A NEW music studio that has had to shut because of the pandemic is still providing a voice for its town.

Pipewell Studios in Liskeard only opened its doors ten weeks ago.

The not-for-profit facility offers recording and rehearsal, production, mastering, voice over and foley FX as well as training in a range of broadcast skills.

Since the lockdown began, Pipewell can only offer a limited number of services remotely. But founder Dean Moore has decided that the studio will not fall silent. He has a particular interest in mental health and the contribution that communication skills can make to well-being – and together with his brother Lee, he’s started an online radio station that’s currently on air on weekdays from 9am – 12noon. The station will provide music, chat, and a bit of fun as a way for local people to connect with each other while isolated in their homes.

Meanwhile, Dean had also been teaching broadcasting skills to young people at the town’s secondary school. Having been due to run a course soon, which has now had to be put on hold, Dean has come up with a way to keep the training opportunity open while expanding the content of the radio station for everyone to get involved.

‘We’re offering courses to teach young people in the Liskeard area aged 13 and over broadcasting techniques, in the hopes that they can record themselves on their phones, create their own shows, and we can then broadcast their shows via the radio station,’ said Dean.

‘The course will be free of charge, and done remotely via Skype, and I’ll email people out a pack with what they need.

‘All anyone really needs is a phone or a computer. I want to expand the radio station so it’s on 24/7 but with lots of other people’s content.’

Dean says that any young person is welcome to get in touch, whether they are interested in a career in broadcasting, or simply want to put a shout out to family and friends in Liskeard and beyond.

He hopes people will share their experiences of isolation, what has inspired them and what they’ve learned.

Dean says that while the courses will be for secondary- aged youngsters initially, the shows for the station could also be created by anyone who wants to have a go.

Anyone interested should get in touch with Dean at [email protected]