North Devon's Light Finally Goes Out

A rather mellow morning, and moreso for those in North Devon
as the station formerly known as Lantern FM made it's final broadcast
from the Lauder Lane studios this morning.

Presenters Hopps and Chappell kept their dignity throughout but
read out several messages wishing them well including one from
former newsreader and presenter Tim Pryor.

As I haven't listened for quite a while it was good to hear some
of the catchy ads such as Westcountry Windows (to the tune of Craig
McLachlan's "Mona") and Pat Williams car parts ("#Pat William's got your part!")
who are based not too far away from the studios and have been around
almost to the day when Lantern Radio began broadcasting.

The final song played was "Eternal Flame" by The Bangles which was
also the first record played on Lantern FM back in October 1992
and that's when it started to hit me, especially in the final link
when Paul Hopper said it was a song that meant a lot to North Devon.

So that's it then.

Quality local radio in North Devon has become another victim
to the men in suits who could write their knowledge of great radio
on a postage stamp.

On a more hopeful note, best of luck to Hopps, Chapple, and especially
Suse who made me feel really welcome on my visit to North Devon back
in July 2006.

Lantern FM/Heart 96.2
19.10.1992 - 27.08.2010