SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 Issue 100

The Official Journal of the 100th Hospital Broadcasting Association ISSUE in this issue ... Dear Reader, Welcome to our very special 100th issue of On Air. As you Committee Report ...... 3 can see from the front cover, the format has changed consid- A Page from the Presidents ...... 5 erably over the years – you can read from former Editors how Hundred Not Out by Dennis Rookard ...... 6 they tried to make their mark on the magazine. I took over as So Who Has Edited On Air Over the Years?...... 7 Editor at the beginning of 2001, when, unfortunately a maga- Why Are You Involved in Hospital Radio?...... 8 zine had not been published for nearly a year. Now three and a half years later and 19 issues on, I have hopefully established Feeling Good/A Message from Jimmy Savile ...... 9 a regular routine for publishing on time; alright with a slight The View From The Bed ...... 11 hiccup last year. I think I may be excused that one. News from the Stations ...... 12 I was delighted to receive congratulatory messages from Across the Sea – Jimmy Savile, Ken Bruce and the Duchess of Devonshire, in the Land of Green by Patrick Lynch ...... 22 which you can read in the magazine. The Power of Radio by John Whitney ...... 24 I make no apology for publishing some features from previ- June’s Travels ...... 25 ous On Airs. I am sure newer members will find them fasci- Early Days at Leeds ...... 26 nating and older members (in years served, not age!) find they The Dimmer and More Distant Past ...... 27 bring back memories. The First Seventy Years by Bryn Goodwin ...... 28 I had a wonderful response to my plea for stories from sta- Calling all ex-Hospital Radio Plymouth Volunteers ...... 29 tions and I hope now you have been bitten by the bug and will Regional Reps ...... 30 continue to fill up my letterbox, so that we can ensure a good Why Do You Recognise? ...... 31 read. Who To Contact ...... 32 Now please sit back and enjoy this bumper issue and look carefully at the photographs extracted from old On Airs. See FRONT COVER PICTURE: anyone you recognise? The changing covers of On Air. Pictured how the magazine Have a good read and don’t forget the copy date. started life as Hospital Radio News, changed from A4 to A5, then went to spot colour and has now ended up in A4 format in four colour throughout Michelle On Air is the Official Journal of the HBA which is the trading name of the National Association of Hospital Broadcasting Organisations, a Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 2750147. A Registered Charity No. 015501. Registered office: Michael Letch, Bleak House,146 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9DF On Air is distributed free of charge to all member stations of the Association plus interested parties. All material is ©2004 of HBA and may not be reproduced in any form without the written authority of the Editor. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of HBA, or the Editor but are the personal opinion of the contributor. Whilst every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the publication, all advertisements and articles appear in good faith and HBA and the Editor accept no responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies.

Address for On-Air: The Editor, On Air, 2 Falkland Close, Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3DD Tel: 0870 321 6011 Fax: 0870 321 6019 Email: [email protected] COPY DATE NEXT ISSUE 9th October, 2004

On Air 100th Edition Committee Report

Hello and Goodbye website in late September, so we will be Most you will have heard by now that able to see if others agree with our view at Ray Oxley tendered his resignation as that time. HBA Chief Executive in early August, his I hope to be able to give those of you recent resignation from Radio North Tees attending the conference and AGM in meaning that he no longer met the criteria Stoke-on-Trent an update on the position of being a bona fide member of a Full at that time. Member of the Association. The HBA Enterprises Ltd. Executive Committee were saddened by As previously explained, the Charity Ray's untimely departure and thank him Commission find the relationship between for his hard work as our leader over the HBA and HBA Enterprises Ltd to be last nine months or so. Hopefully it won’t irregular. I'm pleased to report that the be too long before Ray finds himself directors of HBA Enterprises Ltd have another station to become actively now indicated that they will attend a involved with. meeting with representatives of the We have also said goodbye to Craig Executive Committee. Unfortunately, my Robinson, the North Regional Rep for the attempts so far to suggest dates for the last few years. Craig is taking a well- meeting have been frustrated by either earned rest and John Williamson from Colin or Vera being on holiday. Kendal Hospital Radio has taken over the by Nigel Dallard, Secretary Regions reins. Thanks to Craig and a welcome As part of the on-going review of the John. structure of the Executive Committee and PPL tive’ form with you if you want to the services HBA provides to its members, I wrote this two months ago but there is speak/vote at the AGM. the Executive Committee have asked very little more that I can say other than Draft Charities Bills Chris Berezai and the Regional Reps to that the discussions with PPL over music The Parliamentary Joint Committee undertake a thorough review of HBA licensing are still on-going! scrutinising the draft bill for England and Regions and what they provide for mem- ‘Patient Power’ Providers Wales has finished taking evidence and its bers. This may result in a re-structuring of As you will hopefully be aware, June members are spending the summer draft- the Regions – one idea that has been sug- gested is having fewer, larger regions but owden and Geoff Fairbairn have struck ing its report to the Home Office, which Sn then holding meetings and other get- up a good working relationship with will be published in late September. Reviewing the other written submissions togethers more frequently in different Patientline over the last couple of years. parts of each region, so that station repre- They are now working on forming rela- and reading the transcripts of the oral evi- dence sessions, it was heartening to see sentatives have to travel less to get to tionships with the other ‘Patient Power’ meetings. Also under discussion is the role bedside entertainment system suppliers that many of HBA's comments were echoed elsewhere. Hopefully, the govern- that Regions play in supporting stations in and have already had success with this era of electronic communications. Wandsworth. If you have any queries ment will take note and amend the pro- posed legislation before submitting the Any comments or suggestions would be regarding delivering your signal over these gratefully received either by your Regional new systems, please contact June (general final bill for discussion in parliament. At the time of writing John Watson and Rep or by Chris Berezai. enquiries) or Geoff (technical issues). If Because of this review and the impact it you can provide them with contacts at any I are just finalising our comments on the equivalent draft bill for Scotland. Although may have on the work of regions are the of the other system providers, once again position of Regional Reps on the EC, we please get in touch. the scrutiny of the draft bill doesn't seem to be taking place quite so publicly as have deferred proposing Regional Bylaws AGM south of the border, all comments made to regularise the position of Regions with At the time of writing I'm busy prepar- will be available on the Scottish Executive in the HBA. ing the mailshot inviting nominations for election to the Executive Committee at the AGM at the end of October. By the time you get this, nominations will probably have closed and I shall be busy preparing the next mailshot with the agenda for the AGM, the Annual Report and the list of nominations. Please find the time to read the Annual Report and, if possible, come along to the AGM – the HBA is your association and it's important that you are involved in tak- ing decisions that define its future. Our governing documents preclude postal or proxy voting at the moment, which means that only those stations which physically attend the AGM can have their say and cast their vote. Unfortunately, only a small minority of stations do so. If you are able to send a representative, please do so. Those of you that are intending to come along, please remember that, in a change to the previous procedure, you will need to bring a signed ‘authorised representa-

ON AIR Page 3 September/October 2004

On Air 100th Edition A Page from the Presidents

This is what Alan Grimadell, as I have dedicated this page to Congratulations ‘On Air’ President, wrote in September 1994 ... the words of the three National One hundred editions of On Air is a ‘The future of Hospital Broadcasting Presidents of the Hospital milestone indeed and I would like to will always remain with the patient – the thank all those editors who have worked question to be asked is are we as members Broadcasting Association of the HBA providing the proper service so hard – tirelessly – to produce On Air, often in difficult circumstances. for the patient? I received this letter from The service we should provide is ‘out- Thank you on behalf of every put’ in the form of entertainment and com- Ena Montgomery, who was involved in hospital broadcasting to all munication. If we fail in this service, then President for three years editors, not only of On Air but the fore- we fail as hospital broadcasting stations, Dear Editor, runners – they include David Cottom, and we fail as the HBA. Congratulations on the HBA’s one hun- Dave McGealy, Roger Manley, Roger The national magazine ‘On Air’ is the dred edition of the magazine ‘On Air’. As Richards and John Watson. voice of our member stations and is to be a Founder Member, as Secretary for nine If it had not been for the initial idea of used as a platform for their views and years and as National President for three Steve Coote in the early 1970’s and the ideas. The magazine not only expresses years, I have watched the magazine grow early contributors to former magazines, the points of view of the HBA National from a mere acorn into a mighty oak tree Executive, it HAS to express the concerns and have rejoiced to see the quality and On Air, may not be where it is today. of our membership. the standard flourish throughout the years. A big thanks is also due to our adver- I was very surprised to learn that BT had I especially wish to congratulate you, tisers, as without them the magazine cancelled their advertising contract (On Air Michelle, as Editor of the magazine of could not be viable –Thank you to you issue 58). I sincerely hope they will recon- today’s excellence – one which compares, all. sider their action for future issues. if not surpasses, any periodical on the We must also remember all those who We are all involved in hospital broad- Newsagents’ shelves. We are fortunate to have contributed articles and have sent casting for the benefit of the hospital have you as our Editor for this 100th issue, information about stations. Thank you patient. Anyone who has ever spoken to a which is a very important milestone for the and please continue to contribute with patient will realise how important and HBA. It is difficult to express fully the plea- all your news. effective the work of a hospital broadcast- sure I have every other month on reading Finally, my thanks to Michelle who ing station can be. each new issue of ‘On Air’. Hospital Broadcasting throughout the The April issue, No. 69, in 1997, pic- has continued to produce On Air, espe- UK has a very high profile. It is well tured me on the cover after the award of cially following the death of John and respected at the highest level. The HBA is the MBE, presented by His Royal that could not have been easy – so well recognised as a strong national organisa- Highness, Prince Charles. I received this done Michelle and a very big thank you. tion and its respect has been earned award with great pride, not only for I was delighted that I saw her recently because we as individuals give our time myself but for the whole of Hospital Radio too at Radio West Suffolk. freely for the benefit of hospital patients. throughout the country. Prince Charles I have received many comments dur- It may be time to stop discussing mixers, spoke to me at length, expressing his per- ing my station visits, all positive, about microphones, loops and frequencies and sonal interest as he asked me many ques- On Air – and I know it is well read. John concentrate on our audience, the patients, tions about the project. So many questions Whitney recently congratulated the who are benefiting from our service. that I was almost overcome and lost for Association on a recent edition – it is Alan Grimadell, President HBA words. It is rewarding to know that His Royal Highness so clearly acknowledges lovely to hear how much interest there NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: the value of our work. is. I have received many calls following my Once again, may I offer my congratula- On Air has, in my view, always been last Editorial, from people concerned at the tions on the achievement of reaching 100 important and I look forward to receiv- direction that Hospital Broadcasting is taking. editions of ‘On Air’ and to say how hon- ing my copy. I like to read what is hap- Most are fearful that the basic therapeutic oured I feel to have been associated with pening around the country, but it has concepts of the service are gradually being Hospital Radio which has proved of lost and that many stations are becoming also become a very important means of ‘technically’ heavy and are generally run like increasing therapeutic value and support communication for the HBA. community radio stations. If you have an to patients in medical care. Congratulations to everyone who has opinion on the subject, why not put it in writ- Yours sincerely made it what it is today. ing and get it published in On Air. Here’s to the next 100 editions. This is a message from Alan today: June Snowden The Organ, the Mouthpiece of our Cllr Ena Montgomery, MBE, JP President, HBA National Association, and our National Executive, celebrates its 100th issue – Congratulations ‘On Air’. I still retain the first copy I ever received, then called ‘Hospital Radio News’, February 1980, editor David McGealy. From 1981 to 1987 I used to con- tribute with a regular column sent from the 95th Floor, NAHBO Towers! On Air represents the views of all con- cerned within Hospital Broadcasting. May ‘On Air’ grace my door mat for many more editions. Cheers. Alan Grimadell Former President, HBA

ON AIR Page 5 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Hundred Not Out

It’s a frightening thought isn’t it? A hun- by Dennis Rookard groups better at fund raising dred issues of On Air! Been though a few As for microphones. Well what ever changes in its time and had quite a few was to hand and sounded good on air. editors. Now, of course, it’s a full colour and run cables across the hospital campus Usually a microphone that had seen ser- A4 magazine but back in those early days as well as the hospital League of Friends vice on stage. As for getting the signal to when issue number one was published, it who financed the station in its first years. the wards, for many it was a long cable was called just Hospital Radio News, our For the hospital it meant request and that via a line amplifier wound its way Association’s magazine was a few A5 size entertainment shows but for many of us around the hospital from the studio to the photocopied sheets, with the only photo – involved, hospital radio became a life Rediffusion relay box in some remote part if you were lucky – on the front cover. But changing experience. of the hospital, which might well involve the content was the same, new studios, But just for fun – and old timers can someone in the early days having to jour- reports of meetings and conferences and shed the odd tear here, lets look inside a ney from studio to the box to switch it the same old problems being voiced in let- typical hospital radio studio in the late six- over from BBC Radio Two to the hospital ters and articles. ties. Everybody had their own ideas of service before tamping back again at the But one thing has changed. Hospital studio design ranging from the large multi end of transmission. Remote switching Broadcasting itself. Today, of course, we room complexes of Southampton and was just a dream for many. And who can have computer aided studios, CD Birmingham to small back of the boiler ever forget those SG brown headphones machines and jingles and music from hard house tiny one room studios. But most in the wards. disc. With perhaps the greatest change were similar in concept. But back to the studio. Egg boxes on the being that of having broadcast transmit- First off the mixer. If you were not lucky wall were reckoned to be good for sound ters. Something those early pioneers could to have an old cast off commercial desk, deadening, proper sound boards being far only dream about. you had to build your own. And many and too expensive. There was also much Interestingly, hospital radios stations various were the crazy designs to be found argument to be had over self operation or back in the late sixties, fell into three main back them. At Harold Wood Radio, for having a team to produce a programme. types. First were the stations such as example, our six channel mixer featured Feeling was that having a presenter, engi- Bristol and Portsmouth that had grown faders made from Meccano strips fixed to neers and someone to play in the records from being a half hour request show a 500k volume control. No meters you and tapes all controlled by a producer before and after the main Saturday after- understand. At another station, a small made for great team spirit. Having self noon broadcast of the week ... a local four channel disco mixer did the job whilst operation would mean that stations would football commentary. Then there were over at Chelmsford – now in their 40th be empty of members as they would be those stations like York, who had devel- year – they had a wonderful ex-ITN tele- down the pub. Finally, in the age of equal- oped from the local tape recording club, vision sound desk refurbished by some ity, it’s interesting to remember that back who, looking for listeners, hit on the idea kind folk at the local Marconi factory and in those early days, Hospital radio was a of playing their programmes to patients at which featured faders with little lights that boys’ toy. Women were suffered, so long the local hospital by taking a tape machine changed from green to red when opened. as they knew their place. Collecting into the wards before building a studio. Turntables were cheap back then. No requests, cleaning the studio and making All very worthy, which is something you instant start mind you, just a couple of the coffee for their adored boyfriends. could not say about the third group. domestic SP25 units with slip mats to hold As these stations developed, On Air Those local bands of radio anoraks who the record on cue until released were was there to faithfully report their activi- really wanted to work on the pirate radio quite normal. Open reel tapes were also ties. It was on hand to report on the devel- ships but had to settle instead for those lis- much in evidence in those early days and opment of the National Association along teners in ward ten. Here I plead guilty standard tape decks were those that fea- with its conferences. and bless that Hospital Secretary at the tured all three speeds. Domestic four track So a hundred issues later, here’s a East London Hospital who allowed a machines for the smaller groups but high happy birthday to HBA’s house rag. Long small group of teenagers to build a studio quality semi broadcast machines for those may it continue!

