Hello from everyone at 3TFM – we hope this week’s 3TFM column finds you all well.

Every now and then I like to mention the work of the volunteers who are the unpaid people of any voluntary group.

So, I thought this week we would highlight Louise Park.

Louise is a local member of the community and is one of 3TFM’s longest serving volunteers having been involved with the station for eight years. Her introduction to radio was quite unintended and originates from when she was a member of a writers group which met at the Focus Learning Centre – the same premises that 3TFM Community Radio for Health broadcasts from.

During her time at the writers group Louise wrote stories.

However, along with another member of the writers group (Delia) she began to co-write short radio comedy sketches which became two loveable characters called Jessie and Effie who can be heard every Tuesday at 10.30am or Thursday at 2.30pm.

From writing the sketches this led to Louise actually recording them which is another challenge.

Having worked in the radio side of the media for 32 years (ouch!) I’ve found there is not a lot of people who actually like talking into microphones and this includes people in the professional world.

So voicing takes a lot of confidence and persuasion.

Sketches take time and preparation and in most cases are recorded which – if a mistake happens – can be edited.

The sketch might be two minutes long in duration.

Due to a volunteer leaving quite suddenly Louise was thrown in at the deep end and was asked by myself as Station Manager: “Could you co-host a live show with Delia on The Straight Talking Show?

“It’s only for a short time – once a week for a four week run. Pleeeze!” She very kindly accepted.

That four weeks has now lasted eight years.

Nae wonder I’m grey haired!

It has also led to Louise learning how to self-drive and operate the broadcast equipment – both analogue and digital formats – and go from co-hosting shows to presenting her own regular show The Twah Lou Lah Show on Wednesday mornings from 11am to 1pm.

Outwith using her script writing, presentation and technical skills, Louise contributes time volunteering at the many local events 3TFM covers throughout the year.

Louise is a perfect example of a dedicated volunteer who contributes well to a voluntary group such as 3TFM.

So amigos, until our next feature do take care and most importantly keep listening to North Ayrshire’s first and original Community Radio Station by tuning into the 3TFM frequency of 103.1FM or listen online via our website on www.3tfm.org.

We are the radio station that plays lots of your favourite music, interviews many guests, lets you participate in competitions and win fantastic prizes and be informed of health information which is all provided free of charge by the 3TFM volunteers.

If you would like 3TFM to promote your community event or community groups work to our listeners or would like to be like Louise a volunteer with us, then don’t hesitate to contact Louis Ferguson the Station Manager on our direct line office number 01294 608048 or e-mail louisb@3TFM.org.