A community radio station is going from strength to strength.
Florrie Radio has been providing news, music and views for the last three years to the Liverpool 8 and wider UK community.
It is broadcast from the beautiful Florence Institute building in Mill Street, Dingle 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
They have live shows and pre-recorded productions, podcasts, music and more.
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Ian Broadhurst, who manages the radio station, told the ECHO: "Florrie Radio started three years ago after The Ariel Trust donated some radio and recording equipment.
"I had past experience in radio and audio so we decided to use the equipment to set up our own station".
They began by creating podcasts and individual recordings with a focus on interviews, history and creating shows with young people who attended the Florrie's youth activities.
Ian said: "I'm there to help out new starters and we encourage people to get involved and have their podcast played or become presenters too, especially younger members of the community".
'Cup of Tea with Lee' is a community based program where one of the volunteers interviews a wide range of different people who visit the Florrie.
Other shows include 'Florrie Words', started during lockdown, in which people send in recordings reading out their favourite poems, lyrics or short stories.
Ricky Tomlinson and Ralf Little, known for their roles in the Royle Family as father and son Jim and Anthony spoke to Florrie radio as part of 'Ricky and Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip'
Volunteer presenter of the breakfast show, Neil Cummings said: "I got involved as I wanted to give something back to the people of Liverpool.
"I was blown away by the outstanding programme of support the Florrie offers and the community events Florrie Radio gets involved in”.
He added: "Florrie Radio gives me a reason to get up every morning to entertain and inform the people of Liverpool".
Podcast 'People on the Move' by Flora Zajicek explores what it means to be a refugee, listening to stories of people's journeys.
Creator organisations such as Community Bridges interview community organisations about the services they have to offer and how people can access them including Liverpool City Council and charities.
In between live broadcasts they play music produced only by Liverpool singers, bands, musicians and more showcasing their talent.
John Cochrane, who also volunteers, said: "It is my privilege to present the Blues programme 'The Devil's Music' including Blues from the earliest 1920s recordings through to 1950s, Rock and Roll and beyond.
"I appreciate how crucial the role The Florrie takes in the social, economic and cultural life of the Dingle region.
“Classes in art, music, especially guitar, which brought me to the Florrie, foreign languages, ESOL and photography provide not just skill development, but essential social interaction for people likely to be isolated in these difficult times".
Ian added: "We’d love to see more shows focusing on local history or life in Liverpool and Merseyside.
"We are also keen to get more young people involved in creating shows or running the station in other ways".
Florrie Radio is run by the community, for the community - offering opportunities to get involved as volunteers and no experience is necessary as full training is provided.
To find out more visit www.theflorrie.org/joinourteam/
