Craven helps hospital radio station celebrate 60 years

The station first broadcast on 7 July 1964

A hospital radio station has marked its 60th anniversary with a special sixty-hour marathon of programmes - hosted in part by former Newsround presenter John Craven OBE.

Radio Horton - which broadcasts from the Horton General Hospital in Banbury, Oxfordshire - was launched on 7 July 1964.

The station began by broadcasting a weekly show, but has since expanded to being on air every hour of every day - with help from its team of over 30 volunteers.

Birthday celebrations culminated in a live broadcast from the Horton restaurant on Monday.

Legendary broadcaster, and Radio Horton president, John Craven took part in the celebrations

The special show was presented by station president, and broadcasting legend, John Craven, alongside regular Radio Horton host Anthony Brown.

Speaking at the celebration, Craven said: “Thank you to all the volunteers who make Radio Horton possible."

"Sixty years is an incredible achievement, and it