ensure that all members are treated equally and offered the same training. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Castledown FM offered each member the opportunity to record from the safety of their home, using specialist equipment and software. It was also during this time that listening figures increased substantially as the station took it upon itself to ensure that the local community was kept informed and up to date of the current and ever-changing status of the country. Recently, in recognition for its hard work through the pandemic period, Castledown FM was rewarded with the prestigious title of Best Local Radio Station – Wiltshire, something of which Kelly and the team are incredibly proud, and which is testament to the dedication of the team of volunteers. Key workers were the heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Castledown FM always strives to keep the local community abreast of the country’s situation, as well as that of the local area. We find out more from the station’s Communications Director, Kelly Ashby-Jackson, as it gains recognition in this year’s Southern Enterprise Awards. Run by a team of more than 50 volunteers from the local vicinity, Castledown FM Ltd serves the communities of Tidworth and Ludgershall and the surrounding area with a diverse range of programmes, including music spanning many decades, lively chat, listener quizzes and interviews, information on current and future events as well as hourly news reports. Initially launched as Castledown Radio in 2005, the station was part of the Integration of Communities Project, funded by the EU and DEFRA. Following a successful period of online broadcasting, FM broadcasting began in November 2006 and now consists of a unique mix of presenters, engineers, and coordinators, without whom the station would not be able to run. Located in the grounds of The Wellington Academy, Castledown FM is at the very heart of the community, keeping listeners entertained via their radios, smartphones or tablets using a radio player app, or even by accessing the Listen Live link on the station’s informative website. “At Castledown FM we pride ourselves on being diverse to our multicultural community,” explains Communications Director, Kelly Ashby-Jackson, speaking of the station’s numerous USPs. “We do this by bringing specialist shows across many genres, including a NEP show run by our NEP members that help to ensure all the community can access our station, thus ensuring they are connected, informed, and entertained.” Kelly joined the station just over seven years ago as she was advertising a fundraising event. This led to her eventually getting her own show which now runs three days a week. “I really do love volunteering at CDFM,” she enthuses. “It’s not just fun doing the job but it’s so nice to be a part of such a tight and friendly family unit.” The station is an inclusive and diverse team spanning many nationalities and strives to Best Local Radio Station – Wiltshire Sep22008 “Being given this award is recognition for our diverse team of volunteers and we strive to keep improving on a daily basis,” says Kelly. “We go out into the community more now with our newly revamped audio trailer,” Kelly states. “We join in with the community on events they may stage too – we really do have a very creative team of volunteers for which we are very grateful!” And it seems that the future is promising for Castledown FM. The ever-growing team is constantly looking for more ways it can provide for the local community. Contact: Kelly Ashby-Jackson Company: Castledown FM Web Address: www.castledownfm.com
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