AS a councillor serving the people of Johnstone, John Hood is no stranger to engaging with the local community.
But, earlier this year, he found a new way to connect with his constituents, thanks to his love of music.
The Johnstone South and Elderslie representative told The Gazette: “I went through a massive operation in 2007. I had a brain tumour and it’s come back.
“I’ve recently had radiotherapy and it’s shrinking but the radiotherapy has caused other issues. I’ve been having massive headaches but listening to music gets me though it.”
By joining the team at community radio station Johnstone Sound, John has been able to share his passion for music with local residents over the airwaves twice a week.
“Being a councillor had already connected me to the community but this has connected me even more and made me see things in a different light,” he said.
“The radio station is like a big family and I would say to anyone who is interested to come along and see what it’s all about. Don’t be worried about all the tech stuff, as there is a lot of help here.”
Johnstone Sound was launched in April 2019 and has since been broadcasting music shows and live events from various locations.
Before the Covid pandemic, this included covering Johnstone Burgh’s football matches and Sunday services at St Margaret’s Church.
When lockdown restrictions came into force last year, volunteers at the station were still able to provide company to local residents in self-isolation at home.
Alex Kerr, founder and chairman of Johnstone Sound, said: “Our station is based in the cloud, which was a good thing during lockdown.
“While other stations had to close their studio and quickly sort out remote access for presenters, we just continued as we were, with all of us doing our shows from the safe environment of our homes.”
One of the presenters keeping residents company during the second lockdown was Johnstone man Kevin McLaughlin, who currently hosts music shows on Thursday and Sunday nights.
The 49-year-old sales manager said: “This is a unique, outside-the-box hobby and what I really enjoy about it is putting the shows together by choosing and researching the songs.
“I like to give the listeners a bit of information about each song, particularly for my Eighties Hour show on Sunday, as it is so nostalgic.
“My son Joshua helps me make some of the jingles for my shows.”
Hugh Lindsay, from Renfrew, has been hosting a Sunday mid-morning show since April, after he heard about the station from a fellow judo coach at the ON-X sports centre, in Linwood.
The 72-year-old building inspector said: “I was a big fan of pirate radio way back in the 1960s, when the offshore stations were about.
“I saw that Johnstone Sound were looking for presenters, so I thought it would be fun to give it a go.
“I’m also a qualified personal trainer and used to teach a lot of fitness classes but I’m too old for that now, so I needed something to fill my spare time.”
In between shifts as a night manager at the Lynnhurst Hotel, in Johnstone, 36-year-old Liam Christie hosts a show every Tuesday afternoon.
He said: “We’ve got a chat room on johnstonesound.com and I just tell the listeners ‘If you’ve got free time, have a wee bit of banter with me or send song requests in.’
“I was nervous for the first couple of weeks but the nerves just disappeared over time and I’m really enjoying it.”
Kilbarchan man Ron Seeth also enjoys engaging with listeners during the Saturday morning show from his dazzling home studio.
The 68-year-old granddad, who works as a television cameraman, said: “It is purely a hobby but I like to do things properly, so I’ve spent a wee bit of money on it.
“I’ve got computers, CD players, a mixer and speakers. I like to make it look nice, with some coloured lights.
“I’ve got my own little band of listeners who tune in faithfully every Saturday and have a gab about anything and everything in the interactive chat room.”
As well as being a fun pastime for many volunteers, the station has also proved to be a good source of work experience for those hoping to have a career in broadcasting.
Robbie Hanratty, who recently graduated with a Masters degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland, said he has learned plenty since starting his weekly football-themed Terrace Talk N Tunes show with friend Kenny Boag.
“I think volunteering at Johnstone Sound is a great experience for students,” said 22-year-old Robbie.
“I’ll admit there were times when we had just started where our shows had no structure but the guys were able to help us with jingles and all that.”
With most lockdown restrictions now lifted, bosses at the station hope to expand its reach.
Last month, Johnstone Sound entertained a new audience in the town’s Houstoun Square by staging a live broadcast from the bandstand.
Following the success of that event, Alex hopes the station can become more involved in the community, with volunteers recently organising a litter pick at the Morrisons store in Johnstone.
He said: “Our main priority now is to get new members.
“If there’s anyone who is maybe retired or working nights who would be available to do a couple of hours during the day, that would be fantastic.”
To find out more, visit johnstonesound.com/join-the-team.
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