Bath’s award-winning non-profit station BA1 Radio is gearing up for its annual fundraising week. The station runs online 24 hours a day and is manned by volunteers 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 an essential 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 and 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 twelve hours of presented radio every weekday to keep Bath company at home. 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, we’ve been there every step of the way. 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, creating a place for listeners of all ages to find out about local news and information to help them during lockdown,” says Station Manager Luke Nix.
BA1 Radio has been highly commended at the Bath Life Awards and named by the Bath Business Exchange as one of the top seven local organisations making a positive and inspirational change in Bath.
But, they 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 at 6pm with a 24-hour radio show presented by volunteers. You 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 we 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 we’ll be hosting a Virtual Quiz Night – sign up is here: https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/ba–radio/quiz-2020
Saturday 1st August we will have a stall at the Bath Farmers Market selling home-baked fresh cakes, cookies etc!
Sunday, August 2nd we’ll be walking 27km up, down and around Bath in our ‘X Marks the spot’ challenge as we attempt to create an ‘X’ across the city on the map.
Full info on all events here: ba1.radio/fundraising-week