ON AIR Page 6 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition From the Editors

So, who are those hardy souls, who come rain or shine made sure your copy of On Air dropped onto your doormat regular- ly every other month? Let me introduce them to you: Roger Manley, Roger Richards and John Watson and I believe they each deserve a medal for all their hard work. Their style may have been very different but their intentions were pretty much the same: to bring you a good read, up-to-date news and the latest edicts from the Executive Committee. That, on the face of it sounds quite easy but as I have said many times over the past few weeks, if I had a pound for every time I have been asked the copy date, I would be quite rich now! Mention must also be made of Dave McGealy, who edited our very first magazine, then called Hospital Radio News. Well done Dave. It would be very remiss of me in this article not to mention our advertising sales reps. Not an easy job, I am sure you will agree but each one (Emma Willson, Richard Ellison and now Gary King) have each done their bit in making the magazine virtually self financing. Please give them a pat on the back, they deserve it! ROGER MANLEY ROGER RICHARDS JOHN WATSON 1983-1985 1985-1996 1996-1999 I took over as editor of the NAHBO mag- When Michelle phoned to ask if, as a azine, then called ‘Hospital Radio News’ in My first involvement with On Air was 1983 in succession to David McGealy. At in 1985. I had just bought a quality daisy- former editor, I could write a little bit for that time, it was a duplicated publication. wheel printer and the latest version of the 100th issue of On Air, it prompted me The first few editions kept the same title but ‘Wordstar’ and offered my services as to look back over the years to earlier issues. was later changed to ‘Hospital Broadcasting typesetter to the then editor, Roger I don’t have the very earliest issues; News’ in order to reflect the growing impor- Manley. my collection begins in November 1985 tance of hospital television. It was, however, In those days, the pages were printed long before we began using the term clear that the publication was in need of on to paper rolls, which were a column HBA. Even then it was great read. 36 improvement and updating. pages packed with station news and lat- A new look with a new title was what wide and were then literally pasted with was required, the EC saying any improve- Pritt Stick or melted wax onto A4 sheets est happenings, technical advice and ment should be, as far as possible, paid for of paper ready for printing. From then I badly exposed photos! by increased advertising. The big problem can claim to have literally typed every Over the years On Air has changed as was what to call it; I had already arranged word in every edition of On Air for some technology has changed. As printing with a printer in London, near to where I eleven years, approximately 60 odd edi- processes have improved it has pro- lived at the time, what I wanted, with a tions. gressed to glossy paper, grown from A5 colour cover and A5 format but what were to A4, included spot colour and eventu- we going to call it? Any title had to reflect I became Editor in 1988 and in hospital television as well as radio and the October 1990 I managed to persuade ally has become a full colour magazine. answer came from David Cottam – ‘On Air’. the NAHBO committee to produce an Some of the photos still leave a bit to be When we broadcast, we go ‘On Air’ so I edition in A4 size for the ill-fated Hull desired though! thought this the most appropriate title. I also Conference. The hotel burnt down, the But that’s not the only way in which received an offer from Roger Richards to conference moved to Birmingham and technology has affected the magazine. typeset it for me and that offer was grateful- Issue 39 was produced in A4 size with a The arrival of e-mail and the worldwide ly received. web has meant that long detailed discus- I felt the general membership had a right three colour cover. The main talking to know what was discussed at EC meet- point at conference though was not the sions can take place on-line over a num- ings, so, after each one, myself and Peter wonderful new look of On Air but the ber of days and involve many contribu- Dixon, then either Technical Officer or Message from Prince Charles enclosed tors. The e-mail forum was almost sole- Membership Secretary, prepared a new col- within which I had headed – A MES- ly responsible for the end of the On Air umn ‘Topics Discussed at EC Meetings’ SAGE FROM HIGHBURY. My foot- letters page. Those who are interested which was included in each issue. ball-besotted brain had neatly moved can get all the latest hospital radio news The first issue of ‘On Air’ was published almost as soon as it happens. It must in time for the Spring Conference 1984, held him from his real home at Highgrove. in Leeds. It soon gained the approval of the Fortunately the NAHBO Exec decid- make it very hard indeed to keep the delegates. ed to continue with the A4 format magazine fresh and interesting. I had other problems to deal with. The despite the extra costs. This resulted in Michelle tries to keep a balance main one was ensuring the EC kept to the increased revenue from advertisers and between the detail of legal and business press date as published in the magazine, they the magazine became self-financing. issues and the excitement of new studio wanted constant reminding. This was fair From then on, On Air was produced launches and the latest fun day in the enough as they would be involved in other shopping centre. I don’t envy her the job. aspects of running the organisation but I also six times a year with an average content had to bear in mind that, if the magazine was of 36 pages and a full colour cover. The I’m proud to have been editor for four not published in time, there would, rightly, editorship was taken over by John years. If there was a downside, it was be complaints from the membership and that Watson in 1996. knowing what was in the magazine. For I wanted to avoid. I decided to remind them four years I lost that excitement that I a few days before the press date of their con- I read with interest the editorials from our always get, ripping open the packaging tributions but if it were not received in time, current editor, Michelle Newstead but was and reading On Air cover to cover in it would be held over until the next edition in surprised when she quoted something I had one sitting. two months time. This did in fact happen on two occasions to ‘Chairman’s Chat’. In my written in September 1986 about contribu- But it was an enjoyable time when I time as editor the magazine only appeared tions. I have always believed the magazine, got to know a huge number of hospital late once, not a bad achievement in over whatever it is called, is a major means of broadcasters from around the country four years of editorship and that during 1986 communication within the membership of and learned an awful lot about what I was living in temporary accommodation the HBA but it is not the Editor’s job to write hospital radio can do for the patient. On after my home had been destroyed by fire. as well as edit it, something I point blank Air should be a magazine that shows the Since I left the editorship in 1988, the refused to do. It seems some things never change. It is your magazine and your contri- fun we all get from our hobby, week magazine has greatly improved, the one after week. noticeable fact is the enlargement from A5 to butions to it depend on whether it is pub- A4, which was overdue and each successive lished. I hope ‘On Air’ goes from strength to So, Happy Birthday On Air, you may not editor has improved it, which is good for the strength and wish Michelle well for the get a telegram from HRH – but I’m sure HBA and the magazine. future. you have a lot of great years in you yet.

ON AIR Page 7 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Why Are You Involved in Hospital Radio?

Is this a question you have asked your- Asks Peter Davidson-Smith senters. selves and can you in all honesty, of Radio Heatherwood The station’s reputation for training answer with – ‘It’s for the benefit of has grown over the years. Yes, we have patients and not to fulfil my ambition to in On Air Issue 44 full off air training in the subjects of be on local radio.’ I would be very sur- September/October 1991 equipment and presentation, PRS, copy- prised if there is anyone in NAHBO when he took the opportunity right, libel and slander. who does not have a desire to work on to air his views The station has a twenty page book a radio station where they might receive called the Code of Conduct. Every item greater recognition. in that book which is full of common- A few years ago, the only chance for Heatherwood have always recognised sense rules to most people are there presenters to get into professional radio this desire by presenters to move up the because a presenter in the past acted was to join Hospital Radio. If you radio ladder. without thinking of others. It’s not just a applied to a BBC or ILR station, they The volunteers who join hospital code of conduct, it carries the station’s would suggest you go along to your local radio could probably be put into three policy on any particular item. It informs hospital and gain some experience. The categories. the presenter of legal requirements. The reason the local BBC, or ILR would First the volunteers with no desire to code of conduct started from the display send these people along to us was quite join other types of radio and they will of notices at the station and the constant simply to let hospital radio have the enjoy fundraising and being a part of the visits to the studios to give a newcomer expense and do the donkey work in giv- station’s development and will stay for an ear bashing by the management. The ing presenters that much needed kick up many a year. code of conduct lets everyone know the backside. Second the career volunteer who has how we would like the station to contin- It was quite often the case, that people been told to join an HBO for the much ue. It is important that we become more who ran discos, etc. would join Hospital needed kick up the backside and is only professional in our outlook towards the Radio to gain experience with the view passing through and doesn’t care what future but true volunteers, who are the to gaining a position on what was con- happens in two years time to the station. backbone of the stations in the UK, will sidered professional radio. Thirdly, the volunteer who is a mix- become disillusioned if they are used to BBC, ILR, Satellite, Community, and ture of both of the above. David, the supplement the training of others who Cable Radio, are all now looking manager and myself have over 22 years’ give nothing in return. towards Hospital Radio for their future experience between us now of dealing If you are having problems with staff staff. The deregulation of radio will with would be presenters or volunteers, training or you have ideas about attract- mean community radio especially, will and we can tell the ones who are going ing the right sort of people we would be on our doorstep. We at Radio to stay and the one’s who are career pre- love to hear from you. Is there something you feel particularly strongly about? Do you agree with what Peter says? Why not take this opportunity to get on your soapbox and share your views with the readers. If you totally disagree with Peter, we’d like to hear from you as well. I will however, not print personal attacks on any members. Please write to the Editor (see page 1 for details) with your views on any matter you have strong feelings about. This is your opportunity to let off steam! – Ed

Thanks to Roy Stubbs, Chairman of Here is the solution to the Crossword in issue Southampton HR for the following gem: 99, which was kindly supplied by Alan Wayne March 2004, Memo from The Department of Highways and Road Safety. ‘In order to assist other motorists in identifying potentially dangerous drivers, it is now com- pulsory for anyone with a lower than average IQ and driving ability to display a warning flag. The flag, composing of a red cross on a white back- ground, will be attached to the top of at least one door of their vehicle. If the passenger, who may also be an occasional driver, is also of a low IQ, then two flags must be displayed. A large con- signment of these flags, manufactured in China, have been put on sale in local supermarkets, at a subsidised price, so they are readily available to everyone. Ladies who often lose their car in the super- market car park, may also be permitted to display such a flag in order to easily locate their ‘lost’ vehicle.

ON AIR Page 8 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Feeling Good

Someone once asked me what was and sensitive manner. the purpose of a hospital radio station by Roy Topp The music before and after the piece now that there were so many entertain- Radio Mayday should not contrast too much from the all ment options to choose from. I replied important request, so that the mood is that unlike other stations our prime aim is gradually changed, perhaps to a lighter to cheer people up, to be sensitive to Reproduced from On Air 82 vein. their needs and to play their specific January/February 2001 Secretly, I know, we might, some- requests. times, want to ask ‘Is there anybody out It is important to stress that it is not our there?’ – but then, once the phones start role to play what we want to hear or to Our presentations and programmes ringing, the Ward Visitors return with increase our station’s ratings to encour- are really audience led. Therefore it is the requests and occasionally we receive age advertising revenue. Neither are we our regular custom to research our audi- an appreciative letter or card – we know blathering on about what we are going ence to ensure that we are sensitive to there is. It makes all the careful planning to do next week, because we hope that their requirements, both content and and preparation worth while. most of our listeners will be out of hos- scheduling. Thus we now provide pro- It is good if we can sometimes high- pital and playing their own favourites by grammes for late listening, tip until mid- light inspirational news stories. We want that time. night. the patients to know that we are there Understanding our audience is vital, so Sensitivity to requests is an acquired for them, with something to suit all everyone who joins Radio Mayday, in and vital talent for the experienced hos- tastes. whatever capacity, must spend a certain pital radio presenter. A request for a sad If anyone asks what we would like the amount of time as a ward visitor. Thus or sentimental piece may have poignant patients to feel after listening to hospital they obtain experience in talking to people associations for the patient. It is impor- radio, I reflect on Nina Simone singing, who are feeling rotten, fed up, anxious, tant for the presenter to have a ‘nose’ for ‘It’s a new dawn and a new day ... and weak, in pain and sometimes tearful. this and introduce the item in a gentle I’m feeling good!’ 86 and Not Out I was founder of Hospital Radio Reading in 1957. At first we broadcast to three hospitals, with commentary from Reading Football Club using army head- sets. We were the first station to broadcast over the airwaves. In 1959 our first studio negoti- ated within the football club’s ground. After many years, due to lack of space, we moved into Battle Hospital. At that time we had approximately forty members. Apart from commentating, presenting Big Band pro- grammes, record requests, out- side broadcasts, the rest of our time was spent fund raising with PA dates, ballroom dances (believe it or not, I did have a day job too!). I retired from Chairmanship in 1996 and was elected President. For family reasons we moved into Suffolk but am still very much involved with ‘my baby’ Hospital Radio Reading. Now I am a committee mem- ber of the local League of Friends, Chairman of the local Probus Club, member of a local jazz club and do a little PR for the world famous Joe Loss Orchestra. Les Warth, MBE, TD

ON AIR Page 9 September/October 2004

On Air 100th Edition The View from the Bed

I had been in hospital for three days, Reproduced from start at 8 o’clock. At around 20 past, I having had my operation on day two. I live heard my name and my song. It was love- on my own, my husband passed away five On Air March/April 2000 ly. I hadn’t heard it for years and it years ago and my only son and his family reminded me of my late husband singing it now live in Manchester. It would be the to our son when he was a baby. end of the week before any of them could The articles on this page After the song had finished, the presen- come and visit me, so I was feeling quite indicate that hospital ter even mentioned my son and the lovely lonely. radio remains true to flowers. Then he dedicated the next song Not only was I lonely, I was sore and to me too. It was Ralph McTell and unwell and, to be honest, quite frightened. the principles of the ‘Streets Of London’ – another of my I knew that I was over the worst and that pioneers who relayed favourites – how did they know that? I I was in the best place (the nurses were the first broadcasts over don’t know but I felt that it was a won- wonderful) but my spirits were down. It 75 years ago derful service. was visiting time (again) and Elsie in the After my songs, I was feeling much bet- bed opposite had yet another member of ter, my spirits were lifted and I couldn’t her extended family keeping her up to date I didn’t even know I had a radio head- help humming to myself. I listened in for with the outside world. I pretended not to set by my bed, so he showed me how it Elsie’s request and at 9 o’clock I wan- be bothered – totally disinterested – buried worked and tuned it into Radio Skerne for dered along to the payphone and called my face in my magazine. me. Then came the hard bit – what music my son. I told my granddaughter all about It was then that a smartly dressed young would I like? ‘I don’t like a lot of this pop my visitor and about being a radio ‘star’. man with a clipboard approached me. He music, you know and you’ll not have what The next night nobody visited our ward was very polite and I do remember how I would like.’ but I read the booklet the young man had lovely and fresh his aftershave smelled. ‘Not a problem,’ he said, ‘We don’t left me and I went along to the internal ‘Excuse me love, I’m from Radio play loads of pop music and we’ve got phone and requested ‘Love Changes Skerne, the hospital’s radio station. I won- 44,000 titles from the 1930s to the present Everything’ by Michael Ball. This time der if you’d like a request played on the day – so fire away!’ they also played some comedy sketches radio this evening?’ Well, I couldn’t think of anything, so he and I laughed so much at Bobby Feeling sorry for myself, I’m afraid that I suggested Harry Secombe, Jim Reeves, Thompson doing ‘The Little Waster’ that couldn’t be bothered and snapped at him, something from the musicals, Shirley my stitches ached! ‘No – I’m not interested.’ Bassey, John Denver and so on. Radio Skerne certainly made an impres- I thought he’d got the message and I had an idea of a song but couldn’t sion on me and helped me to put my situ- would just go away and leave me alone – think of the title or the name of the man ation into perspective. After I was dis- but he was politely persistent. ‘Are you that sang it but we had a few suggestions charged, I went to my son’s for a couple sure? Can’t I tempt you? By the way those and after a bit of humming and the odd of weeks to convalesce. It was he who are the loveliest bunch of flowers on the word he surprisingly said, ‘It’s Roger first suggested I contact Radio Skerne. I’m ward!’ Whittaker isn’t it? The song’s ‘New now very proud to be request collector He had broken down a barrier and sud- World In The Morning’. By golly – he myself. Every Tuesday afternoon without denly I wanted to chat. I told him they was right! fail. And funnily enough, I often come were from my son and he asked questions He must have spent 15 minutes chatting across people who are just like I was – about what he did for a living. Full of lip to me, just for one request. His time had ready to snap my head off. and charm, he even suggested I didn’t look come to move on but I can honestly say However, I always manage to win old enough to have teenage grandchil- how much he cheered me up and I wait- them round and spend a little more time dren! ed with anticipation for the radio show to with them than normal! Surfing the Airwaves

