin. She will be talking
about her background, her year as the mayor as well as playing some
of her favourite records. This programme was produced in association
with the local hospital radio broadcaster, Radio Redhill.
Redstone.fm
has a full schedule of guest interviews including local MP Crispin
Blunt, representatives from local organisations and on Saturday
evenings, Redstone.fm will be broadcasting live music from local bands.
Licensee for
Redstone.fm, Des Shepherd commented, "The next couple of weeks
will be a brilliant showcase for community radio and will demonstrate
our ability to provide a genuine local service." Full
programme details are available at www.redstone.fm/schedule
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20
March 2008 Redstone.fm offers work experience opportunities
Redstone.fm,
the local community radio station for Redhill and Reigate offers
opportunities to students when it returns to the air in May 2008.
Redstone.fm
returns to the air on Saturday 10 May 2008 with its 5th temporary
broadcast. Redstone.fm has always included student involvement in its
broadcasts and this year there are six vacancies for work experience:
-
Two placements
are for budding journalists to assist in the news provision on the
Breakfast Show and the early evening news programme.
-
A further two
placements are for students to help with the production of the
daytime programmes, helping set up interviews, meeting guests and
general production tasks.
-
For students
keen on sport, there is a unique opportunity to work alongside former
Wimbledon and Charlton footballer, Carl Leaburn, on the Friday sport show.
-
The final
placement is for a student keen on IT - helping with the Redstone.fm
web site including organising audio for its proposed podcast service.
Redstone.fm
director Lisa Davis commented, "This is a real opportunity for
students interested in radio broadcasting to get some real hands-on
experience which can add to their academic studying."
Students who
are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should contact
Redstone.fm as soon as possible.
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15
March 2008 Dates confirmed for redstone.fm's return
Redstone.fm
returns to the airwaves on Saturday 10th May 2008. The media
regulator Ofcom has confirmed that Redstone.fm can again broadcast on
87.7fm. Redstone.fm comes on the air at 7am on Saturday 10th May and
broadcasts continue until Midnight on Bank Holiday Monday 26th May.
Des Shepherd,
Licensee for Redstone.fm commented, "It has been almost a year
since our last broadcast (June 2007) and whilst we are still waiting
for Ofcom to announce details of the full time community license,
this broadcast gives us the opportunity to get back on the air with a
genuine community service, if only for a couple of weeks."
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24
October 2007 Redstone.fm Presenter
wins talent competition
Redstone.fm
presenter, Kelly Windsor Burgin is one of four winners in the BBC
Radio Talent scheme. BBC
New Talent in association with BBC Radio Bristol was giving aspiring
young presenters a fantastic opportunity to create and present their
own weekly late night show.
The BBC were
looking for someone who is creative, has something to say and has a
strong interest in music and speech based radio. The scheme was open
to anyone who has a passion for radio and can connect with an audience.
Kelly will
broadcast her show in a brand new Sunday night 1am-5am slot on BBC
Radio Bristol. She will also benefit from 12 months' invaluable
training working with some of the industry's most talent professionals.
Kelly
presented the Saturday morning show on Redstone.fm during the first
two temporary broadcasts (July 2005 and January 2006) and has worked
for Traffic Link, reading travel news on a wide range of local BBC
and commercial stations.
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1
October 2007 Redstone.fm sold
Reigate and
Banstead Community Radio Ltd have purchased the local community radio
broadcaster Redstone FM Ltd.
Reigate and
Banstead Community Radio Ltd (RBCR) is the community radio group who
will be applying for the Redhill and Reigate community radio license
when it is advertised by the media regulator Ofcom later in the year.
As part of its business plan, RBCR plan to establish a separate
operating company to actually run the community radio service is
awarded the licence. Rather than set up a new company, RBCR have
bought the shares of Redstone FM Ltd, an existing community radio
operator in the area.
RBCR's
chairman, Mike Ward, commented, "Redstone FM is an established
name with four temporary broadcasts under it's belt. By coming under
our wing, we will benefit directly from their experience and support."
