New Summer Schedule commences 20th July 2009
The Summer 2009 season on Radio Teesdale starts in just over three weeks time. We will be looking to finalise the new schedule by 10/7/9, so that presenters are clear about timings and we can pass the information to the press. Consequently, it is very important that new programme proposals, requests to be involved in regular programmes (Drivetime, Saturday Breakfast, etc) requests for live programme time changes, etc are submitted by Friday the 3/7/9 at the very latest.
The seasons throughout the next year are:
Summer 2009 – 20/7/9 to 18/10/9
Autumn 2009 – 19/10/9 to 17/1/10
Winter 2010 – 18/1/9 to 18/4/9
Spring 2010 – 19/4/9 to 18/7/9
New show and presenter on Radio Teesdale
We extend a warm welcome to “Chippy” who for the last few weeks has been presenting the “Metal Gods Rock Show” at 8pm on a Thursday Evening. This week the show has an extra hour, starting at 7pm. Chippy previously presented his show on Bishop FM and judging by the emails and texts already has a good following.
Training
We will be starting an “Introduction to Studio Presentation and Audio Production Course” for three weeks on a Wednesday evening from 6pm to 8pm from the 15th July.
If you would like to attend the workshop type sessions or you would like to help run them or support those attending then please let Peter Dixon know.
Congratulations
Well done to Michael Storey who has just successfully completed his degree course. Judging by his great work at Radio Teesdale he has a bright future ahead of him in the world of broadcast journalism.
We also need to say a big thank you to Kate Startup who has been with us for the last few weeks. Kate joins us from Stafford University where she has just successfully completed her 2nd year broadcast journalism course. In the time she has been with us she has carried out a whole variety of interviews and cleared a big backlog of editing.
Themed Promotional Activities
As you will be aware we have been continuing with our successful campaign with local businesses. On a weekly basis (running from Friday to Friday) we will be running focused “Radio Teesdale Guides.” These are a series of 15 second pre-recorded announcements that will be played in all live programmes and within our automated output. Details can be viewed on our web site at:
http://www.radioteesdale.co.uk/25advertise.html
Campaigns arranged for the next few weeks include:
Computers & Technology & Home & Summer Garden (deadline 26/6/9)
New Businesses in Teesdale (3/7/9)
Out and About in Teesdale (17/7/9)
Competitions
We have formed good relationships with a whole variety of PR companies, theatres and agencies that are able to provide competition prizes that are of interest to our listeners. We are currently running a competition for a trip for 2 to London with travel, hotel accommodation, theatre tickets and meeting the cast of a top West End show.
If you are interested in coordinating our competition activity (contacting PR companies, selecting prizes, producing proof of transmission, arranging scripts, contacting winners, etc) then please let Peter Dixon know. It’s an interesting job for someone who has a few hours to spare each week.
Radio Teesdale on the Richmond Georgian Theatre web site
The theatre in Richmond now includes the Radio Teesdale interviews with their performers and production teams on the various event pages of their web site:
http://www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk/
T-Shirts for Sale
Now that Summer is with us and the days are warmer…it’s time to wear your T-Shirts! Radio Teesdale T-Shirts are available in Small, Large and Extra-Large priced at £10 each. Available from the Radio Teesdale Office.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Friday, 27 March 2009
Note to active members 27/3/9
Double Celebration for Teesdale
It was a double celebration for Teesdale at the Digital 08 Awards in Newcastle last Wednesday. Radio Teesdale won the “best not-for-profit web site” award within the Digital Users section and the Barnard Castle Vision won “best use of mobile phone technology” for “The Box”, within the Digital Innovators section. All the details are on the Radio Teesdale web site home page:
http://www.radioteesdale.co.uk/
with an audio report at:
http://www.canstream.co.uk/radioteesdale/index.php?id=241
with photographs at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/RadioTeesdale/RadioTeesdale2009#
Well done to everyone involved in all aspects of the web site.
Happy Birthday Radio Teesdale
Today, 27th March, marks the second anniversary of the start of broadcasting from Barnard Castle on 105.5FM on our full time license. Well done to all our active members for a fantastic 2 years so far.
New Spring Schedule commences 20th April 2009
A quick reminder that as Easter falls during the last week of the Winter Season we need to finalise the Spring season by Friday the 3rd April. Anyone who has not yet confirmed their availability or desire to propose a new programme should speak to Peter Dixon early next week.
Presenting Opportunities
Due to holidays and work commitments there is an opportunity for anyone interested in presenting the following programmes:
Tuesday 7th April – Drivetime – 5pm to 7pm
Thursday 9th April – Thursday at 4 – 4pm to 5pm
Saturday 11th April – The Saturday Edition – 10am to 12noon
Sunday 12th April – Sunday Review – 9am to 11am
Tuesday 14th April – Drivetime – 5pm to 7pm
Radio Teesdale Junior Activities
The Radio Teesdale Poetry Competition closes this weekend. A judging panel will pick the winners within the next few weeks.
