On Air No 108 FC 25/1/06 10:21 am Page 1 On Air No 108 IFC 25/1/06 10:28 am Page 1 On Air No 108 p1 25/1/06 10:38 am Page 1
January/February 2006 Issue 108
The Official Journal of the Hospital Broadcasting Association
in this issue ... Dear Reader, Committee Report ...... 3 Happy New Year to you all and I wish you every success Top Honours for Winchester ...... 5 for your hospital radio station in 2006. It delights me to start the year on a positive note with con- June’s Travels ...... 7 gratulations. Firstly, to Ted Hanson of Radio Horton in June’s Travels ...... 6 Banbury. Ted was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s HWD’s New Studio ...... 7 Honours List. For a full report see page 7. MBE for Hospital Radio Presenter ...... 7 Secondly, to Nigel Dallard and all at Winchester Hospital Brockley’s Christmas Raffle ...... 8 Radio; they won a top national award and £5,000 in prize Radio Wey’s Review of 2005 ...... 9 money. Read all about it on page 5. Lion’s New Lease of Life ...... 10 Before Jimmy Savile visited the Big Brother household, he managed to find time to pop along to Stoke Mandeville Extreme Hospital Broadcasting Week ...... 11 Hospital Radio and present a long service award to Martin Countrywide ... News from the Stations ...... 12 Kinch. Congratulations to Martin, who has been with the sta- News Update ...... 16 tion since January 1979. You can find out all about it on page Hospital Broadcasting in Dundee ...... 18 6. Letters to the Editor ...... 19 On page 11 you can read about the extreme measures one Small but Beautiful ...... 20 member of a hospital radio station went to celebrate Hospital The HBA Conference Bursary ...... 21 Broadcasting Week 2005. I am not suggesting for one moment Bursary Application Form ...... 22 you need to go to these lengths but I certainly look forward to read how you are planning to celebrate Hospital Broadcasting Regional Rep Details ...... 23 Week 2006, which this year is between 1st and 9th April. Who To Contact ...... 24 Please also take some photographs of any events you run and please, please let me have a report and a copy of any photos. As ever, I am looking for more articles and features for On Air. Please see if you can find the time to write something and send it to me at the address below or email it to me at FRONT COVER PICTURE: Jimmy Savile at Stoke Mandeville Hospital Radio [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you. to present Martin Kinch with his long service award. See inside this issue for further story. Michelle On Air is the Official Journal of the HBA which is the trading name of the National Association of Hospital Broadcasting Organisations, a Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 2750147. A Registered Charity No. 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 February 2006 On Air No 108 p2 25/1/06 12:33 pm Page 1 On Air No 108 p3 25/1/06 1:50 pm Page 1
Committee Report
Welcome to 2006! I hope that you if they are interested in an ongoing had a good Christmas and New Year. liaison with HBA. I've got a relatively long report this time, I'm sure there are lessons that can be so I'd better cut to the chase, starting learnt from this episode and once things with a whole raft of thank yous on have calmed down a bit, I'm sure the behalf of the Trustees ... Executive Committee will try to work out what they are. Non-Trustee Committee Posts One of the first tasks the Executive SBES Committee has to do after the AGM is Thanks to all of you who came to to formally re-appoint those volunteers say ‘hello’ to us at SBES in Birmingham who take on non-Trustee roles. I'm sure in November. I was there on the it will not surprise you to hear that Wednesday, when it was relatively Marie Harper is staying on as Executive quiet but June tells me everyone was Administrator, Geoff Fairbairn is still the rushed off their feet on the Thursday. Technical Adviser and Michelle Thanks also to Jan and Andy Swain for Newstead remains Editor of this august helping to man the HBA stand. publication. Thanks to them all for their continued support. You may have been aware that Gary Charity Law King had indicated that he would be The England and Wales Charity Bill standing down as Sales and Advertising is currently stuck waiting for the Executive, following his resignation government to find time for it to be from HR Crawley. However, he was debated in the House of Commons. convinced that this was not a barrier to In the meantime the Charity him remaining in post and he has Commission is seeking suggestions as to therefore agreed to do so. Thanks how the ways in which charities are Gary. by Nigel Dallard, Secretary regulated can be simplified. This is part Terry Savage also wished to stand of a government-wide initiative led by down as Webmaster and I am pleased the ‘Better Regulation Executive’. to announce that Mark Venus, the If you have any suggestions, please in how it disburses the money the EC either submit them directly to the webmaster at HR Bedside in allocates to bursaries in the budget. Bournemouth, has been appointed as commission, or send them to me and I'll Previously, the rules allowed a single collate them and send them off as a Terry's successor. Hopefully by the time bursary to be paid to cover attendance you read this, the handover will have single submission. by one person at each conference. We In Scotland, with the Charities and occurred. Good luck to Mark and many have now removed this restriction to thanks for the hard work to Terry. Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act now allow the subcommittee the ability to enacted, they have gone consultation At the time of writing the wider IT pay part of the costs of more than one support arrangements for HBA have yet crazy in an effort to get all the person to attend conference if they so necessary secondary rules and to be finalised. We have a couple of desire. people who are interested and regulations in force in time for April, when they hope to bring large parts of hopefully we can find a role for them Patientline both. We're planning to get together the new Act into force. There are a Those of you who serve hospitals and talk things through in the New number of ongoing consultations from with Patientline systems will probably Year. both the Scottish Executive and OSCR, be aware that, in late November, they to which I hope to respond on behalf of suddenly started changing the channel HBA. Regions number on which you were Our new Regional Manager, Paul broadcasting. The story is long and Sysum, is busy sorting out the finer complicated and, at the time of writing Review of Intellectual details of a new regional structure and (mid December), the situation is very Property Law looking at moving a few regional confused. Some stations contacted their As part of his Pre-Budget Report boundaries, prior to presenting the NHS Trusts, who raised the issue package, Chancellor Gordon Brown Executive Committee with some formal through the Health Facilities Managers has asked Andrew Gowers, former proposals for adoption under the new Association (HEFMA) to the Editor of the Financial Times, to review Regional Byelaws. At the November Department of Health. As a result, at the UK's intellectual property laws with EC meeting, he was proudly showing least some stations are staying on a view to ‘modernising copyright and off a map onto which he was marking Channel 6 for the foreseeable future. other forms of intellectual property so the location of all members! Others appear to have changed not to that they are appropriate for the digital Channel 45, but to Channel 1. age’. Conference Bursary The Executive Committee are trying The scope of the review looks like it Another of the Committee's annual to ascertain what Patientline's plans are may be an opportunity for us to suggest tasks is to review all the Terms of and will keep members updated as that hospital broadcasting be exempt Reference of the various things develop. from copyright fees. I will continue to subcommittees. This year, we have I believe we're also going to be monitor what is happening with a view decided to tweak those of the Bursary approaching one of the people at to preparing a submission when the subcommittee to allow it more flexibility HEFMA / Department of Health to see review panel issues a call for evidence.
