FRONT COVER DOCUMENT 126: FRONT COVER DOCUMENT 126 21/5/09 01:25 Page 1 IFC Heartbeat 126: IFC Heartbeat 126 21/5/09 01:27 Page 1 01 INTRO 126:01 INTRO 126 21/5/09 01:35 Page 1
Spring 2009 Issue 126
The Official Journal of the Hi Everyone, Hospital Broadcasting Association Heroes – we salute them all in this issue; whether it is the winners of the Hospital Radio Awards (you can find the full in this issue ... results on page 4), the heroes that Brett discusses in his column or indeed, Matt’s hero – let’s raise a glass to them all. In A Spin with our ‘Spin Doctor’ ...... 2 But we must not forget the back room heroes either as All About Awards ...... 3 without their hard work and dedication, Awards and National Hospital Radio Awards – The Winners ...... 4 Conference just would not happen. So thank you Sean, Iain, All About Awards ...... 5 John, Marie and every member of the team – we really do Committee Report ...... 8 appreciate all you have done. And also sincere thanks to Andy Charity Law Update ...... 9 Langford for the photographs. Awards for All ...... 9 June’s Travels ...... 10 What would you like to see in On Air? We really do need National Training Day ...... 13 your feedback – it’s the only way we are going to get it right. Hospital Broadcasting Week ...... 14 Would you like to see more technical articles, maybe quizzes View from the Basement ...... 16 or puzzles, we really do need to know. Suggestions, please (try Radio Warneford’s 35 Hour Marathon ...... 17 and keep them clean) to the address below. Greetings from Glamorgan ...... 18 I look forward to hearing from you What I’ve Learnt ...... 19 Countrywide – News from the Stations ...... 20 Obituaries ...... 24 The HBA Grants Programme ...... 25 Michelle HBA Grant Application Form ...... 26 Regional Rep Details ...... 27 Who To Contact ...... 28 DIARY DATES THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK 1st-7th June, 2009 SBES 3rd November, 2009 2010 CONFERENCE FRONT COVER STORY: Ena Montgomery receives her Normandy Hotel, Renfrew John Whitney Award from 26th-28th March 2010 Dr Chris Steele at the recent National Hospital Radio Awards 2011 CONFERENCE See full story page 5 Ramada Hotel, Maidstone 25th-27th March 2011
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. 1015501. Registered office: Mariners House, 24 Nelsons Gardens, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2NE. On Air is distributed free of charge to all member stations of the Association plus interested parties. All material is ©2009 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 Email: [email protected] COPY DATE NEXT ISSUE 9th June 2009 02 spin doctor:02 spin doctor 21/5/09 01:44 Page 1
In a Spin with our ‘Spin Doctor’
So that was Blackpool and what a long weekend it proved to be – especially those who stayed up through the night chatting and drinking and going straight to breakfast at 7am the next morning – you know who you are and I hope you’re either proud or ashamed of yourselves! (For the record, I climbed into bed at 6.30am.) Foolishly I thought organising the awards would get easier once the first one, in Leeds last year, was over with. Little did I realise that each year is a completely different beast with its own set of challenges and potential banana skins to avoid slipping on. Dave never mentioned this, when he handed the baton on! Thanks to those of you who noticed that it was a slightly slimmer Sean at Blackpool this year. I promise the two stones lost since last year is down to a change in my health regime and not because of stress brought on by co- organising the awards ceremony! At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Overall, I believe it worked for our second attempt. There are still ‘tweaks’ Thanks too, to Jon Godel, our host more work this year to make the I’d like to make to make it even better once again. His own input – even that awards a success, despite the event and I have pages and pages of notes pink hat – ensured he made the happening over his birthday weekend. which hopefully will be reflected in ceremony his own and from the kind The ceremony couldn’t have happened next years event. That is one of the comments I’ve received since Blackpool without Iain, so thank you for all that problems of the annual awards – if it appears most of you like the more you did. something isn’t quite right it takes a informal approach we’ve taken to the I’ve got to thank our judges too, whole year before you can try it again! event. The aim is to have fun, hand out without their efforts we’d have no This year we added clips of the the awards and just have a good night, winners. Thanks also to everyone who nominees, although I must apologise to in good company. entered the awards this year, the Valley Park Radio. There is a highly Jon, rightly, described Dr Chris numbers keep on growing. technical reason why your clips didn’t Steele as one of the nicest guys in the Finally, thanks to Sir Terry Wogan play and – even though I’ve now been country. He is, as anyone who posed and to the Prime Minister Gordon told forty-three times why – it’s still way for a photograph with him afterwards Brown for their contributions. As Jon over my head. Suffice to say it wasn’t a will know. Despite being very ill just a Godel said on the night, whatever your technical hitch we could have predicted couple of days before the event, Dr politics to have the Prime Minister on happening but it is one we’ll be looking Chris was insistent on attending and screen promoting and celebrating out for next year to ensure it doesn’t even paid for his own car and driver to Hospital Broadcasting is something we happen again. You can, at least, hear bringing him to Blackpool from his should rightly be proud of. the entries on the HBA website – and home in Manchester – at no expense to So, as I said at the start of this article, they’re well worth a listen. the HBA. At one stage I even offered to that’s Blackpool over with. Now all Money this year was tighter than drive him myself but obviously someone eyes look north for next year’s event in ever, apparently there’s a credit crunch had tipped him off about my driving! Glasgow. Iain and I are full of ideas, on (though not according to the Our two live acts were great too. how much of which will make it to the Hilton’s bar bill!!) so finding sponsors Lizzy Spit and Katlow have both since stage? Well, you’ll have to be there to proved extremely tough this year, so I’d been in touch to say how much they find out. like to thank all who did get involved – enjoyed performing for you. If you Well done to the winners, offering either money or other services want to find out more about them then congratulations too to all the nominees. to ensure the ceremony went ahead. you can find them, and their music, by If you haven’t started yet, there’s no So thanks to Nick Beer at West Country doing a search on MySpace. time like the present to start working on Broadcast, Natalie Thomas at PPL, Special thanks too to the entire team your categories for this year. As Iain and June Snowden at Hospital Radio at Scunthorpe Hospital Radio; Keith, I know, only too well, the Awards Goodies, David Ware at Blackpool Kath, Paul, Serena, Andy, Marie and come round far, far, quicker than you Tower, Chris Stevens at Devaweb, the Ant. Naturally, thanks too to my co- think! team at Warwick Corporate Events and, producer (HBA Deputy Chief Sean Dunderdale. of course, everyone at the HBA too. Executive) Iain Lee, who took on even HBA Publicity Manager
ON AIR
All About Awards
PM Praise for patron of the Hospital Broadcasting Association. I receive loads of letters Hospital Radio from people in hospital, or just out of Gordon Brown paid tribute to hospital, telling me about the work that Hospital Broadcasters in the UK saying you do and the fun you get out of it they make time spent in hospital just doing it and the good that you’re doing. that little bit easier for the patients. You’re doing it for nothing, you’re doing The Prime Minister said he wanted it because you care but also because to pass on his personal thanks and you love radio, you love broadcasting, appreciation for what they do, up and and I hope that you’ll continue doing it down the country, easing trauma and as you’re all doing an enormous loneliness of days spent away from amount of good.’ home, building a sense of community and bringing comfort and company at what can be an incredibly worrying time for many. The PM’s video message was played during this year's National Hospital Radio Awards Ceremony, held at the Hilton Hotel in Blackpool. Here’s the transcript of what the Prime Minister had to say to those attending the event. attending last year’s event in Leeds. ‘I’m very pleased to have this In a message to volunteers across opportunity to send my congratulations the country, Dr Chris told On Air: ‘I to all of the nominees of this year’s find it just awesome that so many National Hospital Radio Awards and to people give up their time with no pay, pass on my personal thanks and to run the hospital radio services across appreciation for the fantastic work that the country. They are the unsung you do. In more than two hundred heroes of the radio world! It was fitting hospitals up and down the country you, to see so many of them receive awards and others like you, are easing the for their generous work. Best wishes to trauma and loneliness of days spent you and all members of the Hospital away from home. You’re building a Broadcasting Association.’ sense of community, bringing comfort and company at what can be an incredibly worrying time. Mayoral Memories ‘It’s no co-incidence that some of Hospital Radio stations see themselves as the friend at Blackpool’s Mayor Mary Smith told the bedside because I know that, for diners at this year’s Gala Dinner of her many, that is exactly what you have own personal experience of hospital become, passing on messages from radio – as a patient. loved ones, playing favourite songs, She explained how she’d spent a making time spent in hospital just that long period of time in the resort’s little bit easier. It’s your passion, your Victoria Hospital in the late fifties, commitment and your enthusiasm that being treated for TB. By coincidence, makes hospital radio in Britain so Dr Chris Steele was also working at the unique. So regardless who wins an Hospital at the same time. award, I commend you all for your Asked whether Dr Chris might have achievements and, of course, the real treated the Mayor, to laughter, he winners are the hospital patients the replied: ‘I doubt it, she survived!’ length and breadth of Britain who gain The Mayor said how she had found so much from the time you give so Hospital Radio a crucial service during generously.’ her time in hospital. She even used the airwaves to spark up a bit of flirtation Sir Terry Toasts with another patient on a different Just what the Doctor Success ward. Despite exchanging messages ordered HBA patron Sir Terry Wogan once and songs dedicated to each other, the Dr Chris Steele again attended the again sent a personal message to those two never actually met – but as awards ceremony, helping Jon Godel attending the awards ceremony in Councillor Smith put it: ‘It did at least in revealing the winners. Blackpool. help take my mind off the hospital The Doctor, from ITV’s popular Sir Terry said how tremendously environment and it’s for the best we This Morning programme, said he was proud how is to be patron of the didn’t meet, as I was married at the delighted to be invited back, after first Association: ‘I am really honoured to be time!’
