<div dir="ltr"><div><div class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:Arial">PRESS RELEASE</span><br></div></div></div></div></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div bgcolor="#ffffff">
<div><font size="2" face="Arial"><br></font></div><div><font size="2" face="Arial">Directors and managers of community radio stations
from across the UK converged on Melton on Saturday to take part in an
information and networking event organised by 103 The Eye.</font></div>
<div><font size="2" face="Arial"></font> </div>
<div><font size="2" face="Arial">And the station continued celebrating its 10th
anniversary of broadcasting to Melton and the Vale of Belvoir with a
fundraising dinner in the evening. </font><font size="2" face="Arial">Both events
took place in the Civic Suite at Melton Borough Council
offices.<br></font></div>
<div><font size="2" face="Arial"><br>Stations from as far afield as Dorset,
Yorkshire, Cheshire, Essex and Hampshire were represented at the daytime
conference which saw the official launch of the Community Radio Awards, a
new national initiative to showcase excellence in the
sector.<br></font></div>
<div><font size="2" face="Arial"><br>It featured speakers from some of the 22
individual radio stations who attended as well as representatives of the
Community Media Association, Community Radio Foundation and South-East
Radio Hub, Birmingham City University Media School and the
BBC.</font></div>
<div><font size="2" face="Arial"></font> </div>
<div><font size="2" face="Arial">There were displays and demonstrations of
studio and broadcast equipment by suppliers to the industry and delegates also
had the opportunity to network informally. <br></font></div>
<div><font size="2" face="Arial"><br>Christine Slomkowska, managing director of 103
The Eye said: "This was our second annual networking day, building
upon the success of last year's inaugural event.</font></div>
<div><font size="2" face="Arial"></font> </div>
<div><font size="2" face="Arial">"It gave those who run stations a
chance to meet up and exchange information and advice on good practice
in the industry and we are very grateful to J L Morris (Insurance Brokers) Ltd
who have kindly sponsored the event for the second time."</font></div><font size="2" face="Arial">
<div><br>Those attending the evening dinner included Melton Mayor
Councillor Jeanne Douglas, Councillor Francis Purdue-Horan, Mayor
of Rushcliffe, and representatives of local organisations with
which the station has worked over the years. It was compered by 103 The Eye
presenter Mark Frisby and there was a cabaret performance by singer
Tony Shaw.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Awards were presented to two long serving members of the 103 The Eye
team: presenter Tracey Dene Powell, who joined the station in 2008 and
currently hosts the Monday Drivetime show, and Peter Butler who has
provided media support since 2006, both on the air and out and about
in the community.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Proceeds of the dinner - yet to be finalised - will be spent
on repairs and improvements to the station's Melton studio and a donation
will also go to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.</div></font></div></div></div>
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