Erewash Sound

Station News

Booking your next holiday through the above link supports Erewash Sound!

We are delighted to announce a new address for the radio station JUST for Erewash, and now, we're even closer to the community!  To write to us with your news and views, simply write to: Erewash Sound, c/o Bennerley Business & Enterprise College, Bennerley Avenue, Cotmanhay, Ilkeston, Derbyshire. DE7 8PF. 

Please note that we have discontinued all use of our previous PO Box address.  If you keep a record of our address, please ensure it now reads as above. Thank you!  Don't forget that you can also contact us via telephone, text and e-mail.  See 'Contact Us' for all the details.

Erewash Sound has launched another unique interactive feature for the people of Erewash to get in touch.

The brand new 'Shoutbox' feature has been launched on our sister website for the internet radio service.  Located on the lower right hand side of the website - once you're registered with the site using the log in facility also on the same page, you can chat with fellow listeners and presenters, and even submit requests and dedications during live programming.

The 'Shoutbox' is in operation throughout the week, but will be of particular use during the weekend programming schedule, and is in addition to existing forms of communications with Erewash Sound which already include, post, e-mail and text.

For more details, send e-mail to info@erewashsound.co.uk or simply register on our internet service website using the box to the lower left of the page.  The process is quick and easy - so you'll be 'shouting' in no time at all!

The borough’s very own radio station - Erewash Sound - is celebrating 12 months of its on-line radio service.  After conducting an trial FM broadcast in Summer 2005, the station then began planning an application for a full-time FM community radio licence just for the Erewash borough.

Jeff Martin is the media spokesperson for Erewash Sound – he said: “On January 27^th last year, we launched ‘Erewash Sound At The Weekend’ – via our website, so that the borough could listen to a dedicated local radio service on a more permanent basis, whilst we waited for the broadcasting authorities to invite an application for a full-time FM community licence.   Our on-line service has continued to develop and gain in popularity ever since.

Happily, the opportunity to apply for a full-time licence arose last October, and we submitted our community radio licence application by the deadline on January 15^th.  This submission coincides with the 1^st anniversary of our on-line radio service, which will continue until such time as we secure and establish a more permanent platform on which to broadcast.”

Ian Perry is the Station Director for Erewash Sound.  He said: “The fact that we have both sustained and developed our on-line radio service over the past twelve months further emphasises our commitment to providing the people of Erewash with a service they so richly deserve.  I would like to thank everyone who has been involved behind the scenes for all their hard work and dedication so far, and to all the listeners and supporters who regularly tune in and have contributed comments for inclusion in our licence application. 

Erewash doesn’t have to wait to listen to a dedicated local radio service as it is already available to anyone with broadband internet access.  I would encourage as many people to log on and tune in for a mere taster of what we will be able to offer on a full-time basis.  The real thing, and so much more, has yet to come!”

Station management expect to hear by the Summer as to whether they have been successful in their full-time FM licence bid.  In the meantime, programmes can be heard every weekend from 5:00pm Friday, with an automated service of music, news and information airing during weekdays, via the station website at www.erewashsound.co.uk.

The borough’s very own radio station - Erewash Sound - is celebrating 12 months of its on-line radio service.  After conducting an trial FM broadcast in Summer 2005, the station then began planning an application for a full-time FM community radio licence just for the Erewash borough.

Jeff Martin is the media spokesperson for Erewash Sound – he said: “On January 27^th last year, we launched ‘Erewash Sound At The Weekend’ – via our website, so that the borough could listen to a dedicated local radio service on a more permanent basis, whilst we waited for the broadcasting authorities to invite an application for a full-time FM community licence.   Our on-line service has continued to develop and gain in popularity ever since.

Happily, the opportunity to apply for a full-time licence arose last October, and we submitted our community radio licence application by the deadline on January 15^th.  This submission coincides with the 1^st anniversary of our on-line radio service, which will continue until such time as we secure and establish a more permanent platform on which to broadcast.”

Ian Perry is the Station Director for Erewash Sound.  He said: “The fact that we have both sustained and developed our on-line radio service over the past twelve months further emphasises our commitment to providing the people of Erewash with a service they so richly deserve.  I would like to thank everyone who has been involved behind the scenes for all their hard work and dedication so far, and to all the listeners and supporters who regularly tune in and have contributed comments for inclusion in our licence application. 

Erewash doesn’t have to wait to listen to a dedicated local radio service as it is already available to anyone with broadband internet access.  I would encourage as many people to log on and tune in for a mere taster of what we will be able to offer on a full-time basis.  The real thing, and so much more, has yet to come!”

Station management expect to hear by the Summer as to whether they have been successful in their full-time FM licence bid.  In the meantime, programmes can be heard every weekend from 5:00pm Friday, with an automated service of music, news and information airing during weekdays, via the station website at www.erewashsound.co.uk.

The ultimate success of the Erewash Sound licence bid is down to your support.  When do we hear if we've been successful?  A decision is anticipated during late Spring or early Summer, but it could be sooner and depends on the time taken to process our application and those of other radio groups across the Midlands and Lincolnshire.  This is going to be one of the biggest things to happen in Erewash for many years and you're involved right from the start!  Thanks for being there!

Despite all the hard work so far, we're not putting our feet up and will continue to prepare for the next stage.  Of course, until Erewash Sound, full-time on FM becomes a reality, we're on-air, on-line, right now as a taster of even better things to come.  Join us each and every weekend from Friday at 5:00pm for more from the full Erewash Sound on-line schedule, and stay with us all week to choose the tunes on the Music Mix Selector.   Stay in touch with the station with our occasional E-Newsletter - just drop us a line via e-mail to info@erewashsound.co.uk with 'NEWSLETTER' in the subject line to subscribe!

As part of an ongoing strategy to promote aims to secure a full-time licence, the Long Eaton Advertiser ran a recent press release on the front cover of today's edition under the headline PERMANENT RADIO BID encouraging townsfolk to support station plans.  We're naturally delighted to receive support from the local press in this way, and we'd like to express our thanks to the editorial team of the Long Eaton Advertiser. 