ON AIR
All About Awards Station of the Year National Hospital Jamie Stangroom Whitechapel AM GOLD: Radio Fox Jim Simpson SILVER: Hospital Radio Plymouth Radio Awards 2009 Grampian Hospital Radio BRONZE: Hospital Radio Perth Mike Binns HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Winners Sunshine Hospital Radio, Weston HWD Hospital Radio super Mare Hospital Radio Basingstoke Female Presenter Hospital Radio Hillingdon Harrogate Hospital Radio of the Year Hospital Radio Chelmsford GOLD: Diane Clarke Radio Redhill Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells Whitechapel AM SILVER: Lauren Rich Radio Northwick Park BRONZE: Biba Hunjan Best Specialist Radio Northwick Park Music Programme HIGHLY COMMENDED: GOLD: Radio Lion Isobel King SILVER: Radio Cherwell Hospital Radio Plymouth BRONZE: Valley Park Radio Vicky Pinder HIGHLY COMMENDED: HWD Hospital Radio London Network Radio Alice Corp Anker Radio Bath Hospital Radio BHBS Brenda Massie Chorley Hospital Radio Grampian Hospital Radio Grimsby Hospital Radio Ellie Jackson Radio Fox Harrogate Hospital Radio Radio Grapevine Julia Douglass Kingstown Radio Lesley Jennings Station Promotion Rookwood Sound GOLD: Radio Glamorgan SILVER: Radio Northwick Park Best Newcomer BRONZE: Sunshine Radio, Isle of Wight GOLD: Anita Hepple HWD Hospital Radio HIGHLY COMMENDED: Male and Female Presenters of the Year Radio Fox SILVER: Asha Jhummu Hospital Radio Chelmsford Hospital Radio Barnet HIGHLY COMMENDED: Nicola Mills Grimsby Hospital Radio Harrogate Hospital Radio BRONZE: Valley Park Radio HWD Hospital Radio Rookwood Sound Radio Cherwell Hospital Radio Perth HIGHLY COMMENDED: Nita Jhummu Radio Grapevine HWD Hospital Radio Hospital Radio Chelmsford Sunshine Hospital Radio, Weston Radio Cherwell Ben Richards super Mare Radio West Suffolk Whitechapel AM Sunshine Hospital Radio, Weston Carl Richards super Mare Special Event Harrogate Hospital Radio GOLD: Choice Radio Gillian Bell SILVER: Sunshine Hospital Radio, Male Presenter of Rookwood Sound Weston super Mare the Year Helen Prowse BRONZE: Hospital Radio Chelmsford GOLD: Gerard Conway Grimsby Hospital Radio HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hospital Radio Hillingdon Josh Andrews Radio Northwick Park SILVER: Ben Punter Hospital Radio Plymouth Radio Fox Radio Northwick Park Paul Johnston Kingstown Radio BRONZE: Michael Roncone Victoria Radio Network Radio Lion Bridge FM Radio Warneford HIGHLY COMMENDED: HBA Volunteer Radio West Suffolk Dave Bee Rookwood Sound of the Year Northern Air Josh Andrews Best Speech John Murray Hospital Radio Plymouth Victoria Radio Network Package Adam Ravenscroft The John Whitney GOLD: Radio Addenbrookes Hospital Radio Chelmsford SILVER: Hospital Radio Plymouth Dave Lockyer Award BRONZE: Whitechapel AM Valley Park Radio Ena Montgomery
ON AIR
All About Awards
The Winners Hospital Radio Awards 2009 Gold Best Newcomer Anita Hepple with Dr Chris Steele
Silver Best Newcomer Asha Jhummu with awards sponsor Bronze Best Newcomer Nicola Mills of Valley Park Radio with Dr Nick West of West Country Broadcast Chris Steele
Winner of the John Whitney Award, Ena Montgomery MBE, has devoted most of her life to Hospital Radio. Ena, now in her eighties, started at Preston hospital radio in the fifties and always has the interest of hospital radio at heart. One of the founding members of the HBA, she worked hard as President before handing over to June Snowden. Ena has seen many changes from 78 records to vinyl then CDs but encourages members at Chorley HR to keep up with new technology and anything that brings a better service to the patients. In 1966 she campaigned to get a studio at Chorley as the station then broadcast from Preston. She got local businesses to help with funding build a studio, although facing opposition but she never gave up and in 1968 Chorley Hospital Radio was born. At the station’s recent 40 years celebration, Ena contacted members who were at the opening and a great night was had with over 180 people. Ena always has the wellbeing of the station in mind and still goes round the wards chatting and comforting patients and often you will find her in the studio interviewing and getting patients involved, she likes the interactive programmes like bingo or quizzes always maintaining the more the patients are involved the more it takes their minds off why they are in hospital. In the last forty years she has never missed taking the local mayor and MPs round the wards on Christmas morning ensuring a high profile for hospital radio in the community. Many younger volunteers are inspired with the pictures in the studio and stories she tell, of people she has got live on air and go round the wards from Matt Monroe to Liberty X.
ON AIR
All About Awards Sister Act Something Old, It was a double celebration for Something New Hospital Radio Chelmsford with Hospital Radio Plymouth celebrated sisters Asha and Nita Jhummu battling for a second year running. Its youngest it out for the Best Newcomer this year. member, 16 year old, Josh Andrews In the end it was Asha who came took the HBA Volunteer of the Year out on top, taking Silver. Nita was Award, twelve months after the Highly Commended. station’s oldest member Connal It was a good year for the ‘sisters’ in Cather won the John Whitney the Best Newcomer, with Nicola Mills Award. Josh was praised for his of Valley Park Radio taking Bronze and commitment to HR Plymouth over the HWD’s Anita Hepple scooping Gold. past year, both on and off air, despite a busy final year at school. Josh was Hillingdon’s also commended in the best on a High Newcomer Category. In its 40th anniversary year, Three years after taking Gold as Plymouth also took Silver in the Best Newcomer, Radio Hillingdon’s Station of the Year category, having Gerard Conway has another Gold to scooped Gold last time around. his name – after being named Male Station Manager, Andrew Hill said: Presenter of the Year. Gerard’s ‘This is a very successful start to our connection and interaction with the 40th anniversary year. To have our patients impressed the judges, marking oldest member, Connal Cather, get the him out for the other nominees. coveted John Whitney award last Radio Northwick Park’s Ben Punter year and our youngest member, Josh built on his Highly Commended from Andrews, named as HBA Volunteer of last year to scoop Silver. the Year in 2009 is a clear reflection of the level of volunteer commitment we Stations Out-foxed have across the spectrum of ages.’ for Top Prize Radio Fox enjoyed the most Three Times successful night in its 21 year history at this year’s National Hospital Radio a Lady Awards. It was celebrations yet again for The station was named Station of Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells the Year on top of being Highly Volunteer Diane Clarke, holding on to Commended in the Special Event and her Gold award for Best Female Station Promotion categories, and Presenter. commended for Les Eastham’s Sixties It’s the third time Diane’s scooped Scene in the Specialist Music category. the top prize for – in the judge’s words The judges said the entry for Radio – her unique, slightly eccentric, Fox stood out because the presenters approach. sounded like they were enjoying The judges said it was as if she was themselves and were clearly sat by the patient’s bed, having a chat. passionate about what thy were doing. The kind of person everyone wants to Station Director Steve Hack said: speak with at a party, a character full of interesting anecdotes. ‘Wow! I think none of us could really believe we had been awarded Gold in Station of the Year - I'm still taking it in! Pictured, from the top: ‘This is a fantastic tribute to the Volunteer of the Year winner Josh hard work everyone at Radio Fox puts Andrews with June Snowden Best Female Presenter Diane Clarke in to their programmes and it's a with Dr Chris Steele brilliant way to start our 21st year on Gold Station of the Year, Radio Fox air.’ Station Director Steve Hack with Dr Last year’s Gold winner, Hospital Chris Steele Radio Plymouth, took Silver this time Silver Station of the Year, HR Plymouth around. It was a double win for the Station Manager Andrew Hill with station, after teenager Josh Andrews Natalie Thomas of sponsors PPL took the HBA Volunteer of the Year Bronze Station of the Year HR Perth’s prize. John Watson with Dr Chris Steele
ON AIR
All About Awards
Iain Lee with the team at Warwick Corporate Events get ready to go live What the Judges Start saving material NOW for next Two Sirs ... With Love! year’s event. The closing date will be Two Sirs, a Doctor and the Prime Thought in December but that doesn’t mean you Minister all made this year’s National The judges for this year's National have to leave it until November before Hospital Radio Awards one to Hospital Radio Awards were once thinking about entering. remember. again delighted with the quality and The event in Blackpool, saw a quantity, of excellent broadcasting record attendance packing the ballroom taking place in hospitals right across the of the resort’s Hilton Hotel as part of UK. What stood out most was the the annual HBA Spring Conference. ‘localness’ of many hospital radio A quick welcome greeting from Sir stations, the kind of listener interaction Tom Jones was following by HBA that other radio stations simply couldn’t Patron Sir Terry Wogan making his offer. It was that word ‘interaction’ that now annual video address to the came out time and time again when the ceremony, wishing the nominees well judges were deciding a winner. Stations and thanking everyone in Hospital and/or presenters that put patients first, Broadcasting for the work that they do. engaging with them, generally came out Former IRN Editor Jon Godel was on top. host for a second year – back by Entries that also showed enthusiasm, popular request after making his awards people clearly enjoying themselves and host debut in Leeds last year. having a real passion for hospital radio He spiced up proceedings by arriving (not just wannabe DJs) also rated wearing a pink kiss me quick hat, highly, as did the variety and breadth of bought from a seafront trader earlier in programming on offer in the Station of the day. the Year category. Double Surprise for Ena He was joined on stage for most of Slick mixing of the entry wasn’t Ena Montgomery found herself on the ceremony by Dr Chris Steele, fresh judged on, it was purely its content, its stage not once but twice during this from the sofa of ITV1’s This Morning relevance to its audience (the hospital year’s awards ceremony in Blackpool – programme who said he was patients) and its understanding of what despite not even knowing she was overwhelmed by the turn out and by hospital radio is really about is what nominated for a single award. the work that the volunteers do, right mattered to the judges when making The former HBA president and across the country. their decision. founding member of the Association His words were echoed, later in the So, if you didn’t put in an entry this scooped the prestigious John Whitney ceremony, by a surprise video year because you don’t have a Award for her life-time’s commitment appearance from Number Ten, when volunteer (or the technology) to to Hospital Radio in the UK. Later Ena Gordon Brown took the opportunity to produce a carefully crafted entry, the was given a second surprise by current also personally thank Hospital Radio advice is not to worry. As long as your HBA president June Snowden, who – Volunteers for bringing comfort and content is packed full of great material, to a standing ovation in the room – easing the trauma of patients time in showing the best of what you do, then presented her with a 50 year long- hospital. that’s what will impress. service award too.
ON AIR
Committee Report
Congratulations expected, led to a debate in the later Congratulations to all those informal members’ meeting. recognised in this year’s National A handful of HBA members have Hospital Radio Awards. I hope that successfully applied for community those of you who were in Blackpool for radio licences but I think it is fair to say the awards ceremony enjoyed that HBA’s official position, agreed yourselves. If your station hasn’t entered when applications for the first round of the awards before or for a number of community radio licences were about to years, please do consider doing so; yes, be invited, is rather lukewarm towards it’s a lot of work – I know as I usually the idea. get drafted in to edit together my own Comments have been made that station’s entries – but it’s well worth it if Ofcom haven’t really understood the you’re recognised by the judges. legal barriers that prevent many hospital radio stations applying for a community radio licence and HBA will be Blackpool Conference following that up with Ofcom. I’m writing this shortly after having HBA itself is also limited, by its returned from another successful charitable objects, as to what support it conference in Blackpool. I hope that, if can provide to community radio you attended the event, you were both stations. However, following the debate informed and entertained by the range in Blackpool, the Trustee Board will of activities that our hard-working reconsider HBA’s position, looking both conference team arranged. Thanks and by Nigel Dallard, Secretary at the scenario where an existing HBA good wishes also go to the newly- member station applies for a community combined hospital radio stations at radio licence and at what the criteria Chorley and Preston for their management of the day-to-day would be for a community radio hospitality; all too often I hear of licensee being allowed membership of stations struggling, so it was nice to hear operations of the Association (through a combination of his/her own activities HBA. good news from long-standing members If you have any views on this subject, with a new lease of life. and those of volunteers reporting to him/her, as explained in the last edition please do get in touch. of this magazine) were presented to Membership and discussed at the informal members’ HBA Training Subscriptions meeting at the conference in Blackpool. Network Thank you to those of you – roughly There was a general consensus that the half the membership – who have Board had adopted the right approach, Launched at the Blackpool already renewed your membership. You and we will now be progressing along conference, the HBA Training should, by now, have received your this path, starting with drawing up role Network is intended to provide a series membership certificate and receipt. If descriptions for the Chief Executive of events across the UK providing you have yet to renew, please do so as and the Trustees, investigating the likely training in all aspects of running a soon as possible; chasing members for cost of employing an appropriately- hospital radio station. subscriptions is extremely time- skilled person, drawing up a budget and After some successful trial regional consuming – time better spent doing completing the rest of the ‘due events in Southern England and in more useful and fulfilling work for HBA diligence’ necessary before we take any Wales, our first National Hospital – and costs HBA money. final decision. Radio Training Day will be staged on Saturday 17th October 2009, with a full day’s training by professionals being Restructuring Hospital and offered for the bargain price of only of the Association Community Radio £10. See the article on page 13 for You will be aware that we have been A comment by James Croft from more details. considering the best structure for the Ofcom during his seminar at the If you have any ideas for subjects to Association for the last two years. The Blackpool conference to the effect that be covered at future events, or Trustee Board’s aspiration to recruit a there had been fewer applications for suggestions as to suitable venues to hold paid Chief Executive of the Association, Community Radio licences from training events in your area, please get who would be charged with the hospital radio stations than Ofcom had in touch.
