Hermitage FM – We’re loud and proud about North West Leicestershire

Welcome to the second edition of our Newsletter. Since we produced the first edition in November 2011 a lot has happened – and it’s exciting times for our community radio station.

We think 2012 is going to be “our” year when the dream of relocating the broadcasting studios, coffee shop and community lounge to larger premises in the centre of town is realised.

We would like to welcome new volunteers and presenters to our ranks. If you would like to learn more about community radio – from the public broadcasting to the technical stuff about keeping us on air or from the practical aspects of fundraising to the valuable help we give to people with physical or learning difficulties – then we would love to hear from you. Contact us on admin@hermitagefm.com

The old Pick & Shovel – update

This redundant pub is an eye sore at the moment but could be the new home for Hermitage FM and a host of other activities

We are very hopeful of securing a long-term lease on the Pick and Shovel. Various funding applications have been made and depending on the successful outcome of these we should be able to sign the lease in February.

This is very exciting news and will be the start of a lot of hard work for the committee and volunteers. Again, if you want to get stuck in, we will be looking for some “instant muscle” to clear rubbish, dust and debris, so if you don’t mind giving elbow grease – get in touch. Your reward will be an endless supply of hot cups of tea and the satisfaction of being part of a fantastic project.

Jo Brenner (pictured with Susie Hudson, Manager of the coffee shop and daughters Emily and Fiona) successfully identified that the mosaic featured in the last issue was situated in the former Pick and Shovel. Jo won a bottle of wine – congratulations to Jo!

The radio station broadcasts 24/7 on 99.2 FM. We invite people from all walks of life to come and talk on the radio to an audience of over 100,000 people locally. So whether you want to publicise your village fair, talk about your hobby, encourage people to join your club or give information on a range of support available to the general public dealing with health matters, caring responsibilities, child care.......contact us at admin@hermitagefm.com to give your details or arrange an interview

Presenter Profile:

Tom Horobin is seventeen years old and has always been interested in the Arts and radio in particular. He came on one of the training courses regularly run at Hermitage FM and now broadcasts on a weekly basis on Sunday mornings from 9-10 a.m. Tom focuses on the Arts – Film and Entertainment and plays a great selection of Music. Don’t miss his show on 99.2 FM

“Volunteering with Hermitage FM has boosted my confidence and my skills. I’m planning to do a degree in Film & Media Studies after A levels and this work really helped my application to the University of my choice”

Fundraising

Did you know that Hermitage FM relies solely on the generosity of supporters and volunteers? There’s always something being organised at Hermitage FM – why not join us: Tickets are available from the Coffee shop at 2a Hotel Street, Coalville.

Feb 25 – Race Night. £7.50 includes supper and drinks. Have a flutter and raise funds for Hermitage FM and the Animal Farm at East Leake

March 17 - Century Theatre Snibston “Where the Working Boats Went” the story of British Canals told through songs and stories by the popular duo Life & Times. Tickets are £5.00 in advance from the coffee shop, £7.00 on the door Proceeds will be shared between the Century Theatre and Hermitage FM

March 22 – Quiz night in the Coffee shop. £3.50 includes home-made soup and a fresh baked roll. Bring your own drinks

June 24 – Day trip toYork (£14.00)

Sept 02 – Day trip to Skegness (£15.00)

October 28- Day trip to Blackpool Illuminations (£15.00)

We are more than a Radio station – we’re a community Radio station

We don’t just broadcast to North West Leicestershire we are often out and about in the community supporting local events with our outside broadcasting unit. We can provide a PA system and take care of all the licensing arrangements if you are planning to play music. We make a charge for this service on a sliding scale, so if we can help make your event go with a swing – and remove a headache for the organisers, then please get in touch.

Events we will be supporting this year include:

Fun Run - Hicks Lodge 25 March

St Georges’ Day - Coalville 21 April

Civic Concert - Ashby School 28 April

Transport Festival - Snibston 13 May Tractor Run - Ashby 03 June

Street Party - Ashby 04 June Newlands Fete -Netherseal 09 June

Heather Music Festival 28 July

Dogs R US – RSPCA 05 August.

10k fun run - Whitwick 12 August

Folk Festival - Moira 18 August

Ibstock Country Fair 19 August

Bagworth Show 25 August

Party in the Park - Whitwick 01 September

Miner’s Gala – Snibston 08 September

Fireworks – Snibston 03 November