A radio station manager has retired after dedicating more than two decades to broadcasting to her community.<\/p>\n
Julie MacLeod first took to the airwaves in July 2005 with Radio West Suffolk, a hospital radio station that would later evolve into RWSfm 103.3.<\/p>\n
Her first role at the station was ward walking, taking requests from patients, before she tried her hand at presenting and then joined the management team.<\/p>\n
Julie MacLeod broadcasting along side Ryan McClean from the Bury St Edmunds St John Street Fayre. Picture: Jackie Gillman RWSfm 103.3<\/p>\n
Julie retired from her role as station manager and presenter of Bury\u2019s Big Drive Home on Wednesday, August 13, the day it celebrated its 15th anniversary.<\/p>\n
Ryan McClean, co-station manager, said: \u201cJulie has truly been the backbone of the station, both on and off the air.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeyond her exceptional broadcasting and leadership, she\u2019s been incredibly supportive of our volunteers – often going above and beyond to offer personal encouragement and guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Julie MacLeod official station photo. Picture: Jackie Gillman RWSfm 103.3<\/p>\n
Mr McClean praised Julie\u2019s \u2018outstanding\u2019 connection to the community and the way she forged strong relationships with businesses, Our Bury St Edmunds BID, charities, councils and councillors.<\/p>\n
Alongside hosting flagship breakfast and drivetime programmes, Julie has mentored aspiring broadcasters, including the Formula 1 commentator Alex Jaques.<\/p>\n
Julie played a key role in the launch of RSWfm 103.3 as a community radio station in 2010.<\/p>\n
Under her leadership, the team introduced hourly local news bulletins, expanded its transmission power and secured extended licensing from Ofcom.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) said: \u201cJulie has been a valued broadcaster across our trust and the Bury St Edmunds area for two decades, and we would like to thank her for her contributions over the years.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, this isn\u2019t goodbye, as Julie continues as chair of trustees for the Friends of West Suffolk Hospital charity.\u201d<\/p>\n
RWSfm 103.3 is broadcast and produced in Bury St Edmunds<\/a>, with all presenters volunteering their time and talent.<\/p>\n The station is currently inviting new presenters to join the team.<\/p>\n