A COMMUNITY radio station celebrated its birthday with the launch of a brand-new training studio today.

Swindon 105.5, based in Liden Library unveiled its new training studio, named in honour of father of the Swindon railway works Daniel Gooch.

A commemorative plaque, made by the mastermind behind the replica hooter, Colin Hatch was revealed by Mayor of Swindon Eric Shaw, to a large group of invited guests including North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.

It was a double celebration for the station as it celebrated its ninth birthday on the airwaves last week.

The items in the studio were donated by local businesses and well-wishers with the Mayor pledging the final £50 to complete work on the ceiling.

Station manager Shirley Ludford said she was delighted to ring in the next era in the station’s history.

She said: “We truly represent Swindon and our volunteers are the heart of what we do here. We are very proud of the nine years we have been on air and hopefully we will continue for another nine years. Having this training studio will help us train more volunteers and launch more community initiatives,”

The plaque, inspired by Daniel Gooch’s Lord of the Isles locomotive, was prepared in partnership with Swindon 175.

Shirley said: “We have seen thousands of people of all ages and abilities coming in to the Station during the past nine years, seeing great personal achievements.

“Finalising our training studio and naming it the Daniel Gooch Studio is a very fitting way of celebrating this anniversary, linking with Swindon 175 and the town we serve.”

Over nine years 105.5FM has been notable for welcoming volunteers and trainees with a wide range of disabilities such as visual impairment, learning difficulties and victims of physical abuse.

Some of those volunteers have gained employment, gone on to higher education, run courses and training for community groups and provided placements for schoolchildren, college and university students.

The celebration also heard from some of the volunteer radio staff.

Inspirational Ryan Simoes-Hibberd, who is blind, said being a volunteer for nine years had enabled him to follow his journalism dreams after a car crash.

He said: “I thought there was no chance of getting a job in journalism. I came to the station and Shirley got me involved in presenting and I still present now. Thank you for the opportunity Shirley

Crowdy’s Hill sixth form student Tyler Ody said:“I have always wanted to work in the radio. It’s an honour to work in here and to work with Shirley. I hope we stay on air for another nine years. Happy birthday Swindon 105.5.”

Children from Eldene Primary School entertained the crowds with songs before a selection of delicious snacks were served to guests.

For information or to donate visit swindon1055.com