Vibe 107.6 FM Benefits from Hertfordshire County Council's Funding Scheme

Vibe 107.6 FM has gained vital funds from the Member's Locality Budget Scheme after being awarded a total of £3,000 in grants towards essential equipment upgrades.

The Members' Locality Budget Scheme was launched in 2009 and each elected member of Hertfordshire County Council has £10,000 per year to spend on worthwhile projects in their community that promote social, economic or environmental wellbeing. Applications for funding can be submitted by community groups and organisations through the Hertfordshire County Council website and it is an opportunity for local councillors and communities to decide how money is spent in their community.

Vibe 107.6 FM has been fortunate enough to receive the support of four Hertfordshire County Councillors who have allocated funding towards vital equipment and work needed to keep the radio station running.  This includes upgrading the playout system, re-cabling the main studio, replacing the studio/transmitter link and purchasing new studio headphones for the presenters and guests.

This support is crucial so we can continue providing our listeners with a wide mix of music including promoting local unsigned bands.  It will also enable us to carry on delivering an exclusive radio service that promotes local news, events and businesses, as well as playing a large part in community events such as Party by the Pond and the Cassiobury Fireworks.

Therefore, we are delighted and extremely grateful to Kareen Hastrick (Meridian Tudor) and Councillor Ralph Sangster (Conservative, Rickmansworth) who have allocated us £1,000 each. Following a visit to see in more detail exactly how the station operated and the equipment that was needed, Councillor Sangster said, “I am delighted to be able to support Vibe 107.6FM our local radio station, which I believe plays an important role in our community. It keeps us in touch, up to date with local news and nurtures local talent.”

Councillor Kareen Hastrick                Councillor Ralph Sangster

In addition, we would also like to thank Councillor Derek Scudder (Woodside Stanborough) and Councillor Mark Watkin (Nascot Park) who have each given us £500 of funding. Councillor Scudder said "I am very happy to be able to give my support to a great local radio station" and Councillor Watkin noted "Vibe 107.6 FM is a vital part of our local community and it is with great pleasure that I give my support to help upgrade their equipment and enable them to continue their great work as a community radio station".

Councillor Derek Scudder                 Councillor Mark Watkin

Aside from providing Watford and the surrounding areas with a unique local radio service, Vibe 107.6 FM also helps the community by providing work experience for a constant group of fifty volunteers by giving them the chance to be involved in the station's activities.  This includes broadcasting, managing an active website and social media. In doing so, we have helped people who were unemployed find work, many of whom have moved into careers within broadcasting.

The generosity of these Councillors will make a difference in our community by allowing us to continue to build a fantastic local radio station with a genuine social purpose.

Written by Lisa Pearson.