Our Royal Visit to help us celebrate our milestone birthday

After an incredible visit to the Freewheelers Theatre and Media Company in Leatherhead, we were honoured to welcome His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, to Surrey Hills Community Radio on Wednesday 6th March 2024.

Among the wonderful people he met was Chris Dyer, the owner of our home 32 North Street, who has been instrumental in ensuring the station’s survival by charging an affordable rent. A huge shout out and thank you goes to this man.

Our Station Manager, Dave Smith, introduced The Duke to our dedicated volunteers, including our current youngest presenter, Lucy Stile, then aged 16. Then, His Royal Highness joined groups of presenters to hear first-hand why Surrey Hills Community Radio holds a special place in their hearts.

During the tour, The Duke visited Studio 1, where he met our longest-serving presenters and learned about the station’s journey over the past decade. He even co-presented a recording of a show with seasoned presenter Mark Batchelor, set to air on His Royal Highness’s birthday – Sunday 10th March.

In the recorded discussion with the Studio Managers and presenter DJ Azza, The Duke explored the station’s work with charities and local organisations, emphasising the importance of inclusion and support within the community with special mentions for The Orpheus Centre, The Sunnybank Trust & Mole Valley Employment & Skills Hub.

A huge thank you to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh for shining a light on the arts during his birthday week. Let’s continue to support the arts and their vital role in our communities!