MARCH/APRIL 2006 Issue 109

The Official Journal of the Hospital Broadcasting Association

in this issue ... Dear Reader, Welcome to the 2006 pre Conference issue; inside you will find details of the sponsors and biographies of many of Committee Report ...... 3 the judges – a veritable Radio Who’s Who – well done to Countrywide ... News from the Stations ...... 5 Dave on all his hard work for the Award ceremony ... and The National Hospital Radio Awards 2006 ...... 8 not forgetting Chris Cook either for his magnificent contribu- Meet the Judges ...... 9 tion. Publicity Matters ...... 12 May I offer my sincere congratulations to all those who Walford Comes to Stanmore ...... 13 have been short-listed for the Awards and good luck. If you are one of the winners, why not write a report on your expe- SBES 2005 ...... 14 rience of the Award ceremony – indeed, I will be delighted All Our Yesterdays ...... 15 to hear from any of you who attend Conference. A New Chapter for Devizes ...... 16 As always, I look forward to hearing from any station and June’s Travels ...... 16 what they have been up to – whether fundraising, request The HBA Conference Bursary ...... 17 collecting or outside broadcasts – it is always interesting to Bursary Application Form ...... 18 receive your report. Regional Rep Details ...... 19 Michelle Who To Contact ...... 20 DIARY DATES 31st March-2nd April 2006 Spring Conference, 1st April-9th April 2006 FRONT COVER PICTURE: Radio Brockley hosts a visit by Natalie Hospital Broadcasting Week Cassidy, currently in the middle of a major October 27th-29th 2006 storyline in the popular soap EastEnders Autumn Conference, Norwich Spring 2007 Spring Conference, Northampton

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 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 ©2006 of HBA and may not be reproduced in any form without the written authority of the Editor. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of HBA, or the Editor but are the personal opinion of the contributor. Whilst every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the publication, all advertisements and articles appear in good faith and HBA and the Editor accept no responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies.

Address for On-Air: The Editor, On Air, 2 Falkland Close, Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3DD Tel: 0870 321 6011 Fax: 0870 321 6019 Email: [email protected] COPY DATE NEXT ISSUE 16th April 2006

Committee Report

A bumper report this time, so I'll jump in Scotland to England, Wales and straight in… Northern Ireland. Advice obtained from Regions Citizens' Advice and Volunteering The Executive Committee formally England also appears to conflict! Before created Regions under the new Regional issuing any guidance, therefore, we are Bylaws at its January meeting. This seeking some legal advice of our own. allows Paul Sysum to now formally Charity Law appoint the existing Regional Reps to their The England and Wales Charity Bill is posts under the new rules and to fill still stuck waiting for the government to vacancies. To this end, I extend the find time for it to be debated in the committee's welcome to Bill Kilgour, Iain House of Commons, although rumour Lee and David Tysoe as our new has it that it will get its ‘second reading’ Scottish, Yorkshire and Midlands Regional by the end of March. We'll see! Reps respectively. A consultation draft of new Charity Paul will be consulting with the various legislation for Northern Ireland is now Regional Reps to arrange Regional AGMs also expected to see the light of day by in each region, spread across the year. by Nigel Dallard, Secretary the end of March. These meetings will now be more formal Scotland, meanwhile is proceeding than was previously the case, with apace with the introduction of its attendees needing formal written Radio, Radio, BRMB, Music Charities and Trustee Investment authorisation from the station to vote. I Choice Europe and UKRD before (Scotland) Act. As well as conducting a envisage these AGMs being very short deciding to ‘go it alone’ as a consultant on number of consultations on the necessary affairs (if we can conclude a national programming on licence application issues. secondary rules and regulations, they AGM in 16 minutes, I'm sure a Regional In his role as HBA Programme Adviser, have recently announced the AGM shouldn't last much longer!) Paul is available to advise members on all appointment of members of the board of followed by the usual informal meeting aspects of programming, from how to the new-style OSCR which was formally where everyone present can have their structure station output based on created on 24th February. At this time, say. The rest of the activities of Regions knowledge and research of their however, it is not in charge of the will also be able to continue in the same audience, through the importance of Scottish Charity Register, as it first needs informal way as before. patient-oriented programming and visiting to consult on the details of the Charity Treasurer wards to collect requests, to programme Test which charities must pass to be You will be aware that John Harper standards and training. entered into and remain on the Register. had indicated that he wished to stand Paul con be contacted on 0870 321 OSCR is expected to take over control of down as Treasurer at the earliest 6002 or [email protected] – but charity registrations from HM Revenue & opportunity. We asked for anyone please give him time to find his feet and Customs in late April. interested in the role to contact us. don’t all contact him at once! Review of Intellectual Unfortunately, we had a very poor Free access to music? Property Law response to our appeal to find his Now that PPL are charging hospital As I mentioned last time, Chancellor successor. As a consequence, John has radio stations to broadcast music in their Gordon Brown has asked Andrew agreed to stay in post until the AGM in repertoire, and to dub it onto a computer Gowers, former editor of the Financial October and will be assisted by Anglia playout system, it only seems fair that Times, to review the UK's intellectual Regional Rep, Julie Cox – thanks Julie. If stations should not have to pay twice by property laws with a view to you have experience of producing having to purchase to be able ‘modernising copyright and other forms of accruals accounts and/or the Charity to add it to their library. When HBA intellectual property so that they are Accounting SORP, please consider if you tackled PPL about this, they pointed us appropriate for the digital age’. could find the time to take on the role of towards the individual record labels. The review team has now issued its HBA Treasurer. Anyone with an Rather than write to the numerous labels, formal ‘call for evidence’, with a closing accounting qualification would be HBA wrote to the Executive Chairman date of 21st April. One of the questions especially welcome! of the British Phonographic Industry they ask is ‘are there other areas where Programme Adviser seeking his help. He has written back copyright exceptions should apply?’ It is In the Informal Meeting at the Autumn saying that this is really an issue HBA the Executive Committee's intent to 2004 conference, Chris Berezai should be taking up with PPL! submit an argument that hospital presented his idea for a position on the Fortunately, we're not quite going broadcasting should be exempt. I think Executive Committee to help and advise round in circles, as he also copied his we've got a reasonable case – but then members in their core activity – letter to PPL, and we understand that I'm biased! presenting interesting and relevant PPL are going to raise the issue at the Spring Conference and Awards programmes to their listeners. The HBA next of their regular meetings with the Congratulations and good luck from may move slowly but we do eventually record labels. More news as we get it! the Executive Committee to all those get there! Following-on from his well- Guidance regarding young persons who were short-listed in this year's received seminars on programming at the as volunteers National Hospital Radio Awards. For Autumn 2005 conference, I am pleased In the Informal Meeting at the Autumn those of you attending the conference to be able to welcome Paul Easton as Conference, the Executive Committee and awards ceremony in Blackpool, HBA's first Programme Adviser. was asked if it could provide guidance as please feel free to take the opportunity to Paul started his broadcasting career in to the legal position and best practice tackle myself or any of the other EC hospital radio at Radio Northwick Park in regarding involving young persons under members about any aspect of the HBA or the 1970s and was a member of the then- the age of 18 as volunteers. Subsequent hospital broadcasting; we may not have NAHBO Executive Committee between investigation by John Watson, Mike the answer to your question but in many 1973 and 1980. Professionally, he has Skinner and myself has shown that the cases we'll know someone who might be worked at LBC, Ocean Sound, Melody position appears to be subtlety different able to help.

