I HAVE to open this weeks column with an apology. All of us at Irvine Beat FM are so sorry we had to postpone our open day on Sunday there.

Unfortunately it was circumstances beyond our control. We will let you know when we are going to reschedule it. So many of you had got in touch about visiting us and seeing around the studios. It will happen in the near future.

I have been chatting to some of my fellow presenters and some of them are keen to write a guest column. So look out for them in future weeks.

June is turning out to be a fabulous month for my Wednesday night Album Show. I have secured live sessions every Wednesday night.

First up tonight (4th June) are Ayr band Seaside Sons. Their “Weekend Rockstar” EP really impressed me. I am really looking forward to them performing later tonight. On June 11th, I am really pleased to welcome Common Ground to the Irvine Beat FM studios (pictured above). This band from Kilwinning were studio guests a while back chatting about their music. This time they will be performing their first ever acoustic session. A killer session guaranteed!

On June 18th, I welcome back an old friend to the station. Prestwick singer songwriter Scott Nicol will be in showcasing tracks from his new album “High Velocity” and playing a couple of acoustic tracks.

Scott and I go way back many years. He has graced my shows on previous stations I have been part of.

On June 25th, I welcome Irvine band Release in session. Release are fronted by Pammi Quinn, a singer songwriter I hold in very high regard. I have never seen Pammi with a band before so needless to say, I’m really excited about this.

I am in talks with many other artists and bands.

Exciting times ahead for Wednesday nights on Irvine Beat FM.

This is a great way for Irvine Beat FM to support and champion local talent. Ayrshire is currently a hotbed of talent and where possible, we will support this talent.

Over the past few weeks, some of our presenters have been introducing great on air competitions.

On The Big Breakfast Show, Ian Young has his humming competition, where you have to guess the tune that one of his fellow presenters is humming. A “humming mug” is the coveted prize.

Norie B started his movie competition last weekend.

Norie plays a clip from a film. All you have to do is name the character and the movie, then you could be in the draw to win a brand new DVD movie.

Let’s not forget Andy Rutherford’s Telly Theme Competition every day on the Midmorning Show.

Guess the telly theme of the day and go into the draw on Friday for a great CD prize. Andy’s competition is truly gaining legendary status.

On Monday night, I was at the Volunteer Awards Ceremony at Ardrossan Civic Centre. Our very own David McKenna was nominated in the Most Inspiring Young Volunteer category. Unfortunately, on this occasion David did not win, but he received a certificate in recognition of his efforts.

I find it gratifying that the voluntary sector in North Ayrshire is being recognised with these awards. It is true that the world would grind to a halt if it were not for the voluntary sector.

Irvine Beat FM would certainly grind to a halt if it was not for the efforts of our volunteers. Every presenter you hear on Irvine Beat FM is a volunteer, as are all the background staff.

On that note, till next week, keep those radios tuned to 107.2 Irvine Beat FM, your local radio for the community.

Ronnie McGhie, Irvine Beat FM Team