ON AIR
Top Honours for Winchester
Winchester Hospital Radio have just scooped a top national award and £5,000 in prize money. They were described by the judges as ‘... an obviously committed, driven and fun organisation.’ If you’re looking for fresh ideas for fundraising for your station in 2006 and you regularly make your hospital radio’s annual report and accounts available on your website, then it is well worth entering them next time round into the ‘Charities‚ Online Accounts Awards.’ Winchester Hospital Radio's latest Annual Reports and Accounts have been judged the best in the country! Now in its 21st year of providing a daily ward visiting and broadcasting service for patients at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, WHR has beaten off competition from charities across the UK to win top prize in the ‘Charities' Online Accounts Awards 2005’. The awards, sponsored by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), recognise excellence in financial reporting and encourage best practice in online financial accounts. All entries Pictured, from left to right, Graham Ward CBE, Chairman of the Judges, WHR Treasurer of annual reports and accounts are Nigel Dallard and Ian Morris, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England judged by a panel of the UK's leading and Wales financial experts against the criteria of availability, clarity, web friendliness and ‘The judges were impressed to find about what we do and how we spend accessibility. that this charity, with an annual our funds.’ WHR's Treasurer, Nigel Dallard turnover of only £8000, had a clearly If you usually put your charity’s was presented with a cheque for expressed, well-thought out five year annual report and accounts online £5000 at an awards ceremony held in plan. We very much liked the style of anyway, it’s got to be worth entering London on 2nd December for WHR the report too. Not only were the these awards – absolute minimal being judged to have the most effective charitable objectives stated up front but admin/time on your part – you simply online annual report and accounts in the report combined a review of the enter the awards via CAF’s website. the category for ‘Charities with an year's activities – all divided into OK, so chances of another HR winning annual income under £100,000’. sections by appropriate song titles. the top prize next year are debatable Presenting the award was Chairman ‘We were all left with the feeling but as we’ve all got to produce charity of the Judges, Graham Ward, CBE, that it would be a pleasure to give accounts anyway, may as well enter President of the International money to such an obviously committed, them into the awards. Nothing Federation of Accountants and a senior driven and fun organisation.’ ventured, nothing gained! partner in Pricewaterhouse Coopers On receiving the award on behalf of To view our winning annual report at LLP and Ian Morris, the President of WHR, Nigel Dallard, the charity's Winchester visit the ‘Latest News’ the Institute of Chartered Accountants Treasurer and the main driver behind section of our website at: in England and Wales. the preparation of WHR's Annual www.whr.org.uk Chairman of the judges, Graham Report and Accounts said, ‘WHR relies
ON AIR
June’s Travels BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU Firstly, may I wish you all a very happy New Year and thank you to the many stations who so kindly sent me Christmas cards – I very much appreciated them. Since the last On Air, it has been somewhat eventful – as some of you will know I broke my wrist in November which severely limited my visits as with the wrist in plaster I have not been able to drive and it severely restricted what I could do. May I offer my sincere apologies to any stations I have not been able to get to as a result, Sir Jimmy Savile recently paid a I did what I could. visit to the studios of Stoke Mandeville In early November, I was delighted Hospital Radio to present a long to be invited to Dundee who were service award to Martin Kinch. celebrating fifty years of hospital radio Martin, who has been with the station in their City and were given a Civic since January 1979 said he was Reception by the Lord Provost in the proud to be honoured by Sir Jimmy. City Hall. Travelling that far meant that Sir Jimmy told TV and press I could not travel home the same night, reporters that all the volunteers at the which enabled me to stay over and see station did a great job and added that a bit of the City and as well visit the hospital radio was very important for station. I had not been there since 2000 patients who can sometimes feel when I had popped in to see them on nervous and frightened while they are the way to Aberdeen conference. The in hospital. He added that his radio is station has certainly been very busy permanently tuned into the station since that time. I was very sad to learn at that time of when he is at the hospital and that it the sudden death of Peter Owen, who I is a really good station because of the had met many times when I visited mix of music that is played. Radio West Suffolk, Bury St Edmunds. He also told Martin that in all his I know he will be missed greatly by all years of broadcasting, he never who knew him and my sympathy goes actually played a record, he out to his wife, his son and daughter. concentrated on the links while SBES was held in Birmingham again someone else put the records on the and my thanks to Dave and Paula turntables. McVitie, the promoters, who as always It’s not the first time the two of Pictured, from the top: Celebrating 50 them have been in a studio together. have been so helpful to the HBA in years at Dundee; the HBA stand at SBES; supporting us – we had many visitors Back in the eighties, Jimmy invited both from members of stations and HR Bedside’s AGM Martin to spend the day at Radio 1 exhibitors alike. We have already without that help, so a thank you to with him and watch him present his booked the stand for 2006. them and for their hospitality. ‘Old Record Club’ . The HBA two monthly meeting was So now to 2006 and I was delighted Martin said, ‘It was a great day and also held that same week and some of I could manage to get to Leicester – that with just a few seconds notice, us enjoyed the delights of London that Radio Fox last Saturday and again it Jimmy told me I was doing the next evening as a pre Christmas get-together. was a most enjoyable day/evening spent few links. I didn’t have time to think Next day I attended the Regional on air and meeting members. This is a about it and I ended up co presenting Meeting for the South, held and hosted special year for the station who will be the show with him’. by Crawley and a very useful meeting celebrating their 18th birthday later in Another recent visitor to the studios that was. The speaker was the the year and I look forward to sharing was president of the national hospital Managing Director of HTS and he was that with them. broadcasting association June most informative and helpful. I hope you all have an exciting and Snowden, who also presented Martin Next evening I took my annual trip to successful year and look forward to with a certificate for 25 years service Bournemouth to attend the AGM of meeting many of you at Conference to Stoke Mandeville Hospital Radio. Radio Bedside and met many of their which is looming fast. I hope you have Martin told us , ‘It was a great night members. It was an opportunity to all got your entries completed for the which was attended by many founder present some well deserved Long HBA Awards too. and current members of the radio Service Certificates and learned about Please don’t forget to let me have station and The Mayor of Aylesbury the work and progress of the station in your Long Service Certificate details the past year. (Denise Summers, who was once a and I will arrange to produce them as member of the station). Also Then two days later came the soon as I can – almost 300 were broken wrist ... produced in 2005 and it is good to be Councillor Mrs Freda Roberts, MBE, The one visit I was able to manage able to recognise the work, dedication JP, who is the President of the station was to Rossendale and join them for and commitment everyone gives to attended as well. I’m very grateful to their Christmas dinner as well as visit hospital radio. everyone who attended on the night the studio. They kindly arranged to pick Thank you and I look forward to and especially June for taking the time me up at Burnley station and ensured I once again getting out and about to see and travelling all that way just to was safely put on a train next day. I you. present me with the certificate’ could not have managed the visit Best wishes, June
ON AIR
Premier Studio for HWD MBE FOR HOSPITAL RADIO PRESENTER
Sunday, January 1 was a very spe- cial day for Ted Hanson, 67, of Neithrop Avenue in Banbury. Ted, a founder member of Radio Horton, was awarded an MBE in the New Presenter Ian White in the studio (seated) with hospital matron Cath Briggs, Chief Executive Year's Honours List. of Premier Health Benefits; Tony Barlow, Chief Executive of the Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust; Ted, who stepped down as Station John Parkes and Mike Binns, Chairman of HWD Hospital Radio Administrator in April 2005 after 41 Local television presenter Ian White Wakefield and District Hospitals years at the top, is now a Vice- was the guest of honour recently, when Contributory Scheme, enabled the President at the station and continues HWD Hospital Radio began work to go ahead, giving HWD to broadcast live to the hospital twice broadcasting from a totally refurbished Hospital Radio possibly one of the best a week. studio complex at Dewsbury District appointed studios in the country. He co-founded Radio Horton in Hospital. Speaking during the opening 1964 with his friend, fellow journalist Mr White, who launched his career ceremony, Mike Binns, Chairman of Graham Wilton (also a Vice- on hospital radio, unveiled a HWD Hospital Radio said, ‘All President) and received his honour commemorative plaque during the electronic technology requires for services to hospital radio. official opening ceremony which took upgrading to move with the times and When Ted got the official letter place in November last year. this refurbishment will allow us to from the Queen marked ‘Her The newly revamped studio has provide a better service to patients and Majesty's Service’ he told the station been totally transformed, keeping it in staff who all enjoy a varied diet of he thought he was being called up to line with professional standards. The music and speech. join the army as years ago it meant desk has been rewired for enhanced ‘We couldn't have renewed the you were being called up for sound quality and cosmetic woodwork, studio without the tremendous support National Service! He also thought it housing much of the equipment which from Premier Health Benefits and I could be a wind-up by the team at has also been upgraded. would like to take this opportunity of Radio Horton. A generous donation of £2,500 from thanking them for their generous He said, ‘I couldn't believe it was Premier Health Benefits, part of the donation.’ genuine for the first few minutes, it's a real honour for the station.’ Have you got a story to tell? Ted has worked for the Banbury Guardian and past newspapers in the Then why not let us all know about it. We can all learn from town including the Banbury other’s experiences, so we would be delighted to hear yours – Advertiser and the Banbury Citizen. even the problems you may have encountered! He now works as Entertainments Make 2006 the year to see your Hospital Radio in print. Editor for the Four Shires magazine. You can email your story to me at onairhbauk.com and to put Ted has lived in Banbury all his life and said the presentation of the MBE the icing on the cake why not send a photograph as well. You would be a great honour. can also email them to the same address. Congratulations from us all Ted.
