Help needed this weekend to get community venture ready
Ribble fm, the Ribble Valley’s new volunteer-run local radio station, is due to go live on air in July ─ but there’s a lot of work needed before the big launch.
The new fm station will broadcast a wide mix of community-focused programmes to the whole of the Ribble Valley from its studio based at The Grand, in the heart of Clitheroe.
But at the moment that ‘studio’ is little more than an empty room and now organisers are appealing for lots of help this weekend to get it ready for the launch.
“It’s absolutely fantastic that The Grand have offered us a home,” said Kath Lord-Green, station manager of the new not-for-profit community interest company.
“It’s a great base for us because The Grand is a buzzing arts and entertainment venue right in the heart of Ribble Valley’s principal town, but we need to do a lot of work to be ready to launch in July and we’re hoping community-minded local people will help and support us.”
To get the studios ready, organisers are planning a ‘DIY SOS Big Build’-style event this Saturday and Sunday, April 23rd and 24th, appealing to local tradespeople, DIYers and anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand.
“We need carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters, carpet fitters, handymen and women ─ in fact anyone willing to give us a few hours of their time and skills,” said Kath. “We’ll also need materials so we’re appealing to local building supplies companies to get in touch, and to food businesses who might be able to donate food and drinks to keep our volunteers going.”
Anyone who thinks they might be able to help is asked to call Kath on 07921 072792 or fellow organiser Sharon Blake on 07739 682351. Helpers can also email kath@ribblefm.com, get in touch via Twitter @ribblefm or the station’s Facebook page (facebook.com/ribblefm) or just turn up ready to help from 10am on either day.
“With just over two months to our launch the panic’s starting to set in,” joked Kath, “but I know if the wonderful Ribble Valley community gets behind our ‘Big Build’ weekend we’ll take a giant leap towards being ready to flick the switch to go live on fm in July.”
In the run-up to the launch, Ribble fm is broadcasting online via its website at www.ribblefm.com
The website also has details of how volunteers can get involved with the new radio station, either behind the scenes or as on-air presenters. Local businesses can also find out about the various advertising and sponsorship opportunities available.