‘Squat Squad’ Raises Over £1,000 for Cancer Research UK 

What started as a personal goal quickly turned into a team mission when colleagues Shannon Gray and Becky Morgan joined in — forming the brilliant “Squat Squad”.

Impressions Care Solutions ‘Squat Squad’ Raises Over £1,000 for Cancer Research UK

A massive congratulations to the team at Impressions Care Solutions for an incredible February fundraising effort in support of Cancer Research UK.

Throughout the month, Karen Shillcock (Business Development Manager) took on Cancer Research UK’s February challenge by committing to complete squats every day. What started as a personal goal quickly turned into a team mission when colleagues Shannon Gray and Becky Morgan joined in — forming the brilliant “Squat Squad”.

Together, the trio pushed through the challenge day after day, completing 100 squats per day and inspiring support from across their workplace and wider circles. Their original fundraising goal was modest, but their determination (and consistency) helped them smash past it.

By the end of February, the Squat Squad had raised an impressive £1,180.69 for Cancer Research UK.

Karen said:

“What started as a personal challenge quickly became a team effort. It hasn’t been easy, but the encouragement and generosity we’ve received has been incredible, and it’s made every squat worthwhile.”

As well as raising money for a vital cause, the team also shared that the challenge brought some unexpected positives — including feeling fitter and more energised — and they’re planning to keep their daily squats going during office break times.

From all of us at Hot Radio, congratulations again to Karen, Shannon and Becky. What a brilliant example of local people doing something simple, consistent, and genuinely impactful.

If you’ve got a local fundraising story we should shout about, get in touch — we love celebrating community efforts like this.

Karl is Back on Breakfast! 

March is shaping up to be a big one — because Holly will be joining Karl on Breakfast, doing her best to keep him from being too mischievous.

Karl Davies is back on the Hot Radio Breakfast Show!

We’ve got some very good news to kick off March… Karl Davies is back in the studio on Breakfast!

After a busy February away producing an international theatre tour in Europe, Karl’s back where he belongs — starting your day with big energy, plenty of laughs, and the kind of feel-good music that makes the school run and the commute a whole lot easier.

Where’s Karl been?

Alongside radio presenting, Karl produces international theatre tours — and throughout February he travelled over to Europe to produce another show that is currently touring Scandinavia.

So while we’ve been wrapped up in coats and car de-icers, Karl’s been busy behind the scenes making the magic happen on the road. But now? He’s home, he’s caffeinated, and he’s ready to get stuck back into Breakfast.

A massive thank you to Mark Rush Palmer

While Karl was away, Mark Rush Palmer stepped in and absolutely smashed it.

He made sure you still got your daily dose of the School Run Riddle, and he even had a go at the “Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo’s” (which were hilarious).

Now Karl’s back, Mark moves back into his regular slot on the Morning Show from 10am – 12pm. We don’t think he’ll be taking the “Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo’s” with him… but he will be bringing the Kazoo Game every weekday morning.

Holly joins Karl on Breakfast (wish her luck)

March is shaping up to be a big one — because Holly will be joining Karl on Breakfast, doing her best to keep him from being too mischievous.

Will it work? We’re not making any promises.

But what we can promise is that Breakfast is going to be full of:

• Sing-along, feel-good songs

• Proper local news and gossip

• The kind of moments that make you laugh out loud in the car

Listen live

Hot Radio is your truly local station, based in the heart of BCP.

You can find us on:

• 102.8FM

• DAB across Dorset

Karl’s back, the team’s ready, and March is going to be a fun one.

Set your alarm, get the kettle on, and join us for Breakfast on Hot Radio.

Award Winning Disability Football at Longfleet FC 

Karl welcomed a brilliant guest into the studio on Breakfast this morning — Rob Amey from Longfleet FC, a passionate advocate for making football accessible to everyone.

Rob Amey from Longfleet FC joins Karl in the studio

Karl welcomed a brilliant guest into the studio on Breakfast this morning — Rob Amey from Longfleet FC, a passionate advocate for making football accessible to everyone.

