Community radio creator
248. Allan Trinder
A presenter and founder of a community radio station run entirely by volunteers.
Allan Trinder, 64, was one of the founders of Glastonbury FM in 2007 and has volunteered at the popular station ever since, where local people make broadcasts for local people.
Allan is a key member of the station management and presents a weekly ‘Community Hour’ programme. Thanks to Allan, the radio station now has a thriving volunteer programme which offers a wide range of opportunities for the local community, some of whom have gone on to work in professional radio.
On top of this as one of the Directors Allan volunteers at the station three days a week and has successfully secured grant funding worth tens of thousands of pounds to help keep the community project on air and, more recently, kit out a new home for the station.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Community radio provides an important service, particularly in rural areas. Allan has led Glastonbury FM to great success broadcasting a wide range of local music, news, views and information. The volunteer programme Allan has initiated gives over 70 local people the opportunity to volunteer, learning about everything from programme editing to financial management. I am delighted to name him a Point of Light.”
Allan said:
“I was surprised and delighted to get this award which I see as recognition for community radio stations such as GFM and what they bring to their local area. It’s a great thing to be involved with”.