ON AIR Page 3 March/April 2006 Hospital Radio Publications are firmly established as THE producers of Hospital Radio magazines financed from supportive advertising by local businesses in your area. We have over 30 years of publishing experience, the last 15 exclusively to hospital radio. We are members of our local hospital radio station so totally in tune with your requirements. We take great pride in the preparation of your magazine and can offer: w efficient in house facilities, for a quick turn round w advance payment if required w help with editorial if needed w we can introduce features, information, quizzes, competitions and interviews w two different sizes of magazine both in full colour throughout with substantial cover. There are absolutely no charges whatsoever to you – our whole package is carefully structured so everything is covered. Advertising rates charged are very competitive and in line with other companies. After all these years we still insist on the same care and attention to detail. So many hospital radio stations have been with us all the way ... here are just a few of them. Why don’t you join our band of satisfied customers and let us produce you a quality magazine. Phone during office hours on 01245 382229 or anytime on 01245 465246 or write to Hospital Radio Publications, The Studio, The Street, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 2EH or for more information look at our website on www.hrpuk.com We look forward to hearing from you! Countrywide ... News from the Stations

STAFFORD SCORE producers asked if they could film Mandy and her mum being shown the ropes at the station. The pair collected requests from staff and patients with volunteer Sarah Russell. The pair then went on air in the studio with Andy Bonner. Honey, We're Killing The Kids will be shown on BBC Three and repeated on BBC One later this year.

RSL FOR BARNSLEY MKHRS Chairman, Phil Yates, cuts the Barnsley Hospital Broadcasting will 21st birthday cake, watched by station be on air with a ten day RSL from 31st volunteers March until 9th April to coincide with station at Christmas in 1984. In those days Mike Harker (right) receives the cheque NHB week. Programmes will be live from Ken Hunt (left) at the HRS studios the station was on air just three evenings from 6am (7am weekends) to midnight a week – we broadcast 24 hours a Hospital Radio Stafford received a on 87.7fm. day through a range of live programmes cheque for £1,666 recently. The Darren Holmes and a computerised automated music and money came from the Football entertainment service. Association’s Community Fund and A STAR FOR THE DAY A basic studio, built as the initial was presented to Mike Harker, Station Grampian Hospital Radio is offering home of the station, had to be moved to Manager for HRS, by Ken Hunt, one lucky winner the opportunity to a new location in 1989 to facilitate the Commercial Manager for Stafford take to the mic and present their own expansion of the hospital. Since then, all Rangers. show! The chance to be a star for a the equipment has been replaced and Stafford Rangers received £5,000 day is only one in a long list of prizes replaced again, thanks to the generosity from the FA, to be donated to local kindly donated by local and national of those who respond to our fundraising charities, for entering into the first sponsors. Other top prizes include a efforts. We now have a state-of-the-art round proper of last season’s (04/05) DAB Radio, donated by the Stewart studio, featuring computer playout FA Cup. Milne Group, Silver jewellery from technology and satellite news and every Hospital Radio Stafford is manned Finnies The Jeweller and £100 of bed in the hospital receives the station entirely by volunteers, does not receive shopping vouchers. free of charge on their bedside automatic funding, every penny has to A range of delicious hampers from entertainment systems. be raised by ourselves to meet our Baxters, Walkers Shortbread and But putting technological advances annual running costs of £2,000. Mackies Ice cream are set to tempt aside, it is the enthusiasm of our The station started in 1972 and we lovers of good food and several local volunteers that remains the driving force broadcast to the patients in Stafford and distilleries have donated special edition behind the success of the radio – their Cannock Hospitals. whiskies. Music fans may prefer the willingness to roll up their sleeves and DVDs of Runrig or Daniel O’Donnell get stuck into all aspects of the radio KILLING THE KIDS while sports fans will be hoping to work has helped to build the station Wirral station Radio Clatterbridge, claim the AFC shirt or the chance to into a much appreciated part of hospital played its part in improving the well- attend a match at Ibrox, courtesy of daily life and we thank them all for their being of a local school girl in March. Rangers Football Club. ongoing help as we finally come of age! Mandy from Wallasey, is the subject Tickets cost 20p each and are of a new edition of the BBC TV available in books of five with all programme ‘Honey, We're Killing The proceeds going to Grampian HR and FOX’S MOST Kids’ where parents are shown how to their children’s service Radio Rainbow. REQUESTED SONGS improve their children's health prospects. The draw will be made on June 17 Following Radio Redhill’s recent The 14 year old is interested in a 2006 and to be in with a chance of article, I thought readers may be career in media, so the programme's winning, contact Grampian Hospital interested to see what the most Radio on Aberdeen (01224) 552964 or requested songs of 2005 were at Radio email [email protected]. Fox in Leicester. Tickets will be on sale at all GHR The station broadcasts to the events throughout the year. Leicester Royal Infirmary and the Glenfield Hospital and broadcasts a Request Chart of the Year every 21 YEARS YOUNG Christmas, compiled from our weekly For Milton Keynes Hospital Radio countdowns. Service, Christmas 2005 was an extra During 2005 nearly 6,000 requests special occasion, as it marked the 21st were played and as ever, the year end year of broadcasting for the station. countdown contained a mix of the Patients in Milton Keynes Hospital new, old favourites and the eclectic. were first treated to a broadcast from Traditionally, listeners at the Royal Mandy and Mum at Radio Clatterbridge their own dedicated local broadcasting have younger tastes while Glenfield

