102.5 The 'Bridge would like to apologise to all our listeners for the recent transmissions problems.

These were caused by technical issue outside of our control and we have been urgently working with our suppliers to rectify the problem.

We would like to thank you for the many communications expressing your concern – we are hopeful the issue is now resolved.
 

Traffic was brought to a standstill on Stourbridge Ring Road yesterday afternoon after a serious accident closed the area off.

Police shut the Ring Road near to St. John's Road following the crash at around 5 o'clock, yards from the 102.5 The 'Bridge studios.

The Air Ambulance was scrambled from RAF Cosford in Shropshire after a 4x4 vehicle was involved in what ambulance bosses today described as a 'significant collision' with a car.

Updates on the situation were broadcast throughout the latter part of the afternoon and evening on The 'Bridge, with traffic queuing for miles from each direction on to the Ring Road.

The road was eventually re-opened to traffic just before 7 o'clock.

The driver of the car, a woman believed to be in her mid-20s, was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital's major trauma unit with serious head injuries.

Two other passengers – a woman in the car and a man driving the 4x4 – were uninjured.
 

It was an arduous day for at least one 'Bridge presenter as both Phil Dent and Russell Eden embarked on a mammoth charity bike ride.

The event, raising money for Diabetes UK, set off from Swindon Cricket Club near Wall Heath on a 60-mile round trip.

As a seasoned bike rider, Russell had a relatively easy ride, slowing down from his usual pace to allow for the self-confessed out-of-shape Phil to keep up.

Brave Phil battled on despite early mechanical problems, notably his bike chain coming off twice. He was lucky to be able to continue at all approaching the 10-mile mark after one of his pedals broke but, thanks to the generosity of a nearby householder who lent a spanner, and the mechanical expertise of Russell's fellow members of the Stourbridge Bicycle User Group, he was back in the race within about 15 minutes.

A few stops for water were in order, while Station Directors Phil Tonks and Alex Totney fed Mr. Dent some well earned toffees to keep his energy up approaching the half way point.

The second half of the race began with a trip to a pub near Sutton Maddock, just outside Telford, before heading back on the Dudley-bound B4176 'Rabbit Run' road back towards Swindon.

Congratulations to both Phil and Russell – and everyone else who took part – on their achievement in raising money for Diabetes UK!!

See the pictures from the Carnival on our Gallery page.
 

Presenters from 102.5 The 'Bridge were out in force for Stourbridge's annual carnival on Sunday 6th July.

Breakfast presenter Phil Dent and a host of colleagues braved the worst weather of the year so far, including torrential rain and a thunderstorm, to brighten up the mood in the town centre.

Fellow presenters Shelly Blackmore, Dave Colley and Chris Williams and newsreader Nina Das Gupta also went on stage, with Phil dragging Station Director Alex Totney in front of the crowd to show off his hula-hooping skills.

Other Bridge Broadcasters including Peter Lines, Matt Broxholme and John Church also made an appearance, along with Ken Frances, with a string of dance troupes, bands and fun and games throughout the afternoon.

See the pictures from the Carnival on our Gallery page.
 

Bomb squads have carried out a controlled explosion in Stourbridge Town Centre after a security alert.

There was gridlock around Stourbridge Ring Road after officers shut and evacuated Crown Lane, Lower High Street and Market Street at around 3 o'clock on Monday afternoon (12th May).

Reporting exclusively from the scene, 102.5 The 'Bridge's Chris Williams said that traffic was prevented from entering the town, while travel news presenter Dave Colley reported police turning motorists already in the town.

West Midlands Police also confirmed on the scene to Williams that shopkeepers were told to lock their doors, with residents told to remain at the rear of their premises.

As the drama unfolded live on Tony Stewart's Drivetime show on The 'Bridge, Army bomb disposal experts then carried out a controlled explosion at the scene.

Police later told Williams that the package was a contained in a plastic bag, but there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

Traffic began moving more freely around the ring road as the rush hour died down, with police re-opening the area at approximately 6:00pm.
 

A sea of happy smiling faces and bright sunshine greeted Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall as she visited Rufford Primary School in Stourbridge on Tuesday.

The Duchess, who is president of the National Osteoporosis Society, paid a visit to the school to see all the hard work that had been put in by the pupils, learning about “healthy bones”.

The children are taught twice a week about the importance of healthy eating and looking after their bones to limit the dangers of the so-called ‘silent disease’ in later life.

The Dudley and Districts Support group has supplied all 112 schools in the borough with Healthy Bones Packs to educate the youngsters.

The Headmistress, teachers and all the pupils were thrilled with the royal visit and the Duchess was greeted with a bouquet from Head Boy Joshua Oakley and Head Girl Sophia Ahmed.

