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Local performers given unique showcase opportunities

The imminent launch of Radio Basingstoke dotcom, at 1pm on Wednesday 1st May, gives north Hampshire bands and artists of all genres a new and unique opportunity to showcase their work.

They have the chance of having a half-hour programme dedicated to their work on a show hosted by Radio Basingstoke's Station Manager, Lee Williams, who will interview the artists and play their promotional CD's on air. The programme will air three times over a two week period at different times of the day.

The CD will also feature as their "Artist of the Week"on a new website to be launched shortly.

This new radio station, a joint venture by local music management company Astrid Music Management and Public Relations consultancy Headline Promotions Press & PR, will play music of all genres round the clock and, whilst there will be some presenters, there will be less chatter and more music. Though it is funded by commercials, these will be kept to three minute segments each half hour.

Station Manager, Lee Williams said: “Radio Basingstoke is a community radio station, at the heart of our local community, and support of local artists is part of our mission. During our early days, until such time as we obtain sponsorship for some programmes, we will ask for a contribution of £200 from our featured artists. Once we obtain commercial sponsorship then there will be no charge!”

Artists wishing to showcase their work can submit details by e-mail to john@radiobasingstoke.com

Asked if he was confident of the future of Internet radio, Williams said: “A recent report claimed that internet radio has hit the mainstream. More than 8 million people in the UK listen to web-based radio services every week and nearly 2 million download podcasts on a weekly basis, according to a survey that suggests internet radio has hit the mainstream.”

Commissioned by the industry's audience research body Rajar, the Ipsos Mori survey last autumn found that more than 12 million people have listened to the radio online and 8.1 million listen every week either through live streaming or "listen again" services.

Ipsos Mori found that 75% of users do not listen to less live radio as a result of listening again online, with 50% tuning into new shows as a result.

For Radio Basingstoke, this is good news. Williams (pictured with John Hicks, MD of Headline Promotions, Press & PR) said: “This survey proves what we in the radio industry already knew! We are looking forward to the forthcoming launch of Radio Basingstoke on 1st May and this news is very positive for us.”

Tasked more about the use of “community” in their mission statement, Williams explained that two local schools, Bishop Challoner RC School and Costello Technology College, are working on weekly shows produced by groups of students. In addition, local presenters will be featured and there will be extensive “what’s on” coverage, through the website and on-air programming. Further, local job opportunities will be featured to help jobseekers.

There are also opportunities for the general public to become involved. These range from being able to text requests to the station (0787 401 6433) through to volunteering to master their new MySpace presence (www.myspace.com/radiobasingstoke). In particular, the station will heavily feature news of what is happening in the local community so anyone with an upcoming event is asked to e-mail full details to events@radiobasingstoke.com.

For a radio station for north Hampshire, the name Radio Basingstoke was an obvious choice. Williams discloses though that it was actually a close run thing with “Amazingstoke” until it was found that an enterprising author has already registered amazingstoke dotcom. However, he was happy for the station to adopt it as part of their logo which will soon be displayed prominently around the district.

This is not the first time Williams and Hicks have collaborated. They are co-founders of the award-winning CMR Nashville Radio (www.cmrnshville.net), Europe's leading country music radio station.

Radio Basingstoke will be found on
www.radiobasingstoke.com through your PC, internet radio and many popular mobile phones.

Walk to School Week

With the school run accounting for almost a fifth (18 per cent) of car trips during term time, the rush hour will seem considerably quieter next week when approximately 80,000 Hampshire school children take part in Walk to School Week.

In the UK, half of primary school children don’t walk to school regularly and 41 per cent of pupils are driven in cars – a trend that is on the increase. Although sometimes unavoidable, being driven to school every day has a negative impact on children’s general road safety knowledge as they are unable to learn it first hand from the back seat of a car.

Hampshire County Council’s road safety team will be supporting this national campaign by walking to school with pupils from Merton Infant School, Romsey Close, Popley Way, Basingstoke, on Monday morning (19 May) to discuss with them traffic dangers and to encourage them to pay special attention to the different types of street noise as they walk to school.

After arriving at the school, road safety officers will be taking an interactive assembly with the school children to discuss the various traffic sounds they hear on the way to school and show how they link with the Green Cross Code.

The County Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Mel Kendal, said: “Many more parents take their children to school by car than on foot as it’s often quicker and more convenient.

“But walking offers independence and flexibility, and the more children walk, the more confident and responsible they become about road safety. More importantly they become familiar with roads and traffic dangers, making for a better understanding about their own road safety when they are taught the Green Cross Code in class.”

Walk to School Week takes place from 19-23 May inclusive.

