Experts on Air

Ed Adkins - Optician

We first became familiar with Park Radio when they installed their first studio in the pokey little basement unit opposite our practice. In those days, they were initially operating for a few weeks each December. It was fascinating to see how a studio was set up and Chris and co were always welcoming to all-comers, guests and anyone just being generally nosey about what they were up to. Right from the early stages, Park Radio was firmly a community station, happy to publicise local events as well as keeping the community updated with local news and travel. I don't think it's any coincidence that there was a noticeable uplift in support for community events, including the carnival, Christmas lights switch on and even unique days such as the mechanical music festival. As Park Radio has evolved into a full-time service, these early roots have been expanded to offer a large range of content, so that they cater for as large a section of the local population as possible. As a local business that also serves the community, Adkins Opticians has always been happy to support local projects. We feel that it's important that businesses reciprocate the support that we receive from our locality and sponsoring Park Radio gives us a good vehicle to do this, as well as maintain our presence in Diss and surrounding areas. I'd like to think that both ourselves and Park Radio are living proof that sometimes, the best things come in small packages, rather than large corporations.

Caroline Mackinson - Project Coordinator - Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District

Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District couldn’t be happier to be next door to Park Radio on Shelfanger Road, Diss. Since the station started, our staff and volunteers regularly pop into the studio for our monthly guest slot and never cease to be impressed by the friendly and professional service they offer. As a charity, we really appreciate the invaluable contribution local volunteers make every day to Park Radio and we also share some

of the challenges such as fundraising to continue providing our services. Many of the local people we support everyday through our free face-to-face advice services are not online and struggle to access other services. We know radio offers a vital source of both information and support for many who may otherwise feel extremely isolated. We recognise how vital this has been during the pandemic and we’ve been delighted to be able to continue our monthly guest slot on the midmorning show via telephone. We’re really looking forward to when we can meet the team back in the studio again and for their Mel & Caroline ongoing support in highlighting our work.

Contractors to H.M. Government

Scrap Metal Collection Free Metal Dump We Buy in Metal

Why not pop down and see what we have from nuts and bolts to picks and shovels, buckets and spades, tools and hardware from racking and shelves, benches to kitchenware and cutlery. Items to recycle from vintage to retro.

Open 8.30am-4pm Weekdays 8.30am-noon Saturdays

Call us on 01379 642983

Oxford House, Mission Road Diss IP22 4HX peter.gillings@virgin.net www.gillingsofdiss.com