Our sincere thanks to the following companies, who supported our Spring Conference Trade Show: Sonifex • Eastern Electronics • Cunnings Recording Associates • Canford/Ash Distribution • S-Connect • Media Hubb (Definitive Productions) • Audessence • Active Information Systems • Westcountry Broadcast • Attend • P-Squared • Goodies • Devaweb • Access Underwriting • The National Blood Service • The Radio Academy • The Radio Magazine Emma Sysum, HBA Tradeshow Organiser
ON AIR
Charity Law Update
England and Wales Scotland • that the commercial organisation The Government has recently The Scottish Government has make available to the charity all books changed a number of the financial recently published ‘The Charities and and records associated with the thresholds in the Charities Acts, for Benevolent Fundraising (Scotland) agreement so that the charity can see financial years that end on or after 1st Regulations 2009’ (available from that it is obtaining a fair deal. April 2009. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotl The Scottish equivalent of the CIO, The one that will most affect hospital and/ssi2009/pdf/ssi_20090121_en.pdf) the imaginatively named SCIO, is radio stations is the raising of the which come into force on 1st July delayed until late 2010, with the current £10,000 annual income 2009. Scottish Government taking on board threshold to £25,000. These regulations set out the rules the comments made in response to the This is the threshold above which under which charities can use consultation on the draft CIO charities must have their Trustees’ professional fundraisers or other regulations for England and Wales. Annual Report and Accounts externally commercial organisations (called examined (unless their governing ‘commercial participators’) to raise Northern Ireland document sets a lower threshold) and money on their behalf, and bring the The first parts of the Charities Act submit the documents to the Charity rules in Scotland very close to those (Northern Ireland) 2008 came into Commission. that have been in existence in England force on 27th March 2009. At the The introduction of the new and Wales since 1995. moment, there is no material change to incorporated form of charity with Briefly, the regulations require: charity law in Northern Ireland; these limited liability, the Charitable provisions simply create the Charity Incorporated Organisation (CIO) has • that a written agreement that meets Commission for Northern Ireland and been delayed until April 2010 following certain criteria is in place between the give it authority to issue guidance on a recent consultation exercise. charity and the commercial the ‘public benefit test’ that will be one A number of respondents, including organisation; of two conditions that organisations the HBA, expressed the view that the • the so-called ‘solicitation statement’ must pass in order to be recognised as draft regulations relied too heavily on made when requesting funds to include charities in Northern Ireland. Company Law and would be too certain information; Only once the new Commission has complicated for those running small created, consulted on and finally charities to understand. • that money obtained by the adopted the new guidance will it be in The Office of the Third Sector is commercial organisation be transferred a position to be given the power to start now planning to rework the regulations. to the charity as soon as possible, but in registering and regulating charities. any event no later than 28 days after receipt; and Nigel Dallard, Secretary
Awards for All
The Big Lottery Fund has or statutory organisations for between Wales announced a number of changes to its £500 and £10,000. Multiple In Wales, grants of between £500 small grants programme, ‘Awards for applications can be made up to the and £5,000 are available with a total of All’. The rules are slightly different £10,000 maximum in any 12-month £2.4 million available. depending whether you are based in period. Any grant awarded must be Applications are invited from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or spent within 12 months. community groups, not for profit Wales: groups, Community or Town Councils, Scotland health bodies and schools. England Supported by the Big Lottery Fund, Organisations can receive up to a A total of £45 million is available in the Scottish Arts Council and maximum of £5,000 from Awards for England, with grants of between £300 sportscotland, the Awards for All All in any 12-month period. to £10,000 available to grass roots programme in Scotland has £10.5 For more information, see groups in the community and voluntary million to give away in grants ranging in www.awardsforall.org.uk or telephone sector, health bodies, schools and parish size from £500 to £10,000. Not-for- 08454 10 20 30. or town councils. profit/voluntary and community sector Nigel Dallard, Secretary Each applicant can apply for multiple groups, community councils, schools grants up to a total of £10,000 in a and health bodies can apply, with two-year period. Each grant must be priority being given to smaller voluntary used within a year. and community groups with an annual PLEASE SEND IN YOUR income of less than £20,000. Northern Ireland Multiple applications can be made up REPORTS BY 9TH JUNE to the £10,000 maximum in any 12- The Awards for All scheme in FOR INCLUSION IN THE month period. Northern Ireland has a budget of £3.5 Any grant awarded must be spent million a year, and will accept NEXT ISSUE OF ON AIR within 12 months. applications from voluntary, community
ON AIR
June’s Travels
I was so pleased that Editor Michelle was able to include so many photographs of visits in 2008 and hopefully I will have quite a collection in 2009 too. It is always wonderful to be invited Visiting Anker Radio to visit stations for whatever reason and 2009 has started very well indeed. Apart from the HBA EC meeting in January, it was a pretty quiet month – perhaps just as well due to the weather catching us out. Visits started well in February, my first being at Hospital Radio Reading when I was welcomed to their AGM – and an excellent turn- out of members and I was delighted to present Long Service Certificates. A couple of days later I was in Bournemouth for the Bedside Annual Fund raising Quiz, run by BBC & Radio 2’s Alan Dedicoat and President of the station. A week later I was in Harlow for their awards presentation evening which included Long Service certificates and a couple of days later, on 1st March, I was welcomed by Anker Radio at their equally well supported AGM – again an opportunity to present lots of Long Service Certificates. Presenting a 25 year certificate to Simon Sujeewon and Darren Entwistle of London Network March continued with a visit to Radio Radio Wexham, Slough for their AGM and presentation of Long Service Long Service Certificate to Ena much work into the awards. Equally a Certificates. Montgomery – well she has always fantastic thank you once again to Marie Then, at the end of March the been and always will be Auntie Ena to and John Harper for their continued conference took place in Blackpool – me, having known her myself since sterling work which they have put in no-one could have left the Hilton Hotel 1974. Congratulations to ALL those for the conference. They never step hungry – the food was amazing and, of who were successful in winning outside the hotel for the whole course, so was the company. It was a awards. weekend and take their responsibilities great pleasure for me to present some Many congratulations and thanks very seriously indeed – we are lucky to awards at the Gala Dinner – notably must also go to Iain Lee and Sean have such dedication. But, that is what the Volunteer of the Year award to 16 Dunderdale along with the team from hospital broadcasters do – they give year old Josh Andrews and a 50 year Scunthorpe Hospital Radio who put so their time, dedication and commitment
ON AIR
June’s Travels
to their station, their community and to hospital radio. It was also lovely to be able to welcome two visitors from Cork, to conference in Blackpool, where they have been involved in hospital radio for some years. I think they returned home with lots of ideas and hopefully I will have the chance to go and see them soon. My most recent visit was to Radio North Tees in Stockton on Tees just a few days later – to visit the studio and surprise Norman with his 25 year certificate. Long Service Certificates are there for you – to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and commitment everyone gives to Hospital Radio – locally, regionally and nationally. I thank you all and it delights me to be able to produce the certificates and present as many as possible so that I can personally thank members on behalf of the HBA. This year so far I have already issued 120 certificates and the total years they alone represent is 2380 – which is the most incredible amount. With last year’s total reaching over 400 certificates I am hoping we are well on the way to exceeding it this year. I am already looking forward to visits to Stafford Hospital Radio, Radio Fox, Leicester, Hospital Radio Hillingdon, Hospital Radio Chelmsford and hopefully Newcastle for their open day and to see their spanking new studios too. That takes me up to the middle of May and other potential visits are taking shape. It is significant and pleasing that I am receiving invitations to stations who I have not had the opportunity to visit before or perhaps for a long time and I have now visited well over 200 stations – to many I am, happily, a regular visitor I enjoy seeing you all. My thanks to you all for your wonderful greetings and hospitality – it is so much appreciated and I look forward to continuing my travels around the UK – possibly even further afield – in the coming weeks and months. June Snowden, President, HBA
Pictured, from the top: Presenting a long service certificate to Norman Johnson of Radio North Tees; George McDowell of Radio Wexham receives the certificate in recognition of 40 years of the station’s broadcasting. Also celebrating 40 years of broadcasting was Ian Bruce Savin and last, but not least, Charles Coultas receives his 15 year certificate; both are members of HR Reading
ON AIR
Here’s a quick question ...
How’s your station sounding? When your listeners flick between the stations on the dial, do your jingles and sweepers sound as good as your competitors?
Do they fit your station sound? Do they help your listeners understand who they’re listening to, and what they’re likely to hear?
Does the voice sound right? Do the sung jingles work with your range of music? If there are bleeps, zaps and wooshes, should there be?
Do the idents that your specialist shows use still work with your overall station sound? Without restricting the mood of those shows, obviously.
Do you have stuff to reflect the seasons?
Can presenters purchase their own packages for their shows? If so, can you be sure that they’ll fit your station? That’s why we’re here ... and we’re Devaweb
We work with dozens of hospital radio stations across the UK to create a station sound that keeps you sounding as professional as all the other stations available in your hospital, while keeping within your budget.
From full station packages to sung jingles, our Christmas & summer packs through to IDs for presenters and special occasions.
Check out the audio on our site at www.devaweb.co.uk and get in touch.
We’re Devaweb... proud to be producing the imaging for Hospital Broadcasting Week 2008 ... and ready to produce imaging for your station.