The appearance of an open letter in the letters page of the Derby Evening Telegraph recently, (as also submitted to the wider press) plus the effects of the front page headline has resulted in a stream of support letters, e-mails and other messages of support.  Thank you!  This can only add additional weight to our case and pending application for a full-time licence, but don't stop there!  We want as many letters of support as we can possibly gather by the time we submit our application - so keep them coming in!  We'll keep you posted on other developments very soon. 

Borrowash Methodist Church Hall was the venue for another of the very popular OCKASH Trust Quiz Nights this evening.  The Trust works within the communities of Ockbrook & Borrowash, by raising money for underprivileged young people through a variety of fundraising events as well as others arranged simply for the benefit of the community,  In a new venue, the 2007 Quiz Night also included an interval meal of Chilli or Jacket Potatoes, all washed down by a soft drinks bar.  A total of 11 teams took part competing for the Ockash Trust Quiz Trophy in the event which was compered by Erewash Sound presenter Ian Perry, with Dan Martin & Nick North looking after the sound system for the night. A raffle and Ian's occasional forfeits for overdue answer sheets and other minor misdemeanours plus team entry fees led to over £200 being raised for the Trust, with the help of members of the congregation of Borrowash Methodist Church.

The 2007 Quiz was won by the 'Histericals', including members of the local Historical Society.  It was a close run thing, but the winning team held the lead for most of the 10 rounds of the competition which included a range of subjects in which teams could elect to play a joker with the chance to double points scored in that round. Speaking after the event, Ian said: “Once again, Erewash Sound is proving its true credentials in playing a key part in the community it serves, helping to raise money for worthy causes and having a bit of fun along the way.  This is a just small demonstration of how a truly local radio station can benefit the community, working and bonding with the community in a way that no other radio station can.  I was delighted to be asked back to act as Quizmaster for yet another year, and really enjoyed the atmosphere in the new location'.  For more details on the work of the Ockash Trust, visit www.ockash.org.uk. 

Erewash Sound presenters Dan Martin & Ian Perry put pen to paper today as they took part in a series of activities run by WASH ARTS.  Members of the locally-based organisation set up stall in Ilkeston Market Place to encourage local people to get in touch with their creative side, and become involved in craft workshops, drumming, dance, acting, song writing and more, supported by the Borough Council and the Rotary Club of Ilkeston.

With a range of activities on the stall and inside the nearby Cantelupe Centre, Ian and Dan took time out to meet the WASH Arts team, led by Susan Smith, discover more about what was on offer and get involved.  Having discovered they were under the scrutiny of trenchcoated detectives, Ian and Dan made for the stall where the 'heART doctor' asked them to first state how they were feeling for the heART monitor, before putting pen to paper to write a song / limerick about what they'd done before, what they were doing now and what they aimed to do in the future.  Having finished this deeply thought provoking period in the heART of Ilkeston Market, both then recited their pieces for all to hear.  We'll feature a transcript of the limericks shortly! 

WASH Arts helped Erewash Sound by distributing leaflets whilst Erewash Sound promoted activities on-air and on the station website news page.  Ian Perry said: "This is just another way of demonstrating how Erewash Sound bonds with the people of the borough, and how local organisations can work so successfully with Erewash Sound.  With a full-time FM licence, we can do even more to help organisations such as WASH ARTS.   We had great fun, in between news shifts, meeting local people and getting in touch with our creative sides." 

Renowned local radio broadcaster Paul Mackenzie has thrown his support behind the bid to bring a full-time radio station to the borough.  Paul has been described as "one of the funniest men on radio” with an unmistakeable broadcasting style, keeping listeners glued to their radios for over 20 years with his warm personality and quirky humour.  Paul has been responsible for hundreds of original radio features which are now used around the world.  He has also a collection of letters and e-mails from professional radio presenters who were prompted to enter broadcasting after having enjoyed the unique “Mackenzie Style” of presentation.  “All those messages are quite humbling, and two or three of them were quite a shock!” says Paul.

Speaking from Erewash Sound, Paul said, “I believe that the listener comes first, they are the most important element of the radio entertainment equation – and this is one of the values held dear by Erewash Sound.  I am honoured to be involved with Erewash Sound’s professional broadcasting team who, like me, believe in genuine local broadcasting."

Erewash Sound has recently learnt that the broadcast regulator - OFCOM - will accept an application from the radio station for a full-time licence to serve the borough on FM.  The window of opportunity opens on October 10th, but the station will be campaigning to generate further support up to and beyond that date, in order to compile information to include in the application which will be made before the closing date of January 15th 2008.  We look forward to working with Paul Mackenzie in a variety of ways as the radio station's 'BACK THE BID' full time licence campaign continues to gather momentum.

The team at Erewash Sound has recently learnt that the broadcast regulator - OFCOM - has announced the date on which the radio station will be able to apply for a full-time radio licence to serve the borough of Erewash.   

OFCOM have recently announced that Wednesday 10th October will be the first date on which it will accept an application for a community radio licence to serve our area.  A deadline of Tuesday 15th January 2008 has been set by which the radio station must have submitted an application.  After this time, a decision will be made by an adjudicatory panel as to whether the radio station has been successful in its bid.  The timescale for receiving this announcement is not known, but it will be at least a few weeks after the closing date has passed and perhaps longer.   Erewash Sound continues to prepare its application and will ensure it is submitted by the specified deadline.

In the meantime, it is important that the application is backed up by evidence of support from all sides of the Erewash community.  Radio station management are encouraging support in a number of ways, details of which are available via the 'Get Involved' section of the radio station website at www.erewashsound.co.uk. 

However, the people of Erewash don't have to wait to listen to the radio station.  In January of this year, an internet-exclusive service was launched.  'Erewash Sound At The Weekend' is a 24-hour on-line community radio service, which includes a full-schedule of programming from Friday at 5:00pm until Sunday at Midnight.  Programmes include specialist music, hourly news from the radio station's very own news centre, regular items of community news and information, travel news, and a mix of music comprising of favourites of today and yesterday, from the 1950s up to the present day. 