Members Meetings
We are currently reviewing the format of our Members’ Meetings to increase their value to the station and the members. It is envisaged that the next few meetings will be, in the main, in the format of a workshop. If you have any thoughts and ideas on content then please let Peter Dixon know.
It was a double celebration for Teesdale at the Digital 08 Awards in Newcastle last Wednesday. Radio Teesdale won the “best not-for-profit web site” award within the Digital Users section and the Barnard Castle Vision won “best use of mobile phone technology” for “The Box”, within the Digital Innovators section. All the details are on the Radio Teesdale web site home page:
http://www.radioteesdale.co.uk/
with an audio report at:
http://www.canstream.co.uk/radioteesdale/index.php?id=241
with photographs at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/RadioTeesdale/RadioTeesdale2009#
Well done to everyone involved in all aspects of the web site.
Happy Birthday Radio Teesdale
Today, 27th March, marks the second anniversary of the start of broadcasting from Barnard Castle on 105.5FM on our full time license. Well done to all our active members for a fantastic 2 years so far.
New Spring Schedule commences 20th April 2009
A quick reminder that as Easter falls during the last week of the Winter Season we need to finalise the Spring season by Friday the 3rd April. Anyone who has not yet confirmed their availability or desire to propose a new programme should speak to Peter Dixon early next week.
Presenting Opportunities
Due to holidays and work commitments there is an opportunity for anyone interested in presenting the following programmes:
Tuesday 7th April – Drivetime – 5pm to 7pm
Thursday 9th April – Thursday at 4 – 4pm to 5pm
Saturday 11th April – The Saturday Edition – 10am to 12noon
Sunday 12th April – Sunday Review – 9am to 11am
Tuesday 14th April – Drivetime – 5pm to 7pm
Radio Teesdale Junior Activities
The Radio Teesdale Poetry Competition closes this weekend. A judging panel will pick the winners within the next few weeks.
Members Meetings
We are currently reviewing the format of our Members’ Meetings to increase their value to the station and the members. It is envisaged that the next few meetings will be, in the main, in the format of a workshop. If you have any thoughts and ideas on content then please let Peter Dixon know.
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Note to Active Members 13/3/9
Radio Teesdale cited in Ofcom’s first annual report on Community Radio
With 130 community radio stations broadcasting across the UK, Ofcom has just published their first annual report on community radio. The areas to find the report on their web site is:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/features/commradreport#content
http://ofcom.org.uk/radio/ifi/rbl/commun_radio/cr_annualrpt/
The report makes the point that not all community radio stations have elected boards, like radio Teesdale. It is encouraging that Radio Teesdale was cited as an exemplar in the accountability section of their report. The report section 5.37 starts:
“Each community radio station must demonstrate that it is accountable to the community that it wishes to serve. Accountability can be manifest in a number of ways - for example, the Management Board of Radio Teesdale is made up of community representatives who are elected at its AGM and the Board is constitutionally accountable to the membership. The membership of Radio Teesdale is free of charge and fully inclusive, with members ranging in age from 11 to 80+ years old. Of a membership of 180, there are now 110 people who play an active role in the running of the station at any moment in time. An officer of Teesdale District Council has been co-opted onto the Board of Management and attends meetings. Members of the Management Board of Radio Teesdale hold regular meetings with organisations responsible for community volunteering, tourism, business support and start up, and a group set up to create a ‘Vision for Barnard Castle’ over the next 20 years. Furthermore, listener feedback is extensively encouraged in programmes. In every live programme, listeners are encouraged to ring the studio (on a line direct to the presenter). Pre-recorded announcements requesting listener feedback are also played during live programmes and during non presenter led automated hours. “
This is a clearly recognition from Ofcom of how well the station is run in terms of accountability and engagement of members and the community.
Themed Promotional Activities
After reviewing our advertising campaign strategy we had decided to make a further range of advertising opportunities available to local businesses. On a weekly basis (running from Saturday to Friday) we will be running focused “Radio Teesdale Guides.” These are a series of short pre-recorded announcements that will be played in all live programmes and within our automated output. The response to this next week’s campaign (based on Mothers’ Day activity) has been a great success. It has all come together within a few days. Broadcasts will start tomorrow. if you are interested in helping work on these activities then please let Katey Wallace or Peter Dixon know.
Web and Business Awards
The Radio Teesdale web site was shortlisted as a finalist for the Internet and ICT Award in the prestigious nebusiness Awards sponsored by Knowledge IT in conjunction with the Journal and ncjMedia. Unfortunately we did not collect the top gong at last night’s ceremony, but it was an incredible achievement considering the winning company employed over 60 ICT experts.
The Radio Teesdale’s web site has now also been shortlisted for the Digital 08 Awards in the Best Not-For-Profit Website category.
http://www.northeastdigitalawards08.co.uk/explore/digital-users/website-awards/best-not-for-profit-website/
Thank you to everyone who voted for us during the shortlisting process. The outright winner will be selected by a judging panel. The result will be announced at a ceremony at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle on the 25th March.