ON AIR Page 5 March/April 2006 Countrywide ... News from the Stations listeners go for the traditional favourites twenty years! There are also plans to 5pm on Saturday,y 18th March. like Frank Sinatra and Daniel refurbish our office and improve the Guests on the day will be O’Donnell. Two songs dominated the studio lighting. interviewed by Chris Reetham from Request Chart in 2005 – Tony All improvements are planned to be Ward Radio and will include Christie’s Amarillo which spent 15 portable so when we move to our new representatives from The Sleep Council consecutive weeks at number one and studios following the rebuilding work at and Allergy UK. was asked for more than any other song the Royal, we can easily set up the new Ealing Gazette’s reporter Lucy since 1999. As soon as Amarillo had complex without starting from scratch. Proctor will be in her pyjamas on the finished its epic run at the top, James Depending on space restrictions, we are bed, interviewing Teresa Stella-Sawicka Blunt took over for 13 weeks with also looking to fund raise for a third from BackCare who will be giving You’re Beautiful and then replaced studio in our new complex, which will advice to shoppers about how to look himself at number one with High. allow more extensive split broadcasting after your back. Coldplay, the Kaiser Chiefs and to both our hospitals. The roadshow will include music On the subject of split broadcasts, Oasis were amongst the current and chat as well as ‘bed facts’, health our Saturday Sport show achieved a favourite acts asked for in numbers bulletins and information about Ward while Leicester’s own Engelbert small ‘first’ a few weeks back when Radio at the Ealing Hospital. Humperdinck was much in demand Leicester City and the Leicester Tigers The hospital radio team will be easy from listeners! were both at home, on the same day Surprisingly, Angels wasn’t amongst and kicking off at the same time! to spot as they will be in their bed wear the top ten most requested songs for the Listeners at the Glenfield received full during the event. They will be handing first time since 1998. match commentary on City’s FA Cup out all sorts of goodies to shoppers and Here’s our year end top twenty:- game with Southampton while Royal will be holding special competitions 1 Is This The Way To Amarillo listeners received commentary on the through the broadcast where people Tony Christie Tigers, with listeners in the dayrooms will be able to win health, lifestyle and 2 Release Me also being able to hear the football. beauty products. The Sleep Council Engelbert Humperdinck Despite a few problems with the will also be handing out “Choosing the 3 You're Beautiful by James Blunt phone line from Leicester City, the split right bed” packs. 4 My Way by Frank Sinatra broadcast experiment was a success Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre 5 Lonely by Akon although as City lost 1-0, we might manager Elizabeth Bell said, ‘This is 6 Tripping by Robbie Williams have been better just concentrating on going to be a unique event and we’re 7 Last Waltz the rugby! It certainly kept the sports hoping shoppers will enjoy the Engelbert Humperdinck team on their toes! informative show. We’ll have music, 8 Ghetto Gospel Radio Fox Celebrates giveaways and handouts as well as 2pac and Elton John We will be celebrating our advice from the experts about getting a 9 Fix You by Coldplay eighteenth birthday in April and it will good night’s sleep!’ 10 Speed Of Sound by Coldplay be a year since we first began 24 hour 11 Angels by Robbie Williams broadcasting. To celebrate, we have a LOVE ROCKS 12 Push The Button by Sugababes day of special programmes planned 13 Nine Million Bicycles with all day requests and lots of Katie Melua competitions for patients and staff. 14 All About You by Mcfly Members are already contacting local 15 Closest Thing To Crazy companies for donations; so far Katie Melua Leicester City FC have kindly donated 16 Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen a tour of their stadium, the Tigers 17 High by James Blunt Rugby Club have donated tickets and 18 Bad Day by Daniel Powter the Leicester Space Centre have 19 Strangers In The Night donated a family ticket. June Snowden Frank Sinatra will be our very special guest on the 20 I Want To Break Free by Queen day and our aim will be to have lots of fun and get our listeners involved as Fox launches new much as possible. I am about to produce the UK’s first fund raising programme radio show for terminally ill children. It Now that our computer play out SNUGGLE UP AT will be recorded in a local radio station, system is up and running, Radio Fox is Time FM, based in Romford. The launching a new £10,000 fundraising EALING BROADWAY children will have a chance to play their drive to transform our studio complex. SHOPPING CENTRE favourite music, share stories from their Top of the shopping list is a new split You could be forgiven for thinking lives and play their favourite games on mixer for our main studio which will that people have gone bananas in the show. Once the show has been replace the current Alice desk that has recorded it will be burnt onto a CD, been reliably in use since 1997. pyjamas at Ealing Broadway Shopping which will be sent to the families of the Also on our list are a new reporter Centre. The Centre is holding a special unit, an editing computer for the office event to mark National Bed Month and children. The idea is to create a and a complete overhaul of the record the Ealing Hospital Radio team has memory that will live beyond the child’s library to increase storage space for been invited to stage a roadshow, live life so that they can be remembered by CDs and replace the vinyl racking from a bed, inside the shopping centre their families for all time. which is showing its age after almost in the town square between 12pm and I am a freelance radio producer and I

ON AIR Page 6 March/April 2006 Countrywide ... News from the Stations have been presenting my own radio ‘Lottie has made an invaluable show on a hospital radio station in contribution to Radio Redhill and to RICHARD SHAW Harlow for over a year. I am passionate patients on the wards. On behalf of the about broadcasting but also passionate staff and management, I would like to about making a difference to people’s thank her for her commitment and lives and at the end of 2003 I started dedication to the role.’ the organisation of the Love Rocks On receiving her certificate and concert, which raised over £7,500 for badge Lottie said: ‘I am thrilled to be charity. It’s the passion around awarded the recognition badge. I can’t broadcasting and the drive to make a quite believe I have worked as a difference to people’s lives that I have volunteer for twenty years. It has been used to create this event. very rewarding.’ Also helping are: Natalie Gursoy who has great communication skills and NEW LIFE FOR excellent leadership who saw the Love WARWICK Rocks concert through to completion. She is leading the media side and will deal with any media communications. Sophie Sweatman, an experienced publisher, trained in communication I am very sad to let you know that who will be supporting the media team. Richard Shaw passed away The style of the show is light, warm peacefully at home on January 31st. hearted and fun. The children involved Richard joined Radio Redhill very will have a large input on what is soon after the first regular covered on the show, the basis of programmes began in 1975. He which will be formed by the presented programmes on Radio completion of a questionnaire. Redhill for over 30 years, receiving his 30 years long-service award from June Snowden, last April. THANKS A LOTTIE! He was the station’s longest- After 12 years of voluntary services to serving producer, Wednesday hospital Radio at Radio Wulfrun, evenings being his regular duty in Warwick has finally unplugged his recent years. headphones and moved on. He’s moving Everyone will remember Richard to Guernsey to marry Karen, a for his comprehensive knowledge of wonderful person who has visited us at classical music, which was his great the station on many occasions. Karen has love. His ‘Classic Hour’ programme assisted in finding records for the was broadcast every Monday request shows, as well as making a evening and once a month, he greatly lovely cup of tea. enjoyed presenting ‘Your Classical Over the last 12 years, Warwick has Requests’. worked hard for Radio Wulfrun, helping Throughout his time at Radio build two new studios and setting up the Redhill, he took a close interest in the OB unit and also making sure we have a station’s progress. He was Chairman programme schedule on the computer to from 1981 until 1984, after which he run when Radio Wulfrun is not stayed on the committee for a while broadcasting live. as Treasurer. During the last eight months, He always participated actively in A volunteer from Leigh was awarded Warwick has completed two 24 hour discussions at Annual General the prestigious Hospital Volunteer marathons, one in September 2004 to Meetings. Whilst he was quick to Recognition badge last week by Surrey mark Radio Wulfrun's 21st birthday point out any problems as he saw and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust for celebration and the second last July to them, he was also generous with his her contribution to improving the lives celebrate his final night at Radio praise to those he thought deserved it. of patients through radio. Wulfrun. Each marathon broadcast Richard was particularly delighted Lottie Ellis, 80, has been a volunteer involves 24 hours of non stop music with recently when Radio Redhill won for Radio Redhill at East Surrey a live presenter. We would like to thank ‘Station of the Year’ at the 2005 HBA Hospital for twenty years. On a weekly Warwick for all his hard work and time Awards and he thoroughly enjoyed basis she visits patients staying on the he has put into Radio Wulfrun and wish our 30th Birthday RSL last April on inpatient wards to collect music him and Karen all the best for the future. 87.7FM – when we were always requests for the Radio Redhill From the Chairman, Committee amused to receive his e-mails from presenters. and Radio Wulfrun members ‘Richard of Merstham’. Anthony Gordon-Wright, Medical 16TH APRIL 2006 We shall miss Richard for his Director, presented the recognition IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE loyalty, for his friendship and for his badge and certificate to Lottie at the NEXT ISSUE OF ON AIR humour. Radio Redhill studio last week. He said:

