Bradford & District | Archive | 2002 | September | 27
From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Friday 27th Sep 2002.
A pioneering scheme to steer young people away from drugs was hitting the airwaves today.
Radio Ripple is broadcasting live from Bradford's Buttershaw estate between noon and midnight on Sunday.
A 30-strong team of amateur DJs, presenters and engineers are manning the studio which is housed at the Ripple drugs project in Reevy Road West.
Dave Carpenter, the charity's drugs prevention co-ordinator, said the crew had been working for months learning the necessary skills to put the live broadcast together.
"It is a great way for people who might not otherwise get the chance to showcase their talents," he added.
As well as playing all types of music from UK garage to love songs, the station will feature a "roving reporter" and various interviews.
The Radio Ripple project aims to give people from the estate and beyond a positive outlet for their creativity and help keep them away from the dangers of drug abuse.
The studio was first used by addicts undergoing treatment but it is now also employed as a valuable diversionary tool.
Visitors can learn to use everything from DJ turntables to editing machines and even produce their own tunes.
"People can just come in and have a go," said Mr Carpenter.
"If they are interested in any aspect of the music or radio industry then it is the perfect way to get some hands-on knowledge and then take it further."
"We are not in people's faces but once we have engaged them we can try to give help, advice and support, particularly if people might be experimenting with drugs."
Daniel Smith, 22, began going to Radio Ripple as a way of expanding his DJ skills.
He said: "I knew how to mix on turntables but I have learned loads about the technical side of working in a studio and also making my own tunes.
"I have also put together my own CD, which I am now sending out to try to get work as a DJ".
Terry Smith, 15, said: "I want to go to college to learn studio skills and electrical engineering, so this was a really good way into it.
"It's a real laugh here and everyone works well together."
Radio Ripple is broadcasting on 106.6 FM to a five-mile area around the Buttershaw estate.
Mr Smith said the group was planning future broadcasts and also hoped to get a regular slot on the Bradford Community Broadcasting station, which has helped support the scheme.
Pictured in the studio are Danny Jay and Chris O'Neill.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008