New Spring Schedule commences 20th April 2009
A quick reminder that as Easter falls during the last week of the Winter Season we need to finalise the Spring season by Friday the 3rd April. Therefore, all programme proposals and information about availability needs to be provided by Friday the 27th March at the latest.
Due to work commitments from the end of April Gary Burgham is unable to continue with his Drive Time spot (although his Saturday show is unaffected). We, therefore, have an opportunity for anyone interested in presenting or copresenting the Tuesday Drive Time programme.
Radio Teesdale Junior Activities
Katey Wallace has done a great job in setting a variety of activities involving young people. The closing date for the schools poetry competition is on the 27th March. We have visited the vast majority of Teesdale schools and spoken to an incredible 2300 children. We have recorded 70 school “shout outs” which are constantly being played as part of our programming. Startforth School and Barnard Castle Prep School have classes visiting the station next week with more school visits being planned. Also, well done Andrew Harrison for creating school worksheets based on an interview carried out with top children’s author Michael Morpurgo.
Radio Teesdale on the Richmond Georgian Theatre web site
Radio Teesdale is delighted to have created a great relationship with the theatres in the region. The theatre in Richmond now includes the Radio Teesdale interviews with their performers and production teams on the various event pages of their web site:
http://www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk/
There are currently seven interviews highlighting their Spring Programme.
Bishop FM
Bishop FM members have been visiting our studio:
http://picasaweb.google.com/RadioTeesdale/RadioTeesdale2008#5308147526887920274
We look forward to working with them to extend Community Radio services to the Teesdale and Wear Valley areas. If you are interested in getting involved as we progress these discussions then please let Peter Dixon know.
Members Meetings
We are currently reviewing the format of our Members’ Meetings to increase their value to the station and particularly the involvement of the members. It is envisaged that the next few meetings will be, in the main, in the format of a workshop. If you have any thoughts and ideas on content then please let Peter Dixon know.
Want to work in Radio – Conference in our region?
Sunderland University is holding a Radio Academy Masterclass on Saturday the 21 March from 9.30am to 5.00pm. Speakers include Graham Mack of TFM, John Foster of BBC Tees and “setting the scene” is our very own Brian Lister. More information is available on:
http://www.radioacademy.org/events/masterclasses/sunderland/
Dixon J Scott number one in the charts!
Radio Teesdale “Teesdale Country” presenter is currently has the number one Country download song – with his track “Photographs” - on the highly popular Soundclick Independent and Unsigned artistes download site:
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7380086
Well done Dixon J Scott!
Gin Soaked Boy
Radio Teesdale wish local Teesdale Band “Gin Soaked Boy,” including Radio Teesdale member Dave Kidd, all the very best in Sunday’s Regional Final of Live & Unsigned.
With 130 community radio stations broadcasting across the UK, Ofcom has just published their first annual report on community radio. The areas to find the report on their web site is:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/features/commradreport#content
http://ofcom.org.uk/radio/ifi/rbl/commun_radio/cr_annualrpt/
The report makes the point that not all community radio stations have elected boards, like radio Teesdale. It is encouraging that Radio Teesdale was cited as an exemplar in the accountability section of their report. The report section 5.37 starts:
“Each community radio station must demonstrate that it is accountable to the community that it wishes to serve. Accountability can be manifest in a number of ways - for example, the Management Board of Radio Teesdale is made up of community representatives who are elected at its AGM and the Board is constitutionally accountable to the membership. The membership of Radio Teesdale is free of charge and fully inclusive, with members ranging in age from 11 to 80+ years old. Of a membership of 180, there are now 110 people who play an active role in the running of the station at any moment in time. An officer of Teesdale District Council has been co-opted onto the Board of Management and attends meetings. Members of the Management Board of Radio Teesdale hold regular meetings with organisations responsible for community volunteering, tourism, business support and start up, and a group set up to create a ‘Vision for Barnard Castle’ over the next 20 years. Furthermore, listener feedback is extensively encouraged in programmes. In every live programme, listeners are encouraged to ring the studio (on a line direct to the presenter). Pre-recorded announcements requesting listener feedback are also played during live programmes and during non presenter led automated hours. “
This is a clearly recognition from Ofcom of how well the station is run in terms of accountability and engagement of members and the community.
Themed Promotional Activities
After reviewing our advertising campaign strategy we had decided to make a further range of advertising opportunities available to local businesses. On a weekly basis (running from Saturday to Friday) we will be running focused “Radio Teesdale Guides.” These are a series of short pre-recorded announcements that will be played in all live programmes and within our automated output. The response to this next week’s campaign (based on Mothers’ Day activity) has been a great success. It has all come together within a few days. Broadcasts will start tomorrow. if you are interested in helping work on these activities then please let Katey Wallace or Peter Dixon know.
Web and Business Awards
The Radio Teesdale web site was shortlisted as a finalist for the Internet and ICT Award in the prestigious nebusiness Awards sponsored by Knowledge IT in conjunction with the Journal and ncjMedia. Unfortunately we did not collect the top gong at last night’s ceremony, but it was an incredible achievement considering the winning company employed over 60 ICT experts.
