Melksham sports commentator picks up gold at radio awards

MELKSHAM man Ian Nockolds picked up the Gold award for Sports Broadcasting at the Community Radio Awards. earlier this month.

The inaugural awards took place at Birmingham City University with over 35 community radio stations being recognised for their broadcasting excellence.

Ian Nockolds has been   involved with sports broadcasting on Somer Valley FM, a community radio station based in North East Somerset, since the station was piloted in August 2006 and been commentating on the Western League Football  since 2010.

Since moving to Melksham, Ian has always been keen to include his adopted home town in his broadcasts, commentating on Melksham Town eight times for Somer Valley FM as well as covering two of the clubs recent Wiltshire Senior Cup Final appearances. Town Manager, Darren Perrin, has also featured regularly on the Sport Show, both as an on air guest and a co-commentator for Southern League matches between his former charges, Paulton Rovers and Frome Town.

On receiving the award Ian thanked all the volunteers who have been involved with the show since it began, before making special mention of the clubs, without whom there would be no content.

Ian said, “This award isn’t just about the quality of our sport coverage, it’s about recognising the hard work and commitment of the volunteers at every club we cover. They support us in supporting them and now we are all part of a gold medal winning team.”

Ian and his daughter, Juliet have regularly been in attendance at the Conigre in recent seasons, when his Somer Valley broadcasting responsibilities permit. It was at these games that he met Youth section Chairman, Mike Rudd, who invited Ian to support the clubs end of season Youth Presentation Night in June this year, where he hosted two sessions.