Thursday 2nd November 2023 - No Let Up and Poppyland Radio Press Release

There is virtually no let up in the rain. Here in North Norfolk, we are just not used to having so much and so frequently. Rather than get a soaking, we have forfeited either one or both or our daily walks. When we have seen some sunshine, I’ve had the greenhouse open so that condensation can dry out, and the shed door too, in case any butterflies want to hibernate in its recesses. When we drove towards Cromer on Tuesday morning, part of the road was flooded and I noticed today, on my way back from the coffee morning in the Sports Pavilion, the area outside the Harbord Road entrance to The Pleasaunce was under water. Last night, I expected to be woken up by the winds of Storm Ciarán but it must have passed us by and apart from a few gusts in the early morning, it was a calm night.

Many thanks to Mike Goldwater, Director of Poppyland Radio for providing me with the following press release. A number of Overstrand residents present programmes, you may recognise some of them in the photos at the end of this blog.

'Poppyland Radio announce exciting developments for the community. Saturday 28 October, Northrepps, North Norfolk Poppyland Radio have announced a raft of developments at the official opening of ‘The Pod’, their new studio complex near Cromer.

To mark the opening, a giant switch was flicked by Duncan Baker MP, who congratulated the volunteers and station presenters on making such impressive progress in a short period of time. “It’s absolutely incredible to have such a thriving and successful radio station that is completely about the community.”

He was joined on stage by Pat West representing Cromer Town Council, who funded much of the broadcast equipment in the new studios, and Leigh Sadler of MKM Building Supplies (North Walsham) who generously donated the building materials needed to convert the top floor of Northrepps Village Hall into state-of-the-art recording studios.

Mike Goldwater, Poppyland Radio Director, also announced Vattenfall as the new station sponsor. Vattenfall are constructing the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone to power millions of UK homes. As part of the arrangement with Vattenfall, a new weekly show ‘The Forecast’ will be broadcast, providing listeners with insight and information on a broad range of topics of interest to local people from experts involved in the project. The show will be produced and presented by Georgia Sweet and Hallie Taylor, currently studying Broadcast Journalism at UEA.

Mike also made special mention of the contribution to the station by volunteer Mark ‘Raggy’ Radbourne who provides invaluable support to the 56 presenters, by editing and scheduling their shows and producing all manner of content for the station.

Adam Wood, Poppyland Technical Director revealed the imminent launch of a dedicated Poppyland Radio app, making listening more accessible. Will Wilson, Poppyland MD, also announced plans to start broadcasting on DAB in 2024, and explained how that would help the station reach many more listeners, enhancing a sense of community and combatting loneliness, which is often an issue in isolated rural and coastal communities.

‘The Pod’ studio complex incorporates two dedicated studios; studio 1 easily accommodates up to six presenters and guests, studio 2 accommodates two co-presenters. There’s a ‘green room’ area for relaxing and networking, a café area and an editing suite consisting of four workstations. This will provide great opportunities for presenters and the training of aspiring young technicians, producers and media professionals.

Immediately following the launch event, all surplus catering supplies were taken to The People’s Picnic; a grassroots organisation providing meals and essentials to the homeless and vulnerable in Norwich.

Poppyland Radio would like to thank everyone who attended the event, station and show sponsors, volunteers and supporters. Find out how to get involved and listen live by visiting www.poppylandradio.co.uk or asking your smart speaker to “Launch Poppyland Radio”.’