ON AIR Page 7 March/April 2006 Well it’s that time of the year again. Specialised Music The National Hospital Radio Awards Paul Bajoria, Producer, BBC Radio 4 are upon us and I am delighted to Jill Drew, Public Relations Manager, report that this year we have broken all PPL records on the number of entries. Andrew Friend, Head of Programme This year the Awards are supported Output, Tyne Tees TV by both the HBA and PSquared and Children’s Output our category sponsors are: Chris Jarvis, Presenter Cbeebies STATION OF THE YEAR Barney Harwood, Presenter CBBC BBC Radio 2 Sophie McDonnell, Presenter CBBC PRESENTER OF THE YEAR Sports Output MALE/FEMALE Mick Lowes, Sports Commentator, Smooth FM BBC Radio Newcastle SPECIAL EVENT Bill McGregor, Freelance Sports PPL Broadcaster SPEECH PACKAGE Charles Runcie, Head of Sport, BBC IRN English Regions CHILDREN’S OUTPUT Bob Shennan, Controller of BBC Radio CBBC Five Live SPECIALISED MUSIC Station Promotion/Trailer PPL Alex Hall, Presenter, BBC North SPORTS OUTPUT Barney Harwood, Presenter, CBBC BBC Five Live Alan Soady, Senior Broadcast STATION PROMO/TRAILER Journalist, BBC Radio Contact Centre Professional Newcomer of the Year BEST NEWCOMER Mel Booth, Station Director, Radio Wave, Blackpool Radio Wave, Blackpool JOHN WHITNEY AWARD Mike Parr, Presenter/Producer, BBC The Radio Newcastle Mark Warr, Newsreader Tyne Tees This year there were 253 entries TV /GMTV across all of the awards from 53 John Whitney Award stations, 12 that had never entered the John Bradford, Director, The Radio Awards before. Academy After the first round of judging, the John Whitney judges reported that the standard of I think it proves how high the entries this year far exceeded previous National Hospital Radio Awards are years and they had found it difficult to Paula Rogers, Promotions Producer held within the media across the come up with the final top ten in most BBC Radio 2 country, when you read that list of busy categories. But they did and the next Presenter of the Year – Male people, who are prepared to give us round of judging has taken place and Roy Bennett, Managing Director, their time, by judging the various on Saturday 1st April, a host of Smooth FM categories. celebrities will announce the winners at Mel Booth, Station Director, Radio It is hoped many of them will attend our awards ceremony. Wave, Blackpool the awards ceremony. The proceedings will be broadcast John Rosborough, Managing Director I hope this gives you a look behind live via the and we will also U105, Belfast the scenes as what has been going on broadcast the ceremony via the Hotbird Presenter of the Year – Female over the past three months as we reach satellite. Ally Ballingall, Managing Director, the big night and I look forward The show will start at 9.30pm (hotel Radio Tay, Dundee meeting up with you all then. catering staff permitting) and to help Roy Bennett, Managing Director, Dave Nicholson proceedings along we will, this year, Smooth FM Vice President/Awards Organiser have a commentator. Alex Hall, Presenter, BBC North This year we have 30 judges, an Special Event There will be exhibits from: increase on previous years and you will Tony Clark, Director of Licensing, PPL PSquared find profiles of them elsewhere in this Ian Harkness, Senior Broadcast Westcountry edition of On Air. Journalist, BBC Radio Kent Broadcast 2001 Judging this year: Jonathan Morrell, News and Station of the Year Programme Presenter, Tyne Tees TV Sonifex Ltd Alan Dedicoat, Head of Continuity Speech Package Radica Broadcast Systems BBC Radio 2 Neil Gardner, Radio Executive, Ofcom GBG Solutions Paul Easton, Radio Programming John Perkins, Managing Director, IRN MAKE SURE TO Consultant Ian White, Senior Broadcast Journalist, GIVE THEM A LOOK! Jodie Keane, Producer BBC Radio 2 BBC North, Leeds

ON AIR Page 8 March/April 2006 PAUL BAJORIA the news and voicing many trails and Paul started his career in hospital MEET THE JUDGES promotions as well as the lively banter radio whilst attending the Royal This year we have 30 judges with . Alan currently leads Grammar School in Newcastle upon helping decide the winners in a dozen or so announcers that keeps Tyne. He went on to take a degree in this years National Hospital the network on air, he is also the ‘voice English Literature at Oxford University of the balls’ on the National Lottery TV and the University of Toronto, where Radio Awards, ten of whom are programmes. A great supporter of he did some work for a local station. judging for the very first time. hospital radio. On returning to this country he Find out a little more joined BBC Radio Newcastle both about some of them ... JILL DREW presenting and producing. Jill was born in the north east of Since 1996 he has been a producer Local Broadcaster England and attended the University of on BBC Radio 4 based in Manchester Sony Radio Awards – Best Outside Humberside. Her first job was with and currently produces Round Britain Broadcast EMI Music Publishing; she joined PPL Quiz along with a range of other Host of Glasgow’s George Square in 2000 and is Public Relations features and documentaries. Hogmanay 1999 Celebrations when Manager where she handles the He has also recently written two 70,000 attended company’s media relations, event children’s books which have recently Interviews with Sir Cliff Richard and management, corporate been published. Doris Day communications and all general He still lives in the North East with information enquiries. In her spare time his partner Jacqui who is a TV JOHN BRADFORD she writes songs and records and producer and they have two children. John started his career in the film performs live with her band. industry but a passion for radio led him ARTHUR BALLINGALL to campaign for the introduction of ANDREW FRIEND fondly known as ‘ALLY BALLY’ local commercial radio. Andrew was born in Durham and Born in Buckhaven in 1952, Ally’s In 1974 he was founding Managing started his broadcasting life at Durham love of fine food and wines led him to Director of Radio Tees (now TFM). Hospitals Radio. During his time at believe his career lay in the catering Whilst there he employed the likes of college he worked for Pennine Radio in industry, so he trained as a chef and John Simons, John Myers and Paul Bradford and on . worked at the Invercarse Hotel in Robinson. In 1979 he moved to Mercia After he graduated, he became a BBC Dundee. During this time he was a Sound then four years later to Radio trainee in , travelling round the founder member of the Victoria Radio West in Bristol. country, learning the ropes. He worked Network, the hospital radio service in He was Chief Executive with the as a producer and presenter at BBC Kirkcaldy. GWR Group until leaving to found the Radio Newcastle then joined Tyne Tees A change of career to retailing took him media consulting practice of TV in 1990 as their York reporter. He to the west of Scotland to live and work accountants KPMG. has presented various programmes, for ten years, however he was fortunate John returned to radio in 1990 at including the nightly news programme, to be able to continue with his enthusiasm Jazz FM and became Director of the even a cookery show. for radio when he became a member and Radio Academy in 1994. Andrew is now responsible for the then chairman of Hairmyers Hospital output of all local programmes Radio in East Kilbride. TONY CLARK transmitted by ITV Tyne Tees. Ally returned to Fife in 1980, just as Tony has worked in the music Radio Tay was about to take to the business for over twenty years. He NEIL GARDNER airwaves. He was recruited by Radio started his career at CBS Records Neil was Station Manager of his Tay, initially to work in sales and present before moving onto A&M where he student radio, UKC Radio (University of a weekly programme. But within a few was Deputy Managing Director and Kent) for two years between 1994 and months, it was recognised that his talents then to Sony where he headed the 1996 during which time he organised lay behind the microphone and he was Strategic Marketing Division. He is two RSL broadcasts. After leaving given the task of heading up the much currently Director of Licensing for University, he joined the radio travel sought after Breakfast Show. Ally was PPL/VPL, the music industry news supplier Trafficlink (formerly fast becoming a household name in Tay organisation that collects and distributes Metro Networks) as a broadcaster and territory and it wasn’t long before he airplay and public performance royalties information editor, presenting bulletins was appointed Programme Controller, on behalf of over 3,500 record for a number of stations. He joined the then Programme Director and in 2000 companies and 40,000 performers. Radio Authority in 1998. Managing Director. For four years he worked in the Despite all the work involved with ALAN DEDICOAT Authority’s development department the post of MD, Ally still finds time to Alan was born in Hollywood, a assessing new applications for new present a weekly Saturday morning village in north Worcestershire and local radio licences. show on Tay AM plus the much educated at King Edward V1 Camp He then transferred to the accredited Sunday ‘Tay Talk-In’. He is Hill School and at Programming & Advertising also a member of the Association of University reading Law. After leaving Department. When OFCOM took Scottish Motoring Writers and presents university he worked for BBC Radios over the work of the Radio Authority, a weekly programme called Motoring Birmingham and Devon. Neil moved across to them and is now Matters. In 1987 he joined the Presentation a Radio Executive responsible for Career highlights include: Department of BBC Radio 2 in London. content and standards within Sony Radio Awards – Voted UK’s Top Since then he has been heard reading Independent Radio.

