1st February 2012

BRIDPORT: Council grants radio station return step closer

By Paul Crompton

A COMMUNITY initiative is a step closer to achieving its goal thanks to a £3,000 cash injection.

The Bridport FM radio station group was awarded the money by West Dorset District Council.

Organisers are now just under a third of the way to reaching their target to cover license costs to launch the radio station for a second consecutive year.

The station will start broadcasting once its £10,000 target is reached. Organisers hope to start in late May, possibly from the 21st to 26th.

An evening of new radio drama is to be held at Bridport Arts Centre as the group steps up its fundraising efforts. The evening is scheduled for Wednesday, February 15th at 7:30pm.

The dramas have all been written by people who attended writing for radio workshops.

Kate Wilson, learning co-ordinator at Bridport Arts Centre, said: “We will set up a temporary radio station if we get the rest of the money. It will cost about £10,000.

“Once we get the money toward the radio station we are hoping to broadcast in May, but meanwhile we are doing other things to raise money. The money we get will cover the license.”

Mrs Wilson said the next stage of the group’s plans was to meet representatives from Windrose Media to talk about the group’s plans and then to get everyone together to discuss taking those plans forward.

The scripted reading event will showcase the work created on the Writing Drama for Radio course that ran during last the autumn.

Mrs Wilson said: “I have had fantastic feedback from the course participants and I am looking forward to hearing all the plays immensely. They last from just a few minutes to up to a quarter of an hour. It should be a fun evening and all proceed will go towards Bridport FM.”

Tickets for the event are £5. For more information visit www.bridportradio.co.uk

PICTURE: Kate Wilson, learning co-ordinator at Bridport Arts Centre, as momentum starts to build for the re-launch of Bridport FM radio station