Royal Visitor Delivers Queens Award to SWINDON 105.5

Community Radio Station SWINDON 105.5 town’s community radio station is set to be presented with the prestigious Queen’s Award For Voluntary Service (MBE) by His Royal Highness The Duke Of Kent during a special visit to the studios on Monday 27th October.

Swindon 105.5 broadcasts a uniquely local service for the region 24/7, funded by grants, donations, fundraising and support in kind and has seen hundreds of volunteers and trainees of all ages and abilities develop skills and confidence, some gaining employment or going on to higher education. 

Shirley Ludford, Station Manager, says “I was interviewed for a few hours last Autumn and we heard in May this year that the Station was to be recognised for its work in the community and the achievements of so many individuals, later hearing that the Award was to be delivered in person by His Royal Highness. This is an exciting recognition of our work and a credit to all the individuals who make up SWINDON 105.5”.

As well the presentation of the Queens Award to the Station, The Duke is going to unveil the plaque for a soon to be refurbished studio in association with Drove School, which follows on from Shirley teaching students who, at age 9, became the country’s youngest NCFE Level 1 radio accredited certificates holders. 

Nick Stevenson, the Station Chairman says “ SWINDON 105.5 is a not for profit, non-commercial station which provides a regionally unique service that attracts school and university students from across Swindon, north Wiltshire and surrounding areas as well as providing a wide range of training for individuals and giving a voice to local communities. We are very proud of the Station’s reputation of service delivery whilst at the same time continually needing to fundraise to provide that service”.

This follows on from several successes for the station this year, after Shirley received the High Sheriff’s Award for long service to the community and was featured as a guest on ITV's Surprise Surprise, being flown to New York to meet hollywood actress Whoopi Goldberg who agreed to become a Station Patron after their meeting at ABC Studios.

ITINERARY

1.45pm    

• Arrival at the Bentley Centre
• Welcome and meet VIP guests
• Short piece of live music by three young local musicians
• Meet with the Station Manager
• Tour of studios meeting some of the Station volunteers
• Meet children from Drove School (passed level 1 accredited radio course at age 9) and watch children interview the Lord Lieutenant
• Return to Reception area for presentation of: the Queens Award For Voluntary Service (MBE)
• Presentation of Queens Award certificate
• Unveil plaque for newly named studio

2.30pm 

• Leave The Bentley Centre

For further information and to arrange to attend the Royal visit, contact SWINDON 105.5 at 01793 611555 or Shirley direct at 07951 366289