Further information and an official press release regarding this breaking story will appear here soon...

A charity single released by a group which includes members of an Ilkeston residential home, has been given a boost in its first week of release through the support of the borough’s radio station.  A cover version of The Who classic ‘My Generation’ was released on Monday 28^th May by The Zimmers, and features residents of Victoria Court Nursing Home which is located on Nesfield Road in the town.  The song entered the charts at No.26 in its first week of release.  . 

Now, just days after release, the radio station just for Erewash, Erewash Sound has included the track on its playlist, which enables listeners to request it at any time during the week via the radio station’s website and via e-mail to presenters during the weekend schedule which is also broadcast via the internet. 

Jeff Martin, Media spokesman for Erewash Sound told us: ‘We’re fully aware of the importance of this single, not only because it features members of the Erewash community, but also as it aims to raise money for Age Concern and to highlight the loneliness that some pensioners face.  We’re keen to bring the single to the attention of our listeners by making it available to request and to point listeners to its availability to buy and therefore help raise money for this worthy cause.”

Station Director, Ian Perry explained that this isn’t the only way that Erewash Sound is supporting the local music scene:  “We’ve already helped support a single which was released in aid of Breast Cancer Research, we’re also supporting the development of Tori Haynes, a very talented youngster whose father works in Ilkeston, and we continue to work with local bands, groups and artists to promote their gigs and play their music on-air.  Once again, Erewash Sound is demonstrating how it can play a key part in local life – we look forward to being able to do this full-time in the not too distant future.”

The Erewash Sound team is waiting for an opportunity to apply for a full-time FM radio licence, but in the meantime, the programming can be heard over the internet  via the station website at www.erewashsound.co.uk and also more directly, by visiting www.attheweekend.erewashsound.co.uk. 

In the meantime, the station is offering a variety of music, public service and community information via the internet throughout the week and a full schedule of programming at weekends including requests and dedications, sports coverage and specialist music shows. 

Over the Easter Bank Holiday, experienced but volunteer presenters worked over the holiday period to provide programming from Maundy Thursday through to Bank Holiday Monday.   For the May Bank Holidays of May 7^th and May 28^th, station staff will once again give up their holiday time to provide a genuinely local service for Erewash residents with broadband internet access, to PCs, laptops and home media centres.

Ian Perry is the Station Director for Erewash Sound.  He said: “For the time being, frustratingly, we’re limited to the time we can broadcast on FM, and so, we’re providing the internet radio service in the meantime, to provide a valuable mouth piece for local community organisations and charities to promote their activities, and for the people of Erewash to listen to their very own, dedicated local radio service.”

The station can be heard via the Erewash Sound website at www.erewashsound.co.uk, and also through the dedicated website for the internet service: http://attheweekend.erewashsound.co.uk by clicking on the ‘Listen Live’ link.  The website also includes details on how the people of Erewash can support aims to secure a full-time licence. 

Saturday 14th April 2007 saw another charity bed-push taking place in Bath Street, Ilkeston.  Organised by the Ilkeston Hospital League Of Friends, the annual event sees team of 6 or more people pushing a hospital bed from the bottom of Bath Street, to the Market Place in relay, collecting money through sponsorship and donations.  

Erewash Sound enter a team into this event each year, and with help from members of Ilkeston's Hospital Radio Station, Radio Robin, in our run from 10:15am, we raised over £130.00 for the Ilkeston Community Hospital in just 40 minutes, surpassing all previously raised figures.  Here, we present some of the pics taken on the day by our own team, and more will follow as soon as we receive them!   Of a total of 7 teams, Manners Ward won the bed push, raising £287.00, followed by Oakwell Ward with £264.  A total of £1,200 was raised by the Bed Push alone, with a further £200.00 raised at a charity stall and and coffee morning held in the Town Hall.  Erewash Sound will be fronting a special awards night and disco to be arranged for all participants in the coming weeks.  Hover over each picture for more information, click to view then go back in your browser to view more!

Volunteers from the borough’s radio station are putting in even more time to provide a service for local people with extra radio programming over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.

Erewash Sound, which was last on air on FM in the Summer of 2005, launched a weekend internet-radio service at the end of January via the station website.  The service offers the chance for listeners to choose the music, submit items of local news and information for broadcast, and interact with presenters.

However, for Easter, experienced volunteer broadcasters are giving up their time to provide an extended programme schedule from Thursday night at 5:00pm until Midnight on Monday.

Spokesperson for Erewash Sound, Jeff Martin explained more about the extended service – he said: “Many people will undoubtedly turn their hand to sorting out jobs around the house, and getting out and about.  Our presenters will provide an entertaining and informative soundtrack with full details of what to do in Erewash over the Easter period, via our website, to PCs, laptops and home media centres across the borough and to keep ex-pats and Erewash forces personnel around the world informed about life back home too!”

Ian Perry, Station Director is encouraging the people of Erewash to make a regular date with the presenters on the internet radio service, especially over the Easter Weekend and gave some additional good news about the future availability.  “Our team are working very hard in their spare time to entertain the people of Erewash and I would encourage as many people as possible to tune in for as long as possible.  This, in the interim whilst we work to secure a full-time FM radio licence and before we return for further short-term FM broadcasts.  I’m delighted to say that we’ll be leaving our internet stream on from Monday, to provide public service information, special features and the opportunity for listeners to choose from our on-line music selection in-between our weekend schedule."

Erewash Sound can be heard via the station website at www.erewashsound.com from Thursday night at 5:00pm and then throughout the Easter weekend, and then from Friday to Sunday every other weekend.
 

Sport in Erewash is set to receive a boost through the support of the borough’s radio station.   The radio station JUST for Erewash, Erewash Sound, is offering local sporting clubs the opportunity to receive free promotion and publicity of activities via the station website and internet radio stream.

 Erewash Sound is aiming to secure a full-time FM radio licence just for the borough, but in the meantime, programmes are being broadcast from Friday night at 5:00pm to Sunday at Midnight every weekend, via the website at www.erewashsound.com.  A Saturday Sport Show has recently launched which seeks to provide coverage of sporting action at all levels, involving the people of the borough. 