Cycle Hampshire 2008 Summer of Cycling

The first ever Cycle Hampshire 08, Summer of Cycling event led by Hampshire County Council is being launched this summer.

This year you will be able to find the best cycling events taking place across Hampshire over the summer starting from now until August 25 by visiting www.hants.gov.uk/cyclehampshire08 or visiting your local Tourist Information Centre or Library and picking up a leaflet.

So what are you waiting for…get your bike out the shed, dust it off, and take to the saddle. Whether you are looking for a family ride, something for beginners or a full-on cycle race, you can find details of all these types of events. You can submit your own event as well as find details of cycling clubs and links to local cycle information.

To get people out on their bikes and keeping fit this summer Hampshire County Council has joined forces with British Cycling, CTC (Cyclists Touring Club), Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and Sustrans.

Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, Councillor Margaret Snaith, said: “Hampshire County Council is promoting and organising events suitable for families, new and returning cyclists as well as for those more experienced riders. Why not get reacquainted with cycling on a bike ride along the Blackwater Valley Path or take the family out for a ride along the Hayling Billy disused railway line. If you are out of practice there is cycle training on offer or if you are looking for a challenge, why not take part in a 100km ride.”

Keep an eye on the website all summer for new events and details of our exciting photo and short-film competition!

To tie in with the National Year of Reading, a ‘recommended read’ section will also be featured on the website for people to recommend their favourite cycling related books.

New Parking Rules

As of 31st March 2008, the borough council has to comply with the new Department of Transport parking regulations which are effective throughout the country. The main effect of this will be the level of fines (penalty charge notices). Currently the notices issued by the council are £60 (£30 if paid within 14 days).

Red hot water the greener way

Green-minded people are being given the opportunity to learn how to build and install their own solar hot water systems thanks to a new course due to take place at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT)

The course has been organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in partnership with the Low-Impact Living Initiative (LILI) and BCoT to provide people with the knowledge to assemble and install their own solar hot water systems – reducing carbon emissions and saving money!

Only basic plumbing and DIY knowledge is necessary to take part in the course which will take place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July. And for those people not wanting to install the system, assistance can be provided in finding a contractor to do it for them.

The course costs £1,695 and includes the solar hot water kit to take home with you and is a cost effective approach compared to buying a system from an installer. People wishing to attend the course but not wanting to build a kit can observe for just £100 for the weekend.

BCoT also offers additional courses including a DIY plumbing course and a recognised course for installers on all leading heating systems.

The council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change Cllr Anne Court said: “The council’s climate change strategy aims to reduce carbon emissions across the borough through partnerships and community involvement. This course is an example of this work and a great opportunity for people to do their bit to tackle climate change in the borough and save themselves money in the long run too.”

To book a place on the course or to find out more information contact the council’s Lucy Martins on 01256 845620 or email lucy.martins@basingstoke.gov.uk . For more information on the kit or LILI call 01296 714184 or email peter@lowimpact.org.

For information on climate change and things you can do to tackle climate change visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/climatechange

The Green Road Show is coming to town!

Roll up, roll up The Green Road Show is coming to Basingstoke and Deane in June for a weekend of free environmentally-friendly fun!

For two days on Saturday June 14 and Sunday June 15, The War Memorial Park will play host to the circus-style roadshow offering people of all ages a fun yet informing day out.

The green-themed weekend event has been organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in a bid to raise awareness of climate change among residents in the borough and educate them on the actions they can take to reduce their carbon emissions.

The fun-packed roadshow, which is also scheduled to appear at Glastonbury this year, is filled to the circus top with fascinating exhibits and environmentally-themed entertainment, all powered by wind turbines and solar panels.
Interactive performances will come in the form of the Broccoli and Sprout environmental clown show, Kevin the Clown and clowning supremo Strawberry Jam amongst others.

Officers from the borough council will be on hand to offer local information on green issues including recycling and climate change.

Meridian Entertainment will also provide additional entertainment in Festival Place, offering shoppers the opportunity to see entertaining green-themed performances featuring the much-loved Dr How.

The council's Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change Cllr Anne Court said: “This free event is a must for all the family. People of all ages will be able to enjoy a wealth of entertainment, while also picking up useful information on how to think and act a little greener.

"As part of the borough council's climate change strategy we want to raise awareness of the actions people can take to reduce their carbon footprint and a fun, interactive event such as this is a fantastic way to engage with people. I hope people take the opportunity to come along to The Green Roadshow."

The Green Roadshow will take place at The War Memorial Park from 11am to 5pm both days. A Green Road Show Shuttle Bus will also be available over the weekend allowing people to park free at the Leisure Park and be transported to and from the event.

For more information about event call 01256 844 844. For more information on climate change initiatives in the borough visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/climate