Community radion station 101fm is celebrating 35 years, and this weekend will be looking for some support from locals at a special Radiothon.
The station is raising money to re-equip both broadcasting studios.
Some of the electronic gear is so old that parts can’t be sought anymore and are now redundant.
Acoustic soundproofing and computers all need replacing as well, according to station volunteers.
The station runs 24 hours a day, entirely by volunteers and over the 35 years since 1988, countless programs and careers have been launched.
Thousands of listeners daily have been entertained by the different stars have come in and out of those studio doors on Railway Parade.
Quite possibly one of the most iconic 10FM Presenters is Ted Thirkill.
At a spritely 78, Mr Thirkill started on the pre-Licence Test transmissions at 4CBL during 1988.
His knowledge of the various artists, recording information is astounding. So “Ted’s Memories” on Sundays at noon is a firm favourite.
“It’s essential we upgrade, as we move into a new phase of the Station’s broadcasting,” station president Mike Bennett said.
The Radiothon is from June 23-26, but the highlight is the day planned on Saturday between 9am and 3pm Saturday.
“We’ll have guests such as Bruce Paige from Channel 9, Louis Shelton from the famous LA Wrecking Crew who played session guitar on so many Artists songs eg The Jackson 5, Carpenters, The Monkees, Lionel Ritchie, Seals & Crofts and Marvin Gaye,” Mr Bennett said.
“Also appearing on Saturday is the amazing José McLaughlin, singer and musician with the much-loved Gerry and the Pacemakers.”
There will be live performances by Tyson Colman and Tyla Rodrigues. There’ll be free sausage sizzle.