ON AIR Page 9 March/April 2006 IAN HARKNESS Club, running it for ten years. He has 1989, he was appointed Managing Ian was born in London but moved commentated on sport in the North Director, a post he still holds. to the north east as a child. At 16 he East for both radio and television and He has also spent some time in joined hospital radio in Newcastle, also for hospital radio in . North America where he studied news presenting feature type programmes. He also has written for sporting radio, which resulted in IRN switching After completing his education he magazines. Having been a judge for the to satellite distribution and the joined the Police force and moved back past two years in the sports award introduction of a computerised south and to join the Met but the draw category, he applauds the standards newsroom. of journalism was too strong and after show by the participants and says keep five years he decided to quit. He up the good work. PAULA ROGERS embarked on a journalism course at Paula started out at hospital radio in Darlington and on completion, gained JONATHAN MORRELL Wakefield and then moved onto AA employment with BBC Radio Kent Jonathan started his career at 17 at Roadwatch in Leeds and Cheadle. She where he has been for over 15 years. Hospital Radio Plymouth before joining then joined BBC Radio Cleveland He is now a Senior Broadcast BBC Radio Cornwall as a freelance where she worked as a trails producer Journalist. Married to Ros, Ian has two presenter. He moved to the north east and a weekend presenter. children and lives in Kent. in 1988 to study at University. Whilst She has, for the past seven years, there he did weekend work at BBC worked as the Promotions Producer for CHRIS JARVIS Radio Newcastle, Metro FM and Tyne BBC Radio 2 being responsible for their Chris is currently performing on Tees Television. After graduating, he on air promotions and is responsible for CBeebies, the BBC’s channel for 0-7s. trained as a journalist and has fronted the Children in Need radio event. In ‘Step Inside’ he brings tales to life the breakfast show for BBC Radio with impressions and funny voices. You Newcastle and news programmes for JOHN ROSBOROUGH can also hear him in CBeebies BBC Radio Cleveland. John recently celebrated thirty years animations: ‘Bear & Butterfly’ and He joined Tyne Tees TV in 1996 as in the radio industry, having joined various characters in the new cartoon a reporter/presenter on news and Downtown Radio in December 1975 ‘Underground Ernie’. Other TV credits factual programmes. He turned as a Sound Engineer prior to the station over the past 13 years include ‘Jungle freelance in September 2001 and going on air. He soon moved into Run’ and ‘Dream Street’ for ITV and worked for Yorkshire TV. He is now commercial and programme production ‘Maths Mansion’ for . back at Tyne Tees where he presents and then became Head of He’s mainly a BBC man and starred their nightly news programme. Programming, adding Cool FM to his in a variety of shows for CBBC responsibilities in 1990. including ‘’, ‘Wood Lane’, MIKE PARR In October 2000 he moved to Belfast ‘The Friday Zone’, ‘Short Change’, Mike currently hosts the Breakfast City Beat as Station Director and during ‘Look Sharp’, ‘Playdays’ and the ‘Broom Show on BBC Radio Newcastle. It's his time there, audiences rose to their Cupboard’. Around the country Chris been a good year for Mike with the highest ever levels, the quality of hosts family concerts mostly with the show winning the title of Best BBC interactive programming was London Philharmonic Orchestra. Local Radio Breakfast Show. He's also recognised through winning five Sony He got his lucky break with his own received a Sony nomination and has Awards and a Sony Silver and show on Radio Orwell at 18 then at just notched up record listening figures. Citybeat was named NTL Commercial LBC Radio in London. He’s also gained Mike started out at Radio Haven the Radio Station of the Year in 2003. invaluable experience at Butlin’s and hospital radio station for West In January 2004, John was made a various theatres and live events. Cumbria. Since then he's worked for Fellow of the Radio Academy and in He’s at his busiest around Christmas the BBC in London, Carlisle, May that year he joined UTV to lead when he directs, writes and stars in Northampton and Newcastle. He's also the company's application to Ofcom for pantomime, he has 14 professional worked on Century Radio in the North the new Belfast FM licence. stage pantos under his belt. Chris was East. Mike's your man if you're looking This was awarded to U105 last involved in amateur dramatics and for ‘info-tainment’... A mix of news, March and 36 weeks later the station pantos from an early age but his talk, entertainment & phone-in. went on the air, with John at the helm greatest influence and inspiration was He thinks your local hospital is the as Managing Director. his grandmother who was a dancer in best place to start out in radio. ‘You get some of the great London Palladium to do everything and it's great fun too!’ CHARLES RUNCIE pantomimes. Charles is Head of Sport for BBC JOHN PERKINS English Regions, co-ordinating the BILL MCGREGOR John started out working on various output of over 150 people in the sports Bill was born in Comrie, a small newspapers back in 1963 which he departments of England's 40 BBC local village in Central Scotland. He grew up continued doing until 1974 when he radio stations, 12 regional television in an area with a sporting passion, joined in Liverpool at its newsrooms and their associated text especially for football and golf. He was launch, as their political reporter. The and online services. He is responsible lucky to become a professional following year he moved to LBC again for the management of the many BBC footballer playing for Crystal Palace, as a political reporter and then went on local radio sports commentary Peterborough, Falkirk and St Johnstone, to be the presenter of their first rolling contracts, the coverage from major until a knee injury robbed him of his news programme. sporting events such as the career in his twenties. In 1973, after He joined IRN in 1978 as Home Commonwealth Games, Wimbledon obtaining his full FA Coaching Badge, Affairs Editor moving on to becoming and the World Snooker championship, he started Cramlington Junior Football Industrial Editor and then Editor and in and developing TV output on