ON AIR
KENT STUDENT PICKS UP Records Smashed NATIONAL NEWS HONOUR A Kent student has won the accolade of UK's best student news broadcaster. London, meals at the Hilton and Twenty year old James Laidler from Ramada Hotels, the Apollonia and Gillingham beat stiff competition to Rainforest Café, tickets for ‘Blood collect the national student radio award Brothers’ and ‘The Woman In White’, for Best News & Talk. a pass for the London Dungeon and a James studied at Chatham Grammar £250 voucher for MFI, with further School for Boys and Rochester vouchers from Dixons, Carphone Independent College and was also a Warehouse, Pizza Hut, GAP, M&S, volunteer at Medway Hospital's radio Asda, McDonalds, the Harvester, Boots station for a number of years before and Woolworths! moving to study physics at the In all a whopping £2636 was raised University of Southampton where he for Radio Brockley, a registered charity spent a period as editor of the student which this year celebrates forty years of newspaper. broadcasting. Jubilant Trustee, Daniel But he soon returned to his first love, Gee commented, ‘This fund raiser radio, joining the University's student proved to be the toughest so far. We radio station, Surge, where he formed desperately wanted to beat last year’s the station’s first ever news department total and, thanks to the dedication put and became Head of News. in by our members and supporters, we The judging panel, which included just managed it! the BBC’s Director of News Helen ‘The RNOH was recently granted Boaden, were particularly impressed with his investigative journalism and planning permission for a complete on- attempts to engage young people in site rebuild and we very much want Records were smashed at London’s politics during the general election longest-running hospital radio station. Radio Brockley to continue for another campaign. But does James see himself But it was in a good cause as a massive forty years in the new facility, when it as the next Jeremy Paxman?: Grand Christmas Raffle fundraiser opens in 2010. The money raised will ‘I don't think so – Jeremy Paxman is pulled in over £2,600, beating all go towards the new studio fund, as the more scary than next door’s rottweiler! previous records – thus ensuring the hospital is unable to include us within As part of his prize, James gets a immediate future of Radio Brockley, their budget for the new building.’ placement at the BBC’s national news which provides the patients of the Radio Brockley is staffed entirely by and sport station Five Live. He also Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in volunteers and is proud to serve the wins a digital radio and a glass trophy. Stanmore with a personal radio service. Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, ‘Working at Surge has been an Eight members gave up their which is a national centre of absolute blast and I’m delighted to Christmas morning to bring festive excellence. Patients come from all over receive this award doing what I enjoy cheer to patients and staff by and the world to benefit from the highly the most,’ said James, who graduates in broadcasting a live programme from the specialised consultants but, during their July and plans to study for an MA in wards. During the show patients took stay, they often end up taking part in Multi-Media Journalism at part in a live quiz between the wards, Radio Brockley‚’ weekly Bedside Bingo Bournemouth University. with visitors and nursing staff then show, as well as having dedications The Student Radio Awards have helping to pull winning tickets in the played on the nightly request shows been running since 1996 and have live Grand Christmas Raffle draw. Radio Brockley is currently looking become a major showcase for radio The twenty-four prizes on offer for new members – our studio industry talent spotters looking for future included a trip in the ‘Flying Eye’ over telephone number is 0208 954 6591. stars of presentation and production.
ON AIR
Radio Wey Review of 2005 Distributor
Hospital Radio Wey received some of the Year local publicity in June with the visit of Chris Tarrant to our studios. It was Awards organised by the Hospital's Voluntary Services Manager as 2005 was Sonifex's Distributor of the Year designated 'Year of the Volunteer'. Awards were a repeat of last year He firstly visited the children's wards with Canford Audio being awarded collecting requests and then spent the best UK distributor award and about 45 minutes in our studio being Comcon Industries of New Delhi, interviewed. India receiving the export award. Two weeks later, we also managed To present the awards, Managing to have a quick interview with Eamonn Holmes when he visited the Hospital Director of Sonifex Ltd, Marcus to open the new reception area. Brooke, travelled to the two HRW launched a 'New Studio companies to hand them over Appeal' in 2004 to try and raise funds personally. for a new studio complex to replace Canford Audio is based in our present structure which is in need Washington, near Newcastle,and the of either major repair or total award was accepted by,Managing demolition. We are about a third of Director Chas Kennedy. Chas the way towards our target of commented, ‘We've had an £250,000 but received a setback with exceptionally long relationship with the news that our application to the Sonifex and I think this is the fourth National Lottery for funding had been time that we've received this award. rejected. We're delighted to still be number Although the realisation of our plans one in the UK for sales of Sonifex will take longer than anticipated, this will not deter us from our ultimate aim. products." In order to decide on new equipment In New Delhi, the export award and the layout of our new studios, was given to Rakesh Aggarwal, visits were made to some local hospital Managing Director of Comcon, and radio stations and I would like to thank his wife Usha. Mr Aggarwal Hospital Radios Southampton, commented, ‘We've sold over 520 Winchester, Redhill and Guildford for Courier portable recorders to AIR their advice and hospitality. and they are using them across India We held a very successful Quiz in varying climatic conditions. The Night in August and made £475 and, technical support that AIR have as this is our 40th year, a 'Fortieth received from us has been backed up Birthday Bash' dinner was arranged for by Sonifex all the way and we've Saturday 15 October at which 68 recently sent engineers over to the current and former members were UK for training. We've got a great present and the draw for our Grand Raffle was made. relationship with Sonifex and hope We were planning a 28 day RSL to that it continues". coincide with this event but that will Whilst in New Delhi, Brooke also now take place from Sunday 11 June attended the opening of the New until Saturday 8 July 2006. Broadcasting House of All India Our attendance at outside events Radio (AIR). Marcus Brooke said, continued apace. In August we were ‘Rakesh and his team deserve every present at the 'Cockrow Funday', the respect for their hard work. At the location, in Lyne, Chertsey, of a opening of the new AIR building it miniature sized railway. Besides was clear that he is held in high providing the public address for the regard by the engineers there’. event, two members went behind the The New Broadcasting House scenes, taped some interviews and was opened on 23rd August 2005 in took some photos of the line and its a ceremony attended by the operators. In November we rattled tins in Honourable Minister for Information Woking Town Centre and provided & Broadcasting and Culture, Shri S. the PA for the White Lodge Centre at Jaipal Reddy. two of their functions. Tower ‘B’ at Doordarshan Bhawan Already planned for 2006 is a Race TV studios were also opened on the Night in March. same day.
