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.

Monday, 15 December 2008

Agenda for Members' Forum Meeting 17/12/8 7.00pm

Previous Meeting
Members News
Finances, Budgets & Fundraising
Any other business
Next Meeting

Members’ Forum Notes & Action Points

20 November, 2008. Time 18.00

Present:
Malcolm Proud, Carolyn Proud, John Atkinson, Ron Walker (part), Michael Fryer, Val Fryer, John Dent, Ruth Dent, Peter Dixon (chairperson)

Apologies.
Peter Martin, Michael Little, Ros Evans.

Matters Arising
PD congratulated Michael Little regarding his talk to the music society featuring one of his radio programmes.
Sound equipment (4 microphones with leads and stands) had been purchased and partly funded by £170 from the Lions and £100 from Glaxo Community Care Group. Their contribution was greatly appreciated.
PD stated that the last funding bid to Media Box was not successful. It had started out as promising but it seemed that a preference had been given to video. The next bid is due into Ofcom for the 3rd December.
£80,000 needed to be raised each year, £70k of this is contributed to running costs, with £10k on capital expenditure. He envisaged that the next year will be a lot harder. Approximately £20k of the income in 2008 has been made through commercial sources (Manager/Company training carried out by the station manger, sponsorship and advertising).

Fundraising
PD explained the current problems regarding fundraising, and the difficulties the service would experience if further funding is not an immediate priority.
RW tabled a possible scheme for a 5 week ‘£1,000 Draw’. The idea was discussed in detail and although the basic idea was considered a good one, the details set out were agreed to be too risky as a first venture into this market. RW agreed to look at an alternative with less risk, possibly running at Easter time. A lottery license could be obtained relatively quickly.
RW/MP would investigate a raffle, running around a Valentine’s Day theme.
PD plans to make Radio Teesdale Merchandise available in outlets in Teesdale.

Any Other Business
Subject to members being available to control the live desk it was agreed that in 2009 we would observe a 2 minutes silence at both Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Date of Next Meeting
17/12/9 at 7.00pm

Copies of Regular Newsletters