Former owner
of Redstone FM, Des Shepherd, said, "It was always my aim to let
Redstone FM become part of the local community radio consortium and
to share our experience and support in the campaign to secure a
permanent broadcast licence."
Des Shepherd,
who also serves on the board of RBCR will continue to be the licensee
for Redstone FM on any future temporary broadcast.
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24
June 2007 Redstone.fm continues to support blind and
partially sighted broadcasters.
During its
last temporary broadcast, Redstone.fm demonstrated its commitment to
blind and partially sighted broadcasters.
During the
May/June 2007 broadcast, 40% of live output was produced by people
who are either blind, partially sighted or have some other serious
disability. This figure would have risen to 49% but for one of the
key daytime presenters suffering a family bereavement which took him
away from the station.
Des Shepherd,
Redstone.fm's licensee commented, "This is a great achievement
and shows that having a disability should not be a barrier to
success. Our previous broadcasts demonstrated that those who are
visually impaired are just as capable when it comes to producing and
presenting radio programmes. All too often those with a
disability are marginalised by society. Just because one has lost the
use of their eyes does in no way mean they can't be a valued member
of society and I hope that those involved with Redstone.fm have felt
they made a positive contribution".
Tess Lewsey is
one of the presenters who has broadcast on all four of Redstone.fm's
temporary broadcasts. She said, "I have always had an interest
in radio broadcasting and came to the RNIB Redhill College following
stints on my local hospital radio in Cambridge. I am grateful to the
opportunity offered by Redstone.fm in allowing me to develop my
broadcast skills."
Johny Cassidy
is another former student from the RNIB Redhill College who held down
the daily magazine show on Redstone.fm "As a result of my two
stints at Redstone.fm, I have been offered a place on a post-graduate
broadcast journalism course in Portsmouth. Redstone.fm allowed me to
develop my interviewing skills and develop the confidence to use
complex studio equipment and I am looking forward to this course when
it starts in September."
Redstone.fm
developed from the radio training courses at the RNIB Redhill
College. Three temporary broadcasts using Ofcom's Restricted Service
License (RSL) were done from the college with most daytime programmes
being presented by students who were either totally blind or were
visually impaired in some way. With the RNIB Redhill College
closing in July (2007), Redstone.fm went its own way in organising
its fourth RSL and demonstrated its commitment to offering
opportunities to those who are visually impaired.
Licensee Des
Shepherd was last year shortlisted for a Department of Education Star
Award for his work at the RNIB Redhill College. He said, "We are
proud of our commitment to blind and partially sighted persons.
Looking to the future and the real possibility of a permanent
community radio license for the Redhill and Reigate area, I will want
to see this commitment developed and included within programming and
production proposals."
Redstone.fm
are supporting the efforts of Reigate and Banstead Community Radio
and their application to Ofcom for a permanent community radio license.
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17
June 2007
Redstone.fm completes its fourth temporary broadcast.
Redstone.fm
completed its 4 week broadcast on Saturday 16th June with a second
outside broadcast from Redhill's Memorial Park. Redstone.fm presenter
Natalie Osborne presented a special programme at the Celebrating Age
festival whilst reporter Paul Swann interviewed many of the
participants. Natalie Osborne said, "Despite the weather it was
a fantastic day. It was great to get out of the studio and meet our
audience and provide a showcase for Redstone.fm to the general public."
Redstone.fm
came on the air on 21 May and was the official radio station for the
Redhill Carnival. The station broadcast its first ever outside
broadcast on Sunday 3 June at the Redhill carnival Fun Day. John
Gooden, Chairman of the Redhill Carnival Organising Committee
commented, "Redstone fm provided a terrific boost to the
carnival. It provided publicity, not just for the carnival but also
the chosen charities who are benefiting from the fundraising."