See the pictures from Camilla's visit on our Gallery page.
 

Stourbridge's own ghostbuster, Julian Pugh, has paid a visit to The 'Bridge's studios to talk to afternoon presenters Peter Lines and Doug Winterborn about his new ventures.

Julian, a former plumber's merchant and now a professional paranormal investigator, is originally from the town.

He discussed with Pete and Doug his teaming up with top TV ghost-hunter Richard Felix from “Most Haunted” and how they are looking to run events in the Stourbridge area, as well as helping people to solve their supernatural mysteries. He is also interested in investigating any potential spiritual goings-on at the radio station's studios, housed in St. John’s Church in the town.

Peter said: “Julian Pugh was a great guest to have on – very interesting and approachable. The feedback from the listeners has been good. People are intrigued by the subject and they want to find out more.”

See the pictures from Julian's visit to St. John's Church on our Gallery page.
 

Mary Stevens Hospice has linked up with 102.5 The 'Bridge to broadcast the weekly lottery draw on-air.

Around 13,000 people are registered to play the local lottery, with a top prize of £1000, as well as other amounts.

Winners will be announced on-air every Wednesday during the breakfast show at 8:15am, during lunchtime at 1:15pm and during teatime at 5:15pm.

Mary Stevens Hospice spokesperson Simon Henwood said: “We are very pleased that 102.5 The 'Bridge is linking up with us to provide this weekly draw on-air. We have around 13,000 people who play the lottery, and they can hear who has won every Wednesday by tuning into the radio".

The 'Bridge's Media & Public Relations Director, Phil Tonks, also welcomed the link-up: “We are committed to working with the local community and are delighted to be working with Mary Stevens Hospice.

"The lottery is a very worthwhile cause and we hope that more people will be encouraged to play, thereby providing valuable extra funds for the excellent work the Hospice carries out."

To join the lottery, please contact 01384 86 00 11 or email lottery@marystevenshospice.co.uk.

See the pictures from the official launch of the lottery link-up on our Gallery page.
 

Phil Dent has got stuck in with the big boys, as he trained with the players of Stourbridge Rugby Club.

The breakfast show host experienced a rugby scrum and a line-out as he was put through his paces ahead of Stourbridge Rugby Club’s recent fixture against London side Blackheath in Rugby's National 2 League.

The event was sweet revenge for breakfast travel presenter Nina Das Gupta, who had earlier faced up to her fear of spiders and snakes in the latest of challenges facing the early-birds set by station bosses!

Drenched in sweat after the tough session, Phil said: "That was definitely something I wouldn’t consider doing on a regular basis! They are big, fit guys and, if I were in the opposition, I would be seriously worried!"

A grinning Nina said: "This is sweet revenge for Phil taunting me over the spider in the studio. I’ve never seen him so scared! I can’t wait for the next challenge – bring it on!"

See the pictures from the rugby scrum on our Gallery page.
 

102.5 The 'Bridge's travel presenter Nina Das Gupta had more than the usual traffic jams to contend with on Stourbridge’s brand new radio station as she faced up to her fear of spiders live on air!

The half-hourly “spider report” has become a feature of Phil Dent’s Breakfast Show on The 'Bridge, ever since Nina spotted one of the scary spiders running behind the radiator as she reported on the Black Country roads.

Teased by breakfast host Phil, Nina has since kept one eye out for the leggy creatures as she broadcasts travel news every 20 minutes during the show.

However, station bosses urged her to face her fear and arranged for a local animal expert to bring in a rather large example of the species called Rosie so that Nina could conquer her phobia! Also present was Tango the snake, who became very friendly with Phil!

“Spider Lady” Angie Bissell from Wollaston business Animal Antics was on hand to explain all about the scary creatures. Angie’s company visits schools, nurseries, nursing homes and birthday parties so that locals can get up close and personal with all kinds of exotic creatures.

She also featured on Phil Tonks' Saturday lunchtime programme ’Bridge Brunch, discussing people’s fears of creepy-crawlies.

Visibly relieved after her hair-raising moment, Nina said: “Like many people, I’ve never really got on with spiders, but I’m feeling much better about them now! I can’t ever seeing me having one as a pet, but now I’m not so scared of them! Reporting the travel will be a lot more relaxing from now on!”

See the pictures from the rugby scrum on our Gallery page.
 

Stourbridge finally has its very own permanent radio station after The 'Bridge took to the airwaves in a blaze of glory on Tuesday.

The station, broadcasting on 102.5FM, launched at 10:25am with a mix of appropriately-titled songs, including songs containing the words "change" and "bridge", along with music by four bands with local links who have made it big - the Wonder Stuff, Pop Will Eat Itself and Ned's Atomic Dustbin, along with Led Zeppelin.

