Gloucester FM Community Radio Station

Derrick Francis, Chairperson /  Simme Ranks, Committee Member.

Derrick Francis & Simme Ranks are the founders of Gloucester FM Community Radio Station ( GFM). GFM was an idea Derrick and Simme had in 1998 following the demise of pirate radio station Vibes FM in Gloucester. The idea became a possibility in May 1999 when a steering group of Derrick Francis, Simme Ranks, Paul Johnson and Carol Francis with Glen Brown acting as advisor to the group set up. Gloucester FM became a registered voluntary company limited by guarantee on 4 August 2004.
 
On 6 Friday October 2000 the idea that Derrick and Simme had in 1998 became reality when GFM made history in Gloucester and delivered its first radio broadcast for 22 days which coincided with black history month to the BME community of Gloucester. Colin Riley was the first person to speak live on GFM 105.6 on the 6 October 2000.
 
Thereafter GFM secured 28 day Restricted Service Licenses to broadcast for 28 days during July - August to coincide with the Gloucester festival and Jamaican independence celebrations in Gloucester. On the 10 November 2005 GFM was awarded a full time community radio license by Ofcom to broadcast to the BME communities in Gloucester. On Friday 21 July 2006, GFM 96.6 made history when GFM commenced live full time community radio broadcast of music, news, information and advice to the BME communities and the citizens of Gloucester.