Castledown Radio has been co-operating with other community radio stations since it started, and you may remember the visit made by some of our staff and volunteers to Community Voice in Athens, Greece, and the recent return visit they made to visit us. As an ongoing part of this EU funding, Castledown Radio staff member Rick Young and volunteers Vanessa Stone, John Sparrow and Dan Sparrow recently visited Forest FM to tour the radio station and meet some of the presenters.

Forest FM HQ in Verwood

Forest FM (and it's previous incarnation Verwood FM) has been established for over 10 years and has been actively campaigning throughout this time for a permanent, 24 hour local radio service for the area to the west of the New Forest. A community radio license was finally obtained in mid 2006 and they are now transmitting 24 hours a day to a potential listening audience of approx. 50,000 people in the local area.

Left to right: Youth Zone presenters Dave, Ashlee and Josh, Castledown Radio's Vanessa Stone and Dan Sparrow, and Forest FM volunteer Ollie

Forest FM's music includes soft rock and oldies from the 70's, 80's and 90's and adult orientated chart tracks and new releases, as well as speciality shows. The Castledown Radio visitors were treated to a tour of the station facilities, and met the team from The Youth Zone, which was live on air during our visit.

Rick Young speaking to Forest FM's Steve Saville

We had a great time and would like to thank Station Manager Steve Saville, his wife, and the members of The Youth Zone, Dave, Ashlee and Josh. And best of luck to Ollie, who was also visiting Forest FM for the first time as a new volunteer. 

Listen to Castledown Radio's Rick Young talking to Steve Saville of Forest FM. (2 MB)  

 

PS. Castledown Radio's original funding from the EU is now finished, and we are actively fundraising to ensure we can continue to serve the Tidworth Community Area by radio, internet and publishing Pulse. As a Community Radio service we can accept adverts and sponsorship from local organisations and businesses, and over the next couple of months we will be telling you how you can be part of our success. If you can help us please contact Mike Winterbourne on 01264 841047. Thank you.