South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | December | 2
From the archive, first published Friday 2nd Dec 2005.
THORNBURY FM organisers are saying a big thank you to the whole community for making the station's debut a resounding success.
As the station winds down today after its first two-week slot on air, chairman the Rev David Primrose said: "It's been fantastic and it's mostly thanks to the huge support from the community.
"We didn't have time to put a robust system in place to monitor listening figures but the feedback we're getting is extremely positive and we're hoping the people will send their comments through to us.
"These first two weeks have been a very steep learning curve and bearing in mind the number of novices involved there were always going to be glitches, particularly with things like timing. But on the whole we're delighted with the way it went and were grateful for people's forbearance and understanding when little things went wrong. Lessons have certainly been learned.
"The feedback reflects a tremendous feeling of pride in Thornbury and its very strong sense of identity."
Mr Primrose said he felt what had given him most pleasure was the way the station had included people from every corner of the Thornbury community.
"It has given a voice to people who, for whatever reason, would normally never have an opportunity to be on the radio," he said. "That has been an important part of the station's ethos from the very beginning and we're delighted it has been achieved. It has helped to confirm Thornbury's identity as a vibrant and caring community."
He said new organisations and individuals had been calling the station every day anxious to become involved or to put information on air.
As the station signs off tonight with a special closing programme, plans are already in hand for its second scheduled broadcast in May next year, coinciding with the town's arts festival.
"For the time being the equipment is being removed and stored away safely," said Mr Primrose. "Security has been a concern but so far we seem to have come through unscathed."
Comments, offers of help and all enquiries can be made by visiting the Thornbury FM website - www.thornburyfm.org - by emailing thornburyfm@blueyonder.co.uk, by calling 01454 412001 or by writing to David Primrose at The Vicarage, Thornbury, BS35 1HQ.
For anyone who missed a programme, a playback facility is also available on the website.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008