Community picks up good Vibes from teenager Nathan (From Watford Observer)

Passion for radio leads to award nomination for Nathan, 13

5:58pm Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

A teenager from Chipperfield, who has a passion for radio and his community, has been nominated for a young person’s award.

Nathan Caselton, 13, has been volunteering for Watford’s Vibe radio station for the past year, hosts the live Saturday afternoon show and pre-records the weekday lunchtime show.

He has been nominated for the Hertfordshire Young People of the Year award for his dedication to the station and charity work.

When all his friends were playing football, Nathan wanted to find a hobby which suited him and, looking to his love of music, decided to volunteer at the radio station.

Nathan, who lives in Langley Road, said: "I am really into my music, all my friends are into football but I am not a massive fan. I heard about Vibe so I went and had a look round and became a volunteer.

"Personally I love popular music and I love R&B.

"I like Rihanna and Taio Cruz, but my favourites always change. We have a set schedule but I can add the music I like to the setlist.

"The shows aren¹t just about music. We do a lot of talking about what is going on in the community ¬ something I think is very important."

The budding radio presenter also helps out with the other volunteers from Vibe at community and Vibe Tribe charity events, to help support the community.

He added: "Community radio brings the community together. It is so important because without us people might not know what is going on and what events they can go along to.

"When I get in on a Saturday, I prep for my show, find out what is going on in the local area, research online and, once I have everything ready, I go into the studio and do the show from ten until two.

"I am proud of myself for going onto the radio because when I first joined I was nervous. My confidence has built up gradually, at first I was nervous about talking on air but after the training I felt better.

"I started off doing the weather and my confidence grew."

His step-sisters, Katie and Charlotte, also act as the station’s photographer at community events.

Nathan, who goes to the Kings Langley Secondary school, is now in the running to winning £800 – half for himself and the other £400 for a good cause, after his proud mother, Helen, nominated him. 

She said: "I nominated Nathan because he is such a young boy and yet he gives up so much of his time.

"I think he has a really good attitude towards people in the community. He is always the one who will help those who need it. He is very kind and always giving to other people so I wanted him to have a pat on the back for it.

"Nathan helped out on a photo shoot for the MS Society and everything he does makes him very aware of other people and the problems they face.

"He gives so much time and energy to the community. Every Saturday he gets up about 6am and walks the dogs, gets ready, then prepares for and presents the show. He is really committed and he would never let them down and I think that is very admirable in such a young man.

"It is tough for young people these days and this opportunity is good for him but he doesn¹t just do it for himself, he does it for others.

"He enjoys reaching out to young people in the Watford area and telling them about all the great things happening in their community."

Nathan will find out if he is one of the lucky ones at an awards ceremony next month.

The YOPEY contest was created by former national newspaper journalist Tony Gearing, to give younger generations a fairer image and encourage young people to give to the community.

YOPEY is searching for young heroes in and around Hertfordshire and the Herts Young Person of the Year will win £800, with £400 for themselves and £400 for their good cause. To nominate a young person, logon on to yopey.org or write to YOPEY, PO Box 236, Newmarket CB8 1DP for a paper entry form.