Television personality and BAFTA Award winner Lorraine Kelly CBE cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the new Marlow FM studio on Thursday July 18 and was the first guest to be interviewed in the brand new studios. Later in the day over 150 presenters, supporters and local dignitaries gathered for a party to celebrate the achievement of completing the building and fit-out of the studio in the grounds of Great Marlow School, Bobmore Lane.
The day is an important milestone for the community radio station run by volunteers, which launched a £50,000 fundraising target to fund a purpose-built studio when its time based at Longridge came to an end after more than a decade. It has been in temporary accommodation at Marlow Library while construction took place. The fundraising effort has already seen presenters and supporters take part in marathons, personal challenges and entertainment events, and a massive fundraising ‘buy a brick’ wall will be a major studio feature. Marlow FM is very grateful to the South West Chilterns Community Board, Tripps Removals, Shanly Foundation, the Marlow Club and Help in Hearing for their generous support, as well as Origin Doors and Windows, Globe Print, Synergy and Kev Kinch for their substantial gifts towards the fit-out.
Fundraising continues to help equip, run, and maintain the station.
Marlow FM is proud that, although it is a small community station, it has a BIG heart, attends more outside broadcast events than major rivals, and has a loyal local following thanks to its wide variety of live programming. No wonder it won a coveted Gold Community Radio Award for its support during the covid crisis. The station also reaches listeners around the world, who regularly tune in online at www.marlowfm.co.uk, or listen on our fabulous tailormade app.
It is hoped its new home at Great Marlow School will help the station grow and futureproof it for generations to come. Managing Director Graham Duthie said: “We’re immensely proud of the efforts of everyone, and look forward to having our new base from which we can continue to support the community and schools in the area. Being based in a school will mean many more young people can get a taste of the media industry, as presenters and behind the scenes. Some of our young alumni now work in the industry, which is great to see.
One major piece of kit crucial to the station has been new mixing desks for the two studios. Just as important for the comfort of our presenters and guests is a kitchen and toilet with disability access. This might sound mundane, but it was an important element of the design right from the start. Although we’ve reached the build milestone, there’s much still to do, and we continue the fundraising effort and thank everyone who’s contributed to our fantastic achievements so far.”
The two studios are sponsored by Tripps Removals and Help in Hearing. Presenters will be undergoing a training programme to learn the new technology while they continue to put their regular shows together. The schedule includes the popular Breakfast, Drivetime and Good Morning Marlow shows, and covers local, environmental, health, business and consumer issues. Outside broadcasts take place throughout the year, such as the Marlow Town Regatta & Festival, the local Remembrance Sunday service, the Christmas Lights switch on, Pub in the Park and last weekend’s Borlase 400 birthday bash. The station is also a voice for national initiatives such as Fighting With Pride, and has helped hundreds of charities and fundraising activities.
The project has been a massive challenge for the team of directors, principally Tim Ashburner, who founded Marlow FM, Graham Duthie, Pat Reading and Jill Hickey, who have been involved at every stage of the planning, build, and completion. They have been ably assisted by the rest of the operations team and many willing presenters.
Tim added: “We had the massive challenge of dismantling the old studio, which Longridge let us use until it had refurb plans of its own. We then had to set up a temporary studio at Marlow Library, which was no mean feat. It’s an historic building with thick walls and beautiful décor that we had to take care of, and we had to make elaborate plans not to disrupt the daily running of the library. We’re very grateful to the staff for their co-operation. Kitting out our new studio is satisfying, but equally challenging, as we all have work and families to consider. All in all, it’s a very proud moment to have our purpose-built home. Thanks to everyone who has been involved with getting our new home ready to start broadcasting.”
