On The Radio: 103 The Eye column

Christine Slomkowska and Patrick McCracken at Buckingham Palace

Firstly, many thanks to the Melton Times for enabling us to bring you the latest news from 103 The Eye, community radio for Melton and the Vale of Belvoir, via this new monthly column.

You can also hear Nick Rennie from the Melton Times present a round-up of stories from the paper every Thursday at 2.15pm on 103 The Eye.

In March, our station was presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service by Leicestershire’s Lord Lieutenant Mr Mike Kapur MBE at a ceremony in Melton Council Offices. Following this, we (Patrick and Christine) were invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in May.

We watched a royal procession led by Prince William representing the King, heard music from two military bands, and saw the beefeaters’ guard of honour. We also enjoyed tea, fancy cakes and dainty sandwiches.

Unfortunately it rained, so the lawns behind the palace were a sea of umbrellas but it was a very memorable occasion. Around 8,000 people attended, all invited for their service to the community.

Although we attended as directors of 103 The Eye, its success in gaining the award (the group equivalent of an MBE) has depended on support we have received from many volunteers and friends over its 18 years, for which we are very grateful..

An important aspect of our work is training young people in media which has shaped the careers of several of our volunteer presenters.

This week we congratulate George Icke on gaining a BA Degree with First Class Honours in Broadcast Journalism at Salford University. George joined 103 The Eye when he was 15 and started presenting shows for us while a student at Oakham School, later moving to MV16.

During the pandemic, George set up a home studio within the first week of lockdown to broadcast live shows remotely. After moving to university, he continued contributing programming for us, including major news stories and is now doing work for commercial radio.

Next week we welcome two work experience students from MV16 who will learn media skills leading to further study and eventually work in the sector.

During the Melton 1940s Weekend the 103 The Eye roadshow broadcast live from King Street for two days. Our Pop Up Studio has recently visited Grantham Canal Society’s spring fair, the Bottesford Easter Egg motorcycle run and last week’s Melton Grove School Summer Fair.

If you see us out and about do come over and say Hello.