Imagine a beloved radio station, a staple in its community for over five decades, suddenly facing eviction. That’s exactly what happened to Apple FM in Taunton, the only remaining community radio station in the area, when it was asked to leave Musgrove Park Hospital after 55 years of broadcasting. But here’s where it gets heartwarming: the station has not only found a new home but has also uncovered a surprising connection to its roots.
In January, Apple FM was given notice to vacate the hospital by summer, as the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust cited evolving patient needs and expanding services. For Greg Perkins, the station’s managing director, and his team of volunteers, this was a moment of uncertainty. ‘We were concerned we might have to go fully online,’ Perkins admitted. ‘But finding a new location in Taunton’s town centre, especially one as unique as Ine’s Cottage, feels like a stroke of luck.’
And this is the part most people miss: Ine’s Cottage isn’t just any building. It’s the former gatehouse of Taunton Castle, offered to Apple FM by Mambo’s, and it holds a special place in the station’s history. ‘One of our founders, Phil Knighton, who sadly passed away, had a great-grandmother who once lived here,’ Perkins revealed. ‘So, in a way, it feels like Apple FM is coming home.’
The station, which first went on air as Taunton Hospital Radio in 1969 and rebranded to Apple FM in 2013, has always been a labor of love for its volunteers. Now, as they prepare to move into their new space, there’s a mix of excitement and hard work ahead. ‘We’re all volunteers, so this means evenings and weekends spent clearing the space, setting up the studio, and moving equipment,’ Perkins explained. ‘It’s a lot, but we’re aiming to be broadcasting from here by mid-year.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: In an age where digital platforms dominate, is there still a place for community radio? Apple FM’s resilience suggests there is, but what do you think? Is local radio still relevant, or should stations like this adapt to online-only formats?
As Apple FM embarks on this new chapter, one thing is clear: its connection to Taunton and its listeners remains as strong as ever. ‘We’re not just moving into a new building,’ Perkins said. ‘We’re stepping into a piece of history—our history.’
What’s your take? Do you think community radio stations like Apple FM are still essential, or is their time passing? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
