Downpatrick-based community radio re-launches after an eight month closure
Finally, after many trials and tribulations, Down Community Radio FM105 has been re-launched after closing last July.
A group of determined DJ presenters, volunteers and past board members came together and pulled the radio station over the line after a lot of set backs and issues.
But if music be the spice of life, the Down Community Radio team played on and eventually overcame their hurdles and brought the station back to life after its long run at SERC.
At the re-launch of the radio station, a delighted chairman Gareth McDowell said: “I would like to welcome you all tonight to the St Patrick Centre for the re-launch of Down Community Radio FM105.
“I’d like firstly like to thank Dr Tim Campbell and his board for allowing us to hold the event here, and for allowing us to set up in the former BBC studio upstairs. From everyone in DCR FM105 we thank you sincerely.
“Last July we finally found out the radio station that had been under the wing of SERC was destined to close down. It was a sad day when the plug was pulled.
“However, a group of presenters and interested people came together and we have managed to pull the radio station out of the ashes and we are now celebrating its re-launch with the intention of running 24/7 from tonight.
“The FM105 board, presenters and volunteers have created a marvellous achievement getting the licences in place and the radio technically up and running. This has all been a few small steps on our journey… better days and bigger steps lie ahead as we become a fully fledged community radio.
“It will help keep our County town of Downpatrick on the map.”
DONOVAN HAGAN FROM DOWNPATRICK WINS THE LOWDEN SHEERAN GUITAR ON TICKET NUMBER 20
Kathryn Strain from Lowden’s Guitars in Saintfiield pressed the keyboard to activate the digital randomiser for the draw for the six string acoustic Lowden-Sheeran special edition guitar. In the studio packed with guests, DJ Peter Smyth went Live on Facebook as DJ Philip Annett kept the proceedings going.
After spinning for about 30 seconds, the wheel stopped and settled on Number 20. And there was a WINNER!
The lucky number 20 was bought by Donovan Hagan from Downpatriick, himself a keen guitar player. Let the music begin!
Radio Chairman Give A Round Of Thanks To Key Sponsors
Gareth McDowell, Down Community Radio FM105 chair added: “We have been kindly supported by ALPS who have helped us to pay for the Ofcom licence. Ronan Gilchrist has also help provide space to facilitate the meetings.
“And the Christmas draw too raised significant funds helping to push us forward and pay for the smaller bills that every radio station faces. A special thank you to all the businesses who contributed prizes and vouchers and everyone who bought tickets.
“But we owe a very special thank you to Lowden’s Guitars in Saintfield for donating a Lowden-Sheeran edition acoustic six string guitar which we have run off in a special raffle raising £1000 from selling 100 tickets. And the draw will take place soon this evening, so if you have bought a ticket, good luck to you all.”
Gareth McDowell also paid a big thank you to Hays Travel (Downpatrick) for donating a £500 travel voucher which helped to drive out Christmas draw. He said: “We are indebted to James Burke, the manager, and his team at Hays Travel for their generosity.
“And of course I have to thank all the entertainers this evening for coming along and showing off the musical talent that abounds in Downpatrick and across this area. Colin Montgomery and Deborah Fitzsimmons wre on hand gracing the airwaves.”
Getting down to the big moment when the ribbon was finally cut, Gareth said: “Therefore I’d like to thank you all again and now we’d like to cut the ribbon which will be done by Kathryn Strain of Lowden’s Guitars at the bottom of the stairs in the St Patrick Centre to officially open the new Down FM 105 radio suite.”
As the first tune officially hit the airwaves after the test that had been running for a few days, the sound of the Beatles with A Little Help From My Friends rocked through the St Patrick Centre from the DCR FM105 studio and the radio station went officially live with a signal loud and clear.
Music will be playing 24 / 7 on the radio, and the station will be building up its shows and its audiences going forward.
Cyril McKinney: a DJ presenter and director: said: “We have a number of dedicated DJs already fired up and raring to go who ran shows during the last spell of the radio at SERC: myself, Phillip Annett, Graham McClements, Joe Kidd, Dave Smith, Paul Sloan, and last but not least, Peter Smyth, who doubles up as the technical whizz kid.
“Everyone is buzzing. They can’t wait to get stuck in. And there will be slots for other people too to present shows and receive some training where necessary. It’s been a tough couple of months but we are over the line now!”
The station hopes to be covering St Patrick’s Day in Downpatrick too and their mikes will be red hot on the day so stay tuned in.
And Down Community Radio FM105 will be offering advertising space to local business and producing jingle slots so watch this space!
