Castledown Radio staff and volunteers run courses to introduce members of the public to the mysteries of community radio, all in one day. Run under the title of "A Day In Radio", 17 local residents aged between 10 and 50, joined station manager Baz Reilly and volunteer presenter John Sparrow on the 'Day In Radio' course held on 27th September 2008 at the Castledown Media Centre.

The training day starts with an explanation of the three tiers of radio, and includes a tour of the media centre, an outline of the equipment required, an overview of interview techniques, and hands-on interview practice.

 The day continues with building a radio show, which includes editing and music choice, and ends with a surprise, but that's a secret that only those who were on the course and those that listened to Castledown Radio on the 27th September 2008 between 5pm and 6pm know the answer to!

Additional courses will take place in the future, if you are interested in joining one please contact Baz Reilly on 01264 841047 or email  

Baz spoke to everyone after their first 'Day in Radio' to see how they all felt about it. (620 KB)

You can listen to each of the students interviewing each other by clicking on the links below.  They were very good!

Volunteer John Sparrow helps Cameron get on air

Listen to Cameron talking to Joe about comedy and his sporting interests (1 MB)

Colin get's his go live on air at Castledown Radio

Listen to Colin talking to John about work and volunteering (1 MB)

Listen to John talking to Colin about his work with the Army Welfare Service (1 MB)

Ryan concentrating on reading his piece

Listen to Ryan talking to James about the Foo Fighters live in Germany (467 KB)

Joe relaxes as he takes his turn on air

Listen to Joe talking to Cameron about his two gold medals (1 MB)

Arran give the "thumbs up" at Castledown Radio

Listen to Arran talking to Helen about Shipton Bellinger (1 MB)

Kate reading her item on the radio

Listen to Kate talking to Liz about re-training as a pharmacy technician (2 MB)   

Isaac looking confident in his new job!

Listen to Isaac talking to James about football and his ambition to be an F1 mechanic (458 KB)

Liz prepares for her turn on the radio

 Listen to Liz talking to Kate about her time in Botswana and elephants (2 MB)

James concentrates on his on air presentation

Listen to James talking to Ryan about is GCSE studies in medicine (749 KB)    

Glynn on air at last!

Listen to Glynn talking to Lou about the Andover Operatic Society (926 KB)

Mark seems to be enjoying his time on Castledown Radio!

Listen to Mark talking to Kristal about the existance of Bigfoot and music (767 KB) 

 Listen to James telling Isaac about football and his ambition to be an F1 mechanic (458 KB)   

Station Manager Baz guides Dan onto the air

Listen to Dan talking to Jean about the Bellinger Players (747 KB) 

Helen (the Voice of Shipton Bellinger) goes live for the first time on Castledown Radio

Listen to Helen talking to Arran about his family, hobbies and music (976 KB)  

Lou looks to be enjoying herself at the controls

 Listen to Lou talking to Glynn about his background and DJ'ing (1 MB)     

Jean reads her piece of news to the listeners

Listen to Jean talking to Dan about college studies in Andover (1 MB)  

Kristal looking very relaxed, before going live on Castledown Radio

Listen to Kristal talking to Mark about his surprise day at Castledown Radio and his taste in music (936 KB)

To see more pictures from the day click here...

9th October 2008