HOSPITAL RADIO – ON TOUR! 

 

In celebration of the 30^th anniversary of Radio Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, some members of the team undertook a hospital radio tour to visit hospital radio stations in Ayr and Carlisle .

 

The tour took place over the weekend of the 24^th/25^th June, 2006 and began with Ken Simms and Tony Mannix travelling in the outside broadcast vehicle, and Andy Hayes and Ceri Jones followed on by car. We arrived in Ayr at lunchtime on the Saturday, where our very own Scotsman Mel Smith also joined us, and we were met by the Ayr Hospital Radio team, led by manager Mike Manley, his wife Ann, and a number of their presenters. We were treated to the best in Scottish hospitality with a good meal, and were welcomed with posters and banners all around the hospital. 

 

 

We had a great afternoon at Ayr and spent time in their studio comparing facilities and taking part in programmes. Although the studio was smaller than ours, they use the latest technology and computer software to play out the music and search for the requests without having to wade through CDs and LPs.

 

Gifts were exchanged between the two stations, and many photos taken. The Ayr Hospital Radio team were absolutely amazed when they saw our outside broadcast vehicle; In fact they didn’t believe that it had travelled all those miles from Bodelwyddan to Ayr (mind you, Green Flag were on standby!).

 

 

On Sunday, we travelled to Carlisle to visit Hospital Radio Echo, and were met by chairman Lee Norris. It was also great to be joined by Radio Ysbyty Glan Clwyd president, Morag Jelly, in addition to our chairperson Linda Brown and presenter Brenda Jones for the day. Despite being a brand new hospital, the radio station is situated in the basement in the oldest part of the building. Hospital Radio Echo have two fully equipped studios; one main studio for broadcasting from, and the other used for interviewing and training. Like us, they also have a 24 hour service and a good range of programmes.

All in all it was a fantastic weekend, with great weather, and a great time was had by all.