NEW YEARS HONOURS

Gateways Danny Lawrence has been given the BEM by the Queen in the New years honours list 2014

The broadcaster Danny Lawrence, 46, is a widower living in Billericay, a Conservative local Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Basildon Council.

His working life is committed to providing social gain through the medium of Community Radio. To this end, he was appointed Business Development Director of Basildon and East Thurrock’s Gateway 97.8 some six years ago, having moved from BRFM on the Isle of Sheppey.

Danny’s broadcasting experience started with Harold Wood Hospital Radio and since then embraced work experience at LBC, BBC Radio London and, many more in the South East
Danny’s broadcasting career has always kept a close link to the microphone, but he also developed his management skills through experience at a range of stations including Red fm, Kents Link FM, Garrison FM, Red Sands and Eastgate FM.

He was invited to become an Executive Director of the Community Media Association (CMA), the recognised representative body of the Community Radio sector in September 2013. In this role he is able to help represent local considerations in discussion with Government policy planners.

Danny continues to play a full part in Gateway 97.8 both as a broadcaster and Director with Business Development responsibilities. Naturally, as the station is editorially non-partisan on Party polical matters, Danny’s broadcasting is meticulously free of political content and he always takes himself off air in the run up to elections, national or local.

His community social gain endeavours have been recognised by the Jack Petchey Adult Leaders Award and the High Sheriffs’ 2012-2013 Award and Essex Police Cup in recognition of valuable service to community safety in the County and appreciation of the people of Essex for this contribution in enhancing the life of the community.

Danny is the current President of the Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside, has been a School Governor for ten years, is Vice Chair of Age Matters (the charity that succeeded Age Concern locally), and having joined 25 years ago, remains an active member of Equity