Well it's been a while since I've contributed to the website. My BAD!!! Other things take over and my corner gets overlooked. I should use it more as a means of communicating to you what is happening at the station on a day to day basis.
Sponsorship
This is the life blood of the station and Susan is doing a great job trying to secure sponsorship announcements in a time when businesses are being rather frugal with the amount they allocate to promoting their goods. Thomas, our great white hope in the Kingborough area, unfortunately had to withdraw his interest.
We have welcomed aboard some new sponsors - Parks and Wildlife (promoting the Hastings Cave and Thermal Pool area), Geeveston Pharmacy, the Mermaid Cafe at Kettering, ds cafe in Huonville and Forty Winks Hobart.
Huon FM is very grateful for the support of these businesses.
Grants
The station has been successful in gaining two grants - one from the CBF (Community Broadcasting Foundation) and the other from the Kingborough Council Community Grant.
The CBF one was a small equipment grant which has been used for the purchase of two laptop computers and associated hardware and software that will enable the station to conduct outside broadcasts. Previously the station was relying on volunteers' personal equipment to facilitate this.
The grant from the Kingborough Council will be used to purchase equipment to set up a recoding studio at the new Kingston High School. Due to a generous offer of a space from the Principal of the school, Helen Gourley, Huon FM is now able to set up a recording studio which will be used by the students of the school and eventually by any members of the general public who might be interested in pre-recording a show. The recorded show will then sent to the station where it will be edited to broadcast standard and aired in a convenient time-slot. This is an exciting development and will hopefully increase the station's profile in the new broadcast area.
Programs
A number of new presenters have been trained and now have their own show. The Tasmanian Connection, (presented by Mike Raine) airs on Monday nights from 8-9pm. Mike plays music from local (Huon Valley/Channel) artists, along with artists creating music on the Tasmanian scene. Mike runs a recording studio at Ranelagh and has access to a number of emerging artists.
Zipping Along with Zoe, sees a welcome back to Zoe Walker. Zoe was a presenter at the station about eight years ago. Her show airs 9-10 am on Thursday mornings.
A Country Connection (Wednesday afternoons 1-4pm) also welcomes back a former presenter, Carolyne Milne. Carolyne's expertise in country music is well-known and I'm sure all her listener fans will be pleased to tune in to her show.
Relaxin' with 'Ric (Thursday evenings -4-7pm) welcomes back Eric Fernandez after a very long absence from the station. There has been some wonderful feedback to his show which has garnered many fans.
In Polly's absence, Up the Garden Path has been replaced with Easy Gardening with Jim Cane. This has become a very popular show and Jim's horticulture expertise has been invaluable to listeners wanting to further their gardening skills. He also plays a wonderful selection of music.
There's no doubt about it- Huon FM has a very eclectic range of programs from which to choose.
Social
Don't forget the social event organised by Chris Rawlings, the station's events coordinator, for Saturday, 30 July at Huonville Bowling Club( Lower Shield St, Huonville) at 5 - 9 pm. Free entry so... come along and have a chat and listen to some great music provided by Edwin Morriss and Chris Rawlings. Should be lots of fun and bring a plate with some food on it!!! Kids are more than welcome.
The recent trivia night was a great success and raised over $1000 much to the delight of our Treasurer!!! The two Chrises (Rawlings and Burrows) are planning a 60s night soon. That should be lots of fun. More details to be advised in the coming months.
Well that's all for now. I hope that I can make more regular inputs on this page....hopefully!!!