Email [email protected] or call 020 7193 3823
ON AIR
National Training Day
Details of the HBA's 2009 read the local news? If there is a VIP in spend months (or even years) either National Training Day are now the hospital or nearby, do you have the blissfully unaware of our skills to interview them? responsibilities, or wishing we felt more available at You can acquire these skills after confident and that we knew more www.hbauk.com/training, along years of practice or professional about what we've taken on. with a booking form and training. But this training day will To enable you to understand your promotional flyer. accelerate that learning by giving you role in managing your station and to The day will provide hospital radio the tools to be a more professional help you to help your committee to volunteers with five hours of training in presenter both on-air and off, confident work more effectively, the training day one of two aspects of running their in imparting information in a way will cover: which you will find useful in hospital station for a cost of just £10 each. • The implications of being a charity The two training tracks (see below broadcasting but also in your day-to-day for details) will run in parallel; delegates life, whether it is you doing the • The responsibilities of committee must select which track they wish to interviewing or you are the one being members attend at the time of booking. interviewed about your station. The day will equip you with the • The importance of the governing The venue is the Ramada document Birmingham Hotel in Sutton Coldfield. skills and knowledge to: It is close to the M6 / M6 Toll and M42 • gain increased interview • The roles of the Chair, Treasurer to the north-east of Birmingham and confidence, and Secretary has ample free parking. Chester Road • Effective decision-making railway station with its rail line to • impart information to your listeners Birmingham New Street (20 mins) is lucidly, • How to plan for the future 1.5 miles away. Birmingham • be a more professional on-air International Airport/railway station is presenter, Training will be provided by just 10 miles away (40 mins by rail, 20 professional charity management trainer mins by taxi). • read the news confidently. Lin Whitfield using a participative and Want to stay overnight, or make a interactive style. Lin has over 20 years' experience working in the voluntary weekend of it? No problem. HBA has Training will be provided by Peter sector at local, regional and national negotiated a special Dinner, Bed & Stewart, an award-winning levels. Breakfast rate for the exclusive use of broadcaster, radio consultant and The session will begin with a short delegates: £40pppn for a double room, author with 20 years' experience in quiz and will include practical exercises £58pppn for a single room. Of course, both speech and music radio, including undertaken either individually or in you're free to come just for the training, at the BBC, talkSPORT, Virgin Radio pairs, small group discussions and or to make your own accommodation and Kiss FM. For several years Peter interactive tools that can be taken arrangements. worked for BBC Training & away. Development, coaching at all of the It will be broken down into 'bite- Track One: BBC's network radio stations and most sized' chunks and backed up with clear of its regional radio and TV stations. Improve Your Presentation Skills handouts. How to talk on the radio At the end of the day, participants Track Two: will be encouraged to consider how We all know what to do when we Become A Better Committee they can cascade their enhanced sit behind the microphone don't we? Member knowledge to their own committees, to But how could we do it better and maximise the impact of the training. more professionally? How about ‘How about joining the committee? – It's only one reading out extracts from the For further information, e- newspaper or a book without it meeting a month.’ sounding like we are reading it? Does Many of us have been recruited as mail [email protected] anyone in your station have the skills to committee members in this way, and or telephone 0870 321 6017.
ON AIR
Hospital Broadcasting Week 2009
Grampian Hospital Radio Celebrates To mark Hospital Broadcasting Week 2009 Grampian Hospital Radio put on a display in the ‘Community Corner’ area within the concourse of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to prepare the display a few days before the start of the conference in Blackpool which ensured that both GHR and Hospital Broadcasting Week had the maximum coverage possible. The display contained factual information in a bite sized format about Grampian Hospital Radio, Radio Rainbow and hospital broadcasting right across the UK. It also provided all the information required to enable patients as well as their friends and family to contact both GHR and Radio Rainbow for requests and also provided contact GHR sincerely thank NHS part and Aberdeenshire Council were details for anyone interested in joining Grampian’s Corporate Communications also very keen to support GHR and hospital radio. department for their help and co- Radio Rainbow, organising the event in The concourse is the main operation, without which we would their work places across the North-East thoroughfare at Aberdeen Royal have been unable to use Community of Scotland. The figure from all of the Infirmary and provides access to many Corner to promote Hospital participants is awaited; the interim wards. It contains the hospital Broadcasting Week. figures show that well in excess of £200 pharmacy, a coffee shop, a flower shop In addition to the display at the has been raised by Aberdeenshire a newsagent and other retail outlets, concourse, GHR also held a Pound to Council alone. therefore ideally positioned for staff, Work day on 3rd April 2009. A Brenda Massie patients and visitors to view GHR’s number of wards within Aberdeen Secretary presentation. Royal Infirmary were persuaded to take Grampian Hospital Radio Special Visitors for Sunderland Radio Sunderland celebrated Hospital Broadcasting Week by inviting guests who have links to Sunderland to the studio to co-present the patient request programme, Ward Call. Ten fantastic guests joined us in the studio: Sunday 29th March: Councillor Mary Smith, Mayor of Sunderland Monday 30th March: Ken Bremner, Chief Exec of City Hospitals Sunderland Tuesday 31st March: Paul Liddell, local singer song writer Wednesday 1st April: Superintendent Kay BIyth, Northumbria Police Thursday 2nd April: Jaff, bass player with The Futureheads, a band from Sunderland Friday 3rd April: Chris Mullin, MP for Sunderland South Saturday 4th April: Bill Etherington, MP for Sunderland North Sunday 5th April: Denise Robertson, resident agony aunt from This Morning Monday 6th April: Tony Jeffries, bronze medal for boxing winner at the 2008 Olympic games. Guests read out patients’ requests and again. Thank you everyone who gave up Pictured, top left, Cllr Mary Smith, Mayor of dedications and answered questions from their busy time to help us celebrate Sunderland; top right: Bill Etherington visits the presenters. Everyone commented on Hospital Broadcasting Week 2009. the studio; bottom left, Supt Kay Blyth in how much they enjoyed the experience Anthony Usher the studio and bottom right, agony aunt and if asked would come back and do it Public Relations, Radio Sunderland Denise Robertson in residence
ON AIR
Hospital Broadcasting Week 2009
Calderdale Celebrate All the volunteers at Radio Calderdale, based at The Royal Calderdale Hospital in Halifax have worked really hard to make this week a successful and entertaining one for patients and volunteers alike. Jacksons Florist donated 250 bunches of daffodils to the station and on Mothers Day we visited all the female patients in the hospital and delivered a bunch of the daffodils to say Happy Mothers Day. Open Day 28th March marked the start of National Hospital Radio Broadcasting Week for us. We advertised in the local paper and in local magazines prior to the event. The day was attended well by members of the public who wanted to find out more about hospital radio and volunteering. Visitors were shown around the studios and found out about all that hospital radio entails from ward visiting and chatting to patients to presenting the top 40 chart show! Children from Luddenden Dene CE Primary School presented their own show on Thursday 2nd April. The children were from class 5, ten years old. They put the show content together themselves, choosing to read favourite poems, short stories and jokes to brighten the patients day. They even chose the five songs they wanted to play as part of their show. These included 'Be Happy Don't Worry' and 'You Are My Sunshine'. The children invited the deputy mayor down to meet them and to hear their live show. Class 5 also designed and made posters to advertise the show on the children's ward. Members from Radio Calderdale took the posters onto the children's ward so that the children would tune in to the special show. The evening of Thursday 2nd April saw Radio Calderdale's first ever patients quiz night. A team of presenters and volunteers from the station went on the wards taking out quiz sheets to patients, then as a team, presented the quiz live on air. The team went back out on the wards collecting and collating answer sheets. Prizes were Skircoat Green. This was to raise Pictured: kindly donated by the following local awareness of the radio station and also top: Jenna, Dave and Tracey delivered businesses; Evolve Fitness, The Holistic to raise some funds for the children's the donated daffodils to all the Mums Heath Clinic, The Watermill, Casa ward. The evening was very and below Radio Calderdale’s Open Pizza 2 and Skircoat Fishbar. We successful, with the station working day, Tim Morsby with guests would like to say a big thank you to alongside Paula, the landlady to raise them for their support. £250, which was recently presented to Lastly, we have another first for the children’s ward. Radio Calderdale. We hosted a pub Tracy Connor quiz at The Standard Of Freedom at Radio Calderdale
ON AIR
View from the Basement
Our columnist, Brett Ellis and his unique view on life ... what makes a hero?
have outrageous targets which they must achieve. Students are ‘over marked’. They go onto A levels they cannot handle. The teacher spoon feeds them. They then go on to degrees and are hand reared, leaving with the same inabilities as they left school with. They then go into some unfortunate’s employ, showing a lack of basic competence, along with a large proportion of their co-workers. They stay entrenched in said job with their crew, letting the other 50% do all the work as they cash in their undeserved pay cheques month on month. They are never told any different and are led to believe this is their right. We have created a culture where idiocy is celebrated and intellectual heroes such as the University Challenge winning Gail Trimble of Corpus Christie are derided for being arrogant and ‘ugly’ and threats are made online toward her. It is wrong but our equality, PC infatuated way would not stand for anything else. Intellect is derided. Incompetence encouraged and nurtured. This is Jade Goody’s legacy. To show children and young adults that yes, it’s OK to have no decipherable talent or skill. It’s OK to be stupid. It’s fine to do little, make excuses and aim for the Promised Land of reality TV and page 3. These heroes are like us ... not an awful lot of intellect or much to give. If We all have our heroes. My wife was once assessed on her oral Jade made £4m in her short time on earth. so WILL I. skills based on the Triple Wets’ Marti Pellow ... for her GCSE Anyone can achieve. English course, I hasten to add. King Kenny (Dalglish), although one Heroes used to be explorers, adventurers, racing car drivers of the dourest men on this God’s earth, would cross the touchline and stunt bike riders. Along with Dalglish, my other heroes as a and transform into a footballing icon. My CB handle read ‘you have child were the stunt bike rider Eddie Kidd and my eyeballed Dalglish’. I was proud of my enforced association with the Grandfather. He was kind, considerate, authoritative and finest number 7 to ever play the beautiful game when it was at its could put his hand to anything from making wonderful most majestic. furniture to growing fantastic plants and vegetables. He had Most heroes are well known so we can associate with their fought in the war, been shot, travelled the world and met my success and bask in the warm glow of our adulation for their Grandmother in India when Britain wasn’t the place to move perceived genius. This is the reason there are so many Man Utd your foreign bride to in the 1940s. He lived a decent and fans. The oft trotted out reason of ‘I have been a fan since I was respectful life and died surrounded by his loving family. That five and watched a George Best video’ is well documented and to me is what a hero should be. rarely true. You will never misunderstand a Southern red’s accent, So as you read this, you may wonder why I gibber on so nor will they have ever travelled within 50 miles of the fabled city without any nod to radio. Well there is a point. If we can be a of Manchester. The truth is we want to associate with success and hero to just one person then our journey has been belong to a gang, group or tribe. We want something to cling to. worthwhile. Maybe you will be a hero for a few minutes only. We want to feel loved. You may be the last voice a dying patient hears and you may What has prompted me to write this as I sit here on a cold, dank crack a funny to put a final smile on their face as they await Monday evening is Jade Goody. By the time you read this, the poor the ultimate journey. You may not be aware of your herodom. lady will undoubtedly have passed away. A tragedy played out It is the knowledge that you have touched someone’s life that before the public’s eyes like a modern day freak show. A sad tale should be the important thing, whether you are aware of it or indeed. Jade Goody is not famous for her looks, her intellect or her not. physical prowess. She has never won any competitions to the best When I look back in years to come and my friends have of my knowledge and had, by all accounts a tragic and dead end life died (if I outlive them) and maybe my family have passed and I before she auditioned one day for new reality show and her sit for a while alone, I will look at pictures of my Grandfather, numbers came in. The producers placed her in as a ‘Sarf’ London my CB handle badge and my signed Eddie Kidd poster, crack a figure of fun. A wretched urchin of Dickensian proportions designed smile and shed a tear. Maybe a patient is lying back and to improve viewing figures as we gawked with glee from afar. We grinning contentedly as they breathe their last surrounded by should remember this was a woman who thought ‘Portugal was in their photos and reminiscences in hospital the next time you Spain’. Who said ‘Rio de Janeiro, ain’t that a person?’, who asked present your show. Maybe yours is the last voice they will ‘Where is East Angular? Is it abroad?’. She thought ‘Saddam hear on this earth. Hussain was a boxer’ and asked ‘who is Heinzstein? She also, It is not the length of time you achieve hero status nor the whilst complaining in the BB house, claimed that others were trying number of hero worshippers that count. Will people think to use her as an ‘Escape Goat’. back and remember Jade in 40 years? In the main, I doubt it. Her escape was through luck however, not via a goat, which has Two people however will never forget. To her boys she will been prevalent in education of late where the current ethos is that always be a heroine and that is the finest epitaph the lady ‘anyone can achieve’. If you are illiterate, don’t worry, you too can could ever wish for. be a leader. If you are intellectually challenged you can still gain a www.brett-ellis.net good career despite being totally and utterly inefficient. Teachers [email protected] COPY DATE FOR ISSUE 127 9th June, 2009
ON AIR
Radio Warneford’s 35 Hour Marathon
A year of celebrations for Radio Warneford’s 35th anniversary reached a climax at the end of November with a 35-hour non-stop broadcasting marathon. The broadcast at Warwick Hospital was launched by Annie Othen, BBC Coventry & Warwickshire’s mid- morning presenter and former member of Radio Warneford. Annie co- presented the first hour of the marathon with Station Manager Ley Bricknell and Communications Manager Andy Dowell and shared some of her hilarious memories of the time she spent at the station. Ten minutes into the Marathon and we had our first phone call from the wards and from that moment, the phones rang all day and night. We gave away more than sixty anniversary mugs to patients and staff who had their favourite songs played. Our competitions were big hits on the wards too with patients competing to win meals for two at local restaurants, Zizzi and Petit Gourmand, by trying to identify various famous voices in our Name That Name competition. The Town Mayor of Kenilworth, Councillor Spencer Harrison and the Town Mayor of Warwick, Councillor Ann Mellor, both patrons of Radio Warneford, were our special guests and helped to collect requests from patients and later introduce them on air. Our presenters worked really hard interviewing representatives from local Lions Clubs and our other sponsors, our Life President Graeme Meanley and members of the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon in order to produce lots of features that were included throughout the Marathon. Our Broadcast came to a close with the help of live music from flamenco guitarist Matt Hernandez and also Men In Caves who performed at a special Marathon Party for Radio Warneford’s members and friends, parts of which were relayed to patients. Station Manager Ley Bricknell praised members ‘for really throwing themselves into the Marathon, producing high quality shows to keep the patients Pictured: (from the top, clockwise): members at our Marathon Party. entertained. Members ensured we had a BBC Coventry & Warwickshire’s Annie Happy Birthday Radio Warneford! An high profile on the wards and it was Othen (right) opens the Marathon anniversary cake baked by member obvious that patients stayed with us Broadcast with Station Manager, Ley Doreen Chand. through most of the 35 hours including Bricknell. Press photograph of BBC Coventry & the wee small hours which really made Councillor Spencer Harrison, Town Warwickshire’s Annie Othen (left) with it all worthwhile.’ Mayor of Kenilworth (right) and his wife Radio Warneford Station Manager Ley ‘With the sponsorship raised we can (left) with Radio Warneford Chairman, Bricknell (centre) and Communications now enhance our technology and take Sara Lister. Manager Andy Dowell. Radio Warneford to the next levelto It’s All Over Now! Presenter Clare Councillor Ann Mellor, Town Mayor of reach our goal of being able to offer our Freeman prepares to bring the Marathon Warwick, presents a 35th anniversary hospital radio service 24 hours a day, Broadcast to a close. mug to a lucky patient at Warwick every day of the year.’ Just some of Radio Warneford’s Hospital.