The Radio Teesdale’s web site has now also been shortlisted for the Digital 08 Awards in the Best Not-For-Profit Website category.
http://www.northeastdigitalawards08.co.uk/explore/digital-users/website-awards/best-not-for-profit-website/
Thank you to everyone who voted for us during the shortlisting process. The outright winner will be selected by a judging panel. The result will be announced at a ceremony at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle on the 25th March.
New Spring Schedule commences 20th April 2009
A quick reminder that as Easter falls during the last week of the Winter Season we need to finalise the Spring season by Friday the 3rd April. Therefore, all programme proposals and information about availability needs to be provided by Friday the 27th March at the latest.
Due to work commitments from the end of April Gary Burgham is unable to continue with his Drive Time spot (although his Saturday show is unaffected). We, therefore, have an opportunity for anyone interested in presenting or copresenting the Tuesday Drive Time programme.
Radio Teesdale Junior Activities
Katey Wallace has done a great job in setting a variety of activities involving young people. The closing date for the schools poetry competition is on the 27th March. We have visited the vast majority of Teesdale schools and spoken to an incredible 2300 children. We have recorded 70 school “shout outs” which are constantly being played as part of our programming. Startforth School and Barnard Castle Prep School have classes visiting the station next week with more school visits being planned. Also, well done Andrew Harrison for creating school worksheets based on an interview carried out with top children’s author Michael Morpurgo.
Radio Teesdale on the Richmond Georgian Theatre web site
Radio Teesdale is delighted to have created a great relationship with the theatres in the region. The theatre in Richmond now includes the Radio Teesdale interviews with their performers and production teams on the various event pages of their web site:
http://www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk/
There are currently seven interviews highlighting their Spring Programme.
Bishop FM
Bishop FM members have been visiting our studio:
http://picasaweb.google.com/RadioTeesdale/RadioTeesdale2008#5308147526887920274
We look forward to working with them to extend Community Radio services to the Teesdale and Wear Valley areas. If you are interested in getting involved as we progress these discussions then please let Peter Dixon know.
Members Meetings
We are currently reviewing the format of our Members’ Meetings to increase their value to the station and particularly the involvement of the members. It is envisaged that the next few meetings will be, in the main, in the format of a workshop. If you have any thoughts and ideas on content then please let Peter Dixon know.
Want to work in Radio – Conference in our region?
Sunderland University is holding a Radio Academy Masterclass on Saturday the 21 March from 9.30am to 5.00pm. Speakers include Graham Mack of TFM, John Foster of BBC Tees and “setting the scene” is our very own Brian Lister. More information is available on:
http://www.radioacademy.org/events/masterclasses/sunderland/
Dixon J Scott number one in the charts!
Radio Teesdale “Teesdale Country” presenter is currently has the number one Country download song – with his track “Photographs” - on the highly popular Soundclick Independent and Unsigned artistes download site:
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7380086
Well done Dixon J Scott!
Gin Soaked Boy
Radio Teesdale wish local Teesdale Band “Gin Soaked Boy,” including Radio Teesdale member Dave Kidd, all the very best in Sunday’s Regional Final of Live & Unsigned.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Note to Active Members 26 Feb 2009
Web and Business Awards
I am delighted to tell you that Radio Teesdale’s web site has been included in the Digital 08 Awards in the Best Not-For-Profit Website category. Whether we win or not is based on votes received. You can cast your vote for Radio Teesdale by following the link on our web site or home page or this link. You only have today and tomorrow to vote!
http://www.northeastdigitalawards08.co.uk/view/40/
Please register your vote now.
I am delighted to tell you that we have been shortlisted for the Internet and ICT Award in the prestigious nebusiness Awards. Details of all categories can be found at:
http://www.nebusinessawards.co.uk/awards-shortlist/durham-business-awards-shortlist.aspx
Included in our category is everyone from Website Developers to independent businesses all with superb websites. From all of these Radio Teesdale’s website has been chosen as one of the 3 finalists. The results will be announced at an awards dinner at Ramside Hall on the 12th March.
New Spring Schedule commences 20th April 2009
We are now around 50% of the way through our Winter schedule. This has gone very well. Congratulations to everyone involved, particularly those with new programmes and formats. Although it is still six weeks until we start our Spring season, it is useful to start thinking about it now. As Easter falls during the last week of the Winter Season we need to finalise the Spring season by Friday the 3rd April. Therefore, all programme proposals and information about availability needs to be provided by Friday the 27th March at the latest.
Volunteers helping with the re-broadcasting of live programming
Many thanks to Malcolm Proud for volunteering to take live programmes from the audio logger and prepare them for repeat broadcasting. As mentioned previously, without this volunteer support we would not have been able to maintain the level of repeat programming that we currently do. Well done Malcolm.