ON AIR Page 10 March/April 2006 programmes and series like the Live in August 2000. employment started answering the Superleague Show. telephones for a late night phone-in on He also works for BBC Sport on a ALAN SOADY BBC Radio Newcastle. number of areas in which network and Alan’s career began whilst at This led to other work behind the regional sport work together to share Newcastle University. He joined scenes before being offered the early editorial content, resources and talent. hospital radio and was also editor of the breakfast show on the station. This Charles is a veteran of hospital radio, student newspaper, The Courier. After meant getting up at 3.00am, which he having been with the Royal Free getting his degree, he moved to says, ‘he enjoyed’. He must have as he Network in Hampstead from Sheffield where he gained a now works as the early morning news December 1976 to June 1980. Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast reader on both GMTV and Tyne Tees He started his full time broadcasting Journalism. During his time in Sheffield, TV. He says the advantage of working career at Radio Orwell in Suffolk and Alan freelanced at radio stations across on TV is that now he doesn’t have to after four years at BBC Scotland moved the north of England, including get up until 3.30am! to BBC Radio Sport in London in 1987. Liverpool's Radio City 96.7 and Galaxy Mark is single and lives just north of He held a number of positions there, 102 Manchester where he filled in for Newcastle. His interests are music and including being one of the launch two months as a breakfast journalist. gardening. editors for the new Radio 5 Live in After finishing his course he worked March 1994. After helping to set up the for almost a year as the breakfast IAN WHITE BBC Sport website in 2000 he started journalist back in the north east at From an early age Ian wanted to be his current job in June 2002. Galaxy 105-106. From there, Alan was a newsreader and got the chance when taken on as a Broadcast Journalist at he joined hospital radio in Newcastle BOB SHENNAN Real Radio Yorkshire in March 2002, when he was only 16 and still at Bob is Controller of BBC Radio Five when the station launched. In April school. After leaving school he worked Live, Sports Extra and BBC Asian 2003 he became a Senior Broadcast on a programme about the Network. He started his career as a Journalist and Morning Editor, fronting development of the bicycle which has journalist for Hereward Radio in the breakfast bulletins and the News At been screened around the world. He Peterborough. In 1997, Bob was Acting One programme. Last year he moved then worked for a subtitling company Head of BBC Sport, the newly created across to the BBC and is now working before getting work with the BBC in multimedia sports department at BBC Radio Kent. Norwich, both on radio and tv. combining radio, television and online Ian moved to the BBC Leeds in 1996 services. From 1998 to 2000, he MARK WARR to produce and read both the breakfast headed BBC Sport, responsible for the Mark started his career at hospital and evening news bulletins. He then production of sports services on BBC 1, radio in St Albans then moved up to the moved over to TV and is seen regularly BBC 2 and BBC News 24, Radios 1, 2, north east to train as a school teacher. reading the 10.25 bulletin on BBC 1 4 and Five Live, the World Service. Unfortunately due to illness he had to and regularly deputises on the nightly He was appointed Controller of Five abandon that idea and as a temporary Look North programme.

Radio Wave in Blackpool will The National Hospital Radio Awards ceremony will be broadcast live be presenting their Saturday via the Internet and on Hot Bird. Details are the same as last year: 13° East 12,597MHz Vertical Polarisation morning show (10.00am to Symbol Rate 27,500MSy/s FEC 3/4 Programme 'WRN Events 1.00pm) live from the Hotel The show hopefully will begin at 9.30pm and this year we will have Conference weekend. a commentator for continuity purposes, Tony Sloan.

CLEAR OUT YOUR JUNK AND BRING IT TO BLACKPOOL If you are attending the HBA Spring Conference in Blackpool, here is an opportunity to clear out your junk room as we will be running an auction of your surplus equipment on Sunday morning. What an opportunity to clear out your junk room (admit it – every station has one) and turn your sur- plus equipment into cash. Bring your junk to Blackpool and let the HBA Auctioneer, John Watson, sell it for you. The HBA will not be taking any commission, all the cash goes to your station. We are hoping to publish a gallery of equipment on offer on the HBA website. To be included in the gallery, please send brief details of anything you will be bringing and preferably a picture to [email protected] and we'll get it displayed. All entries are anonymous. We will not be publishing details of the seller. On the day you can set a reserve price if you wish but be prepared to take your junk home if the reserve is not met. Please note: once a bid is accepted it becomes the responsibility of the buyer and seller to arrange payment. So get your junk room sorted and get your details to me as soon as possible. John Harper, Treasurer

ON AIR Page 11 March/April 2006 Publicity Matters Extreme Dreams take place between the end of March mainstream celebrity interviews. Photos of and the middle of June. the celebs can also be provided to go with Would you like to get away from it We are looking for people that your press release. all? Are you looking for adventure? perhaps are really deserving to go on There is no cost to you for this CD, so Maybe it is time you did something for this lifetime experience – maybe just e-mail Managing Director Phil yourself? Ever dreamed of climbing a Crowshaw at [email protected] someone who has devoted time to mountain? Trekking in extreme and your CD will be sent to you. helping the community or someone locations? Perhaps you know someone Here is an Press Release you who has recovered from illness or a life that really deserves to go on a life- can use to send to the local media: challenge. If you could mention our changing adventure? Whatever it is we search on your hospital radio station, Top celebrities help local hospital patients want to hear from you! Please call on the road to recovery we would be really grateful as we are Charlotte Robinson or the Extreme XXXX hospital radio has partnered with trying to find the right people to send Dreams Team on 0870 490 9764 or web portal www.expertsonline.tv to provide on this adventure of a lifetime! email [email protected] to patients and visitors with a range of celebrity Our aim is to hear from the people find out more! interviews to entertain them during their direct or from people nominating Ricochet TV (makers of Supernanny, time in the hospital. someone they know. Previous Celebrity interviewees include such No Going Back, Selling Houses, Born experience isn't important at all. We names as Eamonn Holmes, Rosemary to be Different are making a new series want people for whom this would be a Conley, Max Clifford and Sam Allardyce. for BBC2 called Extreme Dreams with truly life changing experience. YYY from ZZZ hospital radio said ‘We presenter Ben Fogle. are always striving to bring our listeners the We are looking for people to go on ******** very best entertainment during their time a personal and physical journey to some spent in our hospital and these interviews of the earth’s most incredible locations. HBA offer reminder from Expertsonline.tv allow us to ensure We are sending groups of deserving Remember www.expertsonline.tv will that the listening experience remains at the people to the Peruvian jungle, the provide you with a CD containing a range highest quality. arctic, to climb mountains and the of audio interviews to be played on your Philip Crowshaw, Managing Director of hospital radio station. Interviewees include web portal Expertsonline.tv added ‘It is a desert. people like Eamonn Holmes, Max Clifford, key part of our values as a business to assist In the coming months we will be Sam Allardyce and Rosemary Conley. social causes. Hospital radio provides a vital following these groups of people as This is an ideal opportunity for you to get service to people who are in hospital and we they go on the trip of a lifetime. The local newspaper, radio and TV coverage are delighted to be able to help them out’. trips will last ten days to two weeks and and provide hospital listeners with access to Mike Skinner, Public Relations Manager

