Page 37 - Demo

January 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 37The World changed during 2024 with elections in 76 countries. Over four billion people had the chance to alter their country%u2019s politics or not, as the case might be. There was change worldwide. Indeed, we have a new Government, and with it, new ways and new thinking. At CRMK, we are thinking survival as our future is on a knife-edge, and we are currently hanging on by our fi ngernails.You may have chanced upon our stall at the Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights Switchon. If you did, then for those who stopped, chatted and bought our Creature Connections fundraiser or had a go at naming the donkey, I thank you on behalf of all at CRMK for your interest, time and support. On the day, we actually raised enough to cover one month%u2019s electricity %u2013 the equivalent of fi ve presenter%u2019s monthly subscriptions. It is these subscriptions which primarily, enable the station to %u2018almost%u2019 cover operating costs. On that note, we are holding a fundraising %u2018jumble sale%u2019 at Ousebank House in Newport Pagnell on Saturday, 1st February, from 11am until 4pm.Like most volunteer organisations we only exist through the goodwill of members, subscriptions, donations or sponsors. We are not greedy, although it would be nice to have a fl oat for those unexpected problems that can occur, as it did earlier in the year when our security entry system lock failed. A replacement lock and presenter keys ate up a sizeable chunk of what small reserve we had, and it was back to the fi nancial drawing board for us with covering costs a fi nancial target and recruiting additional presenters our aim. No magic ingredient is required to be a presenter except for a love of playing music unless you solely want a chat show. Whilst some presenters have had previous radio experience, the vast majority do not when they join. We are open to all. No experience necessary. Training is provided. We present shows for the love of the music and have many diverse shows on CRMK. All musical genres get played, but we are short of specialist shows %u2013 reggae, soul, country and classical, for example. A local community show is another. Can you help? Without presenters to cover costs, your chance %u2018to have a go%u2019 may go with it. Would you like to try? If so, please get in touch. As we enter the New Year, we live in hope that our fortunes will eventually change. For so long we have hung on by those proverbial fi ngernails and it would be so good if we can progress to hanging on by both hands.2024 was another tough year for CRMK but change did take place. Despite any future concerns, we played music, we had fun and we survived to 2025. For CRMK, with all its trials and tribulations of cost cutting, subscriptions being raised, presenters coming, presenters going and the untold issues, that was the year that was...www.crmk.co.ukwww.crmk.co.uk/listenThat was the year that was!CRMK RADIOHave you recently sufi ered a bereavement?Dealing with someone%u2019s afi airs when they die can be complicated and confusing, especially at a diff cult and emotional time.We can help support you and provide direction to administer your friend or loved one%u2019s estateWhether you need some advice on what steps you need to take in order to deal with the estate of a loved one or you are looking for someone to carry out services on your behalf, whatever your circumstances we have the right answers and solutions for you.At a time of loss, ffl nancial matters are very sensitive be reassured that Orchard Wills Ltd ofi er Fixed Fee Probate Services. ffi is means you will agree the cost upfront and there will be no hidden surprises.Orchard Wills Ltd work in partnership with our trusted partner Premier Solicitors who will manage all of the legal aspects of the estate administration.For more information, please call us or visit our website 01234 713938www.orchardwills.co.ukOrchard Wills, Unit 2, Stanley Court, Buckinghamshire, MK46 5NH