If you are interested in regularly working as part of our editing team we would be delighted to hear from you. After a little training it is not difficult to do. We never have enough resources to re-edit all the interviews and features that we could do. It’s a great way to productively practice your editing skills.
Bishop FM
As many of you are aware, Bishop FM has been awarded a community radio license to broadcast in the Wear valley area. They currently broadcast various programmes on their internet site. We are delighted to say that we have been having preliminary discussions with them about how we can support them and work with them to spread the word about the benefits and advantages of community radio. We wish them all the very best as they work towards setting up a transmitter for FM broadcasting later this year. If you are interested in getting involved as we progress these discussions then please let Peter Dixon know.
Radio Teesdale Junior Activities
We are constantly looking at ways of involving the Teesdale Community in our activities. Katey Wallace has done an excellent job in setting a variety of activities involving young people. We have a Junior Section of our web site. You can follow the button on the home page of our site. Activities include a poetry competition for young people. Katey has also been visiting Teesdale schools to inform teachers and pupils about our activities and how they can get involved. We have been collecting and broadcasting an impressive set of station announcements made by the pupils at all the various schools visited.
Radio Teesdale National News
As you may well be aware, a number of changes have been taking place with our national news service. Although we still obtain the national news through IRN they are in the process of changing their bulletin provider from ITN to Sky News. We have used the opportunity to improve a number of our station identifiers.
Teesdale Learning Partnership
Teesdale Learning Partnership is holding an open day at Enterprise House on Wednesday 11th March from 3pm to 8pm. We plan to feature the event on Drive Time that day. If you would like to show any visitor around the station at any time during that period, then please let Peter Dixon know.
Themed Promotional Activities
We are planning a series of monthly promotional campaigns, throughout the year, during which we aim to attract related sponsors and advertisers. Often these are coinciding with national/regional campaigns or interest awareness initiatives. The first three of these will be “Supporting Local Traders,” “Animals and Pets” and “Health, Beauty & Fitness.” If you are interesting in getting involved or know any organisations that we should contact then please speak to Katey Wallace.
Membership Details
Carolyn Proud has been doing an excellent job updating our members records and making sure they are properly recorded in our email/outlook system. If you think your details have changed (prefered email address, change of address or phone number) let please let us know.
I am delighted to tell you that Radio Teesdale’s web site has been included in the Digital 08 Awards in the Best Not-For-Profit Website category. Whether we win or not is based on votes received. You can cast your vote for Radio Teesdale by following the link on our web site or home page or this link. You only have today and tomorrow to vote!
http://www.northeastdigitalawards08.co.uk/view/40/
Please register your vote now.
I am delighted to tell you that we have been shortlisted for the Internet and ICT Award in the prestigious nebusiness Awards. Details of all categories can be found at:
http://www.nebusinessawards.co.uk/awards-shortlist/durham-business-awards-shortlist.aspx
Included in our category is everyone from Website Developers to independent businesses all with superb websites. From all of these Radio Teesdale’s website has been chosen as one of the 3 finalists. The results will be announced at an awards dinner at Ramside Hall on the 12th March.
New Spring Schedule commences 20th April 2009
We are now around 50% of the way through our Winter schedule. This has gone very well. Congratulations to everyone involved, particularly those with new programmes and formats. Although it is still six weeks until we start our Spring season, it is useful to start thinking about it now. As Easter falls during the last week of the Winter Season we need to finalise the Spring season by Friday the 3rd April. Therefore, all programme proposals and information about availability needs to be provided by Friday the 27th March at the latest.
Volunteers helping with the re-broadcasting of live programming
Many thanks to Malcolm Proud for volunteering to take live programmes from the audio logger and prepare them for repeat broadcasting. As mentioned previously, without this volunteer support we would not have been able to maintain the level of repeat programming that we currently do. Well done Malcolm.
If you are interested in regularly working as part of our editing team we would be delighted to hear from you. After a little training it is not difficult to do. We never have enough resources to re-edit all the interviews and features that we could do. It’s a great way to productively practice your editing skills.
Bishop FM
As many of you are aware, Bishop FM has been awarded a community radio license to broadcast in the Wear valley area. They currently broadcast various programmes on their internet site. We are delighted to say that we have been having preliminary discussions with them about how we can support them and work with them to spread the word about the benefits and advantages of community radio. We wish them all the very best as they work towards setting up a transmitter for FM broadcasting later this year. If you are interested in getting involved as we progress these discussions then please let Peter Dixon know.
Radio Teesdale Junior Activities
We are constantly looking at ways of involving the Teesdale Community in our activities. Katey Wallace has done an excellent job in setting a variety of activities involving young people. We have a Junior Section of our web site. You can follow the button on the home page of our site. Activities include a poetry competition for young people. Katey has also been visiting Teesdale schools to inform teachers and pupils about our activities and how they can get involved. We have been collecting and broadcasting an impressive set of station announcements made by the pupils at all the various schools visited.
