The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A last ditch bid is poised to save Tulip Radio from closure.
The Voice revealed last week how the community radio station was closing due to a lack of volunteer staff with the requisite knowledge and time.
However, an approach has been made this week by Hereward Media – a registered charity which operates training services in Peterborough – to help save the station.
They are planning to re-launch Tulip Radio on Monday, January 2, after their timely late intervention.
Tulip Radio director Chris Carter explained: “This was far later an intervention than the 11th hour – this was more like three minutes to midnight!
“I was on-air when the letter from Hereward Media was thrust into my hand.
“I was already amazed with the offers of support which were coming in, but what was being proposed, in this case, offered exactly what was needed.
“It’s not money that has been the issue with our station, it has been provision of technical know-how and numbers of volunteers.
“These are both addressed with Hereward Media’s business plan, which leaves me both delighted and relieved.”
Hereward Media is in the process of setting up a media training centre in Peterborough, coupled with a local TV channel, and activity in the future will include the eventual opening of a television studio in Spalding as well.
Station director Alex Geairns commented: “The deal will preserve this vital community asset for the Spalding and South Holland area.
“Broadcasting is one of the ancillary outputs from our training initiatives, where we increase the employability of those who need a new direction in their careers.
“Radio, TV and internet skills can be transferred to a whole host of professions, and bringing Tulip into our group gives us a hub in another part of our coverage area.
“With Spalding in our catchment area, it will allow us to ensure the community continues to be able to have a voice and on easily accessible FM airwaves.
“All I ask now is all those who stepped forward in the last few days to help their local radio station, as we did, now follow through with their offers.
“We want to hear from everyone, as we need new presenters alongside the established ones, and there are many behind-the-scenes roles to be taken.
“Community radio is volunteer-driven and you can never have too many people involved.”