ON AIR Page 12 March/April 2006 Walford Comes to Stanmore

the state of my creased shirt!’ Natalie also recorded a message for Radio Brockley for on air use during the station's fortieth anniversary year (the stations celebrates forty years in October 2006) and signed pictures which will be auctioned during the event. Natalie's visit helped raise the profile of the hospital's radio station, Radio Brockley and her visit came in the week that viewers will see the 22 year old star in one of her most shocking story- lines, when her character leaves her husband for another woman. Daniel Gee further said, ‘We are so grateful that Natalie is supporting our charity, which is run entirely by volun- teers and is self-supportive. Radio Brockley is appealing for donations towards new studios; we have the members' commitment to continue to serve the patients in the new building (which is due to open in 2011) but the hospital cannot fund the studios, as clinical services, understandably, must take precedence in the project. Natalie reckons it’s a plum job at Radio However, a new studio facility could Brockley cost the charity as much as £50,000; funds which we simply don't have.’ Walford came to Stanmore recently A huge Arsenal fan, Natalie had a when EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy joke with Jonathan Shotts, who is a visited the Adolescent Unit at the Royal staunch Chelsea supporter! National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. Radio Brockley hosted the visit by RUBY CELEBRATIONS Natalie Cassidy, currently in the middle FOR RADIO BROCKLEY of a major storyline. Ms Cassidy visited As part of Radio Brockley's Ruby the children's ward during the station's Anniversary Celebrations, our forty flagship show, Bedside Bingo (which members are tasked with obtaining forty was presented live from the wards as messages from forty celebrities, for use an outside broadcast) and then returned on-air during our fortieth year and to the studios to present requests and actress answer questions, from the patients. Natalie Cassidy was one of those Trustee Daniel Gee, who inter- approached. Imagine our surprise viewed Ms Cassidy commented, when she suggested she's like to pop ‘Natalie said she's always wanted to down to Radio Brockley to meet the present on radio and we are proud she patients and join in with Bedside Bingo! chose London's longest running hospital Radio Brockley is proud to serve the station on which to do this. She really Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, a enjoyed her time on air, the patients on national centre of excellence. Patients the ward loved chatting to her and she come from all over the world to benefit even asked if she could visit us again. from a team of highly specialised con- We were amazed at how down to sultants and, during their stay, they earth she was and she wasn't phased often end up taking part in Radio by the questions we put to her, ranging Brockley’s legendary ‘Bedside Bingo’ from her current racy storyline to her programme, as well as enjoying their musical tastes and her recent cosmetic selection of music played in our nightly surgery! One patient even dared asking request shows’. who was a better kisser, her on screen Radio Brockley is looking for new husband or her girlfriend (she replied volunteers to help with ward visiting, that she preferred the former!) Pictured, from the top: Natalie and Daniel fund raising, producing/presenting Gee in the studio; A huge Arsenal; fan, However, she was caught off guard Natalie jokes with Jonathan Shotts, a shows and to get involved with our when I mentioned her appearance on Chelsea supporter; Trustees alan Joyce and anniversary celebrations. Celebrity Mastermind but she held her Keith Reeve with Natalie; Natalie with on For details on how to get involved, own and cheekily slated me for not screen husband James Alexandrou; Natalie see www.RadioBrockley.org or call the being able to iron properly, judging by with Menayami Lenia from Edgware studio on 020 8954 6591.

ON AIR Page 13 March/April 2006 SBES Builds on Success

2005 was the year of the thirtieth companies including Broadcast Bionics, Sound Broadcasting Equipment Show. HHB, Calrec, Beyer Dynamic and With the show now entering its fourth Radica Broadcast Systems Limited. By decade organisers, Point Promotions, far the largest exhibitor space are working on the 31st SBES, taking confirmed to date is for long-term SBES place this November. contributor, Preco Broadcast, who have Preparations to date include booked a bigger stand for 2006 in order confirmation that the 2006 show will to accommodate the very wide range once again include increased floor of products which the company space compared to the previous year handles across the UK market. and plans to expand the number of Of course, exhibitors are only one smaller stands for first time exhibitors, half of the equation when it comes to as well as increasing the number of M I Broadcast, had kit installed in the professional exhibitions. Just as outdoor exhibits. BBC OB vehicle which was one of the important are the individual visitors Of the various exhibitors who took external exhibits, as well as a stand who come along when the doors are part for the first time last year, most within the show. Robert Mackman of opened. SBES has always been good at expect to be back again for the 31st MI praised SBES for its ‘good on-site attracting a wide range of relevant SBES. Commenting on the success of organisation’. professionals, and in addition to this year's show, Terry Tew, of Terry As soon as the doors closed on the technical staff from both the BBC and Tew Sound and Light, explained that successful 2005 show, organiser Dave independent commercial radio, visitors SBES 2005 had been: ‘the first time McVittie announced that some 40% of include other audio professionals and they had exhibited anywhere’ and available exhibitor space had already some overseas engineers. Last year described it as being: ‘a very good been booked for 2006. ‘We always numbers were added to by the networking opportunity’. give existing exhibitors the exclusive first presence of various representatives Elsewhere, at West Country chance to book space for the next from the growing Broadcast, Nick Beer pronounced SBES up until the New Year’ Dave sector, many looking to buy equipment himself ‘very pleased’ with the event, explained, ‘but now other potential for their newly licensed stations, due on explaining that specific face-to-face exhibitors can make their space air over the next few months. With contacts ‘had made it all worthwhile’. reservations whilst a wide range of Ofcom planning to award many more He went on to describe SBES as a options remain available’. such licences over the coming months ‘great networking’ event and one which Amongst the numerous exhibitors the numbers at SBES 2006 certainly he ‘would be back for 2006’. that have already booked to be part of look set to increase once again this year. Meanwhile, Audio Emporium's Ian SBES in November are a wide variety The 31st Sound Broadcasting Oakland said that he had been: ‘very of well-known names, including: mixer Equipment Show takes place at the pleased’ with the event which had manufacturers Sonifex, Soundcraft Birmingham NEC Pavilion next year on allowed them to ‘meet lots of customers Studer and Chilton; computer play-out Wednesday and Thursday the 15th and achieve a good profile’, adding that and automation specialists, including and 16th November 2006. For more he was ‘glad that they had gone for a Barrcode, RCS UK and P Squared, information, visit the SBES web-site at: larger stand space’. along with a wide variety of other www.sbes.com/

Third Year of Special Jingles for Radio Week Devaweb and the Hospital Broadcasting Association has launched a special kit of jingles and voice-overs to celebrate Hospital Broadcasting Week. The special week of programmes runs from 31st March 2006, celebrating all that’s great about Hospital Radio across the UK and Devaweb have created a package of jingles and liners to promote the programmes, available free of charge to all hospital stations. Mike Skinner, Public Relations Manager of the Hospital Broadcasting Association said, ‘This is the third year that Devaweb have supported Hospital Broadcasting Week and the professional sound of their production work adds a real shine to the week of shows. We offer an essential radio service that no other station can provide and thanks to Devaweb our station sound is as good as the other stations on the radio dial.’ As well as the sung and spoken jingles, Devaweb’s kit includes endorsements from BBC Radio 2 presenters Terry Wogan, and Alex Lester, all of whom support the work of Hospital Radio in the UK. The full package of jingles can be downloaded free of charge from Devaweb’s website at www.devaweb.co.uk. Contact: Chris Stevens @ Devaweb – 0701 741 3382 or Mike Skinner at the HBA on 0870 321 6008.

