19th May 2011

WEYMOUTH: Ed 'Stewpot' opens college interent radio station

By Harry Walton

VETERAN radio legend Ed “Stewpot” Stewart went live from Weymouth when Westfield Arts College launched its new internet radio station.

Air has been two years in the planning and is the brainchild of radio station manager Carl Greenham.

He said: “It has been proven that a radio station offers kids an immense boost to their self-confidence, increases their speaking and listening skills and can be used in every subject area in school. It is also a whole lot of fun, it is exciting and it is unique.” „

He added that getting radio star Stewart, support from dozens of other famous people and a mass of dignitaries attending the launch was the icing on Air’s cake.

Carl said: “Our first broadcasting day enabled us to also put out recorded messages of support from more than 50 stars including Jonathan Ross, Chris Evans, Lorraine Kelly, Carol Vorderman, Boy George, Jo Whiley, Simon Mayor, Dermot O’Leary and Sian Lloyd which was great. We also had guitarist Robbie McIntosh playing a session.”

He then went into Air’s studios where Ed Stewart told the View: “I am totally amazed, gobsmacked that it is so good. It has brought me back to my roots. It is wonderful to have a radio station here.”

He then advised three students — Max, Jessica and Fergus – that knowledge was key for radio while “most importantly if you are going to be a DJ, love your music”.

Max said “Air is my chance to go live to people round the world” while Jessica said: “It makes people confident about talking and it is great for me and for everyone else at Westfield.”

Fergus said: “I think Air is brilliant. Everyone will hear us and a lot more people are going to know about Westfield because of it.”

Headteacher Andrew Penman said: “This was a great day for us and the start of a journey we have been looking forward to for a long time.

“In just the short time students have been working at the radio they have revealed hidden talents. The vision is that we will build Air into a true community radio with the public coming in, other schools involved, everyone working together.”

Guests included Weymouth and Portland Deputy Mayor Graham Winter who said: “Westfield’s new radio station is a breath of fresh Air which will help both students and community alike.”

Westfield’s day was made complete when Ed Stewart helped hand over a new Sunshine minibus to the College which had been donated by the Variety Club of Great Britain and sponsored by the Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation.

WEYMOUTH: Ed 'Stewpot' opens college interent radio station

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