Overton Radio: A Year of Community, Growth, and Unforgettable Moments

What a year it’s been for Overton Radio! We’ve been incredibly proud to bring the best of our village to the airwaves over the last 12 months, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support from all of you – our loyal listeners, our fantastic sponsors, and the incredible team that makes it all possible.

Over the course of the year, we’ve had the privilege of covering some truly special events. From the thrilling live broadcast of the Rotten Hill Cup, where Overton triumphed, to the exhilarating Overton Harriers 5-mile road race, we’ve brought you right into the heart of the action. We also celebrated the Overton Youth FC presentation day, capturing the joy of our young athletes and their achievements. We were also thrilled to welcome back Gregor Restell and Nick Reedman, who took on the monumental challenge of running the London Marathon and then running back to Overton for charity.

The village came together to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and we were there to share in those poignant moments of reflection. Our coverage of the Dog Show at T&T Pet Field was a delight for pet lovers everywhere, and the school fete was another great community event that we were proud to be a part of. Fireworks Night lit up the skies, and our coverage of the Christmas Market brought the festive cheer right into your homes. Of course, the highlight of the year was the Sheepfair – what an incredible event, and we loved bringing it to you live!

It’s also been a joy to get involved with Overton Primary School. The children’s performances, many of which featured on the airwaves, have been truly memorable. The future of Overton Radio is looking bright with the next generation of stars stepping up to the mic!

This year, Overton Radio has gone from strength to strength. We were excited to welcome Alex Soto to the team, and while it was a sad farewell to Elle Hack, we’re thrilled to have added some fantastic new shows to our lineup. “Grooveline” with Stephen Howie and “The Acoustic Hour” with Graham Oates have both been huge hits, along with the launch of “Twist of Faith” with Earl Robinson. Our very own roving reporter, Rainy Carter, has been on the ground at CarFest, securing some fantastic interviews with famous names. Rev. James Russell has continued to provide thought-provoking “Thoughts for the Week” every Sunday morning, while Paul Mitchell has brought some fascinating insights into the world of Pagans. In February, Red Lion landlady Victoria Harber presented a special programme showcasing the best songs from musicals, and we’re so grateful for the variety of content that has enriched our station this year.

As we look to 2025, we’re excited about being even closer to the heart of the village, and we can’t wait to welcome three new presenters to our lineup – Rob Bailey, Sam Carrington, and Kevin Ridgeon. Kevin has been a massive part of the team this year, using his technical know-how to ensure our live events have gone off without a hitch!

A huge thank you to our listeners for your unwavering support, and to our sponsors who make it all possible. To the rest of our dedicated team – David Harber, Jenna Clark, Paul “Golly” Robinson, Peter Charlton, and Luke Smith – thank you for your commitment to the station and for making this year so special.

From me, Rob Francis, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here’s to even more exciting moments in 2025!