Well, it’s Thursday night once again. with the jingles, everything going Time for my good deed for the week. A Beginners Guide smoothly. Three hours at Seacroft Hospital Radio to Hospital Radio ‘DAMN! The microphone’s not work- trying to entertain the patients ... ing. Oops, it is. Sorry for that!’ Touring the wards can be a real expe- ‘The speaker’s knackered. Oh, maybe rience. After all, there’s illness and dis- I need around fifteen songs to fill my if I push the fader up!’ ease in every room so it’s not always hour long show and I nearly always get ‘Watch the needle’ SCREECH! easy to maintain a cheery demeanour, them. But not tonight! Luckily our exten- ‘And now a request for Philip – especially when someone is wired up to sive record library will help me fill my Phyllis? I apologise – I can’t read your the hilt on a monitor. However, I am playlist to the brim. Trouble is, I’ve got to writing!’ there for only one reason, so here goes: be careful. Who wants to hear Yes, it can be most enjoyable. Even ‘Hello, I’m Tony from Radio Skeba. ‘Stairway To Heaven’ just before they when the odd thing goes wrong! But we Any requests?’ head off to theatre for an operation? I are well received by the patients and ‘Can ye pick me false teeth up?’ know I would not find that funny, so let’s they do appear to like our nightly shows. ‘Doctor, my dressings leaking!’ – ‘Give us find something else. ‘OK. that’s the end of the request a hand to the loo will you?’ Sorted! Pitney, Schubert, Abba, Cliff, show for tonight, we hope you are all OK, so how about a song? Spice Girls, ol’ blue eyes, a couple from the charts home soon – thanks for listening.’ Meatloaf – er, Vera Lynn it is then! plus my five from the wards. OK, that There, I think it went well this evening Sometimes I feel like asking a nurse to should do it. Right, time to sit in the chair although next time I’ll pick something check my blood pressure. I bet Jimmy and pretend to be Bruno Brookes! better to end with. Don’t think ‘Another Savile never had this bother when he This is the part I enjoy the most – One Bites the Dust’ really sounds the started. Anyway it’s time to head off to going LIVE ON AIR. Talking to the part. Oh well, there’s always next week! the studio with my catch for the evening. patients, editing the records, messing Tony Poole

ON AIR Page 11 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Countryside ... News from the Stations

A Winning Combination This has been made even easier of late NHR Open New Studio Last month you read about Hospital with the Oldies Magazine taking on Northumberland Hospital Radio Radio Tunbridge Wells launching its 24 sponsorship of our Request Shows. (NHR) based at Wansbeck General hour broadcasting service to the Kent & Their names were added to an already Hospital in the north east of England, Sussex, Pembury and Tonbridge Cottage extensive list of local businesses who held the official opening of the newly- Hospitals. Since the launch in May, the sponsor a variety of shows and features completed Studio Centre on 2nd July, station has run smoothly in much the on the station. We currently enjoy a just a few weeks short of the organisa- way that we wish it would when it two-fold partnership with Waitrose and tion’s 30th anniversary. doesn’t but often take for granted when with the Co-op Store in Tunbridge Apart from the ribbon cutting ceremo- it does. Wells, who not only sponsor our shows ny and some kind words from Our fundraising has been a fairly focal but also host outside broadcasts events! Councillor Mrs Kay Morris, Mayor of point over the past few months. With Castle Morpeth and Councillor Colin plans for a big new hospital replacing Gateway to Success Parker, Civic Head of Wansbeck, the two of the hospitals we currently broad- The Gateway Hospital Broadcasting proceedings were relatively informal. cast to, we cannot afford to become Service has had two very different out- Other guests included representatives complacent for a moment, the hard ings in a month and they were both hos- from Northumbria Healthcare NHS work is only just beginning! pital fetes! Trust, Mrs Margaret Featherstone, The first, in late July, for our Dover MBE, of the League of Friends and Ray Hospital at Buckland started well Oxley and Craig Robinson. Mrs enough with a sunny day. As is the Featherstone said she was pleased to see norm, the fete officially opens at 11am, just how far the hospital radio service however some stalls were, as usual, sell- had come in 30 years, having been start- ing just after nine. Come eleven, all the ed with a grant of £100 by the League of official press pictures had been taken Friends in the Summer of 1974. and it started to rain. Then it rained fair- NHR Volunteers moved into the new ly hard, then very hard. As we took shel- accommodation in early 2003 before the ter, we wondered what the noise was: closure of the old Ashington Hospital hailstones the size of golf balls! At about (now almost completely demolished). It 12.30 it was decided to abandon the has taken over 1,000 hours of effort by a Our outside broadcast at Sevenoaks fete. There was no chance of clearing team of 11 people to move equipment up however, those golf balls were mighty from the old site and rebuild the facility HRTW has seen some innovative dangerous. Cars were dented and shop in what is now NHR’s permanent base. fundraising since the station’s conception awnings decimated. Luckily, the League During the construction phase, the vol- in the 1960s. Most successful of late of Friends have been offered some unteers also maintained a busy schedule have been our outside broadcasts, tables at the forthcoming Dover Regatta of outside events and collections. The which are hosted by a local shop or to make up for the shortfall. move was largely funded by a grant from supermarket chain and may be run with the Northern Rock Foundation. a street collection. This proved particu- The facility is almost a carbon copy of larly successful in July when, on the former facility at Ashington Hospital, Saturday 17th, despite rain, we collected except with an additional room (referred £445 from shoppers in Tonbridge High to as Studio 3) which houses the 24- Street with a live outside broadcast from hour automation servers and playout PC B-Wise. This was a 76% increase on as well as a new centralised broadcast last year’s total! Outside broadcasts transmission rack. Staff benefit from nat- allow the public to actually see what a ural light in all four rooms and both stu- Hospital Radio station does, takes the dios have separately controllable state- patients out on the road for a bit of fun of-the-art heat recovery ventilation sys- and may even get the public interested tems which are virtually silent even on enough to enquire about becoming a full speed. member. Everyone at NHR is looking forward We are lucky enough to have a won- to improving the 24-hour service first derful engineering team to rig all this introduced in 2000, with more informa- each time we embark on these outings, Norman Wisdom signs an autograph for tion sequences for patients and visitors which are currently running at nearly Emily Turner, a young fan and introducing in-house programme one a month. Our engineers can over- And so to Deal, our other hospital, in material in the evenings and at weekends come almost anything although recently the first week of August. What a differ- alongside live request shows. at Sainsburys’ Sevenoaks, their expertise ence! As the tabloids would say. ‘What Iain Miles, Station Manager was tried when one of our ancient CD a scorcher’. It must have been the players wouldn’t open! They didn’t busiest and hottest fete I’ve been to for worry too much though because back at many years. Even Norman Wisdom DON’T FORGET TO the studio were four wonderful new popped in for an ice cream to cool off players kindly donated by a fundraising and say a few words to the patients. SEND IN A REPORT committee at the White Horse pub in I’ve been to sunny fetes and dull fetes FOR YOUR STATION Otham, a local of one of our members. but in 35 years of attending them, I’ve At the end of the day, hospital radio never been to two so closely spaced and BY has one major advantage over commer- so extreme. Here’s to next year. 9TH OCTOBER cial stations; we interact with the patient! Terry Nunn

ON AIR Page 12 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Countryside ... News from the Stations

Good Timing as Radio member, Beryl Frost and past Chairman, Gwendolen Hits 30! Norman Rich, all of whom have given at Congratulations ‘On Air’! Well done least 15 years of service individually to for hitting a century of issues and how Radio Gwendolen. Splendid achieve- kind of you to make this auspicious occa- ments on a very appropriate occasion! sion coincide with Radio Gwendolen’s Celebrations concluded with a party Thirtieth Birthday! at the hospital social club, complete with Radio Gwendolen, 1287AM, at the birthday cake, organised by Leicester General Hospital, celebrated Gwendolen’s own food fancier, presen- its 30th anniversary with a 30-hour live ter Ian ‘Sumo’ Green! broadcast on 14th and 15th August. Gwendolen’s Chair, Jon Stocker, said, Radio Gwendolen’s fantastic (aren’t ‘We are indebted to those who had the they all?) team of volunteer presenters all foresight to set up Radio Gwendolen 30 took turns to provide live commemora- years ago and delighted two of its found- tive programmes from 12pm on ing members are with us to celebrate the Saturday 14th non-stop through till 6pm occasion and we hope patients and staff on Sunday, 15th August. Darren Harte, at the General enjoyed the special pro- our 78s and sixties specialist, kicked us grammes. We have a great team at off at midday on Saturday and later that Gwendolen and I’d like to thank them all afternoon, founder members, Ray publicly for their commitment to the sta- Lovejoy and Bernard Smith joined Bill tion and its form of quality broadcasting.’ Tong and Jon Stocker as they ‘Rambled So, congratulations on your hundredth On’ through tracks from the previous 30 issue, On Air, thanks for all your work years, 1944 onwards. Listeners were promoting news about hospital radio able to hear something of the back- and best wishes to the editorial team on Angie Butler in the Children’s Ward ground to starting up the station and your success. how the members built up their profile Jon Stocker, Chairman the headphones by their beds and in the hospital. explain how to use them to anyone who Special programmes followed through A Member’s Report is unsure. If the children are able to get the night and into Sunday morning. Friends and family often ask me what out of bed they are invited, with their These included a reflective interview I do when I present for hospital radio parents if they are there, to come to the with past Chairman, Norman Rich and from the Children’s Ward. It started small room at the end of the ward a special focus by presenters Colette nearly two years ago when I saw a where the portable recording system has Hall, Dave Angell and Dave Willcocks white van parked on Falmouth Moor in been set up for the afternoon. on the music of the 70’s, not to mention Cornwall, playing music, with people I encourage the older children to read John Peverill’s marathon stint in the early handing out flyers all about the radio and stories or tell jokes on air with me, also hours! its work. It was an Arts week and I was many parents, relatives or friends will do Former members and guests joined telling stories for children in Falmouth interviews, much to the amusement of the celebrations on Sunday for the last Library. the younger patients who may be a little three hours of the special programmes, When I retired from primary school shy. The ice is soon broken and it does- teaching, I wrote and published five chil- n’t take long for even the poorliest chil- dren’s books about giants. I work in dren or the most anxious parents, to Adult Education as well as Supply have smiles on their faces. They listen Teaching and run story and writing excitedly when their name is mentioned workshops in local schools. I also belong and their request is played, just for them. to ‘Lapidus’, an Arts for Health initiative, The children get a hospital radio sticker so I am very interested in the therapeutic and a certificate from me to celebrate use of writing and story. I approached their involvement on air with the team. the van to find out more, put my name The older children and relatives are also on a contacts list and offered to read sto- invited to sign the Guest Book. ries for children on air. The Guest Book has been a real Some weeks passed and then I had a insight into the value of hospital radio phonecall from Elizabeth Sanders. She and the particular value of the portable arranged for me to visit the recording unit which is able to visit the ward. The Members of Radio Gwendolen receive their long studio at Truro Hospital to record some comments confirm the looks on the chil- service certificates from June Snowden stories. I couldn’t have approached them dren’s faces when the hour of with presenters Dave Willcocks, the sta- at a better time. The team were hoping Children’s Choice is over. Sparkling eyes tion manager and Julian Smethurst, to take a portable unit on to the from the smiling faces. All fears have trusty station engineer, without whom ... Children’s ward and I was to become a been forgotten for that hour and strange- etc. etc. In fact, Dave and Julian were presenter working on the ward with the ly hospital doesn’t seem such a bad amongst those presented with long-ser- children and parents. place after all, in fact the thought of vice awards by June Snowden, whilst I usually go around the Harlyn Ward telling school, friends and family that on air. Five members received these with a stack of CDs. I introduce myself they have been on radio and helped special awards, Station Manager, Dave and ask if any of the children or parents read a story or tell a joke on air, makes Willcocks; Station Engineer, Julian would like to choose a request to be the rest of their stay feel much, much Smethurst; Librarian, Greta Wrigley; played. While they are choosing, I check better. The children have something

