The history of Speysound Radio
In 1986 Eddie Orbell, who was later to become Speysound's first chairman, learned of the Government's new proposals which would allow for the introduction of Community Radio Stations, legislation that was not fully operational until 1991.
Eddie, a short-wave radio buff, along with a group of other enthusiasts formed a "Steering Committee" in September 1992, and four months later Speysound was "On Air".
The first broadcast was on the 25th January 1993 the station having been granted a 12 week experimental license (an RSL), with a "motley crew" to quote the words of the first presenter Daphne Randerson, the only member at that time with previous broadcasting experience. She began by stating that "Speysound Radio will be what YOU make it" a statement which still rings true today.
That programme was made up of interviews with representatives of various funding bodies which had helped get Speysound up and running. These included Thomas Prag, Managing Director of MFR (Moray Firth Radio) to whom was accorded the honour of selecting the first record to be played on Speysound. Appropriately, he chose "Help" by the Beatles.
Others to appear were Tim Whittome, Chairman of the Cairngorm Chairliff Co., Ron Stuart of Badenoch and Strathspey District Council, Jim Stout Chairman of the Aviemore and Spey Valley Tourist Board and Dick Ruane Chief Executive of the Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise Co.
Their collective hopes and aspirations for Speysound were for a service in the area which would include the provision of an immediate channel for up to the minute information on a whole range of issues, improving the quality of life and prosperity of the community.
Amazingly, a programme which included Hendy Pollock, under-ran by some ten minutes, a feat which has never been repeated since!.
From little acorns.........
That Speysound Radio, a Company Limited by Guarantee, is still thriving and broadcasts on its own Community Radio Licence, is due to all the hard work of very dedicated team of volunteers both past and present.
You could become one of us !