ON AIR
Glad Greetings from Glamorgan
St. David’s Day wanted the station to be involved in the biggest day of my life so far – my DJ Bride wedding day! I’ve been on the fundraising committee for six years too, so I wanted to make sure that Radio Glamorgan benefited financially from the money we would spend on a wedding disco. The radio station relies totally on donations to operate, and the help of volunteers, so I’m really proud to be able to support the station in this way.’ Zoé said. Zoé added, ‘The best thing was knowing that the entertainment at my wedding was going to be handled by someone I know and could really trust to make it special. And it was great being able to interfere and have a go myself!’ The St. David’s Day ceremony was also made extra special for groom Tom, whose mother, Reverend Helen Simon Davies, Chief Executive of the O'Shea, conducted the happy couple’s Teenage Cancer Trust, told listeners: wedding service. ‘We’re really excited about this – it’s not like a hospital, it’s much closer to First Live Outside home. It’s very vibrant, very colourful and it’s got some amazing features that Broadcast by teenagers are going to really enjoy; but Glamorgan it’s still going to do the business in Hospital Radio Glamorgan passed a treating people with cancer and making new milestone in its broadcasting sure they get well.’ history earlier this year with the station’s Davies added that, as far as he is first ever live outside transmission from aware, this is the first time any hospital the newly built Teenage Cancer Trust radio station has done a live broadcast ward in University Hospital Wales, from the opening of a TCT Ward and Cardiff. congratulated Radio Glamorgan. Radio Glamorgan member Jamie Andrew Jones, Radio Glamorgan’s Pritchard who presented the show programme controller said, ’We hope between 3-6pm on Friday 23rd this will be the first of many links January said, ‘Previously, when Radio between the radio station and patients Congratulations are in order for Glamorgan wanted to cover an outside in the Skypad.’ dedicated Radio Glamorgan volunteer event, we had to go around with a Radio Glamorgan’s Chairwoman, and presenter Zoé Clifford, who microphone and a recorder and then Clare Sinclair said, ‘Following the married her fiancé Tom O’Shea in a broadcast the output later but, thanks to success of this outside broadcast, Radio service at St Michael’s Church, the kindness of a local Cardiff-based Glamorgan is hoping to raise funds to Cwmavon on St. David’s Day. radio station who loaned us their purchase its own state-of-the-art outside Zoé’s day was made even more equipment, I was able to link up with broadcast equipment as it can be used special by the presence of Radio another presenter who remained in the for ward visits, concerts and coverage Glamorgan, who broadcast to patients radio studio to patch through the live of other major Cardiff events.’ at the University Hospital of Wales in broadcast. And so, for the first time, The well-equipped Skypad has Cardiff, of which Zoé has been a patients throughout the hospital were adjustable digital lighting at each member for over ten years, since she able to share in the excitement as it bedside to match the patient’s mood; was 16 years old. happened.’ individual heating and air-conditioning The radio station has an outside The borrowed OB equipment controls; and web access where they broadcast unit, which it uses to perform enabled Jamie to link up with the can keep in touch with family and mobile discos at a range of different studio via an ISDN telephone line friends, or even download a film to types of functions across South Wales. which was then routed through the watch. Upstairs there is a socialising Radio Glamorgan presenter Gareth sound desk. area where the teenagers can play pool Rowlands provided the entertainment In between playing requests and or snooker, watch a big screen TV, at the wedding reception but as Zoé is dedications, Jamie was on-hand to listen to music, or go into a quiet ‘chill- an experienced DJ herself she had interview several of the people out’ room if they feel the need. Doors loads of creative input into the song instrumental in raising the £3.3m opened for viewing on 23rd January choices. In fact she couldn’t resist taking necessary to build the new specialist and it will be receiving its first patients to the decks at one point and going on ward, which is nick-named the ‘Skypad’ sometime in the March after a clinical mic herself! because it can only be reached via a lift deep clean. ‘Radio Glamorgan has been a and the ceilings are painted to look like The official opening will take place massive part of my life, so I really clouds. later in the year.
ON AIR
ITEMS FOR SALE What I’ve Learnt At London Chest Hospital Radio, we have the following items for sale. Anyone interested or wanting further information on these items please contact me and I will put you in contact with Matthew Hulbert the right person. We have not get a set price on any items listed Vice Chairman of Castle Mead Radio and will accept any reasonable offer from any other HR station or person. All items are in good condition and working until the day they come out of service. If the item you are looking for is It’s good to have broadcasting heroes, as long as we’re not listed below, feel free to get in touch and ask and I will pass realistic on your message to the people within our team that may be able to help source the item. We will have more items to follow soon Items 1 A large number of brushed stainless steel double socket panel with double pole 6 way selector switch (program selector) 9 way switch (volume control) low voltage 6v loud speaker with panel adaptor mediteq or donvox stethoscope headphones plastic pipe. Panel also has hock for storing headphones. Also we have a large quantity of parts for simpler units. Item 2 Wireless workshop – (Radica) MF transmitter system audio processor AP01 MF exciter MX01 846khz AM Power supply unit PS01 + 12 x Panel aerials=20 Andrew Stokes London Chest Hospital Radio The new station for the staff and patients of the London Chest Hospital. London Chest Hospital Radio is currently made up from ONE OF my broadcasting heroes is the .U.S. TV/radio members of the now closed stations at St Andrews Airwaves at host and producer, Ryan Seacrest. You may know him best, St Andrews Hospital Bow, London and Radio Moorfields at here in the U.K., for his hosting of top-rated TV show (in the Moorfields Eye Hospital London and is looking to start States, at least), American Idol ... seen here on ITV2. broadcasting to the London Chest Hospital from early 2009. But to think that that's where this bloke's career begins and ends would be to massively underestimate his talents and achievements. He spends most of his life on-air. Each morning he presents 'Live and On Air with Ryan Seacrest,' on KIIS FM in Los Angeles. He then produces and co- presents 'E! News' the daily entertainment news programme, which can be seen here on E! on Virgin TV. When 'Idol's' on-air, he then spends a couple of nights a week hosting that network show, live. He also has interests in restaurants, a fashion line, etc, etc. And he's still only 34! Why am I telling you all this? Well, because I believe that whilst it's important to have people that we look up to in various aspects of our lives, including our careers, it's equally important that we don't judge our success against that of others. If I was to judge my success against that of Mr Seacrest, I'd come out wanting. Not least because he's twice been voted one of People Magazine's Most Beautiful people. As you can tell from my picture, I may be many things but I certainly wouldn't win any Handsome Hunk contests! Being serious for a moment, though, I admire Seacrest for his many achievements and I follow his career trajectory with interest. But I'm happy being me, with all the flaws that consists of. I'm happy with my niche in local radio journalism and with my two shows a week on Castle Mead Radio. So many times I get asked 'wouldn't you like to be on Radio One?' The honest answer is that I'm happy as I am. I love being involved with truly local radio stations, serving local communities. I'll continue to take an interest in Mr Seacrest, along with other people I admire both inside and outside of the media but I'll also mark out my own path. Hulbert out.* * Sorry, I couldn't help myself, Ryan always ends his radio show with the phrase 'Seacrest Out.'
ON AIR
... Countrywide ... news from the stations ...
