The Barbed Wireless, Braidwood FM celebrated its' third Birthday on Saturday with a big bang and natural fireworks. As residents stood watching the wild afternoon thunderstorm, around 4pm a lighting strike hit the Royal Mail Hotel and threw sparks off the roof onto the road. The lightning strike went through the station phones lines. "All phones in the station are now dead and our computer is also dead as the lightning 'fried' it through the phone and modem" said station manager Rob Davidson.
Prior to the lightning strike, the day's celebrations were proceeding as planned with the 'Open Studio' and the market stall very successful. A lot of people took the opportunity to visit and meet the presenters, and to buy items from the stall. "$500 was raised on the day and we were all really pleased with the day," said Rob. "We are now running on a back up system of a CD stacker until we can replace the damaged items."
"The damage means that we will need to purchase a new computer and install all new programs. The cost is estimated at around $2,500, plus around 70 to 80 'man' hours constructing all the programs that were lost."
The Braidwood FM Board would appreciate the help of the community in raising funds for the new equipment. Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated and donations can be made by sending cheques or Money Orders to PO Box 230 Braidwood NSW 2622, or by dropping them in to the McLeod Gallery.
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