Somer Valley Remembers

Somer Valley FM marked Remembrance Sunday with a special broadcast dedicated to commemorating those affected by past and current wars. The local radio station broadcast live from the ceremony at the war memorial in Midsomer Norton on Sunday 10th November.

The annual show is presented by the station’s founder Dom Chambers and executive director Pete Helmore. The programme offered a thoughtful lineup that included interviews with children from Midsomer Norton Primary School and beautiful pieces read by members of the Somer Valley Voice group that celebrates the spoken word on radio.

Mindful that the day reflects those currently effected by war this year featured, Vira who presents the Ukrainian Hour on Somer Valley FM, as a special guest.

A highlight of the broadcast, Somer Valley went live from the High Street with Dom’s commentary capturing the atmosphere as residents and veterans gathered to pay their respects. The live coverage brought listeners closer to the solemnity of the day, offering an audio experience that emphasised unity in collective remembrance across the community.

The live broadcast, which featured the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band, captured the sound of the Last Post giving way to the two-minute silence at 11am. Pete says, “Our Remembrance Special is one of the things I’m most proud of as a director. It is such an important part of our broadcasting schedule. Enabling those who aren’t able to make it down to the High Street to still be able to join the remembrance parade is such an honour”. 

The second hour of the programme featured Dom talking with Vira Niskoromnykh who reflected on her own displacement and separation from loved ones because of the present war in her country. Vira presents Somer Valley FM’s Ukrainian Show which was set up by the station working with Bath and NE Somerset council two years ago.

Dom said, “Having Vira on the show this year greatly added to the quality of our annual shared time of reflection as the local radio station. She is an inspirational person who has used the adversity that both she and her country find themselves in to helping others. In this wonderfully warm conversation listeners will pick up on her smile that comes with hopes for a better future for all people in Ukraine and Russia. It emphasised to me that local radio has global dimensions as well as the minutiae of local issues. For me local radio has a key role in reducing isolation by keeping people connected through the power of radio. On so many levels this conversation was a great example of this.”

Somer Valley FM has been broadcasting local radio to the region for 15 years and is created by a dedicated group of volunteers.

In the below video, Dom gave us an update on how Remembrance works across the country and especially Midsomer Norton. We also take a look at the beautiful poppy display currently lining the high street.

The show is now available On demand blow, simply click play. Also available are the excellent pieces provided by the Somer Valley Voices who have a regular show on the station, Saturday 1pm.

Scroll down to hear all the amazing content from the Somer Valley Voices