ON AIR Page 13 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Countryside ... News from the Stations exciting to their tell aunts and uncles the studio was fully equipped and was in A new patient entertainment system is when they visit or when they get home. working order by July. The presenters being installed in the wards at Worthing The certificates are taken into school began practising to ensure they were Hospital by Hospital Telephone Services and are shown off at School Assemblies, ready for the inauguration in September Ltd. As part of the modernisation of an important message to other children 1972. They were to broadcast for two Seaside Hospital Radio, the station will who may have to visit the hospital in the hours a day on Sundays, Mondays and link into the HTS system to bring an future. The positive memory of their stay Tuesdays. additional service to the patients in the in hospital is sure to help in their recov- By the first AGM in January 1973, hospital. ery and feelings about a return for more plans were already being discussed of a Although the NHS Trust are providing treatment if it is needed. possible move into the new hospital the landlines between the two hospitals, Hospital Radio is a great initiative, pre- block when it was completed, so it was equipment is needed at each end for the senters give their time and energy enthu- agreed to keep expenditure on the pre- stations output to be sent from siastically week in, week out. For some sent studio to a minimum. Southlands to Worthing. Thanks to the of the youngsters presenting, it may be The studio equipment fell short of the help of the League of Friends from both the first step on the road to a broadcast- requirements and a second studio was Southlands and Worthing, this equip- ing career. The patients feel valued proposed but plans went ahead for a ment has been purchased and work is when asked for requests. They can listen landline link-up with Worthing Hospital underway to connect the hospitals. to the music they enjoy, which can on Christmas Day, with live programmes Volunteers at Seaside Hospital Radio entertain or soothe them for a time and coming from both hospitals and BBC will visit patients in both Worthing and take their minds off any discomfort they Radio Brighton helping with publicity. Southlands fort requests. Patients will may be feeling. Having a portable unit to It wasn’t until 11th April 1986 that also be able to contact the studio from take on to the wards must be the icing on hospital radio returned to Worthing with their bedside telephone. the cake. For patients it is entertainment the launch of Worthing Hospital Radio Eric Ruell with a capital E. It ticks every box of the with a studio at Swandean Hospital. A Publicity Officer feel good factor and it is certainly one of couple of years later, work began to con- Seaside Hospital Radio the most satisfying and worthwhile vert a semi-detached house in Park things I personally, have ever done. I Avenue into a studio complex capable of Oops! I’ve Done It Again! have come a long way from when I broadcasting a service to the Worthing ‘Well’, said my Station Manager, approached a white van playing music, Hospitals and into Brighton. The dream Malcolm Salmon, to one of our presen- parked on Falmouth Moor. of seven hospitals being connected to ters, ‘I did suggest you didn’t let the lev- I think they call it a win/win situation ... one radio service, via a complicated tele- els go too high!’ you bet! phone network, became a reality. Only joking but pictured is our old stu- Angie Butler Worthing Hospital Radio was renamed dio now as you can see a heap of rubble. Truro Hospital Radio Coastway Hospital Radio to reflect the Fortunately, at Hospital Radio Braintree, Children’s Presenter station’s increased broadcasting area. we do have a new home, now a snooker Coastway continued to broadcast live room, resplendent with snooker table I Do Like to be Beside the Sea programmes to Worthing until 2003 Hospital Radio Southlands was estab- when various technical problems meant lished by a handful of volunteers in only recorded programmes could be 1972. It became a registered charity in heard in the new section of Worthing 1987. Financial support was from the Hospital. At the end of 2003 discussions League of Hospital Friends at took place between Coastway and Southlands Hospital. Radio Southlands to see how live pro- Permission was granted by the hospital grammes could be heard in all parts of authorities for a disused butchery store in Worthing Hospital. These discussions the hospital grounds – since demolished resulted in Radio Southlands taking over – to be converted into a studio. At the the broadcasting rites to Worthing first meeting of the volunteers in Hospital from 1st April 2004. January, it was decided to hold a chari- It was 15th May 2004 when Radio ty disco and spend £3 on raffle tickets. Southlands held a reception at the hospi- (any offers for a snooker table?) and By the second general meeting on tal attended by members of the members have been very busy moving 28th February, a bank account had been Worthing and Southlands NHS Trust, everything from the old studio (up two opened with £37.78 – the proceeds Adur District Council and volunteers flights of stairs) to our soon to be new stu- from the disco – plus £50 from the from Coastway and Radio Southlands. dio. Hopefully we will only be off air for League of Friends. So heralding the birth With the extension to Worthing the a couple of months or so before we can of Hospital Radio at Southlands. name of the station was changed to start broadcasting to the Willliam Julien Whilst construction of the studio was Seaside Hospital Radio. This was also Courtauld Hospital in Braintree and our carried out, a constitution was agreed the day when plans were announced new community hospital when it is built. and plans were underway for program- concerning the updating of the studio Michelle Newstead, Chairman ming material and these included con- equipment, making the studio complex tacting Kenny Everett and Cliff Richard. wheelchair friendly and the introduction Tony Hender was the first chairman of a computer system for the studio. DON’T FORGET TO and was in charge of programme con- Various grants were received for the SEND IN A REPORT tent and seeing that presenters were up work to be carried out including a grant FOR YOUR STATION to standard. from the national lottery ‘awards for all’ BY 9TH OCTOBER The building work was completed; and another grant from the NHS Trust.

ON AIR Page 14 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Countryside ... News from the Stations

HBSA – Hospital Broadcasting Chorley Hospital Radio Service Ayrshire John Taylor is one of Chorley The Hospital Broadcasting Service Hospital Radio’s longest serving presen- Ayrshire was formally opened in 1980, ters. with its first programmes that were pre- recorded on an old disco unit – the ser- vice has progressed to a vibrant organi- sation serving patients in Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine and Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock. HBSA is currently looking forward to its 25th year and it is set to be a double celebration with PatientLine being Winchester Hospital Radio presenter installed in Crosshouse Hospital, which Nick Hughes, awarding the Fruit will allow the service to become more Basket to patients and staff on Clarke dedicated and widely available for Ward patients. The live draw took place during our The service is in good shape, with nightly patients' request programme, more than 40 volunteers bringing over The Sound Remedy. Patients and staff John Taylor 50 hours of live programming each week within the hospital's cardiac unit – He started working at the station in to patients from the hospital gatehouse Clarke Ward were the thrilled and lucky 1989 at the age of 20 and following a building in Irvine. Programme controller, winners. break, to honour outside work commit- Stephen Graham believes that the station Not only was this patient's kind ges- ments as a resident DJ at a club in has a good ethos. ‘A station can only be ture a real boost to other patients, staff Preston, returned to the station in 1996. as good as its membership and we have and our volunteers but it also helped to In his early years at the station, John a fantastic group who all really enjoy raise WHR's profile within the hospital recalls taking part in OBs from the Royal what they do and this definitely shows and enhance the programme. Lancashire Show at Astley Park and on-air.’ Donations like this are good PR for walking alongside a float, promoting hos- In almost 25 years, HBSA has seen hospital radio stations – maybe through pital radio at the Leyland Festival. lots of presenters passing through its promos on air or within station maga- He also recalls taking part in a spon- door with many moving onto the media zines when we talk about fundraising, sored 24 hour non-stop presenter industry professionally. A small samples we could all also encourage those who marathon, with each presenter broad- of past presenters includes Jeff Graham, wish to express their thanks to the hospi- casting for three hours at a time! And the Colin McArdle, Gary Marshall and Jakki tal, to consider giving gifts that we at biggest change he has seen at the station Brambles. HRs can raffle or use as patient give- was the move from a prefab hut to new The current chairman is a name well aways? purpose built studios in 2001. known to many connected to Hospital Anna O'Brien As well as presenting a regular request Radio, John Barbour, who was a found- show, John now enjoys responsibility for ing member of the organisation from Britain's Smallest Hospital doing voice-overs and making-up jingles back in 1979 and is still very involved in Radio Broadcasts to New for other presenters, something which the day-to-day running of HBSA. He Hospital! appeals to his creative side. John has a passion for 1980’s soul remembers the days when broadcasts Castle Mead Radio, the smallest hos- music and cites Luther Vandross and were made to three hospitals in the area; pital radio station in the country, which George Benson among his favourites however, Ravenspark Hospital in Irvine has been broadcasting to patients and although he admits that he enjoys ‘any- closed in the early nineties. staff for more than 13 years, is now thing from rock to classical’. ‘In many years, I've seen lots of differ- being heard at a brand new hospital. In 2003, John was fortunate enough ent faces pass through Hospital Radio Whilst it continues to broadcast from to soak up the atmosphere of the [Ayrshire] in 25 years, however the faces a studio suite on the first floor of Glastonbury festival and explained that may change – but the service still remain Hinckley and District Hospital in one of the best parts of it was hearing dedicated to the patients.’ Leicestershire, its output is now heard at Alison Moyet singing live. Hinckley and Bosworth Community He said of the whole Glastonbury Patients and Staff Hospital about a mile or so down the experience, ‘It’s not just the music, it’s road. Get Fruity in Winchester! the entertainment theatres, people walk- Chairman Peter Worthington says, ‘It A grateful patient found an appealing ing on stilts. There is just all sorts going is a new era for the station’. way to say thank you for the care he on. You can’t have a shower, you just The station’s Publicity Officer, received at the Royal Hampshire County have to go to a running tap for a wash. Mathew Hulbert, says ‘All the members Hospital, Winchester. But it’s all part of the festival experience’. are really enthusiastic about broadcast- The gentleman was regularly visited In his life outside hospital radio, John ing to the new site and continuing the by volunteers from Winchester Hospital now works as a supervisor for a petrol mix of great music, local news and infor- Radio during his stay on four different company. But he has also worked at mation, as well as the best chat on the wards and was very impressed by the Butlins holiday camp as a senior supervi- radio. care and attention he received through- sor on the leisure department, a job Despite our relatively small listnership, out the hospital. By way of thanks, he which brought him into contact with we out totally committed to providing donated a large basket of fruit to WHR stars of stage and screen. to raffle on air for staff and patients on the best service we can to our dedicated one of the wards to enjoy. listeners.’ Joanna Flynn

ON AIR Page 15 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Countryside ... News from the Stations

TOYOTA TUNES INTO own on Sir Cliff’s records and was in who has stood outside with a collecting HOSPITAL RADIO fact pleased to play a selection each day tin in December knows just what I am on its various shows. talking about when I say that this is real- REQUEST Warren Selwood, Head of ly quite ‘an experience’. HRM also has a Monday 6th September, 2004. Programming, said ‘Radio Redhill is good relationship with Gillingham Thousands of patients at hospitals across pleased to continue to have Sir Cliff on Football Club, covering live the home Derby can now enjoy the uninterrupted our play-list with tracks from him played matches which also resulted in getting a sounds of hospital radio thanks to a regularly on our programmes and cho- substantial donation from the Club. donation from Toyota Manufacturing sen by the patients during our daily Medway Maritime Hospital decided UK. request shows’. He added, ‘Sir Cliff to take up the patients’ communication The Derbyshire based car manufac- has always been a favourite with our lis- system supplied by Hospicom which turer has given Radio Link – Derby teners and we will continue to play the proved to be an interesting learning Hospital Broadcasting a community songs performed by the UK’s most curve for all of us. As the installation was donation of £1,000 to purchase new famous Bachelor Boy’. taking place, so HRM was isolated and state-of-the-art equipment which will for a while had only about ten per cent help them to protect their software and Radio Redhill Meets Katie of the potential audience but once the audio recordings. wiring was completed we were broad- Radio Link is based in two studios at casting to wards that previously did not Derby City General Hospital. The sta- have any radio. Our Ward Reps are tion was established in 1974 and broad- trained in minor fault solving which casts daily programmes 24 hours a day to enables us to tune the patients in as we patients at Derby City General Hospital, visit and can promote the station, con- Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Nightingale versely the staff from Hospicom who are Continuing Care Unit and Derbyshire on site during the day, also promote Children’s Hospital. Last year over Hospital Radio Medway so can ensure 51,000 patients tuned into the station. that all new admissions find out about Commenting on the donation, John hospital radio as soon as possible. I am Huddlestone, Radio Link secretary and pleased to report that the number of founder member, says, ‘We are very requests has risen substantially. grateful to Toyota for their donation. A As far as specialist programmes are significant amount of our broadcasts Pictured, Chairman of Radio Redhill Nigel Gray, Katie and presenter Irwyn Davies concerned, we have sport and local depend on computerised systems and interest news programmes, country and we now have the peace of mind that our Radio Redhill, went celebrity spotting recently and met with singing sensation western music, 50s, 60s, love songs and software and recordings will be protect- of course the main hub everyday of the ed by this new technology.’ Katie Melua. Katie was visiting the East Surrey Hospital for an art exhibition in request programme. the new Trauma and Orthopaedic unit. Probably the best compliment that any All of the exhibits were the work of doc- hospital radio can be paid is to be asked tors working at the hospital. back again by the organisers of events for Irwyn Davies covered the event for lis- a repeat performance! teners of Radio Redhill and Nigel Gray recorded an eight minute interview with Tower Sound the singing star, which is available to Templar House, part of the hospital at download from our website. Newton Abbot, was the venue for Nigel Gray, Chairman of Radio Tower Sound, Newton Abbot Hospital Redhill, said, ‘ It was lovely to meet with Radio to hold a quiz night recently. Tony Katie at this event. We were pleased to Clarke was the quizmaster and an enjoy- be able to bring some of the excitement able evening was had by all; it also to our listeners and it is hoped we will be helped to boost our funds. Pictured (from left to right), Susan able to record a programme with Katie in During the course of the evening, long Wilkinson, Public Relations, Toyota the near future, when work commit- service awards were given to some of Manufacturing UK, Wendy Holden, local ments allow’. our presenters. David Hyde, from novelist and Radio Link’s celebrity ambas- Newton Abbot and president of the sador and Andrew Hartshorn, Radio Link Hospital Radio Medway team, received a citation for 20 years ser- presenter and Membership Secretary Hospital Radio Medway was estab- vice with Tower Sound. lished by Brian Faulkner some 35 years Fifteen years of service was presented East Surrey Hospital Doesn’t ago now and, although he has moved to Richard Totall from Chudleigh and Suffer Miss You Nights out of the area, we are still in touch with Terry Carr, who has recently moved For Cliff Richard him. We are indebted to Brian for his away. Our chairperson, Maureen After the recent controversy following hard work and I know he is pleased to Tucker, presented these awards. the suspension and subsequent reinstate- see the progress that has been made. Martin Relland was awarded 15 year ment of DJ Tony Blackburn from a Like all stations, we rely totally on our award, received by studio manager, ‘Golden Oldie’ radio station, for playing volunteers to turn up for their regular Martyn Paddon. A 10 year award went Cliff Richard tracks during his show, stints and also ask for them to turn out to Alan Ashdown,collected by Barbara East Surrey Hospital’s award winning for OBs which take place at various local Thompson, as both presenters were station, Radio Redhill, announced it supermarkets and are the main part of unavailable. would not be implementing a ban of its our fundraising activities and anyone Ann Dobbs, Publicity Officer

ON AIR Page 16 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Countryside ... News from the Stations

