The idea of a local radio station for Caterham could soon become a reality following a recent announcement by local resident, Mark Jones. Mark, who was the driving force behind the DeFest music festival at de Stafford School last month, has e-mailed all his contacts asking for ideas and support for the venture which has been his dream for years. "I have wanted to start a radio station since before I moved into the area ten years ago," said Mark. "I used to be a DJ on an online radio station and loved it. I decided now was the right time because there were so many good bands who applied to play at DeFest I felt they needed to be listened to. So now DeFest is over, the radio station is my next project!"

Mark would like to see the new station launched by the end of September but there are a lot of hoops to jump through first. He is currently arranging visits to other community radio stations for research and looking into the practicalities of funding and setting up the station.

"I want this to be a community project and I want to hear from anyone who would like to be involved, including local organisations, schools and businesses or media students who would like to get some hands-on experience. I think the whole community will benefit." Mark does not expect the set-up costs to be high but would welcome donations of second-hand equipment for mixing, transmitting and anything else to do with radio production to help get the project off the ground. Mark is also seeking a room that can be used as premises for the radio station. "I have only just put the feelers out and have had some really good feedback already," said Mark. "I am getting a good feeling about this, but the main thing is that I want everyone to feel a part of it." If you would like to be involved please call Mark on 07841 065845 or e-mail him at:

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