Successful trial on airwaves looks likely to be repeated (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Successful trial on airwaves looks likely to be repeated

THE organisers of Winchcombe's community radio station have vowed to return to the airwaves following a successful two-day trial.

The station took to the air on Friday and Saturday last week, broadcasting a lively mixture of chat, music, current affairs and drama.

Co-ordinator Rob Weaver said that the success of the scheme had surprised everyone. "We had more than 200 phone calls from listeners, either wishing us all the best, requesting songs or contributing to our phone-in shows - which is a terrific response."

Volunteers who helped to get the station on the air were due to meet last night to discuss their first foray into radio and the plans for future broadcasts.

As well as listeners tuning in, the station was also supported by local businesspeople, who gave more than £500 in sponsorship to the station.

Tewkesbury Borough Councillor Ron Allen, who set the wheels in motion for the scheme, said he was delighted with how successful it had been. "A lot of people contributed and there was a great sense of community support. This has been a great success story."

Among the highlights of the two days of broadcasting was the premiere of Dying For a Smoke, a drama about the town's 17th Century tobacco riots written by local man Mike Rafferty and performed by a cast of townspeople. The station was also appreciated by new arrivals. Andrew McGorrigan, who moved to Winchcombe from Pershore last week, said it was his first introduction to the town. "The radio station was great fun, a wonderful welcome to the town."