Angel Radio Isle of Wight, the Island’s first community radio station, is back on air full time thanks to wonderfully generous listeners and Rolling Stones Keith Richards who sent donations to help pay for a new receiver to replace the old one which was burnt out due to a lightning strike at their mast site.
Angel Radio was faced with a very expensive repair amounting to about £2000.00 which would have completely emptied their bank account of all the money which was saved for the rest of the broadcasting licences due this year.
Angel radio needed the money because it is a community radio station which cannot take any advertising or sponsorship and the only way it can make any money is by applying for grants, donations or running dances and other fund-raising events. Angel Radio is run and staffed entirely by volunteers who receive no pay or expenses at all.
“We needed funds urgently so decided to put out an appeal on air” said Bev Webster, Director & programme controller for Angel Radio Isle of Wight. “Our listeners certainly came up trumps and we raised well over £1300.00 in less than three weeks. It was very exciting to open the post every day and watch the totals grow. We received so many lovely letters and cards of encouragement it has been a real boost to our spirits which were at a very low point!”
“It seems that someone else also heard of our plight – none other than Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones who very kindly sent us a cheque for £3000.00! We have no idea how he became aware that we were in need of funds- perhaps he listens to us on the internet!” said Chris Gutteridge, owner / manager of Angel Radio Isle of Wight.
“Thanks to the generosity of our listeners and Mr Keith Richards we now have enough to cover the repair to our equipment and almost enough to cover next year’s licences as well. This is a huge help to Angel Radio Isle of Wight and means we will be able to continue to play our unique selection of music from 1900 – 1969 for at least another year without having to worry where the next licence fee is coming from. It proves that Angel has the very best listeners!” said Chris.
Update: Following this scoop on Keith Richards generous donation to Angel Radio, we forgot to mention Keith has graced the pages of Island Pulse before. Read more click here HMS Victory Rocks!
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