Basingstoke’s Birdman siasm, until station secretary Rosemary Sports Link for Haslar Picture the scene. It’s eight minutes Kershaw spots the flaw in this clever Hospital Radio Haslar in Gosport, past seven on a Wednesday evening and plan. ‘I already use that ploy during my Hampshire, has arranged an historic link ‘Disco’ Dave Leonard is working his live Sunday afternoon programme. And with its local football club whereby live magic with the wheels of steel, broad- there’s no way that I’m changing the for- reports and commentaries will be broad- casting live to patients and staff through- mat of my show for you lot’. cast to the patients and staff at the two out the North Hampshire Hospital. The landlord calls for last orders. The Gosport hospitals. These will form part Suddenly, completely out of the blue, committee knows that in a few minutes of the station’s Sportsbeat programme the phone rings. Dave picks up the time the opportunity to reinvigorate the which highlights all local sport events receiver. It’s a listener! ‘I’d like to com- autumn 2004 programme schedule will every Saturday afternoon. plain about your radio station’, barks the be lost forever. They stare into their now Chairman, Chris Pearce and John voice at the other end. ‘I was tuned in all Stimpson, Chairman of Gosport afternoon and all I heard was ‘Chas ‘n’ Borough Football Club, commented, Dave in concert’ over and over again’. ‘We are very pleased to announce this Dave looks stunned for a few seconds link between our two organisations. We until the realisation of what has just hap- are delighted to be able to provide listen- pened finally hits him. He smiles. ers at our two local hospitals, commen- ‘Someone just phoned in during one of tary on matches. GBC has started the my programmes! I’ve finally had a caller!’ season by playing a friendly match with He had long suspected that the other local premiership side Portsmouth and presenters at Hospital Radio Basingstoke this drew a capacity ground attendance. had been teasing when they told him This partnership is part of the communi- that the Patientline *800 number didn’t ty link being established by HR Haslar. really work. Jim Barry, Events Manager A couple of days later the entire HRB committee gets together at the usual Trying Times for Portsmouth venue for their monthly strategy meeting. Beaver Scouts from the Old Basing Beaver As one of the first hospital radios in the Attendance is good this time around. Scout Colony visited the studios recently. country, we would like to endorse the Dave’s idea of agreeing to buy the first They helped presenter Alan Minto put many congratulations you have no doubt round clearly did the trick. ‘We need to together a very entertaining show. One of received on your 100th edition. think of some more exciting programme next year’s HBA Awards perhaps! In our 53rd year, these are trying times ideas for the autumn’ he announces, in for Portsmouth Hospital Broadcasting – his capacity as station Chairman, ‘Any empty glasses in search of inspiration. how many times have you heard that! ideas?’ ‘How about broadcasting some live The local authority is building a ‘super Silence. ‘Alright’ says Dave, ‘I’ll set the shows from the hospital wards’, one of hospital’ which means we will be balling rolling. I’d like to put together a the committee suggests timidly. ‘I’m sure uprooted yet again; this will in effect be show called ‘Desert Island Des’, where it will be a lot of fun for us as well as the our third move. Although we began in we can get local celebrities to talk about patients and staff’. Station Engineer 1951, our main studios at St Marys’ in their favourite Des O’Connor records’. Peter Hawken isn’t impressed. ‘That the centre of Portsmouth were in full The response from the rest of the com- means I finally have to pull my finger out operation by 1970. But due to rebuilding mittee is recorded in the official minutes and start sorting out some equipment for and space, we were forced to relocate but cannot, unfortunately, be reprinted you. And I suppose you’ll want to be to our present site at Queen Alex on the here. ‘So, is that a ‘maybe’?’ asks Dave, doing all sorts of other outside broadcasts hillside above the city in 1986. optimistically. as well, won’t you?’ Converting an old laundry store into a The pile of empty glasses on the table ‘There are plenty of local events that three studio complex with record library, in front of the committee continues to get we could feature,’ adds Vernon Pearce, tech room, kitchen and foyer took time, higher. ‘Why don’t we play the original the station’s Treasurer. ‘I’m helping to energy and a lot of hard work. Now all version of ‘Tubular Bells’ on a continu- organise a classic car show in October. that has to go. ous loop for a couple of hours a day’ Perhaps we could start with that!’ We have been allocated an area suggests Programme Controller Neil ‘And what about doing a live sports about a third of our present space and Ogden. This idea is greeted with enthu- show on Saturday afternoons?’ chips in can you imagine the chaos as one hospi- PR Officer, Andy Konieczko. ‘I normally tal is demolished and another built spend my time sat on my sofa at home around us. PatientLine means we are watching the football scores on Teletext. received in perfect clarity and no longer I could do the same thing in the studio have the bug bear of dodgy headsets that instead and perhaps get interviews with plagued us so much in the past but with some of the Basingstoke Town FC play- rising costs of BT, insurance, PPL and ers.’. now the new authority want to charge The committee continue to chat us rent, I fear we are facing the biggest enthusiastically about these ideas as they crisis I have seen in all my 30 years with make their way to the taxis that are wait- PHB. Does any other hospital radio pay ing for them outside. ‘So its looks like rent? So are we downhearted? No. We we’ve got lots of exciting new ideas for will continue merrily on with our happy HR Basingstoke members and their part- programmes for the next few months!’ band of exuberant enthusiasts covering ners took part in the HRB v HR announces Dave with pride. ‘But does all ages and tastes. Winchester skittles night earlier this year. that mean I won’t get any more callers And we won the match! during my show ...’ Mike Underdown, President

ON AIR Page 17 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Countryside ... News from the Stations

Hospital Radio Bedside London’s Longest Running HRC's Birthday Reunion Broadcasting to five local hospitals Hospital Station Hospital Radio Chelmsford is cele- and having recently celebrated our At Radio Brockley we held a collec- brating its 40th Anniversary this year and 30th anniversary, Hospital Radio tion at the end of July and pulled in just the pinnacle will be on the official birth- Bedside is going from strength to over £375, a good boost to our funds. day weekend, 25th and 26th September strength! Our programme schedule 2004. includes something for everyone and HRC is looking to make contact with we are proud to say that we broadcast as many former members as possible for a huge Reunion Party to be held at St John’s Hospital. Did you play a part in HRC's history, present a programme, visit the wards, file the records or build a studio? No matter how big or small the contribution you paid, please come and be part of it again, for one more night. Many of the guests already confirmed have found HRC the perfect spring- Daya Nair and Dave Sacks give up their spare board into professional broadcasting time to rattle tins at Sainsbury’s in Stanmore careers in radio or television. Who are The event took place at our local they and what are they doing now? Sainsbury’s Supermarket in Stanmore, Former members attending include: home to the Royal National Dennis & Irene Hance (original mem- Orthopaedic Hospital. bers from 1964); Peter Moore (original Our 30th anniversary member from 1964); Bob Willis, Tony 24 hours a day. Our membership is Wright, Russel White; Martin Avis, Des increasing at the moment, thanks to a Shephard; Don McNab; Alain very successful recruitment drive Heasyman; Ken Oliver; Tony Taylor; which includes a slide being displayed Gavin Bunn (now Gavin Matthews of in the local UCI Cinema complex for MFM); Brian Eringa (now Rick an entire year. Edwards of Gemini FM) and Steve Our fundraising department has Campen (of LBC). seen many changes recently, the Those hoping to attend: Steve biggest of which is a new partnership Scruton (of BBC Essex); Dianne with D & R Marketing Solutions, a Stradling (of Anglia TV News); local company willing to help us raise Jonathan Overend (of BBC 5 Live); our funds. Andrew Reeve; Brian Wilmer; Ian Deal (now Ian Gilmour of Kingdom FM); Heather Sach; Trevor Thomas and Veteran presenters Graham Rich and Lorraine Joyce know the importance of fundraising, as Dave Monk (of BBC Essex). they use the opportunity to collect charity funds For more information please contact and to catch up for a gossip and a laugh Adam Ravenscroft on 01245 513333 or email [email protected]. Radio Brockley is London’s longest running hospital station. Funds for Radio Brockley have just heard the Kendal Hospital Radio hospital has been given the go ahead to After two charity events organised by be rebuilt, so the hard work starts here. Churchill’s Bar and The Albert Hotel of The opening of our second charity shop Two of our members (Josh Holzman Bowness-on-Windermere over £2,000 and Angela King) met at the station, mar- was raised. This is to help KHR pur- Recent events at HRB include a 35 ried and pictured is their little boy Jake, chase state of the art OB equipment and hour broadcast, a summer raffle and our youngest listener! a new telephone hybrid system for the the construction of a third studio as studios. well as the usual fetes, open days and Kendal Hospital Radio received the carnivals. Without doubt, our single cheque from Tim Collins, MP for most important development would Westmorland and Lonsdale, at the have to be the opening of our second Churchill’s Bar in Bowness recently. Mr charity shop. Our first shop has been Collins said it was a great comfort that open for over ten years and is a won- local people had raised this amount of derful success. We hope our new money to help a vital service to the shop works as well and the early signs patients of the Westmorland General are certainly encouraging. Hospital. John Greig, President of KHR Our website continues to develop thanked all concerned in raising the very reflecting life here at HRB and we welcome £2,000. would love you to give us a visit at www.hospitalradiobedside. co.uk. DON’T FORGET TO SEND IN A Mark Venus REPORT FOR YOUR STATION Publicity Officer Our youngest listener. BY 9TH OCTOBER

ON AIR Page 18 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Countryside ... News from the Stations

Citizenship Award Ireland, as well as hosting visits from per- Junior Soldiers from the Duke of Radio Calderdale was presented with sonnel from the Army Foundation Edinburgh Journalism Group, led by the Citizenship Award in June from the College. Lieutenant Roche, are learning to Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Harrogate Hospital Radio has previ- become presenters at the hospital. They Geraldine Carter, for its outstanding ously only been able to broadcast when are quickly getting to grips with the contribution and benefit to the local the volunteer presenters are in the stu- equipment and will soon be presenting community. dio. However, the introduction of new their own shows. Junior Soldier Lee Radio Calderdale, which provides 50 computer equipment allows for the Baines said: ‘It’s good to help out the hours of non-stop entertainment for the radio station to play throughout the local community and learn about basic Calderdale Royal Hospital a week, col- night. The facility is available exclusively radio presenting. I like getting out of lected the award in a special ceremony for the patients of Harrogate District hos- camp for a few hours, listening to good at Halifax Town Hall. pital, and can be heard through the con- music and meeting some interesting trols at their bedsides. people.’ Harrogate Hospital Radio chairman, Anybody who may wish to help at the David Simister, said: ‘We’re very excited Hospital Radio station, either presenting about being able to broadcast for 24 shows or collecting requests, is invited to hours a day. It means we can offer a bet- contact the chairman David Simister on ter service to the patients. Calling in the (01423) 553342. Army to assist with the launch, seemed the obvious thing to do. Lieutenant Evening in ... Manchester!? Roche already presents a show once a Northern Air Radio’s annual Talent week and in the Army he is used to contest had something different this working with radios for long hours. I’m year. Dave Bee was amazed to received delighted he responded to our call to an entry from Paris for the station’s arms.’ annual competition. First Jack Brice Laurence said after the event, ‘This made the 900 mile round trip from Paris wasn’t too dissimilar to some of our mil- to Crumpsall to compete with other itary exercises where we might be finalists at the Cleveland Hotel. expected to man a radio for hours on

Radio Calderdale member George Sumner accepts the award on behalf of Radio Calderdale The Mayor of Calderdale praised the marvellous work of the radio station and commented on the past shows they have featured that have cheered patients’ stay. Jingle Warfare from Doctor Feelgood A Harrogate Army Officer has kept Dave Bee with Jack Brice, the night of the con- night-watch at Harrogate Hospital test, 24 hours before the England v France Radio, presenting a marathon 24 hour game in Euro 2004! long show. Lieutenant Laurence Roche from the He finished second, pipped at the Army Foundation College, Penny Pot post by Bury band Badger, who are led Lane, Harrogate deployed to Harrogate by Fairfield hospital physio Gian Lieutenant Laurence Roche, known as Doctor Rothwell but returned to perform at the District Hospital to assist on the patients’ Feelgood to his patient listeners radio station and help launch their new Crumpsall Carnival, notching up a total 24 hour service. end, only this time I could also play some of 1,8000 miles. Regular broadcaster Laurence, known music. I just hope I kept the patients Event organiser, programme con- as ‘Doctor Feelgood’ to his listeners, was entertained, particularly early in the troller, Dave Bee, said, ‘ we have never, broadcasting from midday Wednesday morning when I felt most tired. Some of ever heard of a hospital radio station’s 17 March until midday Thursday, pre- my colleagues came into the studio to talent contest having an entrant willing senting a show and interviewing guests. keep me company and take part in the to travel so far to take part. It’s unbeliev- At the end of his marathon he complet- show. Others rang me up from the other able and must have set a record. ed a simulcast with British Forces side of the world, taking advantage of After the competition night, Jack said Broadcasting Services (BFBS) radio, the time difference.’ how much he had enjoyed himself and with an interview that was broadcast The Army Foundation College, that he would return for the Carnival live around the globe to troops serving Harrogate trains 16 and 17 year old but we were amazed when he actually abroad, from Canada to Iraq. He also Junior Soldiers, grooming them to be the did. received messages of support from mili- future Warrant Officers and Senior The winners of the talent contest tary colleagues in Cyprus and Northern NCOs of the British Army. A group of received studio recording time plus the

ON AIR Page 19 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Countryside ... News from the Stations chance to headline at the Crumpsall Carnival. Christine’s 15 Minutes of Fame Sadly Badger couldn’t make it but in addition to Jack, we had 16 year old Woman’s Weekly recently featured Chris in an article Carlyann Corcoran. Our very own entitled ‘How to have your 15 minutes of fame’. With their kind permission we have reproduced the article below ... Christine Skinner, 45, an NVQ assessor from East Sussex, has been doing hospital radio broadcasts for 19 years. In 1991 she joined Mid- Downs Hospital Radio at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, where she pre- sents a regular weekly show. ‘I had always been interested in broadcasting, so when my local adult education centre started a course on radio presenting, I enrolled. It was run by some people from a hospital radio station, and at the end of the course I was taken on as a volunteer. At first, I worked alongside an experi- enced presenter, until I felt comfortable enough to do the show on my own. The hospital was for the mentally ill and many of the patients Margaret Moran were institutionalised. Over the five years I was Margaret Moran, a volunteer at there, I established a rapport with the patients, and could see them getting better. Northern Air, took third place in the I persuaded one of them to come into the studio and we’d clap and tap to the competition. music. Just to see him co-ordinating his movements and getting pleasure from a Margaret has just recorded a CD for Rachmaninov concerto was brilliant. It felt like I was doing more than just produce the station to help with our fundraising. a radio programme – it was therapy for the patient. If anyone out there would like one, The show was a mixture of music requests, interviews and local events. Once I please ring 0161 740 7471. did a report on a local carnival procession. I had to interview people as they ran Joe Sambrook, Chairman alongside the floats, without getting run over, which was a challenge. I loved doing things like that. Long Service Certificates Sadly we had to wind up the station when the hospital closed, and that’s when I joined Mid-Downs Hospital Radio. My two-hour show is called Let’s Go Round Again and, as well as music requests, we have a regular nostalgia spot where we feature music, news and events from a previous year. I write my own scripts and sometimes my husband Mike joins me to present. Part of the job is meeting the patients, and I go round before my programme to get their requests. Our policy is to give them what they want to hear, so we will, for instance, mix Mantovani with Meatloaf. We also take part in lots of fund-raising events and have an outside broadcast unit so we can do the show live from wherever we are. There’s a great atmosphere, with volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, and a range of ages, from 18 to 80. One of the thrills for me is working everything in together – getting it technically Paul Stellings from Radio Medica receives his 20 right, and thinking and speaking at the same time. You used to go into the studio and years service certificate from Deputy President, have a nice big desk with lots of knobs to twiddle – now it’s all done with the click Dave Nicholson of a computer mouse. The problem is, if the computer crashes you’re off air. The first time that happened to me, I was completely stumped – now I keep a CD on standby, ready to play while I get the computer working again. Doing hospital radio has fulfilled my broadcasting ambitions as well as making me feel I’m doing my bit to help someone’s recovery. When a patient thanks you for playing a piece of music for them, that’s great.’ • For details of Mid Downs Hospital Radio, visit www.mdr.org.uk WANT TO GET ON AIR? • To work on hospital radio, you don’t need any technical expertise – just a will- ingness to learn. • If presenting isn’t for you, you can help on the technical side or go round the wards collecting requests. • To find your local station, contact your local library, hospital or NHS Trust. Pictured, left to right: Staff from Radio Tyneside Details are also available from the Hospital Broadcasting Association: call 0870 321 receiving their certificates from Patron, Ann 6002, or visit www.hbauk.co.uk Andrews. Left to right: Geoff Lisle (20); Dave Wheeler (25); Ian Hornsby (20); Ann Andrews; Tony Sloan (20) and Richard Finch (20).

