Abbey 104 originally called Radio Sherborne was set up by a group of volunteers who thought Sherborne to be left out of most news areas. So they decided to act rather than talk about it, quite a few late and often heated discussions later the name was changed to Abbey 104 to reflect the Sherborne area rather than just the town itself. Like the Abbey Sherborne is famous for, Abbey 104 wanted to bring into the community the near villages which are often cut off and connect with those who have no transport or easy links to town.
After various RSL’s and lots of technical work and support behind the scenes by former members , without whom Abbey 104 would not have got on air, the station finally received its right to go live on FM on February 16th 2013.
Although a small station run by unpaid volunteers, Abbey 104 has grown into a valuable community service, helping promote fetes, events and local news both topical and travel for the Sherborne area. Well supported by the Sherborne Chamber of trade and Commerce and also the Sherborne Town Council’ Abbey 104 and its members has worked hard to promote local area and provide various shows and programmes for the community.
The Committee is run by Chairman Taff Martin, presenter and Sherborne resident for over 25 years. The committee members are as follows,
Treasurer/Safeguarding officer Lynda Martin, who puts in long hours on accounts and making sure Abbey 104 is a safe place for all junior visitors and members plus any vulnerable adults to visit. All this and she doesn’t even get to do a show, and even pays for the privilege too.
Membership Secretary and also Safeguarding officer Ken Greene, one of the original members of the team and someone who has worked so hard to get Abbey 104 on air and also trains all new members to become presenters.
Program Controller Phil Clements. A huge asset to Abbey 104 for his experience and knowledge of local radio in the area, and wonderful knowledge of right music for daytime listening on Abbey104.
Paul Peters, a huge wealth of experience in radio, from his pirate days out on the Fort John Nott, to his syndicated Fabulous 5o’s and Swinging 60’s shows. A wonderful asset for any radio station.
Terry Bennett, a newcomer to Abbey 104, but already proven his worth and commitment to the station, and to the administration side of running a radio station.
Abbey 104 also has three Directors. All three, long term Sherborne residents who all believe in giving their time to the community and making sure Abbey 104 does its best for local concerns.
Director are as follows;
Jane Smith former Mayor of Sherborne 2010. Jane our longest serving Director has seen Abbey 104 grown from a small front room in Georgian House Sherborne to our present studio in Coomb Works.
Bonny Sartin needs no introduction to Sherborne, from fame with the Yetties, with TV, Radio and as a recording artist, Bonny knows what Sherborne is all about and is a valuable spokesman for the folk heritage of the west country.
Kevin Gould, born and bred in Sherborne, former player for SRFC and now a well respected member of Agusta Westland in Yeovil.
Last but certainly not least. Phillip Bell of Bell Computing Solutions of Sherborne. Offering Technical support to Abbey104 and keeping our IT up to date.