Ian Perry is the Station Director for Erewash Sound.  He said: “For example, our local football sides including Ilkeston Town, Long Eaton United, Sandiacre Town and Borrowash Victoria get virtually no coverage on local radio, and it can be extremely difficult to keep up to date with how the teams are doing.   Along with free promotion of items on our website, the Saturday Sport show on the internet radio service will aim to address the balance and, irrespective of the level of activities and type of sport, ensure our local sporting organisations, clubs and societies get the promotion and recognition they deserve.”

To provide the service, Erewash Sound is encouraging contact from anyone able to provide regular score updates, reports, press releases, news and information from local sporting events.  “We’ve already received contact from some clubs including Ilkeston Swimming Club”, Mr. Perry continued: ‘but we’re very keen to be able to provide a comprehensive service to the people of Erewash.’  he said.   To find out more or to provide items of information, contact the station via e-mail at info@erewashsound.co.uk or call 07722 849314. 

The word is out.  After several weeks of test transmissions, programme production and technical adjustments, Erewash Sound returns on a more permanent footing this weekend, powered by SB Computers of Long Eaton.

In what could be a UK first, Erewash Sound At The Weekend begins a full-service of internet web-streaming on Friday 26th January 2007 at 5:00pm, running each and every weekend until 12 midnight on Sunday, until the station secures a full-time FM radio licence to serve the borough.  Erewash Sound At The Weekend will be a totally local radio service delivered via the internet, via a dedicated website.  Another first for Erewash and Erewash Sound.  With the numbers of people getting their media delivered in this way increasing every year, we hope it will prove popular with you - the people of Erewash.

The service will feature hourly news bulletins produced by our own news team, regular items of community news and information, specialist programming, and mainstream programming featuring our unique mix of 'favourites of today and yesterday' including your requests and dedications via e-mail or text.   Where our presenters aren't providing output, the Music Mix Selector puts you in control merely by hitting the appropriate link from the website, finding your favourite, hitting a 'request' button, to be able to hear that tune, and have the chance to dedicate it too, within minutes.

A full and official launch weekend will then follow over 2nd, 3rd and 4th February.  With more programmes being slotted in to the schedule, featuring some names you'll be familiar with from our 2005 Summer broadcast, alongside some new names too, the only thing you'll need to do is put your PC or laptop on, get your network going in your home, log on, log in, hit the link, turn the speakers up and enjoy the radio station JUST for Erewash on the world wide web.

Our site will become fully active on Fridays from 5:00pm, particularly, the Music Mix Selector, however, you can find out more by visiting http://attheweekend.erewashsound.co.uk right now - put it in your favourites and make Erewash Sound your first choice for local entertainment each and every weekend!

There's a new improved look to our ever popular, and regularly updated on-line news page from today with the launch of our easy to use matrix. 

Now it's even easier to read the news most relevant to you.  Simply visit Erewash News from the main website menu, select the location that most interests you, and you're there.  As well as dedicated pages for Erewash villages, there's even a handy list of useful telephone numbers and websites on-call, and ready for updates when you need it.    Another dedicated service, JUST for Erewash, from Erewash Sound. 

The people of Erewash can look forward to the return of the borough’s very own radio station in the New Year.   Erewash Sound - “the radio station JUST for Erewash” – was last on-air during the Summer of 2005, but will be back in 2007 with a mix of music, chat, local news and information, firstly with the start of an internet-only streaming service early in 2007, followed by a return on FM later in the year.

The web stream has been made possible with the support of local company SB Computers of Long Eaton, who have provided a broadcast PC to the radio group.   The owner of SB Computers, Steve Barnes said: “We are delighted to help Erewash Sound in this way.  A local radio station for this area is a fantastic idea, and SB Computers are happy to play a part in bringing Erewash Sound back”.

Jeff Martin of Erewash Sound told us “Whilst we wait for a decision from OFCOM as to when a full-time licence application can be submitted, we are delighted that we can once again bring a local radio service to the listeners in Erewash and on a more permanent footing too.”

Jeff continued: “A great deal of work is still going on behind the scenes to secure a full-time licence, but the web stream will be a way of keeping Erewash on the map in the interim.  Additionally, we’re extremely pleased to be able to announce that we’ll be back on FM for another 28 days early in 2007 but anyone with access to the internet will shortly be able to hear the station on a regular basis via their PC much sooner than that”, he said.

The web stream service will initially be transmitted at weekends only, via the station website, featuring a mix of live and pre-recorded programmes, although it is hoped that internet broadcasting hours will expand over a period of time.  There will also be a listen again facility enabling listeners to hear shows on demand.   Visit www.erewashsound.co.uk for more information, and the opportunity to sign up to receive station news via e-mail. 

PICTURED TOP RIGHT: Spencer Frost from SB Computers presents Ian Perry with the web-streaming PC for Erewash Sound On-Line.

Anyone working at or visiting a friend or relative at Ilkeston Community Hospital can now pick up a 'I'm backing the bid' car sticker from hospital reception.

The hospital management are the latest organisation to be actively supporting Erewash Sound's campaign to secure a full-time licence, by positioning the stickerpoint in a prime location.  There are now a total of nine outlets for the stickers, and the latest point is in addition to other local sites which are at Ilkeston Town Hall, Curves in Bath Street, and Ilkeston Library.  For full list of stickerpoints, click here or see click the stickerpoint picture on the Erewash Sound home page. 

Erewash Sound presenters Jeff Martin & Dan Martin fronted Redhill School's Christmas Fair this evening.

The school, in The Ridings, Ockbrook, holds the event each year, featuring a wide variety of stalls, both trade and fund-raising based.  Children from the school look after a number of games with prizes up for grabs, whilst traders offer a seasonal selection of gifts, some of which are only available at a small number of events.  A raffle is also held by the School PTA, with a large selection of prizes.  Each year, Erewash Sound provides music, entertainment and chat for everyone, including chatting to people queuing to meet Santa in his special Redhill Grotto, announcing the raffle draw and generally getting into the spirit of the event.  Along with Jeff on the radio microphone, and Dan at the controls, there was even a temporary stickerpoint for visitors to pick up a 'I'm backing the bid' sticker.

