Somer Valley FM has launched a new, state-of-the-art training and broadcast studio in Midsomer Norton. The local radio station, which has trained hundreds of residents in radio skills since launching in 2008, was awarded a grant from the National Lottery.

The new facilities were opened by the Mayor for the West of England, Tim Bowles, and Midsomer Norton’s town Mayor, Paul Myers, during a special ‘Drive Time’ broadcast on 31st October.

In declaring the studio open, Tim said: “I am humbled to be invited here today to see what you are doing at Somer Valley FM, which is an inspiration to us all. I am really pleased that we have some young people here as well.”

The show’s presenter, Luke Barnes, reminded the Town’s Mayor, Paul Myers, that he had qualified with an NCFE qualification in radio production when the station first launched. Cllr Myers said: “The skills used for radio fit in with all sorts of situations, whether it is working with residents or interviews. Radio is such a versatile and immediate medium, because you can be doing other things while listening to it. The radio station has helped the community in all sorts of ways, and it is an absolutely brilliant institution.”

Somer Valley FM has had a long association with local education. Joining the event were Amy, Daniel and Ciaran, who are Year 9 students at Somervale school. They demonstrated their interviewing skills with questions to Tim, who thanked the young people for all the support they give the radio station, before outlining a range of opportunities that he believes are opening up through the newly created West of England combined authority.

The full show can be heard at: www.SomerValleyFM.co.uk

Radio Manager, Dom Chambers, said: “Many thanks to both Mayors for taking time out of their busy schedules to come and see our new training facilities in operation. This is all part of changes we are bringing in so that we can offer even more opportunities for people to get their voices heard as we enter our tenth year. If anyone would like to know more about our radio training, do get in touch by email: [email protected]”

Somer Valley FM will be broadcasting a Remembrance Day Special between 10 a.m. and 12 noon on Sunday, 12th November. The programme will be live in Midsomer Norton for the two minute silence, and will feature the Midsomer Norton Army cadets.