NHS Fraud anagram PIMENTOS which could invited guests. TV presenter Simon A NHS fraud expert has been giving only make one English word – try it Parkin helped former children's ward advice to patients at Medway Maritime yourself! patient Sophie Hyde and her sister Hospital, Gillingham. A total of £350 was raised for HHR. Rebecca cut the ribbon to declare the Steffan Wilkinson, a counter fraud Special mention to Cathie Hague, Fund new £30,000 facility open. They were specialist for South Coast Audit, visited raising Supremo, not forgetting all those announced by Stan Whitcher, Town the studios of Hospital Radio Medway who came along on the night. Cryer of Alton who has appeared on (HRM) to talk to listeners about fraud several HRB outside broadcasts within the NHS. Dancing the Night including the gold award winning The show was hosted by presenter Away for Hospital coverage of Yuletide in Alton 2006. and HRM studio manager Ian Sophie was a regular participant on Whitmill. Radio the station's children's ward show G He said, ‘Although by no means A charity dance at Pateley Bridge Floor Jukebox during her stays until she wide-spread, Steffan told us all about Memorial Hall in February raised just and her family moved away from the the service he offers and said although under £500 for Harrogate HR. Brian area last August. Phil Moon, Chief the majority of people who work and organises weekly tea dances but once a Executive of the HBA, presented the use the NHS are honest, there is a month he also runs a well attended station with its certificate for being minority who will seek to defraud the dance in aid of charity and £6000 was highly commended in the Station of the organisation of its valuable resources.’ raised for various charities last year. Year category at the National Hospital During the show, Steffan talked Thanks to Brian and to Jim for Radio Awards 2009 in Blackpool. The about the NHS dentist from North providing the music and the many event was broadcast live on air on a Yorkshire who created hundreds of helpers in the kitchen and hall. show that featured interviews with ghost patients and made more than Nicola Pollard many of those present and also featured 3,800 false claims for payment from the Harrogate Hospital Radio Sophie singing a song she wrote herself NHS. During his scam he appeared on especially for the day. Who Wants to be a Millionaire and As one chapter closes Neil Ogden won £64,000. another one opens Hospital Radio Basingstoke Steffan advised patients to be vigilant Radio Haslar have moved to brand during their stay in hospital. Radio Tyneside new studios based at Gosport He said: ‘I would rather people Community Association's, Bury House. Relaunches contacted me and my team in the first They began broadcasting from their Radio Tyneside recently moved into instance if they hear something on the new state of the art studios on Saturday new studios with better facilities than ward that they don't think is quite right. 14 March at midday, their 16th before. It now has three studios, one It could be a nurse talking about a anniversary. used mainly for production. Thanks to colleague who is off sick but also Their former studios, Radio House, the help of Northumbrian Water a new working at the same time elsewhere, or closed and ceased broadcasting at logo was introduced at the beginning of maybe another patient who is falsely midday on Saturday, 21 February with February along with new schedules claiming entitlement to free a show called 'Goodbye to All That'. and the start of On-Line broadcasting. prescriptions. This featured a host of former For further information log onto ‘The idea is to put a stop to fraud members, memories and VIP guests, as www.radiotyneside.co.uk before it starts costing NHS Medway well as a look back at some of their Dave Nicholson vital money which should go towards highlights of nearly 16 years of Radio Tyneside Network patient care.’ broadcasting to the Royal Hospital Patients can anonymously report their Haslar, which closes in July. Eighty Years Young suspicions to the national NHS Fraud This is the UK's last military hospital. Alan Thorpe joined Radio Wishing and Corruption Reporting Line on All acute services from this site will Well way back in 1992 and hosts the 0800 028 40 60 or contact Steffan transfer to the new super hospital at Monday evening teatime slot. direct on 07799 263 978 or email Queen Alexandra Hospital, in Cosham. In August, Alan celebrates a [email protected]. Radio Haslar now broadcasts to the momentous milestone, as he reaches Gosport War Memorial Hospital the age of 80. He has never changed providing a dedicated service, much the and has his own unique style. A Spicy Fundraiser same as it has done since the station He often talks about retirement from for HHR launched to the then Royal Naval Radio Wishing Well, to which we A big thank you to Derdre of Dee Hospital Haslar back on Sunday March reply ‘You're goin' nowhere’. Spice Ltd and The Groves Public 14th at 10am 1993. It will be a sad day when he does House in Knaresborough who hosted a Chris Pearce, Radio Haslar decide to call it a day. It will be quite a Sri Lankan Curry and Quiz Night in void in not only the station’s schedules aid of Harrogate Hospital Radio. but in our lives. In return for £6, punters were HR Basingstoke Alan once worked as a radio treated to an authentic Sri Lankan curry Opens New Studios operator at the 1948 Olympic Games in made with spices from Dee Spice plus a Hospital Radio Basingstoke's new London. free drink. This was followed by a studios at Basingstoke & North Richard Parkinson fiendish pub quiz which had many folk Hampshire Hospital have been Station Controller scratching their heads particularly the officially opened in front of over 50 Radio Wishing Well
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Tunbridge Wells June 6th and 13th. Sponsored by high unit directly replaces a Behringer Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Ultra Dyne processor, bought when the Receives Lottery Kent play Yorkshire in the County station was on a tight budget following Grant Championship from June 6-9th, the major move to new studios in 2003. followed by matches against Hampshire Station Director Iain Miles said, and Gloucestershire in the Friends ‘Although the Behringer unit functioned Provident Trophy on June 10th and well, providing limiting protection to our 13th. direct feed to Patientline on our main The station's cricket commentary site and network feeds to other team of Chris Woodward, Chris Reed hospitals, it would never really lift and Tim Godsalve will be at the quieter pieces of music (particularly matches, whilst Tim Addicott, Will classical music) and speech based items. Dunn and Chris Manser will be in the Several technical volunteers had studio updating listeners with news tweaked the Behringer over the years from other matches around the country but we could never get the results we and the 3rd Test between England and wanted.’ West Indies. With rack space at a premium, NHR The programmes will be heard by looked for a 1U solution, preferably patients in the hospitals served by the from a UK manufacturer. Following Chris Reed, Treasurer, Charlotte Evans, station and will also be available online advice from other stations, NHR Assistant Secretary and Station Manager via their website. Stations in Yorkshire, approached Graham Sloggett at and Programme Controller Chris Manser Hampshire and Gloucestershire are Audessence who provided technical Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells has welcome to listen in and update their information and software on CD for been awarded a £5,000 Lottery grant listeners of the scores via this, or take evaluation. that will allow it to improve the service extracts from the commentary. Visit But the main advantage hasn’t just it provides to local hospital patients. http://www.hrtw.org.uk/signpost.php?C been claiming back 1U of rack space! The grant, from the Awards For All RICKETWEEK for details. As Iain explained, ‘If you didn’t look at scheme, will be used to replace the Chris Manser, Hospital Radio our transmission rack, you wouldn’t outdated studio computer equipment Tunbridge Wells notice we have any processing in the and software that keeps the station transmission path at all. But compared running 24 hours a day. Pound to Work Day with how we sounded before, all of a It will also allow the station to add a sudden our output is brighter, quieter computerised music playout system to Volunteers at Grampian Hospital pieces of music and speech are lifted in the outside broadcast equipment it uses Radio and its children’s station ‘Radio a very subtle way. Jingles and trailers for fundraising events throughout the Rainbow’ urged work places across the recorded in our studios at full level year. Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells North East to take part in their Pound don’t come crashing in any more. became a 24-hour service in 2004 after to Work Day on 3rd April 2009. ‘However, the music still sounds the it won a Lottery grant to buy Grampian Hospital Radio hopes raise way it was intended to sound when it technology allowing it to broadcast in excess of £7,500 during 2009 to was originally recorded. It took us a around the clock. continue the modernisation of the while to raise the funds for the ALPS-1, Project manager Tony Finn, who broadcasting systems at the GHR but it was worth it’. oversaw the grant application, said, studios in Ashgrove House and the Audessence also supply a near- ‘Five years on, the equipment is getting installation of the computer server identical model, the ALPS-2, a little old and we did not want it to affect the system and the digitalisation programme more expensive but incorporates front quality of the service we provide to started last year at Radio Rainbow’s panel controls. patients. We are delighted that Awards studio in The Royal Aberdeen NHR opted for the ALPS-1 unit For All are helping us to upgrade the Children’s Hospital. which is entirely set up using software system and continue providing patients Grampian Hospital radio’s supplied by Audessence running on a with music, information and programme schedule includes a daily PC. entertainment at any time of the day or request show that receives and plays night. The grant also means we can Once the unit is set up – NHR opted more than 4,000 requests and for one of the preset control options – have the same facilities at our dedications every year. fundraising and publicity events as we the USB cable is removed and the have in the studios, which will enhance ALPS-1 is then tamper proof. the quality of the broadcasts." NHR on the level as If any station doesn’t have any new audio processor limiting protection at present, NHR is Cricket Week In installed selling its Behringer Ultra Dyne (in Tunbridge Wells Northumberland Hospital Radio has immaculate condition with original box, Kent County Cricket fans who are recently upgraded its main transmission packing etc and no nasty rack bolt rings) unable to get the Nevill Ground for the rack and took the opportunity to install – please contact [email protected]. Tunbridge Wells Cricket Week Festival a new audio level processor. won't have to miss the action as After much research and mindful of The Ultra Dyne is no longer made by Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells will be other demands on station funds, NHR Behringer and obtains strong second providing ball-by-ball commentary for opted for the ALPS-1 manufactured in hand values on the occasions units the three matches taking place between the UK by Audessence. This neat 1U appear on ebay.
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Mid Downs Radio AGM Presenters will be lining the course, country, enjoying a broadcasting career Mid-Downs Radio held its AGM on broadcasting live from London in a with local hospital radio spanning 25 26th March with a respectable turn-out special programme after being granted years. of members. The old Committee special permission and access from Eric volunteered for hospital radio bowed out and the new voted in. All London Marathon organisers. All when he retired, preferring to do the seats were taken illustrating again money raised by Paul will go to the ‘something for charity’ rather than the momentum of MDR. Awards were station and anyone interested in putting up his feet. He felt it was given and votes of appreciation for all sponsoring Paul can contact him, via important to give a bit of time to a the hard work put in by everyone. the station, on 01724 387777. worthwhile cause and, having been Please visit our facebook site to join in Sean Dunderdale associated with music all his life, he the discussion started at the AGM offered his services to Tarka Radio. He regarding Presenters attending RSLs! Obituaries would play big band and jazz, genres Volunteers at Tarka Hospital Radio with which he was most familiar. Grant for MDR are mourning the death of two of its He met a lot of musicians from that presenters. era while he toured music halls up and David Bowes died on February 18 at down the country before and after the the age of 69 and Eric Godfrey Balchin Second World War. died on March 4 at the age of 90. Eric hailed from the Leeds area but Acting chairman of Tarka Radio lived in North Devon for 30 years, Richard Wright said, ‘Eric and David coming here during the war when he will be greatly missed by all of the served with the Royal Engineers. members and patients who have Following the Dunkirk landings, he listened to them in the past.’ returned to Britain and was stationed in David Bowes was born on April 22 Ilfracombe at the old Cliff Hydro for in 1939 in Aldbourne in Wiltshire. He two months. From there he was attended Marlborough Grammar shipped out to Burma with the 14th School and was a very keen scientist, Army and remained there until October Sarah Melhuish receives a cheque from 1945. Ken Thomas at the presentation ceremony particularly interested in chemistry. This led to him working for many years at Prior to the war he had been part of Harwell Atomic Research and a theatrical act called the Godfrey Mid Downs Hospital Radio has been Brothers along with his brother, Fred, given a grant of £1500 by Sussex 4 Development Establishment in Oxfordshire, which was part of the and cousin, Harry and they got back Sussex. Presentation of the award took together again after peace was take place in Chichester on 23rd department of Trade and Industry. During a slowdown in the industry in declared. February. When he was 28 Eric married Sarah Melhuish, Secretary of Mid the seventies, David changed jobs and worked as a computer consultant and Kathleen. Although she did not Downs Radio in accepting the award accompany him on tour she would join from Ken Thomas, Grand Master for lecturer in London.He then worked as a freelance computer consultant, him if he did a summer season at a Sussex said, ‘On behalf of all the fixed location. patients, visitors and staff at the Princess travelling all over the world. In 1979 David met Carol through During his career he met and worked Royal Hospital and all the people who with many leading performers of the work on the station can I thank Sussex friends and they married in March 1992. For many years they lived in day – the Ted Heath Orchestra, Charlie 4 Sussex for their generosity’. Sarah Chester Gang, Wilfred Pickles, Violet confirmed that the money will used to Highworth, near Swindon in Wiltshire, with Carol's daughter Lisa. Carson, Joe Loss and a young Julie extend the radio service to more areas Andrews. of the hospital’. During this time, Carol and David worked at GWR, a local radio After 17 years on the road, the trio network, assisting at OBs. They then spilt up when Eric's brother died. His Marathon Broadcast Of moved to Weymouth in Dorset. In death also coincided with the arrival of A Different Kind 2001 Carol and David visited television which was virtually a death Scunthorpe Hospital Radio is no Berrynarbor Park and decided to obtain knell for music halls. Work was difficult stranger to presenting on air marathons a lodge as a second home, to enable to come by and Eric needed a more but now one volunteer is planning to them to escape Weymouth at the reliable income. So when Rentokil run one. Paul Coates, who is also a height of the tourist season. It soon advertised a vacancy in this area, he Clinical Governance Support Nurse at became apparent to them that jumped at the chance. Scunthorpe General Hospital, is Berrynarbor was a much more tranquil Eric and his wife settled in North competing in this year’s London location than Weymouth and they Devon where Kathleen devoted much Marathon, raising funds for the eventually became full time residents at of her time to charity work. In later charitable-run station. Berrynarbor. years she took over as warden of a Paul’s no stranger to running, having David became involved in the local sheltered housing scheme in Braunton completed the Great North Run for the community videoing local events such and after eight years there, they retired last five years and is hoping to complete as the annual Berrynarbor Show. He to Wrafton. Kathleen was also involved the gruelling 26 mile course in around also joined Tarka Radio at the North with Tarka Radio and was treasurer for four and a half hours. His efforts will Devon District Hospital and became about four years. also be relayed back to patients at Chairman. On the Friday before he Eric died suddenly at home on Scunthorpe General with a special died he did his show. March 4. He leaves behind programme being broadcast by the Widower Eric Godfrey Balchin was grandchildren Kathleen, Alison, Kevin radio station he’s raising funds for. one of the oldest radio presenters in the and Christopher.
