Thanks to Bev for sharing this fantastic news about Angel Radio. In her own words. Ed
Angel Radio Isle of Wight, the Island’s first community radio station, is back on air full time thanks to wonderfully generous listeners and Rolling Stones Keith Richards who sent donations to help pay for a new receiver to replace the old one which was burnt out due to a lightning strike at their mast site.
£2,000 repair bill
The station was faced with a very expensive repair amounting to about £2,000 which would have completely emptied their bank account of all the money which was saved for the rest of the broadcasting licences due this year.
Angel Radio needed the money because it is a community radio station which cannot take any advertising or sponsorship and the only way it can make any money is by applying for grants, donations or running dances and other fund-raising events.
Donations came flooding in
Angel Radio is run and staffed entirely by volunteers who receive no pay or expenses at all.
“We needed funds urgently so decided to put out an appeal on air,” said Bev Webster, Director & programme controller for Angel Radio Isle of Wight. “Our listeners certainly came up trumps and we raised well over £1,300 in less than three weeks. It was very exciting to open the post every day and watch the totals grow. We received so many lovely letters and cards of encouragement it has been a real boost to our spirits which were at a very low point!”
£3,000 cheque from Rolling Stone, Keith Richards
Chris Gutteridge, owner/manager of Angel Radio Isle of Wight said, “It seems that someone else also heard of our plight – none other than Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones who very kindly sent us a cheque for £3,000! We have no idea how he became aware that we were in need of funds- perhaps he listens to us on the internet!”
“Thanks to the generosity of our listeners and Mr Keith Richards we now have enough to cover the repair to our equipment and almost enough to cover next year’s licences as well. This is a huge help to Angel Radio Isle of Wight and means we will be able to continue to play our unique selection of music from 1900 – 1969 for at least another year without having to worry where the next licence fee is coming from. It proves that Angel has the very best listeners!” said Chris.
Image: VectorPortal under CC BY 2.0
