Well, as 2012 finally winds to a close, on balance I have to say "Good riddance!" It's been an unbelievably challenging and frustrating year, with lots of obstacles, some of which have seemed at times unsurmountable. Despite having been given an onerous responsibility there's been significant opposition on some fronts, but I've also had amazing support from Judith and a small but significant group of true friends and colleagues.
We've also made significant advances and improvements over the last 12 months, but we've still a long, long way to go. Facebook has been a fantastically useful tool, but sadly it's also been used in a pretty negative way too. I've got hopes for the coming year; I look forward to a number of advances, but I'm filled with trepidation.
12 months ago I'd been made redundant by a company I set up with a small group of colleagues, who all lost significant sums in the venture. But it WAS all worthwhile; over the 15 years Yorkshire Dales Radio, then Fresh Radio broadcast we made a lot of friends across the dales, many of whom have now found themselves without their "little chum in the corner of the room", their local radio. But a significant number have moved on, and joined us at Drystone Radio - either on line or on air.
Over the last 12 months we've lifted on-line listening from the lower hundreds to more than 50,000 - and it's still growing. I don't know what the future holds for me, but at least I'm more than pleased with that, and with the improvements in broadcasting standards.
I know the coming months are set to be extremely challenging for both of us, for personal reasons I won't go into on this public forum; there are some who know why. Wishing all those who've shown us genuine support a very happy new year, and the very best of luck and love to you all.
