I was reminded this morning that it was this day (3rd October) in 2014 that we received the phone call form the broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, to inform us that Stafford FM had won a full time FM license. That was quite a bizarre day but one that was filled with elation.
I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing. In fact, I can quite vividly recall the rush of emotions that ran through my body when the news was relayed to me via a 5 minute phone call from some chap at Ofcom. Although I very nearly didn't answer the call...
It was a Friday afternoon and I had just picked up the kids from St.Anne's. My parents used to live on Witney Road, Baswich, and I'd called in to see them with Sam and Em. I can still remember my mums face when when we were walking up the drive. She used to love having the kids and when she saw us trotting up the drive her face lit up like a Christmas tree.
I think we'd only been at the house about half an hour and I was pottering around in the kitchen when my phone rang. I remember looking at the number and thinking... "I don't know who this is." Normally, I wouldn't answer a call I don't recognise but after about 5 or 6 rings it did cross my mind whether it was someone to do with licensing at Ofcom, or at least I hoped it was. You see, it had been such a long and quite often frustrating journey up until that point. 13 years of trying to make something happen with little to no comeback. Believe you me, there are many times that I and the team nearly jacked it. Ray and I used to talk about giving up, and even just a few days before that phone call, we were having to deal with another drama - mopping up someone else's mess ups.
Stafford FM has always been a challenge. It's been a labour of love for most of us, and despite the knock back's, the disappointments and the let downs, we always found the inner strength to carry on. In may ways, before we got the license - it was easier than what then ensued after being awarded the license. The whole journey has been a long and winding road, full of every sort of emotion that you can imagine. It's cost some of our team friendships, relationships, financially and emotionally. I have lost track of the amount of people that have come into the radio station - promised the earth, given a little bit and then done one at the first sign of trouble. I do understand that to an extent, but I have always wondered whether those people realise the mentally challenging impact that had on the rest of us. That's a rhetorical question. It's all water under the bridge now.
Once I'd realised that it was a London number calling me and that there could be a chance that it's Ofcom, I told my kids and parents that I was going to take the call outside. I dashed out the front door and stood at the end of the drive. It's also worth pointing out that the signal was a bit naff in my parents house and therefore it was necessary to take any phone call whilst at theirs at the end of the drive!
After I answered the call with a simple "Hello?", a voice appeared on the other end of the call... "Is that Stu Haycock from Stafford Radio Broadcasting Limited?" he asked. I immediately knew that I was right to answer the call. I tentatively replied with a "Yes".
Now, I must also point out that even though it was Ofcom, there could be a chance they would be calling to inform me that we had not won the license. Those thoughts started to enter my head, but thankfully the guy continued with the words "Great News!"
"Congratulations. I know this has been a long journey for you with Stafford FM but I am pleased to inform you that we would like to grant you a full time FM community radio license for Stafford."
I am not quite sure what I said after that but I do remember shaking frantically and just wanting the guy to put the phone down so I could call the rest of the team. However, we must have had a brief conversation afterwards but that parts a bit of a bleurgh, if I'm honest.
After we finally ended the call, I dashed straight into my parents house jumping up and down, screaming, shouting with joy and I recall crying like a baby. My kids hugged me and the one thing I can quite clearly remember is my mums face. She was so happy for me. I can't ever remember her looking so proud of me as she did that day. That will always live with me.
My mum loved Stafford FM. When we used to be at Mount Street, she would rock up every day with a Tuna Baguette for my lunch which would fuel me up for the day. She would call my mobile or text me to say she was downstairs - and I'd shoot down to see her and grab the sarnie from her. She
religiously listen the radio station and always seemed to be really proud of our achievements. It's the one thing I remind myself of when I am finding the whole thing challenging. I haven't achieved very much in my life but I would have to say that I am proud of how we got here, despite the people who have tried to scupper our plans. Having said that - it's cost an awful lot over time. Before now, Ray and I have tried to work out how much money we've collectively lost chasing this dream - and without putting an actual figure on it, you're talking 6 figures at the very least. Is it worth it? I would always say yes - and there's one reason for this. The listener.
Since Ray's initial idea and conversations with the 'founding father' in his back garden at Rickerscote some years ago, we have always felt love and warmth from the community. I know that Stafford FM has done some incredible things over the years. We were once described as a 'ground breaking' local broadcaster by our mentor, John Evington. Hearing those words from one of the industries finest Programmers meant a huge amount to us. We have a few presenters who worked at Signal Radio for the great man, but Ray and I both knew that with John on board during the application process, we would win it - and we were proved right.
Stafford FM has always tried to innovate. OK - we don't get everything right - and sometimes we have to try things which don't quite work, but that's the exciting thing about it. We're not tied to anyone else and we have some freedom to engage, entertain and promote the interests of Mid Staffordshire like no other radio station can or ever will.
Going back to the phone call... the one thing I am trying to remember is who I called first from the team that we had? I'm not too sure about that one either. However, I do recall ringing around and wanting to tell absolutely everyone - and I think I must have done at some point!
We will write a book one day.
This day 9 years ago...