Rob is Director of Inclusion at Longfleet FC, where he supports the coaches delivering the club’s disability football programme. He shared what inclusive sport can mean for individuals and families — not just in terms of fitness, but confidence, friendships, routine, and feeling part of something local.

Rob also spoke about his wider work across the county as the Dorset FA Disability Football Ambassador. A key part of that role is helping other clubs and teams who want to start (or improve) disability football provision — offering guidance, encouragement, and practical support to get sessions up and running.

For us at Hot Radio, conversations like this matter. Community sport is one of the strongest ways to bring people together — and it’s even more powerful when it’s built around inclusion, opportunity, and a warm welcome.

Want to get involved?

If you’d like to find out more about Longfleet FC’s disability football opportunities — or you’re part of a team that wants to explore starting a disability side — Rob is happy to help.

• Rob Amey: 07988 605 524

• Email: rob.amey@sky.com

• More info: https://longfleetfc.co.uk

We’ll be sharing more community stories like this — the people making a difference locally, and the projects helping Dorset feel more connected.

Eight-year-old Amelia proves that big hearts come in small packages  

Amelia Corbin Smashes Her 2K-a-Day Goal for Sands — Final Run This Saturday

Eight-year-old Amelia Corbin from Hamworthy is proving that big hearts come in small packages — and she’s doing it one 2K run at a time.

Amelia has been taking on the Run 2K a Day January Challenge, raising money for Sands, the baby loss charity. The original target was £175, but with four days still to go, Amelia has already raised an amazing £468.45.

Amelia, along with her mum and dad Kayley and Matt, joined Karl in the studio this morning on the Hot Radio Breakfast Show, where we chatted about her incredible achievement and the determination it’s taken to keep going every day.

She also wanted to give a big shoutout to all of her friends at Lytchett Matravers Primary School — who’ve been cheering her on throughout the challenge.

And Amelia hasn’t been doing it alone: Poole Rugby Club also got behind her and joined her for a run last Sunday, helping to make it an even more special moment (and a big boost when the legs are starting to feel it!).

Come and support Amelia’s final run

Amelia’s final run will take place at Ashdown Leisure Centre on:

Saturday 31st January at 15:15

Matt said anyone who’d like to come along is more than welcome — it would be brilliant to see people there to support Amelia and celebrate what she’s achieved.

Want to donate?

If you’re in a position to donate, you still can here:

https://fundraising.sands.org.uk/fundraisers/ameliacorbin/run-2k-a-day-january-challenge

Well done, Amelia — what you’re doing is genuinely inspiring.

Fundraiser Launched in Memory of Poole Dad Adam McClelland 

A fundraiser has been launched in memory of Adam McClelland, a devoted father of two from Poole who tragically lost his life following a collision on Wimborne Road earlier this month.

Fundraiser Launched in Memory of Poole Dad Adam McClelland

A fundraiser has been launched in memory of Adam McClelland, a devoted father of two from Poole who tragically lost his life following a collision on Wimborne Road earlier this month.

Adam, aged 26, was found unresponsive in the early hours near the junction with Heath Avenue in the Oakdale area. Emergency services attended, but sadly, Adam could not be saved. Dorset Police have confirmed that Adam was involved in a collision with a vehicle that failed to stop, and investigations are ongoing.

Adam’s family has set up a fundraising page to help cover funeral and memorial costs, aiming to give Adam the dignified farewell he deserves. Any additional funds raised will be placed into a fund for his two young sons, helping to provide a small safety net for their future.

The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, with friends, neighbours, and local residents coming together to offer condolences and donations. Adam was known for his love of football, especially as an Arsenal fan, and for the joy he found in spending time with his boys.

Adam’s family shared: “Thank you so much for your kind words at this time of utter devastation in our lives. Every single message is comforting us and helping to keep Adam's memory alive. We want Adam's legacy carried on through his beautiful children.”