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Mayor’s Donation with help from the Hospital League of Maidstone Road/New Street into Friends and Darlington’s Lions Club. Ashford and on to the ring road before Keeps Skerne On Air After a year of intensive fundraising the heading up Hythe Road to the hospital. THE Mayor of Darlington, station broadcast its first show from a People along the route watched and Councillor Ian Haszeldine, has helped temporary studio in the basement to the waved as the convoy snaked its way secure another year of broadcasting at a patients of Darlington Memorial past. local Hospital Radio station. Hospital on January 19, 1985. They were welcomed to the hospital The Mayor’s Charitable Fund has The station stayed in their so-called by a crowd of staff, patients and visitors donated £800 to Radio Skerne to help temporary studio for a further seven who had gathered by the main keep the station on-air for at least years, until talks with the hospital entrance. They were met by hospital another year. management found a new location on play specialist Jayne McCreadie and Volunteers at Radio Skerne invited the ground floor next to the Memorial’s her team who provided a much the Mayor to their studios to find out Entrance B. welcome cup of tea to the bikers, about their operation and to introduce At a cost of £20,000 the station before they took the Easter eggs, some of the requests. Councillor made the move to the current location chocolate and presents to the ward. Haszeldine was interviewed by Vice- and the new complex was opened by AHBS, the hospital radio station for Chairman, John Forbes. the then Mayor of Darlington, the William Harvey Hospital, Mr Forbes said that the small Councillor David Lynette and Bill Steel broadcast a special programme and had volunteer-based charities are really of Tyne Tees Television. presenters at Challock, live reports from struggling at the moment. ‘The In May 1998, the station opened a the rear convoy, as well as coverage at donation from the Mayor’s Charitable new studio – the ‘Ivy Nixon Studio.’ the hospital. Fund has come at just the right time for The studio is named after a prominent Brian and Eileen visited children on our organisation and we would like to and much respected member of Radio the ward, including four and half year extend our thanks to him for his Skerne – Ivy Nixon. old Sam Hopkirk who had broken his generosity. leg, to hand out Easter eggs. Toys and ‘The Fund has always supported our Kind Hearted Bikers games will be kept in the play room for charity over the years. A special note of children admitted to the ward to use thanks must be paid to the staff of the Run Celebrates 15 and some of the sweets are used to Mayor’s Charity Shop on Duke Street in Years at Ashford reward children who have been brave Darlington for their efforts to raise when having injections, bloods taken or money for good causes in the town.’ other procedures. Mayor Haszeldine appreciated the Brian and Eileen rounded ofF their opportunity to be shown around: ‘I visit to the hospital with a visit to the think the operation at Radio Skerne is AHBS studios for a chat with Sunday fantastic and they really do make the afternoon presenter Bob Davidson and best out of the space and equipment chose a couple of their favourite songs. they have.’ Mr Forbes added: ‘Darlington Hospital Radio is a small charity. Our ward visitors can be a vital point of contact for patients who may not get any visitors. The majority of our live shows are request-driven and our presenters provide a unique service that you can’t get from other local or national stations. 19th April saw the annual bikers ‘We provide a free service that can Easter Egg run to the Padua children’s be therapeutic for people of all ages ward at the William Harvey Hospital and from all backgrounds. Sadly, this in Ashford. actually goes against us when we try to Over 150 bikes and some 200 bikers apply for funding. Many grants are only from all over Kent and East Sussex available to specific organisations and joined Hothfield couple Brian and Patient Sam Hopkirk with mum Sally, the money is ring-fenced for specific Eileen Johns to come together to bring groups. cheer to young patients in hospital over Eileen and Brian Johns with some of the ‘Our studios could do with being the Easter holiday period. bikers, Padua Play Specialist Jayne refurbished and upgraded but our For the last 15 years Brian and Eileen McCreadie (yellow) and one of the police priority is to continue our service to the have organised the event which has officers who helped escort the convoy patients.’ grown from small beginnings to the Radio Skerne collect requests and 150-200 bikes which now take part. present shows for the patients at They also organise the Christmas Darlington Memorial Hospital. The present run each December. COPY DATE FOR charity has provided an entertainment Bikers meet from 1pm at the service since 1985 and now broadcasts Halfway House Pub at Challock before ISSUE 127 24-hours a day with live shows each leaving in convoy at 2pm, escorted by weeknight and on a Sunday. Kent Police. The route took them from 9TH JUNE 2009 Darlington Hospital Radio (Radio Challock to Charing on the A252, from Skerne) was founded in January 1984 Charing along the A20 to A292
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May Day Celebrations HRB AFCB OB Valley Park Radio Chairman Neil May 1st, 2009 was the fifth Birthday A string of meaningless letters? Not White, Secretary Dave Lockyer, of Apple AM and on 2nd May, we exactly ... it happens at least once every Treasurer Dave Wilkes and Station celebrated not only this occasion but season and it normally involves an Engineer Dave Lamb were invited to also the 40th birthday of Taunton awful lot of nail-biting and stress. the Dartford Civic Centre to receive the Hospital Radio. So, what exactly is an ‘HRB AFCB cheque from Mayor Ian Armitt, one of The Mayor and Mayoress of OB’? Well, ‘HRB’ is the station – his last official duties before standing Taunton Deane and Jeremy Browne Hospital Radio Bedside – which down at the end of his year of office. MP joined members plus many listeners broadcasts to five local hospitals in Cllr Armitt further surprised the for the celebration. Dorset: The Royal Bournemouth Valley Park Radio team by awarding the It was a very light hearted party, we Hospital, Poole Hospital, Poole station The Mayor’s Civic Award as a even had the Mayor sitting in the hot Maternity Unit, Wimborne Hospital thank you from the people of Dartford seat presenting. He was a natural and it and Christchurch Hospital. ‘AFCB’ is for all their voluntary work over the is hoped we might get him to do a the local football club – AFC years. Mayor Armitt said that ‘without regular show. Bournemouth, otherwise known as the work of Dartford’s volunteers, the Jeremy Browne MP, a regular at the The Cherries. They've been hitting the borough would grind to a halt.’ station, talked to Tony Soley and politics headlines after financial problems and Chairman Neil White said that were nearly kept out of the chat! Many managerial difficulties have left the club receiving the cheque on behalf of VPR regular listeners made complimentary mired at the bottom of League Two was an honour. Running a radio station comments regarding the very mixed and facing an uncertain future. As for is not a low cost operation and there programmes presented by Apple and ‘OB’ – well just stands for Outside are a number of projects we have plans thought it very good to be entertained Broadcast, which means that the sports for so the donation is very much and not just have back to back music. programme goes out and about; in this appreciated, being presented with the case broadcasting live from The Fitness Mayor’s Civic Award for our members First Centre at Dean Court. was a very nice surprise to top it all off. Civic Award for Paul The work of one of Chichester HR’s longest serving members has been publicly recognised at Chichester City Council’s annual Civic and Young Citizens' Award Ceremony, held at the Assembly Rooms. Paul Morris, BSc, MICM, MBA, MA His Worship the Mayor Councillor Tim Slattery and the Mayoress Mrs Gill Slattery being wel- (Ed Mgmt), was presented with an comed by Tony Soley Chairman engraved medal ‘For service to the City of Chichester’ by Cllr. David Siggs, the Mayor of Chichester after a citation So what about the game? AFC from former Mayor and long standing Bournemouth against Grimsby Town City Councillor, Rob Campling. with both sides needing a win or a Paul has been involved with draw. Neither side played for the draw Chichester Hospital Radio for over 21 and the match was thrilling to watch years, having served two terms as and commentate on, even more so Chairman. He has also lead several because the Cherries emerged community programmes including victorious with a 2-1 victory. These raising in excess of £1million towards HRB AFCB OBs are always great fun the building of Chestnut Tree House, to do and are just one more reason to the first purpose-built children’s hospice tune in to Hospital Radio Bedside – the in Sussex. Best Music (and sports) Choice! Paul has been a lifelong champion of Mark Venus, Hospital Radio Bedside the medium of radio, running evening Tony Soley interviews Jeremy Browne MP classes at Chichester College in radio Dartford Thanks production, presentation techniques and Valley Park Radio interviewing skills as well as heading up Darent Valley Hospital’s own radio the bid to bring a community radio station – Valley Park Radio – received service to Chichester and its the thanks of the Borough of Dartford surrounding villages in 2010. and also a boost to its funds in the With several years as a professional shape of £2,500. radio presenter including time with the Valley Park Radio was one of a BBC and Spirit Fm, Paul brings a selected few Dartford Charities who wealth of skills and experience to CHR had been nominated by outgoing and has contributed enormously to the Dartford Mayor, Councillor Ian Armitt well-earned reputation of CHR as an Presenter Tracey Smith keeping an eye on the to be recipients of a monetary award high quality professionally run volunteer Mayor during his first programme from the Mayor’s Charity fund. radio station.
