In just over a year, Radio Walkham has metamorphosed from broadcasting two evenings a week in a presenter’s kitchen to a professional radio station with an impressive weekly programme, including a regular breakfast show, sports programme and a full spectrum of music for all tastes including rock & roll, 70s, 80s, dancefloor smashers, hardcore trance & house, blues, the latest releases and ‘The Rich Pickings Show’ - the only south west programme focusing on local music.
Paul ‘Taffy’ Hillier moved to Horrabridge at the end of 2016, quickly settling into the local community. With eight years of experience as a local radio presenter in South Wales for Radio Tircoed, he was keen to set up a small radio station for the West Devon community. His smooth, entertaining presenter’s patter soon had listeners tuning in, while a steady stream of aspiring presenters got in touch, eager to come on board.
Paul admits to being slightly addicted to Radio Walkham and even though he has recently gifted the radio station to the community, he still plays a major role in keeping it on air. I went along to meet both him and Mel Gregory, vice-chair of the new Radio Walkham committee, at their base above The London Inn in Horrabridge - courtesy of the landlord Mike Huda, who also provides Radio Walkham with free electricity and broadband. After a quick chat, Paul ushered me into the ‘chair’ and I got the same treatment as would-be presenters, suddenly finding myself reading the weather live!
Run by an eclectic mix of presenters, ranging from 18 to 70-years-old, this group of fun-loving but passionate people have built a polished radio station, broadcasting from five separate locations with 3500 regular listeners every month, including expats around the world, who send in a constant stream of chat, local news and events to the Facebook page. The radio station is also keen to encourage local artists, with musicians and singers frequently playing live in the studio as well as performing at the innovative Party in the Park days held last summer. Last year Paul also took OB1, the Radio Walkham ‘outside broadcasting unit’ transformed from a £180-caravan, to H Fest in Exmouth, to broadcast the charity music festival live. The station is also supporting local residents Barry Gray in the Challenge Antartica project, and Lee Spencer, The Rowing Marine.
Rosemary Best
Why not tune in for a listen from 7am to 11pm - just search radiowalkham.net and click on the link or download the TuneIn app.Radio Walkham is always keen to hear from singers and musicians, or potential presenters, so if you think you might have what it takes get in touch on the website contact page or 07925 073602.