FROME FM are toasting a double succes as one of their presenters received national recognition and the station celebrated moving back into its studio.
Presenter, Dave Watkins, has been given national recognition on two fronts recently, with a nomination in the British Blues Awards and an invite to the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival too.
After hosting Blues Train from 2011, this February saw a change of name and logo, to become Dave Watkins’ Blues & Roots show and it seems that people from far and wide have been taking note. Dave explained, “I have been part of the British Blues Awards nomination panel for a few years now, which has been very interesting, but I didn’t think I would end up being one of the nominees just yet! There is a section for Independent Blues Broadcaster for all UK based blues radio shows and I have made the list for the top six presenters this year. There is pretty much a blues show on every community station these days, plus several stand alone podcast shows too, so to make the final six shocked me. I don’t expect to win but to just see my name there is great and made my day.”
Hebden Bridge has been voted the top Blues Festival in the UK over the last two years and Dave was approached by the organisers to host a DJ set between acts on the Main Stage. This takes place on 23rd to 25th May.
Dave added, “This is a great honour for me; it turns out they have only asked three presenters across the country to get up on the stage and play some tunes. They sort out some accommodation for a night for my wife Jen and I to go, plus the access all areas pass too, but the biggest thrill will be seeing my name on the official event t-shirt! I will be playing my set at the end of the Saturday night bill, following the headliners and before their famous midnight jam sessions.”
The voting for the British Blues Awards takes place from 1st May at the main website: www. britishbluesawards.com and Dave hopes that by sharing this news, he will help to make the people of Frome more aware of the quality of programming available now on FromeFM.
Dave said, “My show is aired on stations around the world and has listeners from all over but I sometimes feel sad that more local people don’t tune in. Other shows at the station have the same problem and while we are happy to be heard worldwide, we would love it if more Fromies got in touch.
“The show airs live every Wednesday between 8.00-9.00pm via 96.6FM or www.frome.fm, but I urge people to check out the other shows too, I don’t think the quality has ever been as good as it is now!”
Frome FM back at home
Prior to Christmas, new landlords at The Old Fire Station meant that the FromeFM operation had to move out temporarily, ending up in a cabin kindly hosted at The Memorial Theatre car park.
While the important part was being able to continue live programming during a crucial period, it was a testing time for all concerned, especially the technical experts, and so it was a good moment when the station was able to gain access to the building again. Pencil Studio, the new landlords, allowed a re-design that has made better use of the limited space and the station now has facilities to be proud of.
Director Dave Watkins explained, “We are still getting things 100% back in place following the move back in and we are so thankful to the volunteers that have put in many hours to get everything plugged back in.
The station is totally manned by volunteers and couldn’t stay on air without them. If you have any kind of passion for radio, it is a great time to come and speak to the station.
Dave added, “We have recently had inquiries from a number of potential new members, both those that want to make programmes and those who want to get involved with studio management and editing and then onto fundraising events too. There are all age ranges too, from Frome College students right up to the elder statesmen! All we ask is that you have an interest in getting stuck in. Training is provided for all new members to get you to the level you need and we help you achieve your goals along the way.”