Jeff Martin said: "This is always a delightful event, with a captive audience to entertain, and we always have a great deal of fun.  It was also my first time on the microphone at this event, but it was great fun and it was so nice to see so many people supporting the school at this very valuable local event."  The Erewash Sound team continue on a busy festive Roadshow season which continues right up to the big day.  To find out more about the Roadshow, just click on the appropriate link from the main website menu.

Erewash Sound helped blend the atmosphere at a fund-raising dinner this evening, held by the Borough's MP Liz Blackman through the provision of background music and microphones. 

The event, held at the Edward IV Suite of Ilkeston's Regency Rooms was attended by many local organisations including the Erewash Credit Union and the Erewash Partnership.  The night included a session of 'Sit-down Bingo', as well as a raffle and charity auction, featuring lots donated by supporters and members of Parliament..  The guest of honour at the meeting was former Labour Cabinet Minister David Blunkett, who provided some interesting anecdotes about his career, accompanied by his trusty dog.

Over 150 people were told about Erewash Sound's exciting plans to return to the airwaves, with each attendee being given a specially produced Erewash Sound presentation card, response postcard and campaign car sticker, and were then kept entertained by a selection of easy listening music provided by the Erewash Sound Team, who were warmly welcomed to the event by many guests.

Erewash Sound presenter Jeff Martin was one of the diners.  He said: "Yet again, Erewash Sound was at the heart of community life, interacting with key people, promoting the advantages of a station just for the area, and demonstrating the quality of service that our Roadshow can provide.  The amount raised for charity at the event is not yet known.

The Erewash Sound Sticker Drive continued today when Long Eaton received another stickerpoint.   Coinciding with a page 3 story about the campaign in the week's Long Eaton Advertiser, the Town Hall at Long Eaton unveiled its very own sticker point, stocked up and ready for the town to 'back the bid'.  This brings the total number of stickerpoints located in strategic points around the Borough to eight.

The arrival of the new outlet in Long Eaton echoes that of Ilkeston Town Hall which, like the Derby Road Town Hall, has a stickerpoint located in the reception.  Ian Perry said: 'The siting of another stickerpoint in Long Eaton is in addition to the outlet at Wilsthorpe College and another at Long Eaton Library, and further reinforces our commitment to the Borough as a whole, giving the people of Long Eaton an even easier way to help bring Erewash Sound on-air full time!"  Town Hall Receptions are open to collect a sticker from 8:30am-5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am-4:30pm on Fridays. 

After the short-term broadcast of 2005, Erewash Sound launched the ‘back the bid’ campaign, making preparations for, and promoting their aim to secure a full-time radio licence to serve the borough of Erewash.   The campaign seeks to gather support from both residents and local business, and has recently received another boost through the support of local businesses and public facilities who are hosting special ‘stickerpoints’ from which supporters can pick up a campaign sticker.   These include Curves in Bath Street in Ilkeston, Wilsthorpe College in Long Eaton, local town halls and libraries in the borough, as part of an ongoing roll-out. 

Ian Perry said: “The stickers are free, and offer an easy way to support our bid for a full-time radio station JUST for Erewash.  They can be put into a window of a vehicle, home, business or office.  We’re extremely grateful to all the businesses, individuals and organisations supporting us already!”

The broadcast regulator - Ofcom - have included Erewash in the Midlands area of forthcoming licensing plans, but it could be well over 12 months before Erewash Sound can submit an application.   Jeff Martin said “The important thing is to keep the focus on the Erewash area in the meantime.  The more we can let people at OFCOM know that Erewash Sound is both needed and wanted in this area - the better.”   Erewash Sound is confident that the area has a really strong claim for a full-time licence when the bidding process starts.  Mr. Martin continued: “We’re 110% dedicated to providing a radio station JUST for Erewash, and are not interested in crossing the boundaries into other areas.  We feel this will strengthen our bid even further”.

It seems there are some exciting times around the corner for the radio station, which is remaining tight lipped for now pending two big announcements.  “We’re working on a couple of ideas but are not quite ready to go public with them just yet”, said Ian Perry. “But we’re still keen to hear from anyone who thinks they may have the skills and the drive to help the project succeed”   Erewash Sound can be contacted through the station website at www.erewashsound.com.

The Erewash Sound Sticker-drive continues!  Now you can visit select County Council Libraries to get your 'I'm backing the bid' car sticker -  from Borrowash (Victoria Avenue), Ilkeston (Market Place) and Long Eaton (Tamworth Road).  Pop in, watch out for the sticker point or ask at the reception desk.   Whilst you're there, why not pick up a good book, tape or DVD with your library card, or arrange to sign up!

The Erewash Sound Sticker-drive is now rolling out at key locations across Erewash.  It's never been easier for you to to 'back the bid' and show your support by picking up a 'I'm backing the bid' car sticker from a stickerpoint near you!

It's a case of ladies first as we invite you to pick up a sticker from the first of the outlets - Curves Fitness for Women, 86 Bath Street, Ilkeston - and whilst you're there, you can find out how get a proven total body work out in just 30 minutes.  Alternatively, everyone can visit Erewash Borough Council's Ilkeston Town Hall entrance on Wharncliffe Road and collect a sticker from the information point on reception, or if you're visiting Ilkeston Library in the Market Place, pop in to the Foyer and get your sticker from there!  Hand in your books, take away a sticker!

And it's not just Ilkeston where you'll find a stickerpoint.  Anyone visiting schools on the Wilsthorpe Business & Enterprise College site, Long Eaton, can visit the College reception to pick up a sticker.  Why not drop in to pick up a sticker, whilst you're picking up the kids!