Whilst this is
the end of Redstone.fm's fourth temporary broadcast, it plans to
return with a further broadcast early in 2008. Redstone.fm is also
supporting the efforts of Reigate and Banstead Community Radio in
their forthcoming application to the media regulator Ofcom for a
permanent community radio license.
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23
May 2007 Redstone.fm and Radio Redhill to broadcast
Carnival Procession
Redstone.fm
and Radio Redhill have joined forces to present exclusive live
coverage of the Redhill Carnival procession on Sunday 3 June.
The carnival procession starts in Noke Drive at 11am and wends its
way through Redhill Town Centre to the Memorial Park. Led by a lone
piper, there are over 30 participants.
Radio Redhill,
the local hospital radio service, will be providing commentary on the
actual parade between 11am and 12 noon. This live outside broadcast
will be broadcast on Redstone.fm the official carnival radio station
as well as Radio Redhill.
Nigel Gray,
Chairman of Radio Redhill, commented: "We are looking forward to
conveying the exciting atmosphere not only to our own listeners on
the hospital headsets and on 1431AM but also to a wider audience on Redstone.fm."
Des Shepherd,
the licensee for Redstone.fm added, "We welcome the chance to
work with our colleagues at Radio Redhill. Their extensive experience
of outside broadcasts will add to the occasion and hopefully lead to
further joint broadcasts in the future."
Redstone.fm
can be heard on 87.7fm and full details of programmes on Redstone.fm
can be found at www.redstone.fm
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11
May 2007 Redstone.fm Ready to Broadcast
Redstone.fm
the official radio station for the Redhill Carnival is set for it's
launch on Monday 21st May 2007.
The local
radio station Redstone.fm returns to the air with its fourth
temporary license at 7am on Monday 21st May. This broadcast is
different as the Redstone.fm will be covering a number of major
events in the Redhill area this summer.
Redstone.fm
are the official radio station for the Redhill Carnival which takes
place over the weekend of the 2/3 June. On Saturday 2 June
Redstone.fm will be covering the events of the Alfresco Show - live
theatre taking place in the Warwick Quadrant, Redhill. On Sunday 3
June, Redstone.fm will be broadcasting live from the Carnival Fun Day
taking place at the Memorial Park in Redhill. The station will also
be broadcasting interviews and features about the various charities
that will benefit from the fundraising behind the Redhill Carnival.
Licensee for
Redstone.fm, Des Shepherd, commented, "This is a brilliant way
to demonstrate how a local community radio station can get close to
its audience and support local events. As with previous broadcasts,
many of our DJs and presenters are blind or visually impaired and
this whole event is a celebration of the achievements of disabled persons."
Programme
highlights include:
Daily guests
on the morning magazine show (10am-1pm);
"New
Generation" on weekday evenings - featuring new young local
broadcasting talent;
Redstone.fm
can be heard on 87.7fm from 21 May.
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17
April 2007 RNIB Redhill College - A Statement
Redstone FM is
aware of frustration amongst our volunteers that we can't use
Soundscape at the RNIB Redhill College for our next broadcast but we
reluctantly have to accept the RNIB's decision on this. We are
also grateful to Surrey County Council and Spin FM for allowing us to
use their facilities when we come on the air in May.
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31
March 2007 Young DJ Competition Launched
A
competition to find the radio start of tomorrow was launched on Spin
FM on Saturday 31st March.
Two local
radio groups, Redstone.fm and Spin FM are joining forces to organise
the competition as part of their joint aim of encouraging new young
talent. The competition is open to 14 to 19 year-olds who live in the
Redhill and Reigate area. The competition has two categories, one for
a radio presenter, the other for a DJ mixing. The winner of
both categories will be offered a programme on Redstone.fm when it
returns with its next temporary broadcast in May 2007.
Des Shepherd,
licensee for Redstone.fm commented, "This is a great opportunity
for youngsters in the area to have a go at radio broadcasting. With
many new community radio stations opening up around the country,
there is going to be lots of chances to develop radio skills on-air
and we hope this competition can be a launch pad for local youngsters."