If you’d like to support Adam’s family, you can donate via their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-our-son-adam-mcclelland

Adam’s memory lives on through his children and the kindness of the community during this incredibly difficult time.

Lead Role Up for Grabs in We Will Rock You! 

The PandP Production team is on the hunt for a man to take on the leading role in We Will Rock You. They’re searching for a Rock Tenor voice to bring this iconic character to life.

Local Talent Wanted: Lead Role Up for Grabs in 'We Will Rock You' Musical – Poole & Parkstone Productions

This morning on the Hot Radio Breakfast Show, Karl welcomed Ian Metcalfe from Poole and Parkstone Productions into the studio for a lively chat about their latest musical adventure. They're bringing the smash-hit show 'We Will Rock You' to the stage at the Lighthouse in Poole!

But that’s not all – there’s a unique opportunity for local performers. Ian shared that the team is on the hunt for a man to take on the leading role of Galileo. They’re searching for a Rock Tenor voice to bring this iconic character to life. While the character is a bit younger in the original story, Poole and Parkstone Productions are encouraging men of all ages to audition. If you’ve got the voice and the passion for Queen’s legendary music, they want to hear from you!

Want to audition?

• Email your interest to: membership@pandp.org.uk

This is a fantastic chance for someone in our community to shine on stage, so whether you’re a seasoned performer or someone who’s always dreamed of treading the boards, why not give it a go?

Show Details:

• Venue: Lighthouse, Poole

• More info & tickets: We Will Rock You at Lighthouse Poole

If you or someone you know fits the bill, don’t miss out – get in touch with Poole and Parkstone Productions and show them what you’ve got. Let’s support local talent and make this show a night to remember!

—

Are you thinking of auditioning, or do you know a hidden star who should? Let us know! We love hearing from our listeners and celebrating the amazing talent in our community.

8 Year Old Takes on 2K Challenge 

Eight-year-old Amelia Corbin, from Hamworthy is taking on an incredible challenge this January. She’s running 2k every single day to raise money for Sands, the baby loss charity.

Eight-year-old Amelia Corbin, from Hamworthy and a pupil at Lytchett Matravers Primary School, is taking on an incredible challenge this January—she’s running 2k every single day to raise money for Sands, the baby loss charity.

Amelia isn’t a natural runner, but she’s shown amazing determination, heading out every day—rain or shine—to support families who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a baby. Despite the cold and wet weather, she hasn’t missed a single run so far, proving just how much heart she’s put into this cause.

Her goal is to raise £175 for Sands, and she’s already close to reaching it—only £60 to go! Every donation helps Sands provide support for families, campaign for better care, and fund research to help prevent future tragedies.

Her dad, Matt Corbin, shared his pride: “She’s not a runner, but she’s kept going every day, no matter what. We’re so proud of her for sticking with it and wanting to help others.”

If you're in a position to donate, then let's help Amelia reach her target. Click this link to visit the fundraising website.

We’ll be following Amelia’s story and will keep you up to date as she takes on this incredible challenge. Well done, Amelia—you’re an inspiration to us all!

Free Swims and Cheap Parking in BCP 

BCP Council has just launched a new residents’ card scheme, offering free monthly swims at council leisure centres and discounted parking at selected car parks.

A Win for Local Families in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

There’s some genuinely good news for families and residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. BCP Council has just launched a new residents’ card scheme, offering free monthly swims at council leisure centres and discounted parking at selected car parks.

This move is all about boosting health and wellbeing, encouraging families to stay active, and making it easier to enjoy everything our towns have to offer without worrying about the cost. With living expenses still high, every little helps—and this scheme is a practical way to support local people.

Council leader Millie Earl says the aim is to protect services, invest in play areas and green spaces, and keep the community thriving. Over £750m has been invested recently, with more improvements planned for parks, roads, and greener ways of living—like expanded food waste collections and new EV charging points.

If you live in the BCP area, keep an eye out for details on how to apply for your residents’ card. It’s a simple way to save money, stay healthy, and support your local community in 2026.

