The team at Andover Radio were feeling the love on Valentine’s Day as they announced a ménage-a-trois of successes.
Terry Bishop CEO of Test Valley Community Services (TVCS) adopted the Nonexecutive Chairperson role at the same time the radio station received funding from Test Valley Borough Council’s (TVBC) Community Asset Fund. On the same day, the broadcaster also secured transmission their facilities at the refreshed Quality Hotel on Micheldever Road.
The radio station will launch using the brand ‘Love Andover’ in the summer and will be committed to being an accessible community resource, providing publicity for local organisations, training for local people as well as managing events and activities with a social change purpose.
Mrs Bishop said, “It’s clear to see the radio station’s enterprising approach to providing social gain for the town. This will be a real asset for all to enjoy and participate in – a philosophy I am very excited about”.
The broadcaster has also secured £25,000 of match-funding to purchase state-of-the-art studio equipment. The finance comes from the council’s Community Asset Fund, a TVBC managed pot of money available to not-for-profit organisations with an evidenced and locally supported social purpose. The application was supported by past Mayor Cllr Iris Andersen, who says, “This will be a massive boost for the town, the radio station’s aims are to positively promote and support all that’s good in this town. And there’s plenty of it”.
Founder of Andover Radio David Harber adds, “I am delighted that Terry Bishop accepted the role with gusto, her experience in supporting local organisations with charitable purposes will be invaluable in leading our Love Andover proposition. The match-funding from TVBC is vital in ensuring we provide a quality local radio service for Andover.
“Our agreement with the Quality Hotel really is the icing on our heart-shaped cake today, it showcases our collaborative and partnership strategy to support local businesses and I look forward to working with the newly renovated hotel enormously”.
The radio station will launch their ‘Search for a Star’ promotion to find local DJs, reporters and other on-air talent in the coming weeks.