ON AIR Page 20 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Hospital Radio Barnet

It is always difficult to say what is new could have been rectified straight away. the reporter who reports from the skies and what is different about a hospital Each year we go out and about to local every morning, helping Londoners get radio station in any one year. Each year, school fetes and fairs and entertain the vis- on their way to work. presenters produce programmes to itors there, playing music and organising a We are now looking forward to the entertain the patients of the hospital. tombola stall and often running the PA sys- end of the year when it is expected the Normally we do this as a matter of rou- tem. One of the more interesting fetes we new Patient Entertainment System is tine. Our ward visitors go out to the attended recently was to play for the resi- likely to be installed in the hospital. It is wards and collect requests from the dents of Arkley Park, a mobile home park likely to be Patientline but dotted lines, patients, they take them back to the stu- on the borders of London and etc have to be completed first! For our dio and the presenter plays them. Hertfordshire. It seemed the residents part we are putting in a bid to the However, one week recently, one of there knew each other on a nodding Friends of Barnet Hospital to loan us the our team received a personal letter (sent acquaintance but had never really got money so we can purchase one of these from the home address of an ex-patient). together. So the business partner of a 60s new ‘computer thingies’ that will allow This was actually a letter of complaint. pop singer manager who lives there, got us to broadcast 24/7. (Whatever hap- It seemed that the request collector may together with her boss, Jack Lawford pened to records and steel needles?!!). have misheard the patient when he who heads Diamond Entertainments Then the ‘fun’ begins, because not only asked for a particular record. The pre- agency, to organise an afternoon of enter- will everybody have to be trained on the senter announced that we didn’t have tainment for the residents. And the resi- system but a selection of our record that particular artist and played what he dents all joined in by organising their own library will need to be installed plus our considered a suitable alternative. The stalls, including tombola, coconut shy jingles, in-house promotions. How long ex-patient was writing to correct the etc.etc. They were also entertained by a has it taken other stations from purchase name of the artist and said that he didn’t number of live singers. Hospital Radio of the equipment to getting set up for like the alternative! (We didn’t have the Barnet did the PA and the result was that regular on air use? corrected artist either!). £600 was kindly donated to our funds. Finally, congratulations to On Air and Normally, something like that would Throughout the summer, we have its 100th edition – Michelle you cannot upset the presenter not fulfilling his role been organising a raffle in conjunction be that old! (Gee, thanks Martin, that of entertaining the patients; however, he with local radio stations, LBC and Heart makes me feel much better - Ed) . We was pleased that the ex-patient remem- for a trip in their Sky Patrol (traffic jam are coming up for our 26th birthday later bered his name, the title of the pro- spotting plane). This is the second year this year. I wonder if there still will be gramme and had bothered to write. It we have had this prize and it has proved hospital radio in 74 years time? was a pity he didn’t try and ring us on extremely popular, as well as a good Martin Rosen the internal phone at the time and it fundraiser. The prize will be drawn by Press & Publicity Officer Radio Northwick Park

which enables us to play music for 24 hours. RNP only broadcasts to patient and staff within the hospital. Within Northwick Park Hospital wards there are 530 bed- side radio terminals and at any time, dur- ing the day, around 85 per cent of them are being used by patients. Our music output is very varied – there are also specialist programmes for those who like country and western, classical, Asian, jazz and folk music to modern shows such as 60’s music. At RNP our patient-visiting volunteers go to the wards every week day evening and get requests and dedications from the patients and staff and these appear on the daily, on-hour request show every week day evening from 9-10pm. Radio Northwick Park is the hospital from a makeshift studio every Sunday. We have many fundraising events at radio for Northwick Park Hospital, Unfortunately the studio was shared and RNP including river boat trips, Christmas Harrow, North London. Northwick Park everything had to be plugged and pub collections and our main event of the Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in unplugged every week. year, the Harrow Show. From this sum- London, with patients of all ages. In addi- We have moved on since then. We mer fete, we do an OB back to the hospi- tion to their health problems, one of the now have three purpose built studios and tal, which is always good fun – especially difficulties facing these patients, many of broadcast seven days a week, 24 hours a at our ‘Soak the DJ’ competition! whom are bed-bound, is passing the time. day, thanks to a grant from the National We have our own website at For many of them, Radio Northwick Park, Lottery in 2000 which enabled us to buy www.radionorthwickpark.org if you the hospital’s own radio station, pays an the latest high technical equipment making would like to read more about our station important part in making their stay in hos- us one of the most modern hospital radio or please do contact us on 020 8869 pital more pleasant. stations in the UK. We now have three 3959. Radio Northwick Park was set up in CD players, 1 MD player, 2 turntables, 2 Many thanks! 1971. Originally broadcasting took place cassette decks and our OTSDJ system Ben Hart, Chairman

ON AIR Page 21 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Across the Sea – in the Land of Green

A retrospective review of hospital by Patrick Lynch lay the basis for why Patrick left hospital broadcasting since the inception of ON broadcasting on November 27th 1989, AIR, should include a special group of this will be explained later. people. Not because radio waves were Peggy Madigan or Alf and Vera Partridge, Patrick's persistent refusal to compro- tested by Marconi at a regatta in only the Lord Almighty can justly cast mise on the high standards that he had Dunlaoghaire but because of their enor- judgment. set resulted in former Prime Ministers, mous contribution to what Hospital In the opening paragraph, reference being subjected to Patrick's charm. Broadcasting is all about, entertainment was made to 100 but this year is also the Patrick actually did not like the present- assisting the relief of pain. It cannot go 21st anniversary of the Owens Park ing side of hospital broadcasting. It was unsaid that on more than one occasion Conference, where both sides of Irish his love of wheeling and dealing and the they caused quite a lot of pain them- Hospital Broadcasting came together: development of a strategy that counter- selves, yet objectively without them Messrs Bannister, Lynch and Morris. acted the ever popular image of radio as Hospital Broadcasting would have been Lynch's mysterious little brown bag going seen through the pirate broadcasters of so much the POORER. This group of around the tables at Owens Park, appar- the 1980's. If one looks to another people were well schooled in the art of ently had a endless supply of medicinal Irishman whose contribution to broad- story-telling, partying and mischievous compound, not readily available on the casting, Ronan O'Rahilly, founder of activities. Who else can it be but the NHS. This lone crusade to Manchester, Radio Caroline, possibly one can good people from the Emerald Isle. Patrick served as an advance guard from attribute to Patrick, such words as con- NAHBO, the previous incarnation of the south of Ireland who came to con- troversial, thought provoking but one the Hospital Broadcasting Association, ferences for many years, thing that is undeniable is his total com- provided a medium for people from a The much loved and lamented mitment to the basis of Hospital Green and Troubled Land, which is George Burton, Chairman of NAHBO, Broadcasting, the Patient. now enjoying the benefits of the Peace decided to present Patrick with a phone Patrick's legacy to Irish Hospital Process to come together and show, a at the Llandudno conference in 1984, Broadcasting can be based on two positive image of the Irish Cultural because with such regularity as the events in the years of 1988 and 1989. Identity, whatever region one came Greenwich time signal, a phone call Patrick saw that headsets or earphones from. This motley crew produced some would come from what some termed, at the bedside were problematic and strange but loveable characters, whose this little Green Man. In a mixture of unreliable. As an employee of the Irish Conference activities would have added Government, Patrick saw the solution in many more outings to the enduring cine- a legislative environment. The matic classics called ‘Carry On's’. ‘Patrick's attention to Government at the time were under a Whether you were living north of the detail endured him to barrage of not dealing with land based Yorkshire Dales or south of the M25, pirate broadcasters. This thinking would countless delegates wondered, was their many agents but not to eventually mature into Section 8 of the arrival a mere re-enactment of the 1988 Broadcasting Act which allowed Wedding Feast of Cana. Who cannot some of his fellow for institutional broadcasting, His fore- forget the ingenious ways they availed of hospital broadcasters.’ sight has in 2004, lead to the establish- the duty free process, prior to its much ment of many FM based hospital and lamented abandonment, in the cause of occasional educational based broadcast- a united Europe. Alas, this was not true, brass neck and sham rockery, he actual- ing entities. for the Irish were far more complicated ly appeared on the front page of On Air November 27th 1989 was previously than that. They were inquisitive, thought in the company of the favourite group of mentioned and now this will be further provoking, compassionate about the His Royal Highness Prince Charles, the explained. Placing the power of the reli- craft of broadcasting. Three Degrees. The objective in ques- gious orders in the context of the time While on a return visit to her native tion was the recording of a message for and anxious to promote Hospital Dublin, Peggy Madigan from Cotswold a young Dubliner, Austin Mc Kenna form Broadcasting, it was concluded that an Hospital Radio unleashed to hospital Finglas who was in a coma. (Can you interview with the often controversial broadcasting a personality, whose name the edition number April 1983?) Cardinal Thomas O'Fiach, Catholic eccentric ways endured him to folk on Fundamental to Patrick's strategy to Primate of Ireland, would be a very the mainland, officially named on his advance the cause of hospital broadcast- advantageous move for hospital broad- birth certificate as Patrick Hugh Lynch. ing were methodically planned visits of casting in the Irish Republic. Whether or To others he became what is best about celebrities from show business or poli- not it was because of the perceived, the Irish: witty, charming and thought tics. Patrick's attention to detail endured threatening persona or not, none of the provoking. This was at a time when the him to many agents but not to some of other hospital broadcasters would take Green Land was a hive of troubled his fellow hospital broadcasters. In say- up the challenge. As many people across activity. However, this contact with a ing this, Patrick’s rationale behind the the water on the mainland have realised, returning emigrant was complimented allocating of interviewing of personalities saying ‘no’ or ’it cannot be done’ rarely with an introduction to a bastion of was the ability of the hospital broadcast- enters into Patrick's vocabulary. wicked English humour, divine cooking er to research the personality and the The methodology of this interview and kindness that words cannot body chemistry with the personality. was no different to that of any other describe, Alf and Vera Partridge. This reasoning caused much friction interview, treating the interviewee with Whether or not one can attribute the with those who thought that they were the respect that they deserve, whether blame of unleashing Patrick Lynch on the being left out. Personnel management in or not you agree with their view. greater mass of hospital broadcasters to a voluntary context, would eventually Obtaining a copy of his biography from

ON AIR Page 22 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Across the Sea – in the Land of Green

the Catholic Communications Office, the Cardinal, his years of religious for- interview more, based on the approach- Patrick dissected it with the professional mation including many hair-raising cross- es from several national newspapers and attention to detail that David Dimbelby, border smuggling escapades, which broadcast mediums. He chose not to, Jeremy Paxman, Walter Cronkite and should be considered in the environment instead he spent a quiet period of often Edward R Morrow would have been of wartime Europe. The sensitive politi- painful personal refection. proud of. Accepting the fact that per- cal question was a miniscule segment of What of Patrick now you may ask? ceived view of the Cardinal in the eyes a major one on one, hour long inter- On the occasion of On Air's 100th of the people in the United Kingdom view. To leave it out simply could not be anniversary, Patrick is an Hons Graduate was one of an extreme Nationalist, to considered. The aftermath of this inter- of University College Dublin in History leave out a question on the identity of view is very much regrettable and sad, and Politics. He is about to commence Irish Nationalism would be very unpro- Not alone for Patrick personally but for Post-Graduate work which will lead to fessional from a journalistic perspective. hospital broadcasting generally. enriching his still much loved interest in In saying this, those that have heard To say that this interview created a the broadcast medium. He works volun- what turned out to be a piece of broad- sensation would be a definite under- tary with the Royal British Legion, han- casting history, have clearly stated that statement. From being mentioned in the dling historical queries about Irish partic- what was reported in the papers as a first ever televised Prime Ministers ques- ipation in the First and Second World piece of political sensationalism, was in tion time in the House of Commons, to Wars. In 1998 he married a wonderful, reality a very tough provoking, well headlines in the national papers. As kind and loving lady called Patricia. researched and professional interview. Patrick has often stated, his error was not Those hospital broadcasters who This interview was a one on one, in letting his number one contact hear it attended this occasion wondered would hour long interview with a complex, first. Instead, a journalist from a Sunday the fun-loving, hair-raising Patrick of controversial national character. The use newspaper got a cheap headline, which conferences be mellowed by Married of character must not be seen in terms of failed to mention that politically the sana- Life. Perhaps only time will tell. a disrespectful degrading of the tive question was a minuscule segment What is certain is that at the Belfast Cardinal's religious importance but it in the part of a major interview. Such is Conference, Patrick and Patricia will be was Patrick's ability to get inside the per- the regrettable stance of what has now meeting fellow hospital broadcasters in son. In an hour, Patrick was able to bring become seen as the gutter press. the WONDERFUL CITY OF to the hospital patient, the childhood of Patrick could have sensationalised the BELFAST. COPY DATE 9TH OCTOBER 2004 ... COPY DATE 9TH OCTOBER 2004 ... COPY DATE LINK & OB EQUIPMENT Economy Mono Link Transmitter. Synthesised 1W on 48 or 52 MHz in diecast box, £195.00. Optional mains to13.5V 2A power supply unit £20.00. Economy Link Receiver. Crystal controlled 48 or 52MHz receiver in 2 part painted aluminium box, £195.00. Optional mains to 12V 500mA adaptor £10.00.

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ON AIR Page 23 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition From the Deputy Chief Executive UHF Band Alignment Update

Many of you will be aware that HBA Chief Executive, by Geoff Fairbairn, HBA Technical Adviser Ray Oxley resigned on 5th August. Ray had given up mem- bership of his station and as such felt that he was no longer Ofcom has made an able to continue as Chief Executive of the HBA. announcement about its UHF It’s a disappointing end to Ray’s year at the head of the Band Alignment project. organisation. A year where he had led a team determined to The project, initiated by the get HBA back on track and to return it to being an organi- Radiocommunications Agency sation that we could all be proud to be part of. and scheduled to commence I am convinced that the process remains on track. We are in 2006, was intended to real- making great strides towards resolving the issues with the locate a large part of the UHF company’s Mem & Arts, we are addressing the problems radio spectrum. It would have surrounding Enterprises and are still fighting a robust battle affected all stations that oper- on the PPL payments front. We are even looking at ways to ate radio links within the fre- reduce the size of the EC! I’ll avoid any references to quency range 440 - 470 turkeys and Christmas. MHz. I hope we are getting things right. If we are not, or if you The project will not take place think there are other things we should concentrate on, as originally planned but Ofcom is still considering the way please feel free to get in touch. It’s your organisation and it’s forward. Consequently, the caution about the possibility of here to assist you. frequency changes at some time in the future still applies. If Ray was determined to get the HBA working as it should you are considering the purchase of new UHF radio equip- and had begun the process with great commitment and ment, you are strongly advised to ensure that transmitters, enthusiasm. I’m sure he will be back before too long. receivers and any ancillary equipment can be retuned over I hope to see as many of you as possible at Stoke – if we the frequency band from 440 - 470 MHz. haven’t met, please come up and introduce yourself. Those of you who do know me will not be surprised to hear that Ofcom’s announcement can be read at: strangely, it still isn’t my round! http://www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing_numbering/radio- John Watson comms/pbr_licensing/450-470update The Power of Radio from On Air, December 1996; written by HBA Trustee, John Whitney Radio holds a special place listeners across the globe. in our hearts – we can all Perhaps one of the greatest virtues of radio and the conjure up vivid memories power of broadcasting is radio’s ability to communicate of programmes and shows in ‘real time’. We can share in the same moment, we heard from childhood. savour the same feast of delight, feel the same anguish. For me it is ITMA, Dan No other medium can compete with radio to provide Dare and Toy Town; the instantaneous communication. voices of Gracie Fields, It is the life blood of sound broadcasting and gives Vera Lynn, Tony Hancock, radio its pre-eminence and its enduring vitality and John Snagge. The picture quality. in the mind created The intimacy that radio engenders has no more prac- through radio never fades. tical use than the advantage it brings to today Radio reaches into our Hospital Radio. Here is living proof of the power of subconscious and triggers radio – one to one communication that lifts the spirits our imagination. and comforts when and where it is most needed. The sound of a milk bottle on a doorstep, the clip- Radio’s link between listeners and broadcasters is as clopping of a horse’s hooves. It’s a cold early morning. close as one between friends. Use it with sensitivity. Slowly the town is waking from its sleep. Just two Respond to the moment. Use radio’s immediacy to sounds bring this about – create a backdrop of atmos- share in the triumphs or traumas of the day. Make a phere that sets a scene more effectively than television virtue of its power to move the spirit. or film. Winston Churchill’s speeches gave courage and the The intimacy offered through the medium of radio will to win against great adversity. The battles to win unites people across the world. Forces Favourites back health, fought every day in hospitals provides the became the lifeline between loved ones during the same challenge. As in the past, radio has its part to play. years of separation caused by World War II. The World Service continues to unite and link millions of John Whitney

