Bath’s award winning non-profit station, BA1 Radio, has started its annual fundraising week, as it aims to raise £3,000 to support the running of the organisation for another year. The station runs online 24 hours a day and offers training opportunities to volunteers as young as 13 years old who rely on donations to run the service.
The station which was set up in February last year to provide training in radio broadcasting and employment skills, has become a popular helpline and information point for the community especially since lockdown. Programmes such as the Daily Good Show hosted by local lifestyle blogger Sarah Baker have highlighted the incredible work being done throughout the community by individuals and organisations to help each other through difficult times.
There’s information for the business and creative sectors, parenting tips on homeschooling and activities, plus an opportunity for volunteers to get involved in web and graphic design, social media, video and broadcasting.
During the first three weeks of the new shows, BA1 Radio saw listener hours quadruple and unique listener figures rise by 200%. Social media support has gained the community station over 150,000 followers.
“During lockdown we have been airing 12 hours of presented radio every weekday to keep Bath company at home,” said Station Manager Luke Nix. “We’ve also supported hundreds of local organisations in sharing their work from creating jingles for charities to signposting listeners to local help and resources.
“It was important to adapt the station for lockdown for our volunteers as for many, radio is real escapism. Under these unusual circumstances, we know that our volunteers are grateful to have been able to continue their work with us from home and in turn, create a place for listeners of all ages to find out about local news and information to help them during lockdown.”
Now the station need the public’s help to raise £3,000 to help towards the running costs for another year.
“Every penny counts and we’re hoping that Bath can support us by getting involved in our fun events,” says Samuel Maggs, Chair of BA1 Radio
“We’ll need to secure funding for the coming year and find our feet in this new normal. Then look to a return to delivering full training, including more training programmes. Meanwhile, we can continue to increase our radio output from new volunteers.”
Fundraising week kicks off this Friday evening, 24 July, at 6pm with a 24 hour radio show presented by volunteers. Then listeners are guaranteed a good laugh on Monday 27 July with the release of the BA1 Radio Mockumentary about reopening the studio to volunteers post lockdown. Alan Partridge eat your heart out!
On Wednesday 29 July the station will be offering a baking delivery day (Bath only!) and people can put their orders in now using this form: https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/ba–radio/bake-sale-2020
On Thursday 30 July there will be a Virtual Quiz Night – sign up is here: https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/ba–radio/quiz-2020
Saturday 1 August will see a stall at the Bath Farmers Market selling home baked fresh cakes, cookies etc!
Sunday 2 August, the station’s team will be walking 27km up, down and around Bath in its ‘X Marks the spot’ challenge as they attempt to create an ‘X’ across the city on the map.
Full info on all events here: ba1.radio/fundraising-week
You can stream BA1 Radio live from – www.BA1Radio.org