Radio Teesdale National News
As you may well be aware, a number of changes have been taking place with our national news service. Although we still obtain the national news through IRN they are in the process of changing their bulletin provider from ITN to Sky News. We have used the opportunity to improve a number of our station identifiers.
Teesdale Learning Partnership
Teesdale Learning Partnership is holding an open day at Enterprise House on Wednesday 11th March from 3pm to 8pm. We plan to feature the event on Drive Time that day. If you would like to show any visitor around the station at any time during that period, then please let Peter Dixon know.
Themed Promotional Activities
We are planning a series of monthly promotional campaigns, throughout the year, during which we aim to attract related sponsors and advertisers. Often these are coinciding with national/regional campaigns or interest awareness initiatives. The first three of these will be “Supporting Local Traders,” “Animals and Pets” and “Health, Beauty & Fitness.” If you are interesting in getting involved or know any organisations that we should contact then please speak to Katey Wallace.
Membership Details
Carolyn Proud has been doing an excellent job updating our members records and making sure they are properly recorded in our email/outlook system. If you think your details have changed (prefered email address, change of address or phone number) let please let us know.
Monday, 2 February 2009
Note to Active Members from the Chairman 2/2/9
Dear Members
Thanks to all of you who made the effort to turn out on a cold evening for the AGM on the 20th January 2009. It was great to see such a large enthusiastic gathering in one place. I hope you found it useful. We have much to celebrate.
The AGM is a formal occasion, following a structured agenda, intended to give members a chance to review our achievements in the last year, approve the accounts and ratify our plans for the way forward. There were a number of points raised during the meeting however that prompt me to drop you a line to clarify the current structure of your organisation.
We have come a long way since 2002 when a small group formed the board, adopted a standard set of constitutional rules appropriate for a typical ‘social enterprise’ and started the process of obtaining a licence, raising funds, purchasing equipment and finding premises leading to our first one month test transmission. By then membership had risen to around 50 multi-skilled individuals. Today we have 240 members, some 46 of whom attended the AGM.
In March 2007 we finally went live full time and it was clear that the work load would be too much and too varied for a small group of volunteers to manage without a formal structure with tasks delegated to optimise the use of individual capabilities and the amount of time each volunteer is able to commit. Hence the decision to appoint a Station Manager, our first employee, to manage the operation of the Radio Teesdale leaving the board to focus on corporate governance, financial, funding and strategic issues. The Station Manager is responsible for all operational issues including management of the station team and volunteers, programming and delivery, and dealing with our partners, suppliers and the community. Whilst main board members represent all members, the first point of contact for all matters is the Station Manager; he reports to the board on progress once a month and in turn delegates operational tasks to volunteer members according to their interest and level of commitment. Only in the event that individual member’s concerns cannot be resolved by the Station Manager are they then referred to the board. We have experimented with various operational structures over the years to support the Station Manager, from a formal ‘Operating Group’ to the current less formal structure with monthly meetings to manage the numerous tasks. The latter is apparently the members preferred option.
A ‘social enterprise’ is of course a unique type of organisation in that rather than maximising shareholder value it aims to maximise social gain; in our case to have fun, engage the community as a valuable resource and make brilliant entertainment. Other than the Station manager we are all volunteers, and as members we all, including the Station Manager, ‘own’ Radio Teesdale equally. There is no hierarchy such as shareholders, management or a workforce in the traditional sense and members give what they can without making unreasonable demands on any other member. Of course the Station Manager could not do his job without the respect of members and their acknowledgement of his operational authority.
Clearly we do, as an organisation, have to make certain formal commitments such as meeting OFCOMs license regulations, delivering official accounts, ensuring the health and safety of all members, meeting sponsor and funder requirements, raising finance, detailing strategy and budgets, and so on. These responsibilities are accepted on the member’s behalf by the main board, and requires volunteers with certain unique competences. Hence the board co-opts volunteers when appropriate and we ask members to ratify these decisions at the AGM.
As Chairman I consider it one of my primary responsibilities to ensure we have a cohesive efficient well qualified team on the board, with the common goal, able to meet these responsibilities on our behalf. Board members are chosen with care and your current board, I believe, more than meets these criteria although, as our business, the environment we operate in, and individual circumstances change we are constantly keeping an eye open for new skills. Any member who feels they would like to contribute in these areas is always welcome to approach the board and offer their services. If they fill an appropriate need and are committed to the common goal, the board will co-opt them. This can happen at any time in the year and should therefore avoid ‘contentious’ elections at an AGM. There is no upper limit to the number of board members although we are conscious there is an optimal manageable size.
We are still a young organisation, learning as it grows, and as a result our constitution is something of a work in progress. We will continue to review it in the coming year and will seek member’s approval for any modifications at the next AGM as normal.
I hope this all makes sense and clarifies the points raised at the AGM. We should be very proud of what we have all achieved thus far. There is no doubt that we are becoming an increasingly important part of the Teesdale community, more and more people tell me how much they enjoy and value our output, and I hope most importantly each one of you enjoys your part in the adventure.