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8 December
2006 Redstone.fm - The Official Carnival Radio Station
Redstone.fm
have reached agreement with the organisers of Redhill Carnival to be
the Official Carnival Radio Station. Redstone.fm has
already applied to Ofcom for a further short-term license to
broadcast next summer. As the official carnival station, Redstone.fm
will be broadcasting a range of special programmes. These will
include outside broadcasts from Redhill town centre on Saturday and
Sunday 2/3 June (the carnival weekend), additional travel and car
parking information, and features on the five chosen charities.
Redstone.fm will also be providing the PA for the Fun Day in the
Memorial Park on Sunday 3 June.
A spokesperson
for Redstone.fm said, "This is a great opportunity to further
develop our community programming and demonstrate the relevance of
local community radio to the people of Redhill and Reigate".
Ian Buchanan
speaking for the Carnival Committee said, "We are delighted to
be working with Redstone.fm, a genuine local radio service, and their
marketing and programming plans for the station will help raise the
profile of the carnival and help in raising money for the chosen charities".
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14
October 2006 Reigate and Banstead Community Radio Ltd
(RBCR) awarded a Lottery grant
A grant of
£9,862 has been awarded to Reigate and Banstead Community Radio
to fund its forthcoming application to Ofcom for a permanent
community radio licence. Redstone.fm is a member and supporter of RBCR.
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24
July 2006 Redstone.fm boss shortlisted for 'STAR Award'
Des Shepherd,
the licensee of Redstone.fm and tutor for the radio broadcasting
course at the RNIB Redhill College, has been shortlisted for a 'STAR Award'.
The STAR
Awards, organised by the Department for Education and Skills, are a
way of recognising the work of the unsung heroes who have made an
outstanding contribution to the quality of learning that millions of
people in England receive every day. In 2006 there are
seventeen STAR Award prize categories.
Des was
nominated for The Learner's Choice STAR Award (open only to
nominations from students). The short list for each prize category,
selected by the independent judging panel, was announced on the 24th
July 2006. Winners will be announced at the STAR Awards ceremony in
London in October 2006.
Commenting on
being shortlisted, Des said, "I was very surprised when I heard
I had been nominated. I work in this field because I enjoy passing on
my subject knowledge and over the years have helped students develop
their talents and succeed in getting jobs in the radio industry. I am
gratified that my efforts have been recognised."
The Department
for Education and Skills Success for All Strategy - Reforming Further
Education and Training, published November 2002, set out its Vision
for the Future. It carried a commitment to introduce a scheme of
awards for teachers, lecturers, trainers, managers and support staff
who work in the learning and skills sector. The STAR Awards recognise
and reward the work of the unsung heroes who have made an outstanding
contribution to the quality of learning that millions of people in
England receive every day.
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14
July 2006 Ofcom announces details for community
radio licensing.
Ofcom today
(13 July) set out its approach for the second round of community
radio licensing. The Community Radio Order 2004 paved the way for
Ofcom to make these new kinds of radio licences available in the UK.
During the first round of community radio licensing Ofcom awarded 107
licences from a total of 194 applications. Ofcom has received 184
letters of intent to apply for a community radio licence in the
second round of licensing.
It is proposed
that applications for community radio licenses will be advertised on
a regional basis. The first area, SW England and South Wales, is to
be advertised on 16 August. There is no date set for our area (South
East England inc. London).
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13
July 2006 Redstone.fm returns with third temporary broadcast.
Redstone.fm
returns to the airways of Redhill and Reigate with its third
temporary RSL license on Saturday 7 October. Broadcasting from the
studios at the RNIB Redhill College in Redhill, the station will
enable current students on the college's radio broadcasting course to
put their skills into practice.
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3
March 2006 Tell us what you want from a new
community radio station - Public Meeting organised.