More stickerpoints are coming soon to Long Eaton and elsewhere across Erewash. so keep visiting the Erewash Sound website for more details - pick up a sticker, pop it in your home, office, shop, factory, or vehicle window - and 'back the bid' for a radio station JUST for Erewash - Erewash Sound!

There's only ONE radio station JUST for Erewash - Erewash Sound.  It will soon be even easier to 'back the bid' as we launch the brand new sticker points around Erewash!

Keep an eye out for the sticker points (pictured) being rolled out across Erewash later this month and during November - where you'll be able to collect your FREE 'Back The Bid' Car Sticker.  Take it straight to your vehicle, home, office or shop and stick it in a window to let everyone know that you're supporting Erewash Sound.  Full details of the locations of the Sticker Points will appear here soon.  In the meantime, if you'd like a sticker sending to you, please see our 'Get Involved' link from the website menu.

Erewash Sound are pleased to announce the launch of a brand new telephone number, which is now in operation.

There are already many ways of contacting the station - via this website, through text messages to our dedicated text line, via post, by and e-mail.  (See the 'Contact Us' link for more details).  However, you can now call a station representative at ANY time, via a mobile telephone number, to enquire on our progress towards securing a full-time radio licence, to enquire about our roadshow service, or perhaps even to offer your help, or support as we continue to work on our exciting plans to secure a radio licence JUST for Erewash.

Whatever the reason, just call 07722 849314 but remember, this is a normal mobile telephone line, and therefore you will be charged at the usual rate.  This is NOT a subscription service, and when you call, that's it - no nuisance calls or text messages will follow.  It's just another way of getting in touch with us!  An answerphone service is available during all times where a station representative is unable to answer. 

Back in July and August 2005, Erewash Sound was broadcasting locally as part of a short-term trial broadcast.    Now, twelve months on, the team behind the radio station have launched the ‘BACK THE BID’ campaign in order to secure a full-time community radio licence JUST for Erewash.

Ofcom, the broadcast regulator, has recently announced its plans for a second phase of community radio licensing, and following receipt of letters expressing interest in securing a licence, including a document from Erewash Sound, the regulator has now split the country into seven areas for which it will shortly begin inviting applications area by area.   Erewash falls in Area 6, but has not yet been allocated a date upon which applications will be accepted, although a more up to date list is expected before the end of the year.

Erewash Sound press spokesman Jeff Martin said, “Although Erewash has been placed in area six of seven, we view this as very positive news”.   Area 6 comprises of the East and West Midlands, and also Lincolnshire. The first area to be considered will be London, sometime in August. “As yet we have no firm time scale, for when we could submit our application but we are working towards early in 2007.  We continue to make preparations in the meantime.” Mr. Martin continued.

“The Back the Bid campaign involves the people of Erewash leaving Ofcom in no doubt, that this is most definitely an area where a licence should be granted and to Erewash Sound!.” Jeff said. “The people making the decision down in London, may not have a clear idea, just how underserved Erewash is, and it is down to us to make sure they know where Erewash is on the map.”

At campaign road shows throughout the summer, the Erewash Sound team are distributing car stickers, asking people to complete listener surveys, and write letters, as well as a number of other initiatives, in support of the full-time licence bid.  Councillor Mike Wallis visited the Erewash Sound Studios last Summer and has continued to support the aims of Erewash Sound ever since.  Councillor Wallis (pictured) has recently demonstrated his support for the bid, and was proud to hold the “Back the Bid” banner at a recent road show.  You can help back the bid, by displaying a car sticker, purchasing a T-shirt, filling in an on-line survey, or writing letters of support.   Further details can be found on the station website at www.erewashsound.com.

In releasing its latest statement, OFCOM has decided that it would be more appropriate to invite applications on a region-by-region basis, and published a draft timetable listing the order of seven regions - however, the area in which Erewash is located, ' West Midlands, East Midlands and Lincolnshire' - is 6th in the list, and a date on which the broadcast regulator intends to invite applications has not yet been specified.  An updated list is expected before the end of the year.

The full statement about the next round is available on the Ofcom website: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radio/ifi/rbl/commun_radio/tlproc/secondround/

OFCOM states that it had serious difficulty in identifying suitable FM frequencies in some areas in the first round, and anticipates having greater difficulty for the next round.  It has identified a number of areas where it is unlikely that suitable frequency resources remain available for further community stations to be licensed on FM (VHF Band II), however, for the region in which Erewash falls, it has only listed Nottingham City and the Gedling district - OFCOM has not made any reference to Derbyshire.  This means that, at this stage, Erewash Sound anticipates to be able to apply for an FM licence as planned, although every effort will be made to seek further clarification.  All options for transmission are being considered. 

OFCOM invited groups interested in applying for a Community Radio licence to send a ‘letter of intent’ to help plan prepare for the next round.  By the closing date in April the regulator had received over 180 such letters from all over the United Kingdom - one of them from Erewash Sound!

Keep visiting this website for more details, and make sure you 'back the bid' to help us win a full-time licence as soon as possible.  Your support counts!
 

The radio station display provided information on the station's history so far and community radio in general, but there was also full details providing a case for Erewash Sound to be 'the radio station JUST for Erewash' on a full time basis, and how members of the public can help.  Jeff Martin is the Erewash Sound Media & Marketing Director: "Erewash Sound was the only radio station actively supporting the Long Eaton Carnival on the day itself and we were delighted to welcome a steady stream of people eager to complete surveys, discuss how to help, have a general chat, take away information, and just enjoy the Summer Sunshine.  Our appearance at the Long Eaton Carnival is the 2nd of many through the Summer, and part of our ongoing strategy to establish the station on a full time basis as soon as possible.

Apart from manning our information marquee, we also visited fellow stall holders, community groups and charities to invite them to submit their news stories for free promotion on the Erewash Sound Newspage.   This is the 2nd time we've attended the Long Eaton Carnival, and look forward to making a return next year, as well as the rest of our appearances for this year".

Full details of the Roadshow Tour for 2006 can be found on the home page.  Click 'Home' and view the scrolling message at the top of your screen.
 