ON AIR Page 14 March/April 2006 All Our Yesterdays

First off, humble apologies for being Dennis Rookard edition, I see that Denon were missing from the last issue. I’ve been promoting their range on mini disc telling the few who were interested looks back at past editions machines I still think Sony came up that it was all down to dreaded of On-Air with a fine recording medium with committee censorship over some their Mini Disc concept but you’d be cartoons I’d found showing them in hard put to find an example on the high compromising positions but truth to tell street today. Indeed, I’m wondering my ageing computer rolled over and when the time comes how to replace died. my trusty miniature unit. And was it Mind you. it’s not the first time some really 1996 when Denon announced of us have found our selves in hot the world’s first professional mini disc water. Normally it was at some location recorder. I don’t know if their conference. So step forward the DN-80R is still available but with its unnamed now senior ageing hospital cannon inputs and outputs, I’d still give radio broadcasters who were involved it house room. in the shifting of the piano up to a And just for you old timers, as some certain hotel room for a party at one fourteen years previously the conference. Or at another, moving a November 1986 edition featured an ad large potted plant and armchair into a for the following Spring’s AGM at lift, to help ease the strain of the Chichester. Bearing in mind the cost of journey. conference going these days, it’s Off course our younger delegates interesting to note that the location was today are far better behaved then their to be a holiday camp with an all in elders. They wouldn’t, as one stations charge of £44. A most enjoyable delegates did, overcome the problem of If you can remember back a few weekend if I remember correctly. booking a room, happily drink the night editions, I was moaning that by and And who remembers Roger away down in the bar. By eight AM the large ON AIR covers were so boring, Richard’s Record Library Management barman had just about had enough new studio openings, cheque programme, claiming to find any record Down came the shutters. Five minutes presentations and so on. Well gazing in your library within seconds. Among later, he realised that he’d left a vital though my dog eared pile of old On- its features was a special top twenty tool of his trade on the bar and lifted Air’s my eyes fell upon the very first screen, designed, said Roger in his the shutters again – only to be met by edition to be edited by our present advertising copy, ‘for the convenience the hopeful faces of another group editor, Michelle back in 2000. And of your members.’ I know many groups looking forward to a post breakfast what do we find, why a cover featuring made use of this programme and drink. some rather fetching dancing ladies, Roger’s back up service for a Finally, and this was at a holiday camp who had entrained the lads during the programme that was almost unique in on the south coast: the world record Liverpool Conference Hospital Radio those days before computer assist. attempt at how many delegates could you Awards. If I remember correctly, the Finally, who remembers the cram into a holiday chalet. Not that you’d vote on our table was that the evening infamous NAHBO toy bus offer for have been able to read about these was only ruined by the constant sale in this edition for £6. Must be a various shameful activities in our house procession of delegates collecting collectors item by now, I still have one rag of course. Well, we wouldn’t want cheques and things. Giving less time to and did I not see a fleet of the little to ruin the reputation of hospital the dancing ladies. vehicles brought out of retirement for a broadcasting personnel would we! Elsewhere in that October 2000 recent conference promotion.

ON AIR Page 15 March/April 2006 Devizes Begins a New Chapter

Devizes Hospital Radio in Wiltshire entered a new phase in its history on Saturday 4th February, when its new studios were officially opened at Northgate Gardens, Devizes. With the new premises comes a new name for the service – Devizes Hospital and Community Radio – DHCR. The station will continue its existing service to Devizes Hospital and residential schemes in the Devizes Community Pictured, from left to right: Cllr Peter Evans, Mayor of Devizes, Paula Winchcombe, Area, whilst looking to move forward to Chairman of DHCR, John Godfrey, Presenter for DHCR, Dave Nicholson, MBE, Vice- attract new audiences. President of the HBA and Sue Evans, Mayoress. Devizes Town Mayor, Cllr. Peter Evans officially opened the studio with the station for its forward thinking involved in achieving the move to the Dave Nicholson, MBE, Vice-President approach to Hospital Broadcasting and new studios and had special thanks for of the HBA. Cllr Evans said that this is said that its extended work into the Sarsen for providing the premises and a wonderful service that is much community was something for other for all their help and assistance. She appreciated and said he looked forward stations nationally should look to follow. added that fundraising now begins in to seeing it develop further into the DHCR Chairman, Paula earnest to enable the service to reach a community. Dave Nicholson praised Winchcombe, congratulated everyone wider audience. JUNE’S TRAVELS Soundings Media Support to be Suspended I’m afraid the report on my travels is From Rowland Myers, Managing Editor of Soundings. somewhat curtailed due to the repairing The audio support service run by the Soundings magazine is to be suspended at the wrist. It has meant driving proved a little difficult. end of March 2006 due to lack of funding. My last visit mentioned in issue 108 was We apologise for the inconvenience that this will cause but it is unavoidable. to Radio Fox, Leicester. Since then our last Funding ran out at the end of March 2005 and it has become impossible to sustain EC meeting took place in London, in the professionally-run service without income, although we have attempted to do just January. I also managed to attend two that for a year. regional Meetings – Basingstoke and Soundings (which has recently become a national registered charity) will Norwich. I was pleased to see how well continue to produce a free monthly audio magazine for visually-impaired people attended these both were and it was an excellent opportunity to once again see the living in the UK – still called ‘Soundings’. It will be supplied direct to any visually- studio at Basingstoke and the incredible impaired person who requests it – whether or not they are registered as blind or new hospital in Norwich. It was also a partially-sighted. good opportunity to get some feedback in To be put on the mailing list, all they need to do is to phone Soundings on the preparation for the Patientline meeting and local call rate number 08457 258 852 or e-mail [email protected]. in the case of Norwich, particularly appro- More details are also available on the Soundings web site at priate as the Autumn Conference will be in www.soundings.org. Norfolk for the first time in over 20 years. We would be extremely grateful if you would publicise this information to your The conference is now only a couple of weeks away and the numbers booked are listeners, as we are keen that all visually-impaired people are aware that the excellent so I look forward to meeting many Soundings magazine is still freely available to them. of you in Blackpool – I am sure we’re going Although, as from April, we will not be able to formally support `media´ to have a wonderful weekend. I hope organisations with audio and text material, we don’t want to hinder anyone using many of you are going to recognise Hospital Soundings material in any way that benefits their listeners. So, we will continue to make Broadcasting week. the audio (but only the audio) of the magazine available on our web site in two ways: I have still been producing the much • the whole magazine (55-60 mins in duration) deserved Long Service Certificates and look forward to receiving many more • the two sides of the cassette version audio (to fit on a c60 cassette) requests. This year alone, so far, 64 have These mp3 files, which won’t usually be posted up onto our web site until the first been produced. of the month, may be used in any way that you wish. I now some visits planned including The one web site address that you’ll need to access everything will be Guildford and Birmingham with others just www.soundings.org/media.With your approval, after the end of March, we would needing to be confirmed and I look forward like to keep the mailing data that we hold for you on record as we are in ongoing to them very much. discussions with the HBA – which has always been extremely supportive of For those able to attend conference – Soundings – in the hopes that we may be able to revive our media support service to have a good time. I look forward to getting out and seeing you in the future. some of you soon.

ON AIR Page 16 March/April 2006 you may photocopy this form

Regional Reps details REGION REP ADDRESS PHONE E-MAIL

Regional Paul Sysum 7 Queens Square 0870 321 6005 [email protected] Manager Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 3BL

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

Home 0870 765 9602 [email protected]

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

Midlands David Tysoe 0870 765 9604 [email protected]

North 0870 765 9605 [email protected]

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

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

Scotland Bill Kilgour 27 Carroll Crescent 0870 765 9608 [email protected] Richmond Grove Motherwell Lanarkshire ML1 5AT

South Neil Ogden 63 Franklin Avenue 0870 765 9609 [email protected] Tadley Hampshire RG26 4EZ

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

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

Yorkshire Iain Lee 0870 765 9614 [email protected] Who to Contact on the Executive Committee

Chief Executive Deputy Chief Executive John Watson, MBE Phil Moon 13 Trinafour, Perth, Perthshire PH1 2SS 82 Greenleaf Gardens, Polegate, E Tel: 0870 321 6000 Sussex BN26 6PH e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0870 321 6014 Main contact with statutory e-mail: [email protected] bodies. Ambassadors Sub committee chairman. Special projects

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

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

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

Administrator/Membership Regional Manager Paul Sysum Marie Harper 7 Queens Square, Chippenham, 50 Neale St, Fulwell, Sunderland, SR6 9EZ Tel: 0870 321 6017 Wiltshire SAN15 3BL e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0870 321 6005 Point of contact for outside bodies e-mail: [email protected] on all HBA matters. HBA EC diary. Regional meetings, contacts, Membership records, address changes setting up a region etc. and all subscriptions

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

Webmaster IT Co-ordinator P rogramme Adviser Mark Venus Paul Easton Tel: 0870 321 6018 Tel: 0870 765 9616 e-mail: e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]