A public meeting
is taking place on Wednesday 22 March at 7pm at the Harlequin
Theatre in Redhill
The media
regulator, Ofcom, has indicated that the next round of community
radio licenses will be advertised in the spring. Redstone.fm and its
partner, Reigate and Banstead Community Radio Ltd will be submitting
an application.
As a community
organisation, we are keen to hear the views of local residents and
organisations. A public meeting is being held on Wednesday 22
March at the Harlequin Theatre (doors open at 6.30 for a 7pm start).
You don't need
to book - just turn up on the night to hear about our plans and tell
us what you want to hear on your new local radio service.
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30
January 2006 Redstone.fm
to apply for permanent community radio license.
Redstone.fm
has today revealed plans to apply to Ofcom for a permanent community
radio licence for the Reigate and Banstead area. The media
regulator, Ofcom, has indicated that the second round of community
radio licenses will be advertised in the spring.
Redstone.fm is
supporting the formation of a community radio group (Reigate and
Banstead Community Radio Ltd). Once incorporated, the group will be a
membership organisation whereby anyone living, studying or working in
the Reigate and Banstead Borough area can join and be a part of a
genuine community-owned radio service.
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30
November
2005
All Systems Go
Redstone.fm
today received confirmation from Ofcom that its application to
broadcast in January 2006 had been approved. Ofcom also confirmed
that the frequency will again be 87.7fm.
Students from
the RNIB Redhill College, together with the growing band of local
volunteers are now pressing ahead with final details for programmes,
details of which will be updated on the Programme Listing page in the
coming weeks.
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6
November
2005
Fit Fit Hooray! A New Sport Quiz Show
Redstone.fm in
conjunction with former Wimbledon FC and Charlton Athletic
footballer, Carl Leaburn, are developing a new radio quiz show.
Originally
trialled during the Redstone.fm temporary broadcast last July, a
series of four shows is to be recorded later this month for
transmission in the New Year. This series of programmes will be
recorded in front of an invited audience. Presented by Carl
Leaburn and Peter Evans, the show will feature rounds on football
knowledge, health and fitness. Carl Leaburn commented that, "we
want to make a show that deals with the serious subject of fitness
and healthy eating but delivered in an entertaining way."
Teams of two people will be made up of past and present footballers,
including some former Wimbledon FC stars. One programme will feature
a team from AFC Wimbledon against one from Merstham FC.
Recordings
will take place at Kingsmeadow (home of AFC Wimbledon) on Wednesday
23rd and Wednesday 30 November. Two programmes will be recorded on
each evening.
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25
September
2005
Radio Students Prepare for Broadcast
The new
community radio station for the Redhill and Reigate area, Redstone FM
is set to return to the air with its second temporary license on the
9th January 2006. Based at the RNIB Redhill College, the
station will offer a unique opportunity for students with a range of
sight difficulties to get involved with the planning and eventual broadcast.
Project
Co-ordinator, Des Shepherd, commented, "The last broadcast in
July demonstrated that the College's radio students, many with severe
sight difficulties, can produce and broadcast radio programmes of a
high standard. This next broadcast will build on what we have
achieved. There will also be the opportunity for new students to
learn the practical skills needed for live radio and former students
will be returning to contribute to the station's output."
Student Carol
Stoby added, "For many of us, the last broadcast was a very
worthwhile experience. It was our first opportunity to work in a
professional broadcast environment and gave me the confidence to do
something I thought I may never be able to achieve. I am looking
forward to the next broadcast in January."
Redstone FM is
not limiting its broadcast team to those with sight difficulties. The
broadcast In July enabled two local teenagers to become a DJ for the
day, as part of a locally run talent competition. Redstone FM
also welcomed a range of guest presenters including former Charlton
Athletic and Wimbledon FC footballer, Carl Leaburn and the BBC's
Garth Crooks. The aim of Redstone FM is to provide a fusion of local
and profession talent for the benefit of our local audience."
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21
September
2005
Highlights from Redstone FM's last broadcast can be heard on-line.