At midday, the first voices to be heard were Station Director Alex Totney and Chairman Dr. Paul Collins, who explained the history of the project to bring a local radio station to Stourbridge, which has been seven years in the making. He also paid tribute to the forerunners of the scheme – Stour Valley Hospital Radio and Stourbridge FM.

Invited guests and local Councillors were also present, as well as Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho – also a Trustee of the Station – who wished the project every success in a live on-air call from London.

Other highlights from the launch day included an on-air debate regarding the pedestrianisation of Stourbridge High Street as well as several local artists and bands playing live, including Timothy Parkes, Paul from Splatt and the Barrell House Blues Band.

The evening ended with Phil Tonks and Shelly Blackmore playing dance and party songs to mark the launch of the station.

The station also received several emails and text messages wishing the project well.

Chairman Dr. Paul Collins said: “At last we are providing Stourbridge and the surrounding areas with a truly local community radio station.

“Our team of volunteers have worked wonders in finally getting the station on air, and we are confident that we can really become part of life in the area. Our aim is 'linking communities together', so we really want local people to get in contact and get involved with the station.”

Station Director Alex Totney and Chairman
Dr. Paul Collins (right) kick-off the new station

Russell Eden and Phil Tonks (right) prepare to debate
Stourbridge's High Street on the launch day debate
 

With Stourbridge's brand new community radio station just over a week away, 102.5 The 'Bridge has announced its show schedule.

Phil Dent has been confirmed as presenter of The 'Bridge Breakfast show on weekdays, which will run from 07:00 until 10:00, before Adam Wilcox takes over the reigns with the mid-morning show until 13:00. Peter Lines and Doug Winterborn will share out Monday to Wednesday afternoons, with Paul Collins tackling more local issues on Thursday and Fridays until 16:00.

Weekday drivetime on The 'Bridge brings something new to radio, with a different presenter each day.

The evening shows offer a wide selection of specialist music shows, with request shows, the history of music plus - central to the musical output of the station – a show dedicated to local bands.

Friday has a selection of R'n'B music and a look ahead to the weekend's football action, which is covered in detail on Saturday afternoons itself, with dance music taking centre stage in the evenings.

Sunday features a mixed bag of music and topical debate, with a Classical Music starting off a series of "weekend wind-down" shows.

The schedule in full can be found by following the Schedule button from the menu at the top of the page.

Announcing the schedule, Station Director Alex Totney said they had tried to think of everything.

"We're in a tough position because we're trying to cater for everyone's tastes, whilst still trying to deliver as much consistency to the station sound as possible.

"People must also remember that we're completely reliant on volunteers and, as such, we have to work round everybody's availability, not to mention allocate our presenters shows that they know about and are passionate about.

"Overall, I'm very happy with the way the schedule has turned out - it has taken countless hours of meticulous planning and effort and I hope it is to the liking of our listeners."

Alex also confirmed the station had received dozens of e-mails supporting the station.

"It's very touching – everyone has been wishing us luck – the station has even been sent a few Christmas, which we're thrilled with and we'd like to thank everyone who has sent us e-mails, texts and letters of support.

"We've been working for seven years to bring this project about – since about mid-August it's literally been non-stop and we can't quite believe it's almost here at last.

"We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope they enjoy a new year with a new radio station on the dial."
 

The new community radio station for Stourbridge and the surrounding areas has begun testing ahead of its official launch on 1^st January 2008.

Broadcasting on 102.5FM, The 'Bridge will feature local discussions, music, events and issues from around Stourbridge and surrounding areas and can be heard across Stourbridge, Brierley Hill, Kingswinford and Hagley as well as other local areas.

The station is the result of several years hard work by the Stourbridge Radio Group, which won its broadcasting licence back in October 2005 and is one of dozens of proposed community radio stations across the UK licensed to provide a new style of local radio.

Chairman of The 'Bridge, Dr. Paul Collins, said: “We have an exciting challenge ahead of us to provide local people with a radio station that can truly be shaped by them. Stourbridge and the locality is a vibrant area with many local topics for discussion and a fantastically talented local music scene. We aim to reflect this on the ‘bridge and play our part in our local community”.

Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho, a trustee of the station, said: “I am pleased that 102.5 The 'Bridge will be on-air shortly. Having a platform for people to discuss local issues, promote local events and display their talents will greatly benefit the local community.”
 

Welcome to our new website!

This page will be updated with news as our test transmissions progress and as the clock counts down to the official launch of the brand new radio station for Stourbridge and surrounding areas.

The website is still under development and continued improvements will be made to it over the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, if you notice any problems with the site, please e-mail alex.totney@stourbridgeradio.com.

102.5 THE 'BRIDGE - COMING TO A RADIO NEAR YOU - TUESDAY 1ST JANUARY 2008.