South Norfolk Youth Action Community Radio Station

South Norfolk Youth Action has fast become a recognised and respected organisation with real purpose, focus and clout. It doesn't just provide an opportunity for young people to develop their community and social skills, it's actually proving to be something of a shining example - to all generations. 

Good news seldom makes front page headlines. It's as if the British public has a morbid fascination with doom, gloom, shock and horror. Is this why the media continues to portray the nation's youth in a negative light? Or do people simply forget what it's like to be a teenager? 

As for broadcasting, I was first lured at the tender age of nine, when colour television in the UK was in its infancy and offshore radio was all about good times and anarchy. There was no such thing as community or local radio. I left school in 1976 with high hopes and dreams but no outstanding qualifications. There was certainly nothing like SNYA to channel my energy. It would be another three years before anyone took an interest in my burning desire to work in broadcasting. 

Ferry Eden was the breakfast show jock on Dutch station Radio Mi Amigo – aboard the same ship as the legendary Radio Caroline. It was Ferry who gave me my first gig on a pirate station in Italy. Thirty years on and we're still the best of friends. In fact, when I told him about SNYA, he reminded me of how enthusiastic I was as a teenager. 

I was 19 years old when I took a Norfolk Line ship from Great Yarmouth to Scheveningen. On arrival, I was completely lost until four elderly Dutch nuns escorted me to The Hague and put me on a train to Utrecht, where Ferry was waiting. Today, no teenager in his or her right mind would take such a leap of faith! It was a life changing moment. 

Although SNYA's team is taking a more considered and calculated route, it is nonetheless a big adventure, and one that shows initiative, confidence and drive. Being patron of SNYA Radio will be a two-way thing. Yes, I have plenty of broadcasting experience to share, but SNYA is all about setting standards for the future, and there's still a huge amount of unexplored territory out there!  

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