I end with the fantastic news that we have been successful with an application for £15k of funding from OFCOM, towards the cost of employing a Station Manager, so our immediate future remains secure.
Sincerely yours,
Alastair Dinwiddie
Chairman Radio Teesdale
Thanks to all of you who made the effort to turn out on a cold evening for the AGM on the 20th January 2009. It was great to see such a large enthusiastic gathering in one place. I hope you found it useful. We have much to celebrate.
The AGM is a formal occasion, following a structured agenda, intended to give members a chance to review our achievements in the last year, approve the accounts and ratify our plans for the way forward. There were a number of points raised during the meeting however that prompt me to drop you a line to clarify the current structure of your organisation.
We have come a long way since 2002 when a small group formed the board, adopted a standard set of constitutional rules appropriate for a typical ‘social enterprise’ and started the process of obtaining a licence, raising funds, purchasing equipment and finding premises leading to our first one month test transmission. By then membership had risen to around 50 multi-skilled individuals. Today we have 240 members, some 46 of whom attended the AGM.
In March 2007 we finally went live full time and it was clear that the work load would be too much and too varied for a small group of volunteers to manage without a formal structure with tasks delegated to optimise the use of individual capabilities and the amount of time each volunteer is able to commit. Hence the decision to appoint a Station Manager, our first employee, to manage the operation of the Radio Teesdale leaving the board to focus on corporate governance, financial, funding and strategic issues. The Station Manager is responsible for all operational issues including management of the station team and volunteers, programming and delivery, and dealing with our partners, suppliers and the community. Whilst main board members represent all members, the first point of contact for all matters is the Station Manager; he reports to the board on progress once a month and in turn delegates operational tasks to volunteer members according to their interest and level of commitment. Only in the event that individual member’s concerns cannot be resolved by the Station Manager are they then referred to the board. We have experimented with various operational structures over the years to support the Station Manager, from a formal ‘Operating Group’ to the current less formal structure with monthly meetings to manage the numerous tasks. The latter is apparently the members preferred option.
A ‘social enterprise’ is of course a unique type of organisation in that rather than maximising shareholder value it aims to maximise social gain; in our case to have fun, engage the community as a valuable resource and make brilliant entertainment. Other than the Station manager we are all volunteers, and as members we all, including the Station Manager, ‘own’ Radio Teesdale equally. There is no hierarchy such as shareholders, management or a workforce in the traditional sense and members give what they can without making unreasonable demands on any other member. Of course the Station Manager could not do his job without the respect of members and their acknowledgement of his operational authority.
Clearly we do, as an organisation, have to make certain formal commitments such as meeting OFCOMs license regulations, delivering official accounts, ensuring the health and safety of all members, meeting sponsor and funder requirements, raising finance, detailing strategy and budgets, and so on. These responsibilities are accepted on the member’s behalf by the main board, and requires volunteers with certain unique competences. Hence the board co-opts volunteers when appropriate and we ask members to ratify these decisions at the AGM.
As Chairman I consider it one of my primary responsibilities to ensure we have a cohesive efficient well qualified team on the board, with the common goal, able to meet these responsibilities on our behalf. Board members are chosen with care and your current board, I believe, more than meets these criteria although, as our business, the environment we operate in, and individual circumstances change we are constantly keeping an eye open for new skills. Any member who feels they would like to contribute in these areas is always welcome to approach the board and offer their services. If they fill an appropriate need and are committed to the common goal, the board will co-opt them. This can happen at any time in the year and should therefore avoid ‘contentious’ elections at an AGM. There is no upper limit to the number of board members although we are conscious there is an optimal manageable size.
We are still a young organisation, learning as it grows, and as a result our constitution is something of a work in progress. We will continue to review it in the coming year and will seek member’s approval for any modifications at the next AGM as normal.
I hope this all makes sense and clarifies the points raised at the AGM. We should be very proud of what we have all achieved thus far. There is no doubt that we are becoming an increasingly important part of the Teesdale community, more and more people tell me how much they enjoy and value our output, and I hope most importantly each one of you enjoys your part in the adventure.
I end with the fantastic news that we have been successful with an application for £15k of funding from OFCOM, towards the cost of employing a Station Manager, so our immediate future remains secure.
Sincerely yours,
Alastair Dinwiddie
Chairman Radio Teesdale
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
e-Circular Christmas 2008 (23/12/8)
We hope this reaches everyone in good health and you are all looking forward to Christmas.
Christmas Schedule
We are in the process of putting the finishing touches to the Christmas and New Year schedule. Congratulations to all our presenters who have pre-recorded programmes and Christmas specials. We have over 100 hours of pre-recorded programmes (on top of the many live shows we have planned) to fill the holiday period. A copy of the full extended week’s programme is available on the web site at:
http://www.radioteesdale.co.uk/xmasradioteesdale2008.pdf
New Winter Schedule commences 19th January 2009
Attention, of course, now turns to our Winter schedule which commences on Monday 19th January. All new programme ideas and suggestions are most welcome. In order that we can begin the process of making changes, etc I would be grateful if you could let me know as soon as you are able as to ideas you have for new programmes, availability for regularly scheduled programmes (such as Breakfast, Drivetime, etc) or if you are not able/planning to continue with a particular programme into the new season. This information is needed by the 7th January at the latest in order that we are in a position to finalise the Winter season within a few days of that time.
