Market Harborough Freemasons donate to local Community Radio Station
Market Harborough’s community radio station HFM has received a £1,000 donation from the Freemasons of St. Wilfrid’s Lodge in Market Harborough.
Based in Market Harborough, 102.3 HFM (https://harboroughfm.co.uk/) provides an essential community service keeping the local community informed due to the current Covid-19 pandemic the world faces. During this time the radio station has seen an increase in not only more people listening to the station, but also people reaching out to the station who are particularly lonely and vulnerable.
The donated money will be used to upgrade the software and hardware for the playout system which currently has very limited support and parts which are obsolete. New playout keyboards have already been purchased and the rest of the donation will go towards the upgrade of the playout software
David Shepherd of the Freemasons has been raising money together with the members of St. Wilfrid’s Lodge through raffles held during the year. A total of £500 was raised which was doubled to £1,000 by the personal donation of local Freemason John Townsend. HFM was chosen to receive the £1,000 due to the fantastic work that they do to support the local community.
David Shepherd commented, “I would personally like to thank John Townsend for match funding our donation. I would like to think that our donation will continue their ever-popular and growing radio station".
Chris Jones, the station master commented; “Thank you so much to St. Wilfred’s Freemasons for this very kind donation during this very challenging time. We have seen a drastic drop in the demand for radio advertising (to which the station can only receive 50% of its revenue). This donation is a welcome relief from our very stretched funds in running the station and trying to find money to upgrade our system that is fundamental for HFM being on air. We are so pleased to be able to provide this service during uncertain times. There has been an increase in positive comments and support for the station with people really appreciating the music, chat and information keeping people company, ‘a friendly voice in the room’. HFM is very grateful for this generous donation".