TV personality Lorraine Kelly has described the new home of a community radio station in Marlow as ‘better than a lot of so-called professional studios’.

Ms Kelly, known for her presenting stints on Good Morning Britain, This Morning and her eponymous show Lorraine, was the first guest to be interviewed at Marlow FM’s new site in the town on Thursday, July 18.

The radio station, which was founded by Tim Ashburner in 2006 and has picked up national awards for its diverse, locally-slanted broadcasting, launched a £50,000 fundraising campaign to refurbish a new studio in the grounds of Great Marlow School after its former home at the Longridge Activity Centre was demolished in 2023.

Last Thursday also saw over 150 presenters, supporters and local dignitaries gather on Bobmore Lane to celebrate the unveiling of the new purpose-built site after a months-long effort to raise money, including through marathons, entertainment events and the popular ‘buy a brick’ initiative.

Fundraising will continue to help the studio with ongoing running and maintenance costs, but new additions including mixing desks and a kitchen and toilet with disability access have already put the new base a cut above its predecessor - Marlow FM's makeshift home in the local library while renovations were underway.

It’s an opinion shared by BAFTA-award-winning Ms Kelly, who told Managing Director Graham Duthie that she was “so impressed” by the studio during the christening interview last week.

She added: “It’s absolutely fantastic. Congratulations on the opening – I know how hard it’s been to raise the money. It’s wonderful that you’ve had such a lot of help from the community and your sponsors, God bless them.

“This is better than an awful lot of so-called professional studios, I have to say. It’s all brand-new and gorgeous and state-of-the-art.”

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Mr Duthie said: “We’re immensely proud of the efforts of everyone, and look forward to having our new base, from which we can continue to support the community and schools in the area.

“Being based in a school will mean many more young people can get a taste of the media industry, as presenters and behind the scenes. Some of our young alumni now work in the industry, which is great to see.”

Founder Tim Ashburner added: “(First) we had the massive challenge of dismantling the old studio, which Longridge let us use until it had refurb plans of its own. We then had to set up a temporary studio at Marlow Library, which was no mean feat.

“It’s a historic building with thick walls and beautiful décor that we had to take care of, and we had to make elaborate plans not to disrupt the daily running of the library.

“Kitting out our new studio is satisfying, but equally challenging, as we all have work and families to consider. All in all, it’s a very proud moment. Thanks to everyone who has been involved with getting our new home ready to start broadcasting.”

Marlow FM’s new two-studio site is sponsored by Tripps Removals and Help in Hearing. Its volunteer-run schedule includes the Breakfast, Drivetime and Good Morning Marlow shows as well as outside broadcasts at the Marlow Town Regatta and Festival, the Remembrance Sunday service, the Christmas Lights switch-on and Pub in the Park.