Various Community Events
Well done to everyone who supported our involvement in the switch on of the Middleton in Teesdale and Barnard Castle Christmas Tree lights. Our involvement has been praised and well received in many quarters. Alex James did a sterling job hosting the two live special shows. As part of the build up and in these shows we spoke to 15 people from the community. Many thanks to all the others involved in the days including Malcolm Proud, Katey Wallace, Annalisa Ward, Cat Chapman, Gary Burgham, Ian Kirkbride, James, Sam Norton, Carolyn Proud and Ron Walker. The Barnard Castle Town Major said some kind words about our voluntary involvement:
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/southdurham/3982438.Praise_for_festival_volunteers/
Our reporting of the snow and school closures on the 4th and 5th December also should how important community radio can be. Each day we spoke to all 20 schools in Teesdale and established details of their closing/ opening. Well done to John Atkinson and Ian Kirkbride for presenting the information so clearly to the listeners.
One year broadcasting to the upper dale
The 20th December marked the first birthday of our transmitter in the upper Dale. The start of our transmission from Romaldkirk marked a major change in the activities of Radio Teesdale and greatly increased our involvement in activities across the whole of Teesdale.
Christmas get together
Ian Kirkbride and Marc Waggitt have been looking into organising a Christmas get together. Based on their various research and comments from members they have arranged an informal event at the Golden Lion in Barnard Castle at 4pm on the Tuesday the 30th December. If you can not make that specific time then feel free to drop in a later. They have arranged a few nibbles.
Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to make 2008 a highly successful year for Radio Teesdale. Many people have played a part in producing a highly varied and entertaining range of programmes. The growing involvement of members of the community in Radio Teesdale’s activities is a key reason for its success. Plans are underway to make sure we continually improve this in 2009. Radio Teesdale really means – It’s Yours.
A Happy Christmas to you and all your families.
Christmas Schedule
We are in the process of putting the finishing touches to the Christmas and New Year schedule. Congratulations to all our presenters who have pre-recorded programmes and Christmas specials. We have over 100 hours of pre-recorded programmes (on top of the many live shows we have planned) to fill the holiday period. A copy of the full extended week’s programme is available on the web site at:
http://www.radioteesdale.co.uk/xmasradioteesdale2008.pdf
New Winter Schedule commences 19th January 2009
Attention, of course, now turns to our Winter schedule which commences on Monday 19th January. All new programme ideas and suggestions are most welcome. In order that we can begin the process of making changes, etc I would be grateful if you could let me know as soon as you are able as to ideas you have for new programmes, availability for regularly scheduled programmes (such as Breakfast, Drivetime, etc) or if you are not able/planning to continue with a particular programme into the new season. This information is needed by the 7th January at the latest in order that we are in a position to finalise the Winter season within a few days of that time.
Various Community Events
Well done to everyone who supported our involvement in the switch on of the Middleton in Teesdale and Barnard Castle Christmas Tree lights. Our involvement has been praised and well received in many quarters. Alex James did a sterling job hosting the two live special shows. As part of the build up and in these shows we spoke to 15 people from the community. Many thanks to all the others involved in the days including Malcolm Proud, Katey Wallace, Annalisa Ward, Cat Chapman, Gary Burgham, Ian Kirkbride, James, Sam Norton, Carolyn Proud and Ron Walker. The Barnard Castle Town Major said some kind words about our voluntary involvement:
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/southdurham/3982438.Praise_for_festival_volunteers/
Our reporting of the snow and school closures on the 4th and 5th December also should how important community radio can be. Each day we spoke to all 20 schools in Teesdale and established details of their closing/ opening. Well done to John Atkinson and Ian Kirkbride for presenting the information so clearly to the listeners.
One year broadcasting to the upper dale
The 20th December marked the first birthday of our transmitter in the upper Dale. The start of our transmission from Romaldkirk marked a major change in the activities of Radio Teesdale and greatly increased our involvement in activities across the whole of Teesdale.
Christmas get together
Ian Kirkbride and Marc Waggitt have been looking into organising a Christmas get together. Based on their various research and comments from members they have arranged an informal event at the Golden Lion in Barnard Castle at 4pm on the Tuesday the 30th December. If you can not make that specific time then feel free to drop in a later. They have arranged a few nibbles.
Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to make 2008 a highly successful year for Radio Teesdale. Many people have played a part in producing a highly varied and entertaining range of programmes. The growing involvement of members of the community in Radio Teesdale’s activities is a key reason for its success. Plans are underway to make sure we continually improve this in 2009. Radio Teesdale really means – It’s Yours.
A Happy Christmas to you and all your families.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Agenda for Members' Forum Meeting 17/12/8 7.00pm
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