Redstone first
came on the air in July this year broadcasting to the Redhill and
Reigate area in Surrey. Programmes featured a wide range of
interviews and features, many produced by students from the RNIB
Redhill College. Edited highlights from the broadcast are now
available on-line at www.redstone.fm
Included are
interviews with:
· the
Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Cllr Dixon, talking about what she
hopes to achieve during her term in office,
· athlete
Daley Thompson on the subject of the 2012 London Olympics,
· and the
Redstone FM presenter who was caught up in the London bombings on
Thursday 7 July
plus an
extended feature on the Folk-Rock group Fairport Convention recorded
when they visited Crawley earlier in the year. Project
Co-ordinator, Des Shepherd explained that this programme was the
first to be uploaded to the Internet. "Over the coming weeks,
further highlights will be added to the on-line programme so that
listeners can hear again some of the best bits from our broadcast
last summer."
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1
September
2005
Redstone.fm - Back
on the air in January 2006.
Redstone.fm
has formally applied to Ofcom for a further temporary broadcast.
Subject to Ofcom approval, we plan to return to the airwaves on Monday
9 January 2006 for the maximum 28 days
allowed. The broadcast will again come from the studios at the RNIB
Redhill College. Students on the radio broadcasting course at the
college will play a large in the production of this temporary broadcast.
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26
June 2005 Mayor to launch new radio station
The
Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Cllr Frances Dixon, is to launch
Redstone.fm on Tuesday 5 July at 10.30am. In addition to the
official launch, the mayor will also broadcast her own show on Sunday
10th July when she will talk about her role as Mayor, her chosen
charity as well as choosing six of her favourite pieces of music.
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26
June 2005 Former Charlton Athletic and
Wimbledon FC footballer, Carl Leaburn, is joining the line-up of
presenters on Redstone.fm
As
part of his Saturday afternoon show, Carl will present a new fitness
gameshow "Fit Fit Hooray", include exclusive interviews
with some of the best known names in football as well as cover the
afternoon's local sporting activity. Looking back on his
professional career, one personal highlight was scoring at Old
Trafford against Manchester United during an FA cup run. On his
inaugural game for Wimbledon FC, he scored two goals in a 3-0 victory
over Crystal Palace. Carl has also played in the England Under 20's
team under Graham Taylor.
Carl's
playing career ended two years ago and after studying the BTEC Radio
Broadcasting course, he now works with BBC London on their sport
programmes as a match summariser and interviewer. On his
forthcoming show on Redstone.fm, Carl said, "I am delighted to
have the opportunity to try out some news ideas on what sounds like
an exciting new radio station. I am also looking forward to working
alongside students from the RNIB Redhill College".
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12
June 2005 Wanted - Young Broadcast Talent
Redstone.fm
is organising a competition to find young, fresh new radio talent.
The competition is part of the forthcoming Redstone.fm RSL to be
broadcast in July and is open to any 15-19 year old who has a keen
interest in radio and wants to have the opportunity to
broadcast. Entrants should ideally live in the Redhill, Reigate
area of East Surrey or within easy reach of Redstone.fm's studio in Redhill.
Auditions
for those wanting to enter the competition will take place over the
weekend of the 25/26 June. At the audition entrants will record a
short radio programme. The
winner will broadcast an hour show on Saturday lunchtimes on Redstone.fm
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24
May
2005
Redstone.fm - broadcast plans unveiled.
RNIB
Redhill College is set to become the home of a new community radio
station for Redhill and Reigate, namely Redstone.fm The station will
be broadcasting on a Restricted Service License (RSL) from Tuesday 5
until Friday 22 July 2005.
Students
studying towards a BTEC National Diploma in Radio Broadcasting will
be running the station, many of whom have a sight difficulty. Course
tutor, Des Shepherd, enthused "This is an ideal opportunity for
students at the RNIB Redhill College to put into practice much of
what they have learned on their course as well as having the chance
to try out news ideas." Redstone.fm will be broadcasting
on 87.7FM from Tuesday 5 July 2005.
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