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Orchard FM
Orchard FM
Richard Keys helped open the station's gob for the first time to Yeovil and Taunton on November 26th 1989, originally playing a mix of classic hits from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's plus the current chart.
Originally an independent station owned in part by the legendary David Rodgers, it spread it's wings locally under the name Orchard Media Limited, the founder of which started Lantern FM. Orchard Media also included Wessex FM and Gemini FM/AM. The group was fairly successful. In 1999, the management of the group sold out to GWR who, not surprisingly, turned the station into another 'indenticlone' with the 'Better Music Mix' line heard so often in so many places.
As a result of the £25million takeover, 60's and 70's songs were eradicated from the playlist and a GWR, which could stand for 'Great Window Revolving' saw popular station presenters moving on, Bob McCreadie & Tim Manns, two prominent broadcasters, with Bob moving to The Eagle in Guildford and Tim moved to Bath FM, moves heavily promoted in the local newspaper the County Gazette.
The station has broadcast from Haygrove House, Shoreditch, near Taunton in Somerset on 96.5 (Taunton), 97.1 (Yeovil) & 102.6 (Somerset). The building which houses the studios (haygrove House, affectionately called 'Orchard Towers') was originally someone's house, but a clever conversion then came about after purchase. It is set in one acre of grounds which include a tennis court - however this tranquility is shattered when you understand the need for extensive sound proofing and double glazing - the M5 motorway roars by just seconds from the building. Fond memories are held by local radio fans and interested parties for a series of Open Days which were held annually up to GWR's purchase in 1999.
Information amended from the excellent Aircheck UK webpage
Orchard FM Jingles
- Orchard FM - jingles coming soon