Erewash Sound takes more industry honours following two 2024 awards nominations

The achievements and work of two Erewash Sound members have been recognised at an annual radio industry awards event.

This year's Community Radio Awards ceremony was held in Cardiff on November 16th.  A contingent of radio station members and friends made the journey in the branded vehicle - Melody - to find out whether a collection of 13 awards since 2016 could be added to.

Dave Dallard was put forward for a 'Volunteer of the Year' honour and collected a bronze award. He is instrumental in behind-the-scenes off-air activities including provision of sound and other technical support at radio station events and in technical aspects of keeping the radio station on-air 24/7.

Speaking on social media at the news of his nomination, he said: "It's not often I'm lost for words but I'm a little taken aback. To say I'm flabbergasted is an understatement.  I've been nominated and shortlisted as one of five finalists for the volunteer work I do for the fabulous Erewash Sound."

After picking up his bronze award at the evening ceremony, Dave thanked radio station manager Jeff Martin for everything he does, and Dan Martin and Paul Stacey for heading up the technical team he is part of. He added: "Congratulations to everyone at Erewash Sound. We are all winners - without everyone in the Erewash Sound community, I wouldn’t be up for this award."

Dave was also part of Richard Dawson's 'Now That's What I Call A Christmas Carol' show which aired over the 2023/24 festive season schedule, playing listener requested carols on his keyboard.  He thanked his partner for support "...whilst off doing other things."

Sunday Morning Breakfast Show presenter Richard received a certificate having been nominated in the 'Entertainment Show of the Year' category for the 'Now That's What I Call A Christmas Carol' show itself.  Taking to his social media page, Richard expressed excitement at the nomination and described it as a "...great team effort with Dave, Amy Dawson, Beth Yearsley and Karen Gratton" who helped make the show possible.

However, despite his monumental efforts in staying on-air for 50+ hours in the early 2024 Radiothon raising awareness of homelessness and social isolation and money for two local related charities, his entry in the 'Outside Broadcast' category was not recognised and acknowledged by judges.

Bronze award winner Dave Dallard summed up the collective bitter sweet feelings felt by the group. He said: "The real winner tonight, in our own hearts, is Richard - the 52-hour outside broadcast should have been winner of 'Live Event or Outside Broadcast of the Year.'"

Erewash Sound has now won 14 CRAs since 2016 as well as many other accolades.

Pictured (top): Richard Dawson, Paul Stacey, Jeff Martin and Dave Dallard at the 2024 Community Radio Awards, (middle): Dave Dallard with his Bronze Award certificate and (below): Paul Stacey, Richard Dawson (with his 'Now That's What I Call A Christmas Carol' nomination certificate), Dave Dallard and Jeff Martin.