ON AIR
Lion’s New Lease of Life
This time last year, we at Radio Lion left our (Royal Surrey County Hospital, invaded Guildford) were seriously wondering if presenter we could remain broadcasting for much Jim, who longer, due to our 14 year old desk was trying increasingly giving up. Add to that other to carry on dated equipment showing faults, which with his weren’t repairable due to us not having show (but an engineer amongst the team, also no being an wiring diagrams to guide anyone, old pro internal or external and we had a coped admirably) and retired to another recipe for possible complete shutdown. room for celebratory drinks and nibbles. Michael easily could have chosen to disappear straight after the cutting ceremony but gave us about two hours of his time, chatting to various people in a relaxed and warm manner; it was an extremely happy and pleasant occasion to mark the end of a long period of uncertainty for Radio Lion. We shall forever be indebted to The League of Friends of the Guildford Hospitals for their generosity. New Hospital Radio for us to be off air whilst we managed Being aware of this scenario for to put out our programmes in a slightly Podcast Started some time, we had been fundraising for cobbled form from the production Hospital Radio Chelmsford replacement over a considerable period studio! Now we’re the proud owners member, Matt Wade, has started a but realised it would take forever, on and smooth operators (?!) of a Sonifex podcast designed especially for our own, to reach the required amount. S2 desk and TBUs which actually those involved in Hospital Radio. We had split the refurbishment work, broadening our scope for years It will feature News, Reviews, project into three phases – 1: to replace to come. Interviews and programming that the desk and some ancillary equipment To publicly show our immense can be used on your Hospital in our main broadcasting studio; 2: to gratitude to The League of Friends for Radio station. install a computer system for our music giving Radio Lion this new lease of life, If you don't know what a library and ultimately 24 hour we invited their Treasurer John podcast is, basically it is an mp3 broadcasting software (as we’ve always Pearson, who liaised between their file containing a radio programme. been on air only weekday evenings and committee and ours during the The benefit with podcasts being weekends) – this is becoming consultations, to an Official Opening on that you can subscribe to the feed increasingly necessary to compete with 25th June 2005. so when a new one is recorded it all the other stations which the patients Also present were Richard Lawley; is automatically downloaded by the then current President of the will have access to, when the hospital your computer. installs the Patient Power Initiative in the Guildford Lions, Jim Dey; former The best way of getting the next year or so; 3: to replace our also President, Andrew Henwood; our podcast is to use iTunes which is a ageing smaller production studio. former chairman and incoming Lions We therefore launched an Appeal President, Keith Hamblin (we’re just free download for PC or Mac in our local main paper, asking for about to untie our long standing computers and then search for 'On possible sponsorship or donations and affiliation to the Lions Club); Christine Air Podcast' from the itunes music were delighted to hear that The Beard, Head of Voluntary Services at store podcast section. League of Friends of the Guildford the RSCH; Mark Chivers, former Radio If anyone would like to be Hospitals would seriously consider Lion member and now holding a senior featured on the podcast or would supporting our cause. After several position at 96.4 The Eagle, a popular like more details about it, please months of consultation, they announced local radio station; ten Radio Lion get in touch with Matt via e-mail to they would fund the whole of Phase 1, Presenters and Michael Buerk, the [email protected] or call much to our astonishment, delight and broadcaster, journalist and local him on 0207 870 1287 and leave a gratitude! resident. message. The successfully tendered company, After John and Michael cut the There is also a website to check Radio Studio Services initially thought ribbon strung between the two mics, out at www.onairpodcast.co.uk two weeks would be necessary to and words of thanks were expressed by
ON AIR
Extreme Hospital Broadcasting Week
How did your station spend Hospital Broadcasting Week? I suspect many would have broadcast special shows, maybe an outside broadcast, a special event to raise public awareness and a good press opportunity. I shouldn’t think that many stations will have completely pulled their main broadcast studio to pieces and started from scratch. This is exactly what we did at Radio Northwick Park. This may at first seem like an act of complete lunacy to remove your main studio from operation in the one week of the year that you would need the space and equipment the most and you would be correct it is. It just happened that my annual leave coincided with the delivery of our new mixer and Hospital Broadcasting Week. So whilst our members crammed themselves in to the broom cupboard Where has all the equipment gone? sized news studio to do all the shows and to perform a special Radio Northwick Park rendition of ‘My Way’, I started to get to work carefully removing all the equipment from Studio One, even if a little tired from my weekend in Belfast. By Monday mid morning I had completely removed all the equipment from the studio and safely stored all the items that we would be using again well away from all the dust and painting that I was about to do. At this stage, I decided that the best course of action would be to remove all the old audio and remote cables and completely re-cable the whole studio. I don’t think I had bargained for how many cables the studio has and pulling them all out proved a challenge in itself, as they hadn’t really been touched since the mid eighties. By about Wednesday I have to say that I had that feeling of wishing that I had maybe done a less extreme Our Programme Controller in the new studio makeover as I had been waiting for two days for the paint to dry. I can however quick call to Soundcraft and an thank the League of Friends to confirm, that when people use the explanation that the studio was needed Northwick Park Hospital for their expression ‘it’s like waiting for paint to fairly urgently for the following week generous donation that made the dry’ that I now know what they mean. and an engineer was agreed for Friday purchase of the mixer possible. By Thursday, after replacing all the morning. Thanks to Soundcraft and For all those technologically minded microphone leads, making the krone their engineer Simon, who turned up people out there, the equipment in use patch bays for the remotes and placing promptly on Friday morning, we were in the studio is as follows, Soundcraft the mixer in its newly adapted hole, the back in business again one new TDIF RM1d digital mixer 12 channel with whole thing started looking like a studio cable later. script tray and PPM’s, 3 Rode again. Friday afternoon was spent patching Broadcaster Microphones, 1 Rode Then disaster struck! and labelling the channels and getting NT2 microphone, 2 Denon DNC630 After connecting the inputs to the the dynamics processing correct and by CD’s, 1 Numark CDN15 CD, 2 mixer I discovered a problem with the the evening we broadcast our first Technics 1210 turntables. analogue input expander and didn’t show from the studio, Job Done! Ben Hart have any spare leads to test it with. A Radio Northwick Park would like to Technical Officer
ON AIR
Countrywide ... News from the Stations
CITY OF SOUTHAMPTON professional support as well as 1971, when a group of volunteers from AWARD promoting voluntary action in the the Jewish Youth Voluntary Services set In the early part of ‘The Year of The community with a support staff of 50 up their studio in the old Harrow Volunteer’ Roy Stubbs was honoured to employees. Hospital, before Northwick Park be invited on to the stage at Hospital was even built. The shows Southampton Guildhall at the Mayor RADIO CHERWELL were broadcast on weekends and the Making Ceremony in May 2005. AWARD WINNERS AGAIN studio had to be rigged and de-rigged After the new Mayor, Councillor Following the success of three top each time it was used. Edwina Cooke, had been awards won at the beginning of 2005 It is still run exclusively by volunteers ceremoniously installed into office, her in the Hospital Broadcasting Association and it is their hard work and enthusiasm very first official duty was to present to Awards, Radio Cherwell has done it that has enabled RNP to develop into a Roy the ‘2005 City of Southampton again. Long standing member, Richard station broadcasting 24 hours a day, Award’. Simmons, entered the British Amateur seven days a week. The diversity of Recording Competition with an eight members means that shows offer minute feature on sound effects, called something for everybody and the station ‘Cue FX’. still has the same objective when it Richard’s hard work paid off as he comes to patient visiting and providing won first in the documentary class, first request shows every weekday evening. in the ‘most suitable for radio’ class and During the Christmas period the best overall recording in the station broadcast special shows and competition winning the Sennheiser carried out its annual ‘pub-collection’ to Golden Microphone trophy. The raise money and awareness for Radio award was presented at an Awards Northwick Park. Ceremony on November 25th. The station is a registered charity A fairly lighthearted piece with a (number 274806) and relies entirely on mixture of history, ‘how to’ and donations, without which the success of practical examples, it started with a the last 35 years would not have been demonstration of how to make thunder possible. Therefore, members would using a balloon and a few small nuts also like to thank their supporters. and bolts and the classic (but totally All members are equally significant spurious) whoosh/thud/twang ‘Robin and this is the reason that current Hood’ arrow. members want to celebrate this He did a brief diversion into the milestone with former volunteers. work of Jack Foley, the man who If any previous members would like brought the art