Source: BBC News – Free swims and cheap parking on way for residents

He's back on Breakfast! 

Expect shout-outs, local news, and some brilliant stories from right here in our neighbourhood.

Wake Up With Karl... He's back on Breakfast!

There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a familiar voice, and this January, Hot Radio is thrilled to welcome back Karl Davies to the Breakfast show! After a festive break, Karl is back on air and ready to bring plenty of energy, laughs, and local flavour to your mornings.

Why Tune In?

Karl isn’t just a presenter – he’s your morning companion, making the early hours brighter, funnier, and a little bit easier. Whether you’re getting the kids ready for school, heading out to work, or just enjoying a quiet cuppa, Karl’s got the perfect mix of great music, local chat, and genuine warmth to kick off your day.

The School Run Riddle

One of the show’s most-loved features is back: The School Run Riddle! It’s your chance to get the whole family thinking (and maybe even a bit competitive) on the way to school. Can you crack Karl’s daily brainteaser before the bell rings?

All Things Local

From community events to the latest happenings around town, Karl keeps you in the know about everything that matters locally. Expect shout-outs, local news, and some brilliant stories from right here in our neighbourhood.

Why We Love Karl’s Breakfast Show

• Feel-good music to get you moving
• Fun, family-friendly features
• Real talk about local life
• Plenty of laughs to start your day right

So, set your alarm, pop the kettle on, and join Karl Davies every morning throughout January. Hot Radio’s Breakfast show is the perfect way to wake up, connect, and feel part of the community.

Let’s make January mornings something to look forward to!

Facebook Praise to Radio Stage: How 17-Year-Old Jordan Ended Up Live on Hot Radio 

From busking in Poole to performing live on Hot Radio 🎤

After a Poole community Facebook post raving about a young busker in Falkland Square, we found 17-year-old Jordan Doherty from West Howe, invited him in… and on Friday morning he performed Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” live on the Breakfast Show with Karl.

Our listeners LOVED him – the messages haven’t stopped coming in.

This is your local station, right at the heart of the community.

Catch Jordan’s story 👇
_____________________________________

Every now and then, a story comes along that reminds you exactly why local radio matters.

A few days ago, a post appeared in a Poole community Facebook group asking about a brilliant young busker performing on the high street in Poole. People were talking about how he was singing Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and Oasis, how his voice was “absolutely brilliant” - and how one listener even felt emotional just standing there listening.

Very quickly, the comments named him: 17-year-old Jordan Doherty, from West Howe.

Jordan’s got big ambitions of becoming a professional singer, and he’s already been out there doing what he loves – performing on the streets of Poole and putting smiles on people’s faces. The community clearly noticed.

From Facebook comments to the Hot Radio studio

After seeing all the love for Jordan on social media, we did a bit of digging, found his details, and gave him a call on Thursday. We asked if he’d like to come into the Hot Radio studio the very next morning to chat on the Breakfast Show and perform live on air... He said yes.

On Friday morning (21st November), Jordan joined Karl in the studio. They chatted about his music, his dreams, and what it’s like busking in Poole – and then Jordan performed Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” live on Hot Radio.

Listeners loved him

While he was singing, the messages started coming in. Listeners texted and messaged the station to say how great he sounded, how good he was for 17, and how lovely it was to hear a genuine local talent live on their local station. It was one of those proper feel-good moments where the community, the music and the radio all came together. This is what local radio is all about.

Jordan’s story is simple, but powerful:

• A teenager from West Howe,
• Busking in Poole town centre,
• Spotted and celebrated by local people online,
• Invited into his local radio station to share his talent with the whole area.

Who knows what's next for Jordan Doherty!

At Hot Radio, we’re proud to be right at the heart of our community – spotting local stories, supporting local talent and giving people like Jordan a platform to shine.

If you heard Jordan on the Breakfast Show, you’ll know exactly why everyone’s talking about him. And if you didn’t – keep listening. Something tells us this won’t be the last time you hear the name Jordan Doherty on Hot Radio.

Watch Jordan's performance: