Eight years ago, Dean Radio began broadcasting with a simple idea: to create a radio station by the people, for the people, from the Forest for the Forest.
On 24th August, we celebrated our eighth birthday and what better way to mark the occasion than with balloons, birthday cake and plenty of memories of the incredible journey so far!
Based at The Miners Hall in Cinderford, Dean Radio has spent the past eight years bringing the Forest of Dean together through local stories, news, information, great music and a wonderfully diverse range of programmes.
And while we might be a community radio station, Dean Radio is about so much more than what happens behind a microphone.
Dean Radio is run entirely by volunteers who give their time, creativity and enthusiasm to keep the station on air seven days a week.
Our presenters and behind-the-scenes volunteers come from all sorts of backgrounds and bring their own interests, personalities and experiences to the station. The result is a schedule that really does have something for everyone, covering a huge variety of musical tastes and interests alongside local news, community information, interviews, sport and entertainment.
But perhaps one of the most important things we do is give people a voice.
Over the years, Dean Radio has provided a platform for local community groups, events, organisations, businesses and individuals to tell their stories and connect with people across the Forest.
Whether it's promoting a charity fundraiser, talking about a local event, celebrating the achievements of a sports team, highlighting an important community issue or simply giving someone the opportunity to share their story, our volunteers are passionate about making sure local voices are heard.
None of this would be possible without the people who give their time to Dean Radio.
Director Clive Southerton says "the station's members are the people who keep it on air with their excellent programmes, and their hard work and commitment are what make Dean Radio possible. And that commitment extends well beyond presenting a show.
There are people involved in production, promotion, organising interviews, attending events and carrying out all the many jobs that are needed to keep a community radio station running.'
Of course, a radio station wouldn't be much of a radio station without its listeners – and our listeners have been a huge part of the Dean Radio story over the past eight years.
Whether you've been listening since day one or have only recently discovered us, thank you.
Thank you for tuning in, getting involved with our programmes, sending messages and requests, supporting our presenters and coming to say hello when you see us out and about in the community.
Your feedback, encouragement and support mean a huge amount to our volunteer team.
We'd also like to say a massive thank you to our advertisers and everyone who provides financial support to help keep Dean Radio going. Running a community station takes a lot of work behind the scenes, and the support we receive makes a real difference."
Eight years in, we're still looking for people who would like to get involved.You don't necessarily need previous broadcasting experience. There are opportunities behind the microphone, in production, promotion and other areas of the station.
If you've ever fancied having a go at radio, developing new skills, meeting people or simply doing something positive for your local community, we'd love to hear from you. Just drop us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
You never know where volunteering with Dean Radio might take you! Eight years is a fantastic milestone, but we're certainly not ready to put our feet up just yet.
Dean Radio will continue doing what it has always set out to do – bringing the Forest of Dean together, supporting local people and organisations, celebrating our community and giving local voices a platform.
So here's to eight years of Dean Radio – and to everyone who has played a part in our journey so far.
From the Forest, for the Forest, by the people, for the people.
Listen to Dean Radio on 95.7 & 105.6FM, online, via your smart speaker or through our free app.
And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X for the latest news, updates and show information.