of sound effects into to join us for this celebration 2006 cinema films and demonstrated some of please contact us either via the website the ways you can use effects in radio www.radionorthwickpark.org or on the and theatre. following number 07017 321503. Richard also included (with the Roy is presented with the ‘2005 City of author’s permission) a brief extract from SINATRA TOPS THE Southampton Award’ Alan Plater’s play ‘Gosforth’s Fete’ RADIO REDHILL CHARTS Roy has been with Southampton whose plot hinges on the use of an YET AGAIN FOR 2005 Hospital Radio for 25 years and effect and finished with the mammoth Radio Redhill’s Top 300 charts for Chairman of the Trustees for the past set of stage directions for Arnold 2005 position Frank Sinatra’s My Way 15 years. He recently retired from his Ridley’s ‘Ghost Train’, which, in the at number one for the fifth consecutive day-time role as an accountant with his days before tape recorders, needed year running! own practice in Southampton and the eight men armed with gas cylinders, Over the Christmas period, Radio first job he took on was to write a book drums, a garden roller and various Redhill broadcast its Top 300 on the History of Southampton other bits of hardware to produce the countdown of all the requests placed by Hospital Radio, called ‘Celebrating train effects live on (or rather behind) listeners over the previous year. The First 50 Years’. stage. Richard’s wife Peta (co-producer) A whopping 8,200 requests were His weekly interview at 7pm every read the ‘Ghost Train’ directions and counted from patients and staff in the Tuesday has seen many guests on his with Martin Hannant, the Gosforth’s East Surrey Hospital. ‘Desert Island Discs’ show and the Fete extract. Every afternoon from 24th guests all agree that the hardest thing December until 2nd January, the Top they have ever done for many a year, 300 countdown was broadcast on has been the selection of six tracks of CELEBRATING 35 YEARS 1287AM, Radio Redhill. The top music to play on their show. OF RADIO NORTHWICK request was announced just before Roy has also been Chairman of PARK 5pm on New Year’s bank holiday. Southampton Voluntary Services for The members of Radio Northwick The surprisingly eclectic top ten hits over 13 years – a local umbrella Park celebrated the arrival of 2006 with of 2005 are as follows: charitable organisation supporting particular enthusiasm as it marks their 1. My Way by Frank Sinatra charities and voluntary groups working 35th year of broadcasting. 2. Is this the way to Amarillo b in the Southampton area. SVS provides The station began its journey in Tony Christie
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Countrywide ... News from the Stations
3. Wind Beneath My Wings by this to be unique. As far as we are to hearing from even more. Anyone Bette Midler aware no other hospital radio kids wishing to contact Grampian Hospital 4. Angels by Robbie Williams show is actually presented by kids. This Radio, either to find out more about the 5. You're Beautiful by James Blunt show is a landmark for Harrogate planned celebration or to send 6. Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh Hospital Radio and we are delighted to congratulatory messages, can telephone 7. Unchained Melody by The have Lorraine Chase with us to (01224) 552964. Righteous Brothers officially launch it’. 8. What a Wonderful World by Lorraine Chase said, ‘I am flattered INTERVIEW WITH MARIE Louis Armstrong to have been asked to officially launch CURIE CANCER CARE 9. Release Me by Engelbert Rebel Radio with the R-Team. Humperdinck Harrogate Hospital Radio provides a 10. Power of Love by Jennifer Rush fantastic service to the patients and I know this new show will prove a huge success for all involved’. EMMERDALE STAR The show which is sponsored by LAUNCHES REBEL RADIO Harrogate Odeon Cinema goes out live every Saturday between 2pm and 4pm. ON HARROGATE HOSPITAL RADIO GRAMPIAN HR PLAN Emmerdale star Lorraine Chase officially launched a new children’s 25TH YEAR show on Harrogate Hospital Radio. CELEBRATIONS Lorraine, who plays Steph Stokes in the ITV soap, visited the studio at Harrogate District Hospital, where she met the young presenters, Hattie Dyson, Gareth Molyneux and Sterl Shulver, as well as taking requests from patients in the children’s ward. The new show, Rebel Radio with the R-Team, is a dedicated show for The station is looking to share its kids by kids. Harrogate Hospital Radio anniversary with former members, when it celebrates 25 years of broadcasting in Aberdeen this year. Team manager Maureen Spivey with A series of events are planned to take fundraiser Catherine Sellears seated place throughout the year, commencing with a dinner for members past and On Thursday, the fund raiser present at Aberdeen's Hilton Treetops Catherine Sellears and team manager hotel. Maureen Spivey of Marie Curie Cancer To ease the pressure on the Care, were interviewed by Mark committee, a sub-committee has been Atherton, Head of Broadcasting at formed to co-ordinate the year long Radio Link, in respect of the work of series of events. Several founding their organisation. members have re-joined the The interview was broadcast to the organisation to sit on the anniversary Derby City General Hospital, sub-committee, which can claim to Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derbyshire represent most aspects of the station's Children's Hospital and Nightingale history. Continuing Care Unit; from Studio One The dinner will be used to launch a under Ward 2 of the Derby City fund raising raffle, with the committee General Hospital. presently hard at work securing an exciting selection of prizes. Letters have WERE YOU AT THE Lorraine Chase with the three Rebel Radio been sent to a variety of celebrities, presenters Hattie Dyson, Gareth Molyneux companies and organisations and are ASHFORD and Sterl Shulver already beginning to generate results. Other events will be announced CONFERENCE? presenter Mark Bexley, who helped nearer the time but Grampian Hospital Although this may seem devise the show, said, ‘We wanted to Radio are especially keen to hear from a strange request break from the traditional mould of any former members. With pleas being Marie Harper would Hospital Radio programmes and have a printed in the local press, we now cast truly interactive show that appeals to the net a little wider hopeful of catching like to hear from you. youngsters. the eye of anyone no longer in the area. Please contact her at ‘Rebel Radio with the R-Team does So far, the Internet has brought just that as those presenting the show contact with past members from Brent [email protected] are youngsters themselves. We believe and Melbourne and we look forward
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CELEBRATIONS AT volunteers. profession. It gives you experience and NORTHERN AIR Marshall Sellman, our Chairman and contacts and is a lot of fun. In June 1960, Stanley Langer and Sidney Wander, our vice chairman, ‘I hope to continue doing radio but Norman Mendelson, with help from have been volunteers for 45 years, then also get into TV. I've already done stuff the Rotary Club in Manchester, decided Keith Robinson, who joined Northern for a Channel 4 programme, Blue Peter, to show films to the patients in North Air whilst still at school ten years ago, Top of the Pops and BBC3 news. 'It's Manchester General but it became and finally Joe Sambrook, who is the exciting so I want to do more.’ apparent that the patients were nodding station manager with 15 years service. Phil Moon, the station's vice chairman, off. So plan B was put into action when The day went very well, the weather said, ‘I'm pleased to say that his success Radio HBS was formed. was fabulous and the buffet excellent. I within the Big Brother house hasn't In the early days, the studio was the would like to thank everyone who changed him. We are extremely happy Matron’s sitting room each Thursday helped make the day so successful. that he did so well on the show and are evening. Stanley would visit everyone A huge thank you to Dave Nicholson delighted that he'll continue to help us.’ in the North Manchester General, for taking the time to join us on this Radio DGH is always looking for general collecting requests and putting special occasion. Here’s to the next 45 volunteers. Anyone interested should people at ease. years still putting the ‘treat into contact Matt Isted, the programme treatment’. controller on 435748. Joe Sambrook CHRISTMAS AT EUGENE BACK ON AIR HAYWARDS HEATH AT DGH Big Brother runner-up Eugene Sully has paid his first return visit to Eastbourne following the end of the reality TV show.. Eugene, a volunteer helper at Radio DGH before he entered the house, says he plans to continue working with the Left to right, Sidney Wander, vice chairman; hospital radio station. He also praised the Joe Sambrook, station manger; Dave work of his fellow volunteers in getting Nicholson, HBA vice president and Marshall patients at the DGH back on their feet Gellman, Chairman through music and entertainment. Without a huge record collection, The reality show contestant toured they were limited to how many songs the wards to meet patients and talk to would be played but everyone got a them about Radio DGH. Eugene will be mention. At the end of the evening, working alongside the station's other everything had to be packed away until engineers as it gears up for its next stage the following Thursday. in development – a fully automated In 1969, they relocated to a music playout system. permanent studio in the depths of the ‘It's the next step for the station,’ basement of the Delaney Hospital and explained Eugene. ‘It will allow the then finally to the current studio in June station to sound like a hospital radio 1988. Northern Air has grown from station 24 hours a day unlike now. humble beginnings to a professional 'When we're not on air at the moment, organisation over the past 45 years, we broadcast Capital Gold. But that will with a great team of dedicated be a thing of the past when the volunteers. Starting from a two and a computer comes online.’ half hour request programme all those The Friends of Eastbourne Hospitals years ago, we now broadcast to two has already donated the money for the Mike Skinner, Alan French and Eugene Sully hospitals seven days a week, 24 hours a computer system, which the station's day. committee is obviously very grateful for. Eugene Sully, runner-up in the last To celebrate the past 45 years, we Eugene has been involved with the Big Brother, made a guest appearance at held a garden party on 20th August hospital radio station since 1998, aiding a fundraising collection held at outside the studio. Over sixty people them following their complete studio Sainsburys Haywards Heath on were in attendance; we also had four refit. Christmas Eve in support of Mid 45 year old babies who were born at The station, run by volunteers, Downs Hospital Radio, the charity that North Manchester General the year our broadcasts programmes to patients for provides a music and entertainment radio station started. more than 50 hours a week. service to the patients and staff at the Our guests of honour included the 'I haven't been down to Eastbourne Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Deputy Lord Mayor of Manchester, also since getting out of the house but it's a Heath. the Mayor of Bury and Salford and our lovely town,' said Eugene. 'I used to Crawley-based Eugene, who has very own Vice President, Dave come down quite a lot to the station but hospital radio experience himself with Nicholson, who presented Long also to visit friends. 'Hospital and student the station in Eastbourne, spent time Service Certificate to four of our radio is an excellent way to get into the chatting to the shoppers and staff,
