Community group's high ambitions for Tynedale

Posted by The Journal on Aug 27, 09 11:30 AM in Clubs/Societies

Tynedale could become a top filming venue for movie and TV crews in the future. This is part of the ambitious plan of a group that wants to promote the area and make the most of its burgeoning arts scene.

Members of Tynedale FM want to expand the currently closed district radio station and are looking into many possibilities to promote the area, including an arts magazine.

Countryside near Sparty Lea in Tynedale

They have even discussed cutting-edge technology to keep locals engaged with what is going on in their part of Northumberland, including getting the radio through the mobile and having podcasts for people to download.

Stuart Ferrol, the news co-ordinator for Tynedale FM before it temporarily closed, said: "One of the things we're going to try to do is get interest from outside.

"Nobody takes any interest in filming up here anymore.

"It seemed really promising in the early 90s - hopefully we can improve that. A lot things are being missed out on. Part of George Gently was meant to be filmed in Northumberland but it went to Ireland instead. The locations here are amazing and could be exploited much more."

Earlier this month the community-based radio station Tynedale FM was closed down.

Directors of Tynedale Community Radio Ltd said they had decided to temporarily suspend broadcasting, and some volunteers decided to move things forward themselves and work independently from the directors in a separate project.

They held a meeting and Mr Ferrol said between 40 and 50 people turned up to discuss the future, including some people who had left the station.

Meanwhile, the directors are also continuing work to reopen Tynedale FM following their restructuring - which they said was necessary to secure future key media representation and funding as well as a full licence from the media regulator Ofcom.

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk