About Us

Since 2007 Hope FM has been delivering a mix of inspirational Contemporary Christian Music and uplifting programmes to the communities of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and beyond.

As a community station not only do we deliver great music, news and local insight, we provide a platform for the community – working with local charities, schools and businesses, Hope FM gives you a voice.

From free radio training to interactive outside broadcasts, school work experience placements to exciting volunteer opportunities – Hope FM has a place for you.

With a strong Christian ethos Hope FM strives to serve the whole community, highlighting all that is good and positive.

Take a look at this new short video in which our president, Blair Crawford,
gives you a tour of Hope FM and explains a little about our vision and purpose.

Video link

Our Board of Trustees

Ken Pimenta – Chair

Now retired, Ken spent virtually all his working life in television broadcasting, starting with the Voice of Kenya, then with the BBC in London and Southampton.

Ken moved to this area when he attended Moorlands for 3 years and has since been involved with a number of local Evangelical churches.

The Charity Commission’s description of HopeFM is “broadcasting the good news of the gospel and providing social gain to the BCP community” which is why Ken wants to be a part of, through his Trusteeship.

Ian Robertson

Born in Sheffield and educated at London and Manchester Universities, recently completing his PhD at Bournemouth University in “Religious Broadcasting”.

Originally trained as a journalist at Sheffield Newspapers before being involved with Education. His career in broadcasting started as a Producer of religious broadcasting with Blair Crawford at Sheffield’s Radio Hallam before moving to Bournemouth and helping set up Hope FM. For nearly 20 years he was the National Development Director for the Premier Media Group in London before retiring and re-joining the Management Team of Hope FM.

Tim Heywood

Tim started with Hope FM previously working with Blair on a radio station in the Midlands. 

Having tenured on Drive and Breakfast, Tim produced then presented LiveWire Live, a programme focused on the local live music scene, when HopeFM went full time in 2007, and stepped back from the mic in 2016 and has since been involved behind the scene with the station.

Tim’s love of God through Jesus, his love of the local music scene and local radio is apparent when you meet him, and he’s looking forward to being part of the team steering the station to newer heights.

Rob Barron

Rob was involved with the very first Hope FM broadcast and then presented shows for 18 years before taking a break.

He has been teaching at CELC, in Christchurch for over 33 years and has been a member of Sunnyhill Church since 2001 where he also is a homegroup leader with his wife, Diane.

He is keen to use his experience gained over two decades to help guide Hope FM forward towards an exciting future, believing passionately that radio is still a major voice in our community and presents opportunities to interact in people’s lives in a positive way. 

Diane Barron

Di is Rob’s wife and has been a keen listener and supporter of Hope FM since its very first broadcasts.

Until recently, she worked as a legal secretary for a local law firm though has had to accept redundancy due to the pandemic. In April, Di was extremely ill due to covid-19 and was in Poole hospital’s ICU in a coma and on a ventilator. She has shared her story on Hope FM of her incredible recovery due to the worldwide prayers of so many people.



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