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Countrywide ... News from the Stations
having his photo taken several times and Rolf went on to say that as an holding out a tin himself, which helped entertainer his aim was always to present the charity raise a tremendous total of to his fans a happy smiling face, although £965.81 from the collection. he was aware that not everyone could David Eggleston, Marketing & PR always feel fit and well all the time. He asked Neil to pass on his message for a Co-ordinator for Mid Downs Hospital speedy recovery to all Neil's listeners on Radio, said ‘we are hugely grateful both the Southampton Hospital Radio to Eugene for sparing the time to join us network. and for all the shoppers who dug deep into their pockets and the same time POWER TO HOSPITAL enjoyed the atmosphere and the RADIO seasonal music that we played You may have heard that Sir Cliff throughout the day. It was a marvellous Richard has said that he will not record result – by far our best return for some any new music because many radio years – and it capped an excellent stations in their infinite stupidity have month for our current fundraising removed him from their playlists! efforts in which we have raised over Well, as you can understand here at £1,500 in total’. Seaside Hospital Radio (and I'm sure at Mid Downs Hospital Radio would many other HR stations) we are most like to thank the management at upset by this shocking news and our Sainsburys for granting this opportunity. resident 60's expert(!) and Cliff fan Ray It is also very grateful to the Blunt made his protest very clear by management at the Orchards Shopping playing only classic Cliff tracks for an Centre in Haywards Heath for hour on 28th September 2005. allowing a collection held on 17th We are very pleased with how the programme went and especially the December, which raised £256.10. publicity we achieved, courtesy of the The station, which celebrates its 30th local newspaper The Argus. You can anniversary in 2006, is currently raising read the article on our website at funds towards the replacement of its www.seasidehr.com and clicking on outside broadcast unit. 'Station News', including a link to the Top picture: Davey and Jim Aughey; below: full Argus feature. We also received Martin Hatchell receives his certificate ROLF HARRIS WITH feedback from Sir Cliff's office at The from Davey Cliff Richard Organisation! NEIL HARVEY AT THE certificates were presented by Davey EASTLEIGH FOLK FESTIVAL Now because this broadcast went so well, I am considering releasing it to Downes, the HBA’s regional Chairman other HR stations who would like to fit and Eileen Mannion, the regional it into their schedules. At the moment, I Secretary. The certificates are in am just seeing who would be interested recognition of service to Hospital Radio before I spend time retrieving the irrespective of the station, although in programme, so if you could perhaps let Jim and Martin’s case they have given me know, either by email at their entire twenty years to Radio [email protected] or through the Craigavon. Davey and Eileen also mailing list would be great. It would be happen to be Chairman and Secretary easier also if you had access to of Mater Hospital Radio and are only download the show from me, which too well aware of how difficult it is to would be submitted in three parts of find and hold onto members. twenty minutes each. Station identification has been excluded to Said Davey, ‘Jim and Martin are now mention only 'Hospital Radio'. two of seven members in the station Look forward to hearing from you if with over twenty years voluntary this grabs you. service, that says a lot for the Adam James organisation otherwise they wouldn’t be The Programme Controller there’. Radio Craigavon is fortunate to have such people and I hope they stick DAVE PRESENTS 20 YEAR around for many years to come. Neil met Rolf when he was privileged CERTIFICATES to be given an 'open pass' to visit all Two members of the Radio areas at the 2005 Folk Festival. Neil is a Craigavon production team have PLEASE SEND IN part-time singer with a local group and a recently completed twenty years service keen supporter of local live music. ( Neil to Hospital Radio. YOUR REPORT BY is also a 'star' on Southampton Hospital Jim Aughey, the Station’s technical 16TH FEBRUARY Radio). Rolf was pleased to talk to Neil and officer and Martin Hatchell, Programme 2006 IN TIME FOR wished him to pass along all good wishes Presenter, both joined the station back to everyone who may currently be in in 1985 when the organisation was THE NEXT ISSUE hospital. only six years old. Their 20 year service
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NEWS UPDATE ... NEWS UPDATE ... NEWS
GIFT AID money or pay part or all of it back to combine every single request from During the recent discussion on the charity as a Gift Aid payment. If he HBA members across the UK. This will expenses, I suggested all of us be gives all of the expenses paid to him only be possible with your participation. encouraged to claim the full amount of back to the charity, he is not returning For more information on how you can expenses due, even if it has previously the expenses but making a payment of get involved, please visit been our personal policy no to do so. I an equivalent amount. http://www.requestcharts.org.uk or suggested that the amount claimed 3.50.4 The charity will need, as contact Mark Snowden at Radio could then be donated to HBA and normal, a Gift Aid declaration and an General on 01925 662122. (assuming we're all tax-payers), HBA audit trail to bring the payment into the Using your existing collection could then claim back an extra 28% Gift Aid scheme. The payment will also methods, we can create a definitive from the government. I got the feeling need to meet the usual requirements of look at the popularity of a broad range this was felt to be a little devious and it the Gift Aid scheme (benefit rules etc.). of music material. didn't attract a huge amount of support. 3.50.5 For audit purposes, it is Your submission will contribute Well, I've just been reading the preferable that at least one of the greatly to this nationwide survey of HMRC website Gift Aid pages payments by the charity or the patients requests no matter how diverse (http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/chap volunteer is made by cheque. the track. Please get involved today to ter_3.htm), where I found this: So, it seems I wasn't being unduly offer your support towards this once a 3.50. Voluntary workers' expenses devious – my suggestion is even year music popularity snapshot. 3.50.1 Voluntary workers sometimes endorsed by HMRC! incur expenditure when assisting I've no idea what amount of potential CHASE – The Charities and charities to carry out their work (for expenses lay unclaimed every year. Associations Exhibition 2006 example, travel costs, postal or What I do know is that £5100 was The Exhibition will again be held photocopying charges, etc.). Provided claimed by the Trustees during the last this year on 15/16 February 2006 at the expenses are reasonable and financial year. Let's be relatively the Business Design Centre, Islington, proper, a charity can reimburse a conservative and suggest an extra ten London N1. CHASE is now in its 14th volunteer for the expenses incurred. per cent was not claimed. By us claiming year and the event will be sponsored Often a volunteer will forgo the and then donating an equivalent amount by Chartered Accountants Kingston expenses to which he/she is entitled. of money back to HBA, HBA could Smith for a ninth consecutive year. We are often asked by charities if claim £142.80 from HMRC for the cost The event is the leading business-to- they can claim Gift Aid on the expenses of a little more admin. business forum for the non-profit sector forgone by their volunteers. It's got to be worth thinking about! and expects to attract about seventy 3.50.2 One of the requirements of Nigel Dallard, Secretary exhibitors. Technology promises to the Gift Aid scheme is that the gift by a Hospital Broadcasting Association provide the largest single exhibitor donor to a charity ‘takes the form of a grouping again this year. Organisations payment of a sum of money’. So a Gift REQUESTS CHART booked to date include the HM Aid payment to a charity cannot be Mark Snowden from Radio General Revenue & Customs, Fundraising made by book entries following a in Warrington is compiling a chart of Initiatives, CS Group, Missionfish waiver of expenses. patients’ requests on hospital radio (E-bay) and COLT. In addition, we are 3.50.3 The charity must physically stations across the UK and would like delighted to welcome a new IT stream pay the expenses to the volunteer. The your help and involvement. sponsor in Centrepoint Computer volunteer is then free to keep the The National Request Charts aims to Systems Ltd.
