Abbey104
 | |
| Broadcast area | Sherborne, Yeovil, West Dorset, South Somerset |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 104.7 MHz and online |
| First air date | 16 February 2013 as Abbey104[1] |
| Website | abbey104.com |
Abbey104 (formerly known as Radio Sherborne) is a community radio station broadcasting on 104.7 FM to Sherborne and the surrounding areas in Dorset and Somerset in the United Kingdom. The studio is located at Coombe Works, Sherborne.[2]
History
The station was originally known as Radio Sherborne broadcasting on 87.5 FM (on an RSL) and Online. Radio Sherborne was later rebranded as Abbey104 in February 2013 broadcasting on 104.7 FM.[3]
The idea of a local radio station for Sherborne was brought up in 2010 by Chris Tucker. He felt that the local community was neglected from commercial broadcasters such as the BBC. This was most apparent in winter 2009-2010, where the area found themselves in a news black spot for local weather and travel reports.[4]
The station is proposed as a way to bring community views, news and music to people of the town and surrounding areas.
In 2010, the station received a National Lottery grant of £9000 which helped towards start-up costs. The station is well supported and sponsored by local traders in the area. Oliver Letwin, a local MP, was invited to the official launch at the Eastbury Hotel, Sherborne along with representatives of the local Lions Club and Rotary Club.[5]
Abbey104's 1st birthday broadcasting on 104.7 FM was celebrated with a special outside broadcast at Sainsbury's in Sherborne.[6]
At the end of March 2014, Abbey104 ceased broadcasting from Georgian House, Greenhill, Sherborne, and moved to temporary studio premises at the Mermaid Pub in Sherborne, whilst the new studio was prepared at Coombe Works, Coombe, Sherborne.[7]
In April 2014, broadcasting moved from the temporary premises at the Mermaid and commenced at Coombe Works where the station broadcasts from today.
Transmission
The main frequency for Abbey104 is on 104.7 MHz FM and emits 25 watts from a transmitter located at The Gryphon School, Sherborne. A STL is used to communicate between the studio in Coombe, to the transmitter site. The station broadcast range is approximately 12-15 mile radius around Sherborne. This includes Wincanton to the north and Cerne Abbas to the south, towards Martock to the west and Shaftesbury to the east.
Current Presenters/Team
| Name | Role | On air |
|---|---|---|
| Alec Rich | Presenter | Sunday 18:00 - 20:00 |
| Andy Read | Presenter | Tuesday 16:00 - 18:00 |
| Cat Paterson | Presenter | Friday 09:00 - 11:00 |
| Christian Jones | Presenter | Wednesday 16:00 - 17:00 |
| Clive Rawlings | Presenter | Friday 21:00 - 23:00 |
| Dan Gruner | Technical Director | N/A |
| Gus Stickland | Presenter | Monday 21:00 - 22:30 |
| Jenny Devitt | Presenter | Friday 11:00 - 12:00 |
| John Clothier | Presenter | Tuesday & Thursday 21:00 - 00:00 |
| Ken Greene | Chairman/Presenter | Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Mark Eames | Presenter | Wednesday 17:00 - 20:00 |
| Mary Thompkins | Co-presenter | N/A |
| Phil Clements | Programme Controller & Presenter | Sunday 08:00 - 11:00 |
| Robson James | Web Communications Manager/Presenter | Wednesday & Saturday 20:00 - 23:00 |
| Rose Boyce | Presenter | Thursday 19:30 - 21:00 |
| Rupert (Andrew Tucker) | Presenter | Saturday 20:00 - 23:00 |
| Ryan Tuffin | Presenter (currently not active) | Friday 18:00 - 20:00 |
| Sandy Letham | Presenter | Monday 18:00 - 19:00 |
| Stan | Virtual Presenter/Computer Playout | Any gap |
| Susan Boyce | Presenter | Thursday 18:00 - 19:30 |
| Taff Martin | Secretary/Presenter | Tuesday 19:00 - 21:00 |
References
- ↑ Ofcom Radio Licence
- ↑ "Sherborne radio station saved 'in nick of time'". Western Gazette. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
- ↑ "Abbey 104 - The Community Radio Station Promoting Your Area". Wincanton Window.
- ↑ "Sherborne radio station Abbey 104 FM launched". Blackmore Vale Magazine.
- ↑ "Oliver Letwin joins guests to mark Sherborne radio station going on air". Western Gazette.
- ↑ "Abbey 104 FM celebrates its first birthday as an FM broadcaster in Sherborne". Western Gazette. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
- ↑ "Radio station launches urgent plea for new home in Sherborne". Western Gazette. Retrieved 28 April 2014.