IT’S the nature of the beast that radio is heard but usually not seen. This is why CHBN, Truro's community and hospital radio station, always welcomes opportunities to meet its listeners - actual or potential - in person.

This happened on Saturday, March 7, when station volunteers were given the chance to spend time in Truro's Waitrose store, talking to shoppers about CHBN's work in Cornwall's hospitals and the wider community – and raising contributions to the funds needed to keep the show on the air.

For any charity or non-profit concern, fundraising is like painting the Forth Bridge - it never ends. Our present economic climate does not make the task any easier. Waitrose's generous customers donated nearly £200 to support our work, for which we are very grateful.

Another bonus on these occasions is the chance to connect with potential recruits to CHBN. New volunteers are always welcome, not just as presenters but for all the ancillary roles. These are technical, administrative, social media experts and more - not forgetting fundraising. As it happens, we met two possible new volunteers at this event.

Advertising is another area where CHBN's volunteers are keen to leave the studio and connect with businesses and sponsors in the community. The cost of advertising is surprisingly moderate.

Our transmission area on 100.8 FM has a resident population of about 30,000. Potential listeners include nearly half a million inpatients and outpatients at Cornwall's hospitals every year. Then there are shoppers, students and commuters to Truro, as well as listeners online, on app or on smartspeaker.

Visit the website, www.chbnradio.org, for full details of our work for hospital patients and the wider community. You can become a supporter in many different ways, even just by listening. For particular information, email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.