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NEWS UPDATE ... NEWS UPDATE ... NEWS
The FREE seminar programme will doing something that aims to benefit the - Promoting accredited quality frame- include sessions on fundraising, HR, environment or someone (individuals or works for volunteering management finance, IT and general management – groups) other than, or in addition to, and local volunteer development agen- plus the new Kingston Smith Charity close relatives. Central to this definition cies; Debate. Registration for the exhibition is the fact that volunteering must be a - Convening national events and prac- and seminars is free to visitors. Call choice freely made by each individual.; titioner networks; 08707 300377 or visit the website This can include formal activity - Mounting awareness campaigns; below for full details and registration. undertaken through public, private and - Providing consultancy, education,
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A History of Hospital Broadcasting in Dundee
This year, The Tayside Hospital Street and Roseberry Street. All complex was opened in Clarence Broadcasting Group in Dundee are broadcasts at this time were by G.P.O. House. celebrating fifty years of hospital landline. It had been noted that this site might broadcasting in the Dundee area. The programmes to the patients not be forever and so it proved to be as The origins of hospital broadcasting continued to expand and they took the another move to the present site in in Dundee began in the early 1950s. A decision to attempt to provide a TV Ninewells Hospital happened in 1998 minute of The Eastern Regional service as well. This meant an as D.R.I. closed. Hospital Board meeting in March 1954 immediate increase in volunteers was While all this movement was contains a proposal for the provision of needed as well as a great deal of occurring between Roseberry Street, a football commentary from the local training in TV skills. Redundant D.R.I. and Ninewells Hospitals another football grounds, Dens and Tannadice, equipment from the B.B.C. and radio service had started up at Liff to the hospitals in the Dundee area. Grampian TV was obtained, all black Hospital, the local mental health This suggestion came from the Dundee and white 425 lines. Although it was hospital in the late 1980s. Hospital branch of Toc-H, a national Christian the mid sixties when they started on the Radio Liff, as the service was called, based organisation that had been TV side the first live broadcast to provided taped request programmes on started after the First World War by patients did not take place until 1970 to cassette tape to the wards. the Rev. Tubby Clayton. two wards in Royal Victoria Hospital, Expansion occurred in the mid This proposal was accepted and thus becoming the first hospital TV 1990s to include Ashludie and Royal arrangements begun to be put in place service in the world of its type. The Victoria Hospitals with the issuing of an for the service. The first commentary reason for the delay in live programmes FM radio licence by the Radio was broadcast on 5th November 1955 was the time necessary to build up their Authority, only the third in the country from Tannadice Park of a match skills in TV production. at the time. between Dundee United and An OB van and associated When it became clear that the site at Cowdenbeath, which finished in a 4-4 equipment was obtained from the BBC Liff was to be closed, talks began draw. This started a trend which has allowing them to do programmes away between the two services to chart the continued to this day of football from the studios such as church way forward. It was agreed to merge matches being broadcast to the hospitals services. However, the TV side of the and concentrate services at the on Saturday afternoons and also service did not last for long due to a Ninewell’s site and in 2002 Bridge fm sometimes during weekday evenings as number of reasons; cost of keeping the came into existence, this being the well. equipment in working order, the change agreed new name for the service. In 1958 a fete was organised to raise to 625 lines, and, finally the Bridge fm now broadcasts on 87.7 fm funds for the service and a competition introduction of colour television in the and DAB digital radio 24 hours a day, was held to find the most popular area. The television side of the service seven days a week. nurse, as voted by the patients, to open ceased in 1973. Requests from patients are currently the fete. However, it is not recorded The group decided to concentrate running at approximately 7,000 a year who actually won that accolade! on radio and the broadcasting was from the hospitals within its coverage. It In the autumn of 1959 the service extended over a greater number of is using three low power transmitters began using a top floor studio in Larg’s hours each day. Around this time the (50mw) to cover its three sites. in Whitehall Street, a local music store, service began to be known as Radio The studios at Ninewells Teaching where they produced a mixture of Tayside, the Toc-H connection ending Hospital are equipped with Alice recorded and live programmes at the start of 1984. Soundtech Series A mixing desks and broadcast on a Monday evening to The 70s and 80s was a time of mainly Denon auxiliary equipment. patients. This continued until 1961 consolidation and at the end of 1988 The 24-hour sustaining service uses when they obtained the use of unused another move became imminent as the Raduga software. shop premises at 46 Ann Street, just off Roseberry Street studio was in need of The website is the Hilltown in Dundee. In 1965 the major building restoration. www.bridgefm.org.uk where more service had to move again to an old An offer of premises in Dundee’s information can be found about the bakery, formerly used by the Trades Royal Infirmary was accepted and on service or contact College at the junction of Cleghorn 29th March 1992 the new studio [email protected].
Leicester City players brighten up Christmas for Children in Hospital
Patients at Leicester Royal Infirmary's Children's Hospital got an early Christmas surprise when the Leicester City footballers visited on Monday 19 December.
Children and staff at the Children's Hospital had an opportunity to meet some of the first team squad, get auto- graphs and have their photographs taken with their favourite players when they visited the hospital.
Tina Clegg, service manager for the Children's Hospital, said: ‘We are delighted the players chose to spend time with the children so close to Christmas. The visit made their day and gave them all something to talk about’.