The Ockash Trust raises money to support underprivileged children in Ockbrook and Borrowash and was created in 2001 following the Ockash 2000 Festival in the Millennium year, staged on Deans Drive Playing Fields in Borrowash.  Over the past five years, the Trust has continued to raise thousands of pounds for local children through quiz nights, charity dinners, garden parties, the annual Festival of Light and many more events. 

On Sunday 11th May, the Ockash Trust held a children's party in the grounds of Ashbrook Junior School in Victoria Avenue, Borrowash to celebrate the charity's fifth birthday, with entertainment led by the Erewash Sound 'Back The Bid' Roadshow Team. 

Erewash Sound's very own Ian Perry, Nick North & Dan Martin led a series of fun and games including the 'Hoop Game' and the 'Bog Roll Wrap' with free gifts just for taking part, and big prizes available for the winners.  A Borrowash v Ockbrook Tug 'O War was won by  Borrowash 3 pulls to 1, there was an unusual relay race involving unusual flat stilts and loads of other fun.  Local kids were able to get a free burger or hot dog, there was plenty of birthday cake for all, party dances, stalls, games, competitions and information.

Ockash the Owl led the Derby County Penalty Shoot Out and Spondon's ASDA store ran a balloon race. There were also inflatables, remote control boats, arts and crafts and an ambulance on standby, but always ready to let kids sound the sirens and flash the lights.

Erewash Sound got its first official 'BACK THE BID' supporter, whose photograph was taken holding a 'BACK THE BID' banner - the Trust chairman - Bernard Hempell.  Huw Morgan from the Trust took the microphone to thank Erewash Sound for "....providing a sterling service, as ever"  which was greeted by a warm round of applause from children and their parents. 
 

Starting at the bottom of Bath Street at 1:00pm, and with a bed emblazoned with Erewash Sound logos and 'BACK THE BID' campaign banners, backed up by an audio selection of favourites of today and yesterday, the team made regular stops at the Albion Shopping Centre, Nibbles Cafe (where refreshments were provided) and the Market Place, collecting money as they went.

The team was made up of station presenters Ian Perry & Sam Hudd, along with Dan Martin, Nicola Perry and station supporter Rowena Lewis.  After the takings were counted up by the League Of Friends, despite the poor weather, the Erewash Sound team had collected £70.53 towards hospital causes - an average of around £1.60 per minute!

Ian Perry, Director for Erewash Sound recalls the team's 45-minute run: "This is a regular event in the radio station's diary and we're always delighted to help raise money for the hospital - which is a valuable resource for the community.  For one day only, we asked people to "BACK THE BED" rather than our bid to establish Erewash Sound as a full-time radio station for the borough.  Young 'Dr. Josh' led from the front, assisted by myself, and other station team members and we even had a hospital staff member and station supporter, Rowena Lewis assisting too - which was great!  Thanks to everyone who supported us or other teams on what was otherwise, sadly a rather wet day!"   The sum raised by Erewash Sound was part of a grand total of £717.62 collected through the Bed Push, and a coffee morning and stalls held at the Ilkeston Town Hall.

A total of £123.00 was raised late last year by the Erewash Sound team when they took part in a Charity bed push in Ilkeston Town Centre.   Members of the Erewash Team were assisted by 'Nurses' Nicola, Rowena & Pauline & 'Dr. Josh' as they pushed a hospital bed from the bottom of Bath Street to the Market Place, collecting money from shoppers and playing favourites of today and yesterday in the theme of the event.  A total of £800 was raised by several teams who took part on the hour throughout the day, each spending around 45 minutes to push the bed to the Market Place and collect as much money as possible for hospital causes at the same time.

Now, having made this a regular commitment in the station diary, Erewash Sound will join teams from the hospital and the wider community and have taken the 1:00pm slot to repeat the feat.   Ian Perry, Station Director, is once more leading the station's involvement and fundraising plan: "As we've recently launched our 'BACK THE BID' campaign to establish Erewash Sound as the radio station JUST for Erewash on a full-time basis, for one day only, we're asking the people of Erewash to 'BACK THE BED!' and throw as much spare change as they can possibly muster into our collection tins." Ian said.

The Erewash Sound team will be instantly identifiable via the station t-shirts and jackets, the banners on the bed, plus a specially recruited team of 'Doctors' & 'Nurses'.   Other teams will be aiming to raise money with their own hill runs which are scheduled to operate on the hour through the morning and early afternoon, from 9:00am, including teams from the Rotary Club of Ilkeston, and staff from around the Ilkeston Community Hospital.

The self-titled Local Radio Audit is the first phase of collecting information which will be used to support future promotions and the ever-building campaign to obtain a full-time local radio licence just for the Erewash area.   The Audit sees members of Erewash Sound monitoring local radio stations which can be heard in the borough, for set periods of time during this particular week, making notes of any reference to towns, villages, and members of the community, such as through the reporting of local initiatives and news, or through the airing of requests and dedications.

Erewash Sound presenter Sam Hudd has been leading the distribution of audit packs to Erewash Sound team associates: "We already know that Erewash is underserved by existing local radio operators, but in order to provide an even firmer case and emphasise the need for a truly dedicated radio station just for the Erewash area, it's important that we can provide data to local authorities, local media, members of the public, and the broadcast regulator, OFCOM.   As we know that the Borough is so poorly served, we don't anticipate the need to make many notes!"

Jeff Martin is the Erewash Sound Media & Marketing Director.  He said: "This won't be the last Radio Audit or market research initiative that the station conducts - we firmly intend to carry out the audit again, on a regular basis, so there can be no doubt just how much Erewash deserves Erewash Sound.  There will also be many more market research initiatives as the Summer continues."

Once the monitoring period for the first Local Radio Audit is complete, the results will be collected, collated and analysed before full reports are issued. 

Keep in touch with Erewash Sound news and information, by subscribing to the Erewash Sound Newsletter - issued on an infrequent, but not too regular basis, you can subscribe by sending a blank e-mail to newsletter@erewashsound.co.uk - subscriptions are free, and can be cancelled at any time, by sending a further blank e-mail to newsletterstop@erewashsound.co.uk. 