ON AIR Page 24 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition June’s Travels

I hope you have all had a good summer learn he is much better – his old self, I am – and the weather has not dampened your told. So John – keep up the progress and fund raising activities. Where has this year I hope you are back to full health just as gone to? soon as possible. Many stations have been celebrating Norwich was the next visit – to their anniversaries this year and I am delighted committee meeting, which was a good that it has been possible to share the cele- opportunity to meet many committee brations with them. 30 and 40 year members and enjoy the hospitality of anniversaries have been very important Irenee who kindly offered me somewhere milestones for many and to those who are to rest my head for the night – thank you celebrating – I hope you all have success- again for your kind hospitality, much ful events. Stations have been doing the appreciated. I also appreciated the chance most amazing things tracking down former to see their new hospital – a PFI hospital members, original members and in the – and a pretty impressive looking building case of Radio West Suffolk they traced the it is. Like many hospitals being newly built first patient to receive a request on their it is on the outskirts of the City which station. brings advantages and disadvantages. Our July executive committee meeting Radio Gwendolen, Leicester, were cel- took us to Bristol and many thanks to them ebrating their 30 years with a marathon for their hospitality. Unfortunately it was broadcast and I was so pleased I could only a flying visit as I had a family 60th attend during the afternoon/evening and birthday party to attend. I was also in while there presented some Long Service Brighton for my god-daughter’s graduation certificates. Well done and thank you for and was sorry that time did not permit me inviting me Radio Gwendolen. to go along and see the station – one of Radio West Suffolk, Bury St Edmunds these days I will get there! have just had a very successful celebration I have continued to get out as much as for their 30th anniversary too – a lovely possible and took the opportunity when I evening – with the local broadcaster at was in Sunderland to join in John BBC Radio in Ipswich, Mark Murphy, Harper’s significant birthday celebrations cutting their celebration cake. Not only to visit two stations – Durham and did they manage to track down the first Sunderland. It was good to see both sta- patient to receive a request but as it was a tions and thank you. lady in the maternity ward – Jenny – they I am pleased to let you know that Geoff invited her and her son – now almost 30 Fairbairn and I have now been able to of course and they both attended the make contact with the company installing event. I was also surprised with a card the Wandsworth system in hospitals. We and a lovely bunch of flowers to celebrate are pleased that they were very keen to my 30 years in hospital broadcasting. meet us and are enthusiastic about getting Thank you so much for remembering – I to know and support hospital radio sta- think I had mentioned it was coming up tions where this system is being installed. when I was over at Radio West Suffolk For us it was a very important meeting as on a previous occasion. we established contacts for the future. Next day I was up with the lark on the A Scottish Regional meeting arranged train to York – we have just had a good for August encouraged me to make a visit day’s fundraising at one of the local shop- and I was able to sample the wonderful ping parks – Monks Cross. The weather hospitality of John and Julie Mackin(for- was excellent and we had a tombola stall merly of Radio Lion, Jersey) in Fort as well as selling some goods and it went William – I recommend their wonderful very well – it is our fourth year at this site guest house. While there I visited the local and has proved to increase in popularity radio station and tried to find Ben Nevis – each year. sadly covered in cloud most of the time. I Long service certificates are still being regret it was only a short visit. I then drove requested at a pace, so please continue to to Perth as the conference committee ask for them – over 280 have already been arranged to meet, to coincide in Perth and issued since the beginning of 2004. The again I enjoyed excellent hospitality – at Association regards it as a very important the home of John and Alice Watson. opportunity to thank members for all their John and I went to Edinburgh Hospital hard work. I have been delighted to attend Broadcasting after taking John and Marie and presented certificates on several of my Harper to the station and spent the whole visits but if I am not able to come along, evening at EHBS – another good evening Dave Nicholson will see if he is able to do and my thanks to everyone I met. On the so. Well done all those who have Sunday I drove to Irvine for the Regional received certificates and a very big thank Meeting hosted by HBS Ayrshire – it was you for all you are doing for hospital radio. good to meet you all and the Regional I already have several forthcoming visits Meeting was very well supported. John and look forward to meeting as many of Barbour, who many of you will know as a Pictured, from the top, the celebratory you as possible. Don’t forget the forth- regular conference goer, is a member meal; presenting long service certificates at coming conference in Stoke on Trent there and I learned he had not been too Radio Gwendolen; flowers for me and for Jenny, which has booked up well; I look forward well after the meeting – I have kept in who received Radio West Suffolk’s first request to seeing many of you there too. touch with the station and am pleased to and fundraising at Monks Cross in York Best wishes, June

ON AIR Page 25 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition Early Days at Leeds

My name is Charles Hullighan, I was the Charles Hullighan MBE, former brought me a slice of the twins birthday Head Porter at the Infirmary until 1981. In Head Porter at Leeds General cake. the late 50s I was checking the work under- taken by the porters on the wards, when I Infirmary, remembers the early THE LUNCH TIME ‘LIVE’ SHOW noticed a number of patients listening days of Hospital Radio at Leeds This show was born out of the voluntary intently to their headphones. One patient in General Infirmary efforts of top entertainers and local musi- particular appeared to be highly delighted. cians to entertain the patients at Leeds His name had been mentioned and a General Infirmary. The Kaberry Lecture record played especially for him on nation- This article has been reproduced Theatre was fortunately next door to our al radio. It was this incident that started me from On Air March 1994 studio and with help of our technicians, organising the Patients Broadcasting Service lines were laid and microphones installed in at the General Infirmary at Leeds. I the theatre. The seating was tiered and this approached the house governor, who enabled the teams to get many patients who thought the idea was good, having been a were up and about, down to the theatre to patient himself in the past and knew what it see and hear the stars. The artists were was like to lie in the bed with nothing to do. booked by Bert who also sought the per- He put the idea to the next meeting of the mission of the clubs to enable the stars to Board of Governors, they liked it but it was perform. Stars such as Eartha Kitt, Dickie emphasised that the project had to be a vol- Valentine, Lulu, Cilla Black, Lenny Bennett, untary one. Bob Monkhouse, Frank Carsons and many, I canvassed other members of the hospi- many more. tal staff, and to my surprise there was no These shows and other programmes shortage of voluntary help, they were all were recorded and sent to the Devonshire equally enthusiastic, there were doctors, Royal Hospital P.B.S. for broadcasting to nurses and technical and electrical engi- the patients there. Mr Jim Dingle, who was neers. These engineers, along with one the Head Porter there in 1963, went one from the G.P.O. telephone services (as it Charles Hullighan meets Jimmy Savile better. He started live closed circuit TV was then known) proved to be invaluable. on his TV show shows which were very successful. They installed all the equipment and bor- rowed a reel to reel tape recorder and a Hancock. Bert Darlow travelled many miles ROYAL VISIT small room belonging to the Infirmary’s around the Yorkshire night clubs and the- This was one of our most ambitious pro- Chapel became the studio. atres and every week he persuaded stars of grammes with telephone links from 17 van- Auditions were held and three presenters screen, TV and radio to appear live on our tage points along the route. The reporters were chosen. Each presenter had a pro- programmes. Judy Garland, CilIa Black, who covered 5 miles of the route did excel- ducer along with a team of five who were Lulu, The Beatles, all four of them, The lent work with very few slip ups. The last responsible for studio work and interview- Kinks, all appeared on the show and The commentary came from three of the team ing of patients. With record requests in Beach Boys did a live show from the nurses who were on the canopy of the outpatients hand and the telephone links organised, the home and performed live for a world first. entrance, (I often wondered who put their first programme of the Patients Broadcasting ‘Good Vibrations’, a tune that took 700 foot through!). Service was presented at 7pm on Tuesday hours to record and had never been per- Other special programmes were 23rd August 1960. It was a tremendous formed in public before. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when success. The local press gave the show Bert also produced shows from the stage efforts were made to make these something excellent coverage, so much so that many of Working Men’s Clubs, he also organised out of the usual. There were Christmas volunteers offered their services but I had and produced an organ recital with Arnold greetings from patients’ relatives in distant already a waiting list from the hospital staff. Loxam, a BBC theatre organist from the lands and one Christmas Eve, The Royal I had also a voluntary part-time hospital Odeon Cinema, this was a weekly show Corps of Signals offered their services (they porter, the name, Jimmy Savile, one of the with patients requests. called it an exercise): with five radio trans- most extraordinary characters in show busi- In the 60’s and 70’s so much happened mitting vans and a receiver set up in the stu- ness. He was always available to help with that it would be difficult to remember every dio and linked in with our system, messages the P.B.S. broadcasts if not in person, he special programme but of course I remem- came in fast, from relatives, friends and was always available on the other end of a ber so well our very first interview with a neighbours. It was four hours of good fun telephone line. Jimmy gave great pleasure super star; Judy Garland in October 1960 and Christmas cheer. There are many sto- to so many patients and adding the many was appearing at a theatre in Leeds and ries that could be told, some good and touches of humour that is so natural to his thanks to the enterprising effort by the team some sad. character. I did, however, enlist the services not only did we get three of the best seats to There is one programme which should of two volunteers from the ‘outside’ Mr Bill watch the show but a great interview with be mentioned. Easter Saturday 1963, the Ellis, sports desk reporter and Mr Bert the star, which included a special dedica- inimitable and unpredictable Harry Darlow, he became responsible for obtain- tion for a patient who had requested her Secombe presented records of his own ing the stars and what excellent work he record, choice. What a programme that was. A did. With the increased listeners to the ser- Yorkshire Evening Post photographer went vice, I decided to add additional pro- BIRTHDAY SURPRISE around the wards taking pictures, seven of grammes. Already we had the request pro- A lady in the wards who had never been these were printed that evening, I have kept gramme going out every Tuesday evening, able to nurse her twin baby boys due to a that cutting and it reminds me of the good the Sports Desk programme every Friday heart complaint was going to miss their first old days. A member of the nursing staff evening and every Sunday Morning service birthday. With the help of a good team summed up the day with this comment, from the Infirmary’s Chapel. On Fridays at which included TV singing star Ronnie ‘These programmes do so much to bright- 12.30pm we started the Juke Box Jury pro- Hilton and a doctor who owned a 8mm en up the patients time in hospital’. gramme; a panel of four were made up camera, a five minute film was made of the For myself and my teams to see what we with two in the studio and two patients in twins at a very special birthday party. A started as ‘just a good idea’ come to be a the long stay wards. They were linked with week later, with a screen fitted up at the vast national organisation is a great feeling. the studio by telephone and this programme foot of their mother’s bed, we rolled the Also to know that hospital radio has given a was unanimously acclaimed a big ‘Hit’ by film. Ronnie also did a running commentary start and experience to so many top pre- the patients young and old. which was put out to the rest of the senters is an additional bonus. Keep going Many stars appeared on this programme patients. all of you and make our good idea even including that famous comedian Tony For some years after the lady patient better.

ON AIR Page 26 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition The Dimmer and More Distant Past

The September 1978 members’ mag- I have reprinted this article format. The cover was in the same azine was known as ‘Hospital Radio from On Air 75th edition, colour for six issues in an effort to keep News’ and ran to 16 pages of black on costs down. white. With copy quality similar to that I think you will find it makes In 1988, Roger Richards took over as which you might expect from a modern very interesting reading! editor. He thoroughly modernised ‘On photocopier, the photographs were sur- Air’; moving to A4 format and introduc- prisingly clear. Mind you the ing colour. style of fonts indicated John Watson took over from Roger how far things have changed Richards as editor in 1996, again giving with the arrival of the ‘On Air’ a more modern look. personal computer. The following year saw the introduc- The editor was Peter Arnold of tion of CleanFeed, the cover CD Watford HBS, who, much like today’s designed to assist with programme mak- incumbent was bemoaning the lack of ing and featuring interviews and pro- articles submitted for publication. gramme inserts. If you were planning to take part in the Page 7 arrived in 1996 demonstrating forthcoming Hospital Radio Week then the humorous side of hospital broadcast- there was the grim warning that if you ing. In the late 80s and early 90s it was hadn’t already ordered your goodies you the Garden Shed Workers who brought were in trouble, because stations ‘can humour to the ‘On Air’ pages. only blame themselves if they don’t have ‘On Air’ is only partially financed by these saleable items in time, you were the adverts within, with the HBA taking warned to order early’. up the small shortfall and paying for the As now, there was plenty of news on distribution. The editor receives about what was going on around the country. 30 letters, articles and press releases Dave Nicholson and Lindsay Williams each month and they form the basis of had introduced ‘Saturday Getaway’ on the finished magazine. the Radio Tyneside Network, a new and The magazine takes about two weeks innovative sports programme for work to collate, type and set. The pho- Saturdays when commentary from organise group insurance for member tographs and some of the adverts are Newcastle United was unavailable. stations, obtain discounts and donations then scanned in and the entire collection Radio Royal, Liverpool were moving of equipment and records and act as a is compiled on a CD Rom which is then into new premises and Hospital pressure group regarding landline costs sent off to the printers with the film for Broadcasting Service (Hull and East were admirable and to a greater or less- the more complex adverts. All being Riding) changed its operating name to er extent took place over the next few well, the finished magazines are deliv- Kingstown Radio and was looking for- years. But their plan to offer loans to ered some two weeks later when some ward to the opening the following year new member stations or those in finan- poor soul gets the job of packing them in of the longest single span suspension cial difficulty were doomed to failure their plastic sleeves and posting them. bridge in the world. from the off. Nothing would have bank- Between 800 and 1,000 copies are The issue featured a consultative doc- rupted NAHBO quicker than a policy of printed of each issue and subsequently ument on NAHBO policy. The policy shoring up lame ducks. make their way all over the globe, group suggested the formation of But while NAHBO were insisting that including Eire, The Netherlands, Saudi NAHBO regions but their vision includ- they were there to advise, not to inter- Arabia and New Zealand. ed a fairly hefty committee which would fere, the letters page featured a letter have probably proved unmanageable which vilified On Air advertising/spon- especially when one considers how dif- sorship and stations who served multiple ED’s NOTE: ficult it is to establish regional reps hospitals. It ended, ‘Please NAHBO, throughout the country. take more action about commercialisa- So some things never The group also considered the intro- tion, take action about poor format sta- change! It would make duction of a full time paid organiser for tions, discuss our hospital role with the your present Editor a very NAHBO, who would encourage the DHSS decision makers (at the TOP) happy bunny indeed if you formation of new hospital radio stations and be ever mindful of the responsibility could ensure that copy for and take care of the organisation’s carried by your member stations.’ the next On Air is sent administration. Twenty years on, this is The first issue to be called ‘On Air’ before the copy date of still a step which the organisation is con- appeared in spring 1984 at the Leeds sidering but never seems brave (or flush) Conference and replaced ‘Hospital 9th October, 2004. enough to implement. Radio News’. The members present Even if your station has It was felt that the organisation was in seemed impressed by the new ‘smart’ done nothing at all this need of more formal procedures, better look. year (and that’s very hard organised meetings and general meet- The first editor, Roger Manley, want- to believe) why don’t you ings. Bearing in mind that the organisa- ed to improve Hospital Radio News but make a comment on this tion remains purely voluntary, this is the was unsure what to call it. After one or feature or anything else two suggestions at the preceding confer- one area that has seen most improve- you feel strongly about. ment over the years. ence, it was eventually David Cottam It was on the issue of NAHBO ser- who suggested ‘On Air’. My address, as usual, can vices for members that the policy group Roger Manley was editor from 1984 be found on page 1. got a little carried away. Their hopes to to 1988. The magazine appeared in A5

