THE RADIONAUTS

I went to a radio meeting the other day. There are quite a few people in Reading who are interested in setting up a community radio station, and I went along to see what it was all about.

"It's 90% community..." said the Wizard, stroking his long grey beard, "... and 10% radio."

He rolled the R and stretched the O of 'rrradioo' in his lilting Edinburgh accent. It had the effect of making the word seem somehow ancient and magical.

90% community eh? Sounds good - bringing people together. I had my Idea Journal with me so I quickly scribbled a question:

"Is this a way to change our town?"

Meanwhile, the rest of the radionauts in the room were unashamedly daydreaming - many of them about their own shows - at least that's how it seemed. We were soon discussing genres and passions and then someone said, apropos of nothing:

"Of course, I've always wanted my own rock show,"

The Wizard gave a tiny almost imperceptible sigh. 90% community, 10% radio.

I quickly realised that whoever takes on programme scheduling will need to be made of steel. I wasn't about to put my hand up for anything - not least because I simply don't have time to get involved in a project this big. Plus I wanted to make absolutely sure that I was involved in a community project rather than a vehicle for people who fancy themselves as DJs.

"And what about you?" asked one of them, gesturing towards me. "You look like a country music fan, if ever I saw one."

This will be fun, this.