The 2022 National Community Radio awards ceremony took place in Bedford on Saturday night with Vectis Radio gaining 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze awards.
The 4Ps Radio Training School picked up a Gold in The Community Show of the Year category for the Short Breaks Show. Director Kelvin Currie said, “What an amazing night and I am so proud of the young team that join me on Saturday mornings, their achievements are well deserved. The Isle of Wight Council sponsor the Short Breaks Scheme and it is fantastic to see how the young people develop over time with our sessions.”
Danielle Wharton, Short Breaks Lead at the IW Council said, “The Isle of Wight Council are delighted by the news that the Gold Award at the National Community Radio Awards has been awarded to Vectis Radio.” She continued, “The 4PS Team have worked hard to create a fantastic Short Breaks activity for children with disabilities and/or additional needs to support confidence and communication skills. “
The station added another Gold to their collection as The 4Ps Radio Training School won the top prize for the Community Development Project of The Year, for the second year running. Station manager, Ian Mac said, “To retain Gold in the top category is amazing and proof of what we do for young people. However the funds run out in January and so far we have no official funding for the training school in place; we hope this amazing accolade will attract the funds we need.”
Vectis Radio also picked up a Bronze for Station of the Year having been nominated two years in a row. Ian continued, “This is a validation of our small but very dedicated team and shows the consistency and the desire to improve whilst serving our community.”
There was also a Silver for the station in the Covid and Community Rebuild category and another bronze in the Innovation section. After completing five years of FM broadcasting, Vectis Radio have been nominated for 24 Community Radio Awards, have won four Gold, five Silver and six Bronze awards, as well as two Chamber of Commerce awards and the Queen’s award for voluntary service. Here’s to the next five years on FM with the extension of the licence recently granted by Ofcom.
Martin Steers, awards chair, said of Vectis Radio: “The recognition for their five awards is well deserved and we hope it recognises their success, and encourages others to to engage, represent and support their communities. It’s the second year of awards within a pandemic, but organisations like Vectis Radio have proven their value at the heart of their local area.”
The Isle of Wight Council leader Lora Peacey-Wilcox said, “I am so very proud of all Vectis Radio has achieved over the years. It is imperative we listen and support our Youth – they ARE our future. Sincere congratulations to everyone over the years for making Vectis the incredible station it is. The Island should be rightly proud!”
Debbie Andre Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills Said, “The work that you have done as a team to encourage, coach, and mentor young people through the 4Ps project is outstanding and deserves recognition. Since its inception, you have built both confidence and skills in young people who would not otherwise have had such a wonderful opportunity. This is community radio at its very best.”
The Isle of Wight High Sheriff, Kay Marriott said, “What a fantastic achievement for Vectis Radio. For such a small station to be recognised in these national awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its team of volunteers. It is also a feather in the cap for the Isle of Wight to have a nationally recognised Community Radio Station serving our community. Well done.”