ON AIR
Michelle, Yes, it’s OK to have specialist shows. not be in hospital radio. This ongoing saga with PatientLine is Yes, it’s OK to have a station ‘sound’. Derek Harold, Chairman getting crazy. Prior to having our new Yes, it’s OK to play different music to Radio Broadgreen magazine published, I phoned PPL to introduce to your listeners and Radio enquire which channel we will be Broadgreen does all that. But, don’t Dear Michelle, going out on and I was told that the day loose track of the fact that if it where The debate taking place over recent before my call, it had been changed to not for people in hospital YOU would months, in the pages of On Air about 45, so went ahead with the not be needed. what those of us in hospital radio are publication. As a broadcaster, you are there to actually broadcasting on the airwaves, A few days later we received a provide a programme to your listeners, has been an interesting and timely one. laminated form to go in the studio and so give them what they want. Don’t I believe, with a passion, that the we ARE on channel 45, however, NO complain that you have played a certain next step for our great cause, that Classic FM which last month was the record for the 25th time this year. Be serves so many people across the UK, is most listened to station? But it has been grateful that you have a request and to be even more creative in our replaced with BBC Radio Three, that someone is listening to you! You programming and even more at the which is nowhere as popular as Classic should be making that listener feel the centre of the communities of which we FM. Looking down the list, I noticed most important person in the world – are a part. NO Radio Five, which during the that’s your job – don’t whine or Since I joined Castle Mead Radio in cricket test WAS the most listened to complain about it. Hinckley, Leicestershire, more than station, Taunton being very big into How long do you think you would eight years ago, as a full of ideas but cricket. last at any station if you said to the slightly wet behind the ears seventeen Now why? Perhaps the reasoning is station manager/programme controller year old, I’ve endeavoured to bring to get rid of a sports channel and the you would not play a particular record. new types and styles of shows to our very popular Classic FM, patients will It’s a sad fact that over the thirty listeners. BUY more TV! But then it might push years I have been involved in hospital In 1998 I co-created the station’s first up listeners to Hospital Radio? radio, I have read many letters and dedicated weekly half hour local news We shall just have to wait for next articles in ‘On Air’ on what some programme that included a special months listening figures. broadcasters think is a ‘good’ show or report focusing on an issue or local The expression ‘IF IT AIN'T format. That format should be dictated event. BROKE, DON'T FIX IT’ springs to by your listeners and for some reason, I presented Newsfile for the first few mind. station managers/committees and years of its existence and was glad to Tony Soley, individuals have lost the plot as to why pass it on to younger members, who Apple AM /Taunton Hospital Radio some stations exist. And in case you continue to make it one of the best need reminding it’s the people you current affairs programmes on hospital Dear Editor, serve. The patients. radio. Re recent letters and articles If you disagree. Wake Up. You are Then, in 2003, when I was 23, I re- regarding what type of music people not a commercial station playing to an created and presented the station’s first think should be played on their shows. audience that will stay with you. You Saturday afternoon sports show – Radio Broadgreen (Liverpool) has, for are a station that plays to an audience lasting for three hours each week. thirty years, a music policy that has that leaves you. Your strength should be Indeed, we were on air shortly after been, ‘If a listener asks for a request at in your skill to adapt to that. Every England won the Rugby World Cup. a certain time, they get it’, no matter week if necessary. What a great day – well done Jonny what type of programme is being To try to put all this into perspective, Wilkinson. broadcast. I recently attended a dinner dance with I now present another show I The simplicity of hospital a Robbie Williams tribute singer, who started, The Sunday Review, featuring broadcasting is, until recently with the was not bad but failed to get many interviews with local news makers and advent of email and texts, the ability to people dancing. People sat around a review of the day’s national play requests almost instantaneously. either bemused or went into another newspapers. Many of our other At Radio Broadgreen, this is one of the room and the atmosphere was members have also contributed reasons why we keep our listeners, embarrassing. The disco came on and productively to the creative process, albeit for a short period. took the place by storm because he coming up with their own great ideas More recently, radio stations in the knew what people wanted, adapted for shows and getting them to air. outside world have targeted more quickly and played to his strength. It In hospital radio, whether we’re specific age groups (for commercial transpires that the organiser loved broadcasting to a handful of listeners or gain of course) and I for one listen to Robbie, what she failed to realise was, hundreds, we should always be looking one of those stations because they play not everyone felt the same. to forge new frontiers. We have some the music I want to hear. However, Patients want to feel happy by the great broadcasting talent within our because most hospitals cater for a music and the programmes Hospital ranks – let’s use it fully and for the good variety of ages, radio stations should be Radio can provide. If you can’t, won’t of all. playing to that group of people – that’s or moan about playing a request or fail Mathew Hulbert YOUR target audience. to adapt to your audience, you should Vice Chairman, Castle Mead Radio
ON AIR
Radio Link is Small But Beautiful
I always thought that size didn’t matter but, after reading Mathew Hulbert’s report on Castle Mead Radio’s 15 years’ broadcasting in Issue 107 of On Air, I felt I really couldn’t leave unchallenged his claim that it is famed for being Britain’s smallest hospital radio station! I suppose it all depends on how one measures size but on the basis of what is stated about Castle Mead, I would like to lay claim to Radio Link, Lymington Hospital Radio, being Britain’s smallest, although we have been in existence longer. Radio Link celebrated its quarter century just over a year ago, having first broadcast in 1979 to Lymington Infirmary and a nearby old people’s care home, after five years of hard slog collecting records and raising money. The following year broadcasts were temporary studio in our fourth bedroom collectors. Most work on only one extended to the main Lymington and recorded the show there every show a fortnight and a number of our Hospital, half a mile up the road, which week for five months! presenters work in pairs so that was linked to the studio at the Infirmary Which brings us now to size. Our everybody gets a chance. by landline. one and only broadcasting studio So how do we compare? I reckon So we were broadcasting to three measures 4.7m by 1.8m (or 15ft 5ins by we are probably the UK’s smallest! locations until some years later when a 6ft, in English), a bit like half a railway Are there any other HR stations out tyrant of a Matron at the Infirmary carriage, with ‘home made’ furniture to there which can claim to be smaller? decided she didn’t want it in her wards accommodate two presenters and our Maybe there are some with fewer and ordered all cabling and controllers library of 1000 CDs, 1,350 LPs and 67 volunteers but to qualify for the to be removed! Mini Discs. accolade they must surely have a Interestingly, part of the Infirmary, Our equipment consists of three CD smaller studio (and only one) and like the Matron, was of Victorian origin, players, two grams, three MD decks, a broadcast less than 14 hours per week built as a workhouse. The hospital dual cassette deck, a radio receiver (for to a maximum potential audience of authorities had made available a single our sustaining service) and two mics, all fewer than 55 listeners! storey outbuilding, previously used as a linked to a cheap mixer desk, plus a But what of the future? Well, there is paint store, which our founder couple of amplifiers. And that’s it. All a new £36m PFI funded hospital being members successfully converted to a mostly domestic quality equipment and built in Lymington, due to open Christmas studio. not a computer in sight! 2006. We will have a studio 50% larger That outbuilding at one time had We have a separate Programme than now, with professional furniture and been the delousing shed for residents of Production Room (or is it a cupboard?), equipment, including Myriad based play- the workhouse! Rumours that the first partitioned off at one end, of 1.7m by out. We are also planning to extend our record played on Radio Link was the 1.8m (5ft 7ins by 6ft), containing a desk broadcasting hours and we shall be heard Small Faces’ Itchycoo Park are entirely and computer for our DOS based in 110 beds! unfounded! record library system and tea/coffee We launched an 18-month fund This then was to remain our home making facilities. raising appeal last June, since when we until two years ago when the decision We broadcast only one two hour have raised over £12,000. I am was taken to close the Infirmary. We request show each evening of the week planning to undertake a sponsored 24- continued broadcasting to the separate to four wards in Lymington Hospital, hour solo broadcast during HBA week hospital and the nearby care home, totalling 55 beds. One of these is a in April. And the Hospital League of surrounded by an otherwise deserted Surgical ward which is closed at week- Friends, which is very committed to and bricked up Infirmary building, until ends and many patients are in and out what we do, has just offered to one night when the original Victorian within the day on weekdays so we are subsidise us up to £25,000, so it looks slates were stripped from the studio lucky if we can be heard by 45 as though we have got our new studio! roof after we had gone home! occupied beds overnight most of the Maybe we shan’t be the UK’s The PCT had promised us a time. smallest for much longer but its good storeroom in the main hospital building, We have 39 members, quite good while it lasts! Any challengers? which they were kindly renovating for for our size, split almost evenly Tony Clark our use. Broadcasts restarted five between presenters or technical Presenter and Secretary months later when the studio was operators and separate request Radio Link, Lymington Hospital Radio ready and our equipment and recordings had been moved from temporary storage in a disused ward. STOP PRESS ... STOP PRESS ... STOP PRESS ... STOP PRESS ... STOP PRESS As the presenter of the care home Radio Wave, part of UTV Radio, have just confirmed their sponsorship of show, I didn’t see why the PCT’s the Newcomer if the Year award. For the first time I have found a local premises problems should deprive the commercial radio station that wants to involve themselves in the old people of their weekly requests. So Conference weekend other than just coming along to resent the award. I took home the essential kit, set up a
ON AIR
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Who to Contact on the Executive Committee
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Tel: 0870 321 6018 Tel: 0870 765 9616 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] On Air No 108 IRC 25/1/06 12:10 pm Page 1 On Air No 108 RC 25/1/06 10:23 am Page 1