OFCOM have already licensed 93 community-based radio stations across the country, run on a not-for-profit basis, but designed to meet the needs of local people, involving them in providing the service, and bringing social benefits.  The industry watchdog plans to invite applications later this year for the second round of community radio licences.

Erewash Sound was most recently on-air during the Summer of 2005 for what was the station’s inaugural broadcast – a period of 28 days – the single longest period of time under which the station can currently operate.  However, if successful in securing a community radio licence, the station would operate on a full-time basis for an initial period of five years.

The station continues to receive enquiries as to when it will return to the airwaves, and other levels of support, but Jeff Martin, Media & Marketing spokesman for Erewash Sound says that there is still much to do before a licence can be secured: “This is the first step on a long road.  Naturally, we’re very excited by the prospect of being able to apply for a full-time licence so soon after our 2005 broadcast, however, there is still much work to do. We aim to show OFCOM just how much the Borough needs a radio service of its very own and convince them to award a licence to Erewash Sound. To this end we need the support of the people of Erewash and we would be delighted to receive contact with any offers of support via e-mail or post.”

Ian Perry is the Director of Erewash Sound: “We’ve already submitted our letter of intent to OFCOM and await, with much interest, further announcements from them regarding the licensing process.  In the meantime, we continue to lay foundations and build links locally in preparation for the future.”

OFCOM, the regulatory body for the UK radio industry announced today that they are now inviting prospective applications for a community licence.  OFCOM have already awarded 93 such licences creating a diverse range of not-for-profit services around the UK, tailored to local needs, and bringing social benefits.  In response to this announcement, Erewash Sound will be submitting a 'letter of intent' outlining an intention to apply for a FULL TIME licence for the borough of Erewash - underserved by existing local radio operators.

Full details of our BACK THE BID campaign will appear on the Erewash Sound website shortly.

In the meantime, you can pledge your support by writing to us c/o PO BOX 1060, Derby. DE72 3ZY, or e-mail backthebid@erewashsound.co.uk.  You can also write to the local press, your local MP and councillors, and even direct to OFCOM, Community Radio Licensing, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London. SE1 9HA. 

Some exciting times lie ahead as we bid to establish Erewash Sound as the radio station just for Erewash - full time!  We look forward to receiving your support.  Keep up to date on developments direct by subscribing to our newsletter - just send a blank e-mail to newsletter@erewashsound.co.uk, and we'll do the rest!

Erewash Sound's Ian Perry was Quizmaster and compere for the 2nd time.  Ian said: "I was delighted to be asked to pose the questions last year, and I must have done something right to be asked back this year!  There was a lot of light hearted banter and I'm sure people took my quizmaster role in the spirit to which it was intended.  Erewash Sound has a long history of supporting the Trust and other local organisations, and remain solidly proud of the achievements so far." 

A total of twelve teams entered the quiz from local shops, businesses and homes and, as always, it was a close run thing all night, however, the winners by a small margin were Derwent Tackle - a shop for the keen angler in Borrowash Village.  There was also a raffle and a 'Guess Who' quiz where contestants had to identify 12 celebrity faces.  Although a final total has yet to be announced, it is believed that the total will be around £150.00.  For more details on the work of the trust and a check on quiz scores, visit www.ockash.org.uk. 

Ian said: "It's always hard work but great fun interacting with the kids - we can't help but get involved in the party dances, and, along with Dan, we have such a laugh during Amarillo and the Cha Cha Slide - never a dull moment!   The Roadshow has become more and more popular over the last twelve months, and we now find that we're in demand at events throughout the borough on an all-year round basis.  It really has become an integral part of the radio group operations and much appreciated by those that use our service."

Erewash Sound can provide a tailored high quality public address and DISCO service at a competitive price.  To hire the Erewash Sound Roadshow for your family or private event, visit the Roadshows link from the website menu.

Erewash Sound, the station JUST for Erewash is gearing up for the next 28-day broadcast to the borough by holding an information evening, for people to find out more about local radio.

The event is being held on Thursday 26^th January in Ilkeston, starting at 7.30pm. The evening will feature a short presentation about Erewash Sound, and more details about the aims of the radio station, both in the short-term and for long-term aims to campaign for, and then secure a full time radio service for the Erewash area. There will also be a short question and answer session. 

The event is open to all and those attending will have the opportunity to find out how they could get involved in Erewash Sound, as a volunteer, on-air or behind the scenes. Information about on-air sponsorship and promotional opportunities for local businesses will also be available.

Anyone wishing to attend should call 07876 518758 or drop an email to info@erewashsound.com to book a place, and receive further details.

Jeff said: "We were delighted to receive yet more positive enquiries about Erewash Sound, with many asking when we would be making a return to the airwaves, and offering their support, not only for the broadcast itself, but for our campaign to launch Erewash Sound on a full-time basis as soon as possible.  Our attendance at this event, as with all the Erewash Partnership events, and the other ways in which we promote the radio station, is yet further demonstration that we are serious about providing a radio station JUST for Erewash, for both the public and local business, and that we are very much 'here today, here tomorrow'.

This week sees the release of the very first Erewash Sound Newsletter, providing information on station activities and initiatives towards creating a full-time radio station for the area.  The Newsletter, which will be issued on a periodic basis, is now in the process of being delivered to local libraries, council offices and other locations throughout the Borough, and is also available via e-mail to those interested.  Future editions will include even more fascinating information about Erewash Sound, including presenter and programme profiles, details on who is supporting the station, your comments and much more.

If you would like to support Erewash Sound by keeping some Newsletters in your office, shop, factory or staff room, for staff and customers to take away and read, contact us and we'll gladly send some to you!

To receive an electronic copy of the latest Erewash Sound Newsletter and to be entered on the distribution list for future editions and other bulletins of information, visit the Contact Us link, and fill in your details.  There's no obligation to stay subscribed once you've signed up and you can choose to cancel at anytime.  Don't forget to tell us that you'd like to be subscribed to our newsletter when you contact us!