A regional builder has given a cash boost to a local radio station to help fund a mobile recording studio.
Persimmon Homes East Scotland, which has its headquarters in Bathgate, donated £1,000 to Haddington-based East Coast FM through its Community Champions scheme. The builder chose the group to benefit from its monthly match-funded donation.
East Coast FM, a community radio station run by volunteers, decided to encourage young people to get involved with the station by setting up a programme involving 7 East Lothian schools, Musselburgh Grammar, Ross High School, Preston Lodge High School, Dunbar Grammar, North Berwick High School, Loretto School, Knox Academy
Each high school has its own crew of 4 to 16 pupils that produce and present a 2 hour weekly show learning production, technical and presentation skills as they work. The youngsters determine the content of their show and receive free training – a model that has earned East Coast FM a top Princess Trust Award in 2017.
Each crew has at least one member with a disability to encourage complete inclusivity, however, travel to Haddington can limit people that aren’t mobile.
Iain Robertson, Station Manager, East Coast FM, said: “We cannot thank Persimmon Homes enough for their support. “The money will boost our funds to buy a mobile unit making our training more accessible for young people keen to learn the skills required to broadcast.
“Our shows are broadcast 52 weeks a year and we are constantly fundraising to keep the service going. We rely heavily on donations and really appreciate being chosen by Persimmon Homes to receive Community Champions funding.”
The volunteers at East Coast FM have already raised £1,100 themselves after holding a bingo night and coffee morning to support their current broadcasting costs of £40 for each show.
Jim Kirkpatrick, managing director for Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said: “Community radio is a great way of bringing a community together and it is clear that the East Coast FM are providing first class training for youngsters.
“I have no doubt that the communications skills they are learning will stand them in good stead in their future careers and we are delighted to support them.”
Mr Kirkpatrick added that they receive many worthy applications every month, and urged charities who had not been successful to apply again.
To nominate and to find out about the terms and conditions people can visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity
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