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Invitation To used both the organisation’s full name Atlanta Visit Glasgow and a separate graphic which shared Buckingham Palace concept similarities with the original NAHBO ‘Percy’ emblem. The new logo will be progressively rolled out over the next year with stationery and web presence being the first objectives. HBS – Scottish Parliamentary Motion
Local girl band 'Atlanta' popped in to say hello. Fresh off their tour round the UK with Cascada the girls were still in top shape and went up did a mini concert for all of the children in the wards with some fantastic acoustic singing. Big thank you once again to the girls and we hope to see them again soon
Niall Anderson with Bill Butler, MSP As part of last year’s NHS 60th Radio Lollipop Anniversary celebrations in Scotland, In recognition of the work of Celebrates 30 Years Mags Higgins, one of the volunteers Glasgow’s Hospital Broadcasting with Glasgow’s Hospital Broadcasting Service, MSP Bill Butler lodged motion Service, was invited to represent the S3M-2842# with the Scottish organisation for the Royal visit by The Parliament. Bill, whose mother spent Queen and Prince Philip in July. At her last few months in Drumchapel this event she was officially introduced Hospital came along to the Service’s to Her Majesty twice and spoke at city centre studios to meet with HBS some length about the work of the Chairman, Niall Anderson and discuss radio service. the Member’s Motion. In November, Mags was invited to The Motion states, ‘That the meet The Queen again, this time at a Parliament recognises the work of the reception in Buckingham Palace, to Hospital Broadcasting Service (HBS), The very first Radio Lollipop honour NHS volunteers from around which broadcasts to a number of broadcast was mad on May 5th 1979 at the UK. hospitals in the NHS Greater Glasgow Queen Mary's Hospital in Carshalton, As Mags says, ‘The event took place and Clyde area; commends its Surrey. And thirty years later, Radio in five huge rooms and the main hall – commitment to providing a regular and Lollipop stations across the world all very plush with the most amazing varied selection of programmes to celebrate our birthday. There were chandeliers I've ever seen! It was quite patients; praises the recent revamp of balloons, music, badges and delicious an experience walking up to the Palace the service at Drumchapel Hospital cakes on hand for all the children in and through the gates.’ through the relaunch of the request hospital and our hard working programme; salutes the efforts and hard volunteers. Here's looking forward to New Logo work of HBS volunteers, who provide another excellent 30 years!! a vital link with and ongoing point of Stephen Quinn contact for patients through regular Radio Lollipop (Glasgow) hospital visits; further recognises that HBS provides high quality training and encouragement to its members as well Radio Rocks as the role that it has played in the On 22nd January Radio Bedrock’s Glasgow’s Hospital Broadcasting development of the careers of several studio was officially opened by HRH Service has just adopted a new logo, distinguished Scottish broadcasters, and the Duchess of Cornwall, who spoke to only the third logo to be used since the wishes HBS continued success in the members and visited the maternity unit. organisation was founded in 1970. years ahead. The Duchess unveiled a plaque The new version, developed from an As part of the Service’s 40th officially calling our station the idea by Technical Director, David anniversary celebrations, plans are Cornwall Suite. The visit was also Bannerman, sees a compromise underway to arrange a reception at the attended by the Mayor of Havering and between the original 1970 three letter Scottish Parliament in Holyrood for members were pleased to take part in design and the 1987 version which current and former volunteers. such a prestigious event.
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Whipps Cross radio. Steven Hardisty and Johnny Bance received 15 year certificates and Celebrates 40 years lastly, Les Eastham, recently For those early volunteers who commended at the Hospital Radio started it all off back in the summer of Awards for his specialist music show 69 (to quote Bryan Adams) from a tiny the ‘Sixties Scene’ has been with Radio green hut in the grounds of Whipps Fox for the past decade. Cross Hospital, when the only Radio Fox Station Director, Steve Hack alternative radio for patients to listen to paid tribute to Radio Fox’s long-serving was the BBC, it would probably have members and said: ‘The station is only been hard to imagine that the station ever as good as its volunteers and Radio would still be broadcasting some forty Tony Deakin and Pete Phillips of Choice Fox has been lucky enough, not only to years later. with Lucy Hodgson, Mayor of Worcester have a large number of committed But from small beginnings, in what by helping other people get elected members throughout its history but was actually a converted garden shed, before moving to Worcester and getting members who stay with us for years.’ To the station now has modern, herself into office, beating her opponent celebrate, listeners took part in a golden professional studios and was recently by just 13 votes! ticket giveaway. Tickets were hidden in awarded a grant of £5,000 from the Interviewed by station presenter Radio Fox’s magazines for listeners to National Lottery to fund equipment for Tony Deakin, the Mayor told listeners find, ring in and claim a prize. its regular football commentaries at how she is currently unique in being Radio Fox presenters interviewed Leyton Orient and West Ham. half of the only husband and wife team fellow hospital volunteers at a thank Over the past four decades, Whipps of councillors, with husband Stephen you event to mark the dedication of all Cross Hospital Radio has become a representing a neighbouring ward and those who give up their time to help the lively part of the hospital community, that she never thought she would finish Leicester NHS trust. Coverage of the played requests for thousands of up as Mayor when she first entered the OB was broadcast live back to the patients, interviewed many celebrities political arena. studio as part of a well-rounded and local personalities, recorded local She expressed her delight that her evenings entertainment. bands and won awards along the way. year included six Royal visits as well as The station has had several hundred meetings with many local volunteer Awards All Round volunteers helping to run the service, organisations. One thing she would not Josh Andrew, 16, of HR Plymouth, staying for anything from a few weeks be drawn on though was whether the won Volunteer of the Year at the to over thirty years. number of official dinners she has Hospital Radio Awards and has now To celebrate the landmark they are attended, particularly at Christmas, has been invited to attend Parliament in June holding a ‘40th Anniversary’ reunion on affected her figure, only to say that the to address MPs as part of a delegation Saturday, 27th June and would like to meals were delicious! about youth volunteering. The Volunteer invite ex-members to attend. Her eclectic musical selection varied of the Year award was given to Josh Station Manager Phil Hughes from choices such as Carmina Burana predominantly for his work entertaining commented, ‘We must be the longest (as an avid fan of the Worcester the children's wards in Plymouth's running hospital radio station in the Warriors), Elgar’s Nimrod and Carnival Derriford Hospital. He impressed the area and it’s amazing some of us are still of the Animals through to Elton John’s judges with his dedication for his age; he here from those early days. It would be Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, with this also received a Commended certificate wonderful to see old friends again’. decade represented by Duffy and in the best newcomer category. If you have been involved in Whipps Alesha Dixon, though she did confess to HR Plymouth also won the silver Cross Hospital Radio over the last forty still being a great fan of Abba! award for Station of the Year, narrowly years, or know someone who has, and beaten by Leicester's Radio Fox. The would like to join them as they ‘turn HR Fox turns 21! station also received the silver award in back the years’, please contact the the best speech category for Josie station on 0208 535 6997. Scobling's documentary 'Shirley's Story', in which she recounted the devastating Elgar and Elton for effects of a stroke suffered by her aunt. Mayor Lucy Derriford Hospital nurse Isobel King, As the Mayor of Worcester who volunteers for the station, also approaches the end of her year in picked up a highly commended office, she was a guest at Choice certificate for her entry into the best Hospital Radio recently to recount female presenter category. stories from the past months and select Station Manager Andrew Hill, said, songs to represent her own personal Leicester’s HR Fox celebrated their ‘This is a very successful start to our choice of music. 21st birthday in style in April when 40th anniversary year. To have our Telling patients how she started June Snowden helped honour the oldest member, Connal Cather, get the working life in catering – having failed station’s long serving members as part coveted John Whitney award last year her O-level at the first attempt – and of an evening of special programmes to and our youngest member, Josh, named spending ten years at the BBC’s Wood mark the milestone on 23rd April. Volunteer of the Year 2009 is a clear Norton, Lucy explained how it was the Pete Bracey and Rob Macardle reflection of the level of volunteer 1992 election which spurred her onto joined the station in being recognised commitment we have cross the getting involved in local politics, firstly for their 20 years service to hospital spectrum of ages.
ON AIR
Regional Reps details REGION REP ADDRESS PHONE E-MAIL
Regional Dave Lockyer 54 School Lane 0870 321 6005 [email protected] Manager Higham Rochester Kent ME3 7JF
Anglia Julie Cox 0870 765 9601 [email protected]
Home Donald McFarlane 0870 765 9602 [email protected]
London Ben Hart 0870 765 9603 [email protected]
Midlands David Tysoe 0870 765 9604 [email protected]
North Elliot Kennedy 0870 765 9605 [email protected]
Northern Davey Downes 0870 765 9606 [email protected] Ireland
North West David McGealy 0870 765 9607 [email protected]
Scotland Jim Simpson 0870 765 9608 [email protected]
South Neil Ogden 0870 765 9609 [email protected]
South East Dave Abrey 0870 765 9611 [email protected]
Wales & West Steve Allen 0870 765 9613 [email protected]
Yorkshire Iain Lee 0870 765 9614 [email protected]
Please address correspondence to the Regional Reps to: Hospital Broadcasting Association, PO Box 341, Messingham, Scunthorpe DN15 5EG 28 contacts 126:28 contacts 126 21/5/09 02:17 Page 1
Who to Contact on the Executive Committee
Chief Executive Phil Moon Deputy Chief Executive Iain Lee 82 Greenleaf Gardens, Polegate, Hospital Broadcasting Association, E Sussex BN26 6PH PO Box 341, Messingham, Tel: 0870 321 6000 Scunthorpe DN15 5EG Tel: 0870 321 6014 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Main contact with statutory bodies. Sub committee chairman. Ambassadors Special projects
Treasurer Julie Cox General Secretary Hospital Broadcasting Association, Nigel Dallard PO Box 341, Messingham, 54 St. Annes Close, Badger Farm, Scunthorpe DN15 5EG Winchester, Hampshire SO22 4LQ Tel: 0870 321 6004 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 Regional Manager Dave Lockyer Hospital Broadcasting Association, P.O. Box 76, Ely, CB6 3WH PO Box 341, Messingham, Tel: 0870 321 6009 Scunthorpe DN15 5EG e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0870 321 6005 Station visits, represent HBA e-mail: [email protected] publicly, print and present long Regional meetings, contacts, setting service certificates up a region etc.
Sales & Advertising Executive Programming Adviser Mike Skinner Paul Easton Hospital Broadcasting Association, Hospital Broadcasting Association, PO Box 341, Messingham, PO Box 341, Messingham, Scunthorpe DN15 5EG Scunthorpe DN15 5EG Tel: 0870 321 6026 Tel: 0870 321 6002 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] All Corporate sales for HBA Advice on programme content
Technical Adviser Editor Geoff Fairbairn Michelle Newstead Hospital Broadcasting Association, Hospital Broadcasting Association, PO Box 341, Messingham, PO Box 341, Messingham, Scunthorpe DN15 5EG Scunthorpe DN15 5EG Tel: 0870 321 6012 Tel: 0870 321 6011 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Technical matters On Air magazine
Acting Public Relations Manager Webmaster Mark Venus Sean Dunderdale Hospital Broadcasting Association, Hospital Broadcasting Association, PO Box 341, Messingham, PO Box 341, Messingham, Scunthorpe DN15 5EG Scunthorpe DN15 5EG Tel: 0870 321 6008 Tel: 0870 321 6018 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Press and public relations, Maintenance of HBA website charity profile
Conference Bookings Membership Enquiries Marie Harper Tel: 0870 321 6003 50 Neale Street, Sunderland e-mail: [email protected] Tyne & Wear SR6 9EZ General Enquiries Tel: 0870 321 6017 Tel: 0870 321 6019 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] IRC HBA Grants 126: IRC HBA Grants 126 21/5/09 01:28 Page 1 RC Sonifex 126: RC Sonifex 126 21/5/09 01:29 Page 1