ON AIR Page 27 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition The First Seventy Years

INTRODUCTION Reproduced from On Air 1995, tion that eventually consisted of 200 pairs In practically every major town and city a series of extracts from a book of headphones and 70 loudspeakers. in Britain, and in countries as far apart as Whilst the wiring was being installed, Holland, Australia, USA, Germany, written by HBA historian Thomas Hanstock constructed and Zimbabwe, Norway, India, Uruguay, Bryn Goodwin. installed a wireless receiving set, which Malawi and New Zealand, hospital The book was entitled was housed in an alcove of a small room patients have enjoyed over the years a in the Watt wing of York County Hospital. unique service called ‘hospital broadcast- ‘The History of Hospital Only three people were involved in the ing’. It is run by volunteers who present Broadcasting – hospital broadcasts at York; Thomas music, sport, news and other programmes The First 70 Years’ Hanstock, Mr Schumacher and Dr that are heard mainly on headphones as Micklethwaite. Sometime in the mid-thir- the patients lie in bed. In Britain alone, ties the system was taken over by Cussins these volunteers make up one of the Thomas wrote to the Postmaster General: and Light and the Radio Relay Co. It is largest groups of unpaid charity workers ‘On the 24th instant I have arranged with thought that they dispensed with the origi- and it is surprising that so little is known of the Matron of the York County Hospital to nal radio receiver and relayed pro- the origins of the service and how it was give a demonstration with my wireless grammes direct from their Parliament developed. receiving outfit, used for the benefit of the Street premises in York. The important pre-requisite for a hospi- hospital. The aerial I propose to use will The York County Hospital is the first tal broadcasting service is the installation be an indoor or an external aerial accord- known hospital in the world to be of headphones or loud speakers in wards ing to your specification’. equipped with a wireless system feeding and there are various reports of such The Secretary of the General Post both music and speech to patients, and equipment, connected to a wireless Office replied on 8th June, 1922: ‘I am with the capability of broadcasting solely receiver, being installed in some hospitals directed by the Postmaster General to say to hospital patients. as early as the 1920s. In some cases micro- that he hereby authorises you to give pub- phones were installed to allow doctors’ lic demonstrations of wireless reception CHAPTER 2 lectures, messages, general information, from time to time at addresses in Expansion of the Sports etc. to be relayed to the patients. The Yorkshire’. number of hospitals with such facilities His son, Peter Hanstock, wrote in Commentary Services was, however, very limited and it was just 1990: ‘My father was born in 1871 at By late 1951 there were only ten, pos- after the inception of the National Health Doncaster but moved to York around 1898 sibly 11 hospital broadcasting services Service in the United Kingdom, in 1948, with the building contractor he worked operating in the world; one in Holland, that headphones became more common for. His work at that time was mainly join- one in the USA and the remainder in the place at patients bedsides. With this ery but he branched into professional pho- United Kingdom, all operating with little or important prerequisite becoming available, tography in 1908. In that capacity he fre- no knowledge of each other. Five of these it was the well publicised start of the foot- quently helped the Chief Physician at the services two in Scotland (at Greenock and ball commentary service in October 1951, County Hospital, Dr. Micklethwaite, to Stirling) and three in England (at at the Portsmouth Football Club in take X-ray photographs’. Tottenham, Preston and a service that had England, that was to trigger off a rapid It is almost certainly this association with just started in Newcastle) were providing expansion. the hospital and his great interest in con- a football commentary service. By the end Indeed it was to be the sports commen- structing wireless receiving apparatus that of the 1950s there would be over 100 ser- tary organisations, covering football, brought him to the point of demonstrating vices, a high proportion of which were rugby, cricket, etc., and not the music to the Matron, Miss M.K. Steele, the sports commentary services. based services, that were to lay the foun- potential of broadcasting to patients, The trigger for this rapid expansion was dation during the 1950s for many of the music, church services and later gramo- the commencement on the 27th October services currently operated in Britain’s phone recordings via an electrical pick-up. 1951 of what was to be a very successful major towns and cities. In 1925/26 the installation of an exten- and most important of all, a highly publi- sive wireless system in the York County cised football commentary service at the Hospital commenced. Mr. Schumacher, a Portsmouth Football Club. The service so CHAPTER 1 York electrical engineer, installed the impressed Vernon Stokes, who was one of The Early Days (1926-1951) wiring throughout the wards, an installa- the Club’s Directors, that at every oppor-

HOSPITAL RADIO SERVICES TO 1951 Location Date Service Oldham 1933 Music Tottenham 1935 Football Greenock 1946 Football Iwakuni (Japan) 1946 Music Rotterdam 1947 Music New York 1948 Plays, etc Hospital Broadcasting at York County Hospital Ulverston 1949 Music in 1922 Stirling 1949 Football YORK: In 1921 a professional photogra- Grimsby 1951 Music pher in York, Mr. Thomas Joseph Wilmott Hanstock, began corresponding Preston 1951 Football with the General Post Office in London in Bebington 1951 Music an effort to obtain a licence to ‘conduct Newcastle 1951 Football experiments with portable wireless tele- Eastbourne 1951 Music graph apparatus’. On May 19th, 1922

ON AIR Page 28 September/October 2004 On Air 100th Edition The First Seventy Years

tunity he mentioned the idea to the ing the start of the sports commentary ser- Chairmen and Directors of other league vice at Portsmouth in 1951, 70 percent of clubs. His enthusiasm was one of the two the new music based services started in major factors that lead to the rapid spread towns and cities that already had a sports of football and other sports commentary commentary service. During the following services between 1951 and 1958. The decade (1961-71) this figure reduced to charitable organisation TOC H was the 20 percent. As with the expansion of the second major factor in spreading the idea. sports commentary services the charitable During the four years following the start of organisation TOC H made a significant the service in Portsmouth, TOC H was contribution to the spread of the music responsible for starting no less than one in based services At 22 of the known loca- three of the new football, rugby and crick- tions at which TOC H had started as et commentary services that were broad- sports service during the 1950s, exactly casting to hospitals in 53 towns and cities half were operating a music based service in Britain. by the end of the 1960s. The number of services providing By 1969, music based services were sports commentary or match reports con- operating in about 87 locations in the tinued to expand as the newly emerging United Kingdom; 3 in Wales, 6 in music based services started to include Scotland and the remainder in England sport in their programme schedules. and the number of actual services had NAHBO’s 1974 Directory lists 99 hospital risen to about 100. By 1992 there were broadcasting services, of which 25% had over 520 music based services operating their own sports commentary services, worldwide, the majority in the United covering football, rugby, cricket, ice hock- Kingdom (391) and Holland (126 plus). ey, bowling and wrestling. By comparison Services were also operating in Germany, the directory records that 11 of the listed Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, music based stations used the services of Norway, USA, Malawi, Zimbabwe and, ‘separate sports services’ The number of by 1995, Uruguay. sports services probably reached a plateau A fact sheet on hospital broadcasting in the mid 1980s, as the rapid expansion which was produced in 1987 included of the music based services came to an Hospital Football Commentary at Bristol Rovers the following data: end. NAHBO’s 1992 directory records • There are approximately 250,000 that sports services were operating at 103 beds in 800 hospitals served by hospital football league and non-league grounds in (the exact date when this service ceased is broadcasting in the United Kingdom England, Scotland and Wales, at 28 rugby not known), Grimbsy, Bebington and • One of the largest services is in league and union clubs, at 8 county crick- Eastbourne in England, New York in the Manchester which broadcasts to 8,500 et clubs and at 1 ice hockey stadium. United States and Rotterdam in Holland. beds in 21 hospitals. The smallest service Eight years later, in 1960, the number of has less than 10 members, the largest 100. CHAPTER 3 towns and cities in the United Kingdom • There are over 11,000 unpaid vol- with a music based service had increased unteers involved in hospital broadcasting Emergence of the to over 30. The main cause of this sudden in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Music Based Services expansion was the realisation that the vast largest known service existed in Liverpool By early 1952, 46 years after the start of landline networks that were being built up and used to broadcast to 37 hospitals. the world’s first known music based ser- by the rapidly emerging sorts services • By 1995, the typical service consisted vices in York, there were still only 5, pos- were only being used once or twice a of 36 members and was broadcasting 31 sibly 6, services providing music and, in week and that they could be used for hours per week to patients in 650 hospital one case, plays in existence; at Ulverston other purposes. During the decade follow- beds at two hospitals.

Calling all ex-Hospital Radio Plymouth Volunteers One of the UK’s pioneers in hospital broadcasting cele- Mounce and Plymouth Sound’s Matt Lissack. Other well brates its 35th anniversary this year and they are desper- known personalities on the invitation list include Jonathon ately trying to track down ex-members. Morrell of Sky News, Tris Payne of ITV and Helen Hospital Radio Plymouth launched a comprehensive ser- McDermot of Anglia TV. vice in October 1969 following a decade of football com- It is hoped that Hospital Radio Plymouth’s most famous mentaries provided by Toc-H. The station continues to former volunteer – Phillip Schofield – will attend. broadcast to patients from its Studio Centre at Derriford However, due to numerous moves over the years they Hospital in Plymouth. have lost many former members’ contact details and are Members, past and present, will be coming together to trying to track people down to invite them to the event. We mark the special occasion with a celebration dinner at the know many past members have since moved away from College of St Mark and St John on Friday 1st October. Plymouth and joined other Hospital Radio stations. Live entertainment will be provided by the award winning If anyone used to be a member, or has contact details of Roger Mark’s Armada Jazz Band. ex-members, could they please contact the station on Former members have moved into broadcasting through- 01752 763441 or email [email protected] out the UK. Local broadcasters who have links with the For further information please contact: Michelle station are BBC Radio Devon’s Pippa Quelch, Douglas Treagust, Hospital Radio Plymouth office: 01752 763441.

ON AIR Page 29 September/October 2004 Regional Reps details REGION REP ADDRESS PHONE E-MAIL Regional Chris Berezai 1 Bryn Rhosyn 0870 321 6005 [email protected] Officer Forest View Morriston Swansea SA6 6DB

Anglia Julie Cox 37 Alford Street 0870 765 9601 [email protected] Grantham NG31 8BX

Home Gary Lakin 0870 765 9602 [email protected]

London Ben Hart 20 Church Avenue 0870 765 9603 [email protected] Pinner Middx HA5 5JQ

Midlands Trevor Walters 17 Byford Court 0870 765 9604 [email protected] Byford Street Nuneaton CV10 8DT

North John Williamson 0870 765 9605 [email protected]

Northern Davey Downes 19 Collingbridge Drive 0870 765 9606 [email protected] Ireland Glengormley Newtonabbey BT36 7SX

North West David McGealy 40 Saffron Drive 0870 765 9607 [email protected] Moorside Oldham OL4 2PU

Scotland Charles McVey 120 Crosslet Road 0870 765 9608 [email protected] Silverton Dumbarton G82 2LH

South Phil Moon 82 Greenleaf Gardens 0870 765 9609 [email protected] Polegate East Sussex BN26 6PH

South East Dave Lockyer 54 School Lane 0870 765 9611 [email protected] Higham, Rochester Kent ME3 7JF

Wales & West Paul Sysum 7 Queens Square 0870 765 9613 [email protected] Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 3BL

Yorkshire Ashley Williams 60 Ravenstone Dr 0870 765 9614 [email protected] Greetland Halifax HX1 8DU All HBA Regional Reps now have national rate (0870) telephone numbers. The majority of Reps have now routed the number to their home phone number and thus are able to receive calls made to the new number. Hopefully the remainder will set up their numbers within the next few days. As with the existing 0870 numbers for other members of the Executive Committee, the HBA gets a very small commission on all calls made to these numbers. We would ask, therefore, that if your Regional Rep is not a local call for you, please use the 0870 number. It should cost you no more but the HBA will recover a small percentage of the cost from your telecoms provider. A Blast from the Past

Daniel O’Donnnell in bed with seven nurses shock! Opening of Hospital Radio Perth studio complex, 1994

The NAHBO EC at St Mary’s Hospital, London before a meeting in the 80s. Standing, l to r: Roger Manley, Alan Grimadell, Peter Dixon, Paul Travil, Deryck Jones, Vera Partridge, Bill Williams, Dennis Needham, Ray Williams. Seated: June Snowden (treasurer), George Burton (secretary), Peter Milward (chairman), Alf Partridge (vice chairman)

Andy Swain interviews the Mayor of Derby in 1986 Photo: James Bel

An hour at Gas Mark 5 and we’ll be warm enough to get our coats off! HBA President Ena Montgomery with engineer Peter Wayne at Chorley’s first broad- cast on 7 September 1969

1953 hi-tech hi-fi at Bradford (just love the cigarette!)

ON AIR Page 31 September/October 2004 Who to Contact on the Executive Committee

Chief Executive Deputy Chief Executive John Watson 13 Trinafour, Perth, Perthshire PH1 2SS Tel: 0870 321 6000 Tel: 0870 321 6014 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Main contact with statutory Sub committee chairman. bodies. Ambassadors Special projects

Treasurer John Harper General Secretary 50 Neale St, Fulwell, Sunderland, Nigel Dallard SR6 9EZ 54 St. Annes Close, Badger Farm, Tel: 0870 321 6004 Winchester, Hampshire SO22 4LQ Fax: 01268 565759 Tel: 0870 321 6003 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Financial matters (other than General correspondence, Company subscriptions) Secretary, annual review

President June Snowden Vice President P.O. Box 76, Ely, CB6 3WH David Nicholson, MBE East Cottage, Milbourne Hall, Milbourne, Tel: 0870 321 6009 Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 OEB e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0870 321 6016 Station visits, represent HBA e-mail: [email protected] publicly, print and present long Station visits, represent HBA publicly Awards sub committee chairman, service certificates present long service certificates

Technical Adviser Public Relations Manager Geoff Fairbairn Mike Skinner 6 Batchelor Way, Uckfield, East Sussex Flat 6, 4 Blunt Rd, South Croydon CR2 7PA TN22 2DD Tel: 0870 321 6012 Tel: 0870 321 6008 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Technical matters Press & public relations, charity profile

Administrator/Membership Regional Manager Chris Berezai Marie Harper 1 Bryn Rhosyn, Forest View, Morriston, 50 Neale St, Fulwell, Sunderland, SR6 9EZ Tel: 0870 321 6017 Swansea, SA6 6DB e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0870 321 6005 Point of contact for outside bodies e-mail: [email protected] on all HBA matters. HBA EC diary. Regional meetings, contacts, Membership records, address changes setting up a region etc. and all subscriptions

Sales & Advertising Editor Michelle Newstead Executive Gary King 2 Falkland Close, Boreham, Chelmsford, 62 Chanctonbury Road, Burgess Hill, Essex CM3 3DD West Sussex RH15 9EY Tel: 0870 321 6011 Tel: 0870 321 6026 Fax: 0870 321 6019 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] All Corporate sales for HBA On Air magazine