Community Radio service Swindon 105.5 celebrates nine years on air with launch of new studio

SWINDON 105.5 celebrated nine years since launching its regionally unique service to the town with the launch of the Daniel Gooch Studio at Liden Library last Thursday (23 March).

Initially based at Swindon Town Football Club, the station launched on 15 March 2008, moving to larger premises at the Bentley Centre in Stratton for six years. Then an enforced moved saw Swindon 105.5 make its new home at the Liden Centre in January 2016, with much local support and further developing its facilities. All presenters (currently aged 12 to 79) are all trained volunteers The Station celebrated with the launch of its Training Studio, which will be known as the Daniel Gooch Studio with a packed crowd hearing from station volunteers, North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, Covingham and Dorcan Ward Councillor Kevin Parry and the Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Eric Shaw. A specially made plaque was unveiled by the Mayor and creator Colin Hatch, which now sits on the door to the studio. The new studio will also be shared by the newly formed Swindon 105.5 Community Music Project as a recording base for their service users. The aim of the new project is to provide recording and performance capabilities for those who have taken a step away from music or felt unable to pursue it as a hobby or profession. Shirley Ludford, Station Manager, said: “SWINDON 105.5 is the accessible and inclusive Community Station for Swindon and we have seen thousands of people of all ages and abilities coming in to the Station during the past 9 years, seeing great personal achievements. "Finalising our Training Studio and naming it as the “Daniel Gooch Studio” is a very fitting way of celebrating this anniversary, linking with “Swindon 175” and the town we serve. “This is also a time to look forward and widening our support for the Business, education and wider communities of Swindon, whilst seeking financial support for our service through sponsorship, donations and advertising.  It is very much a two-way benefit that that this Station offers." The event on Thursday saw children from Eldene Primary School singing, refreshments provided by local community organisations, volunteers demonstrating work carried out at the Station and live broadcasting of the event between 12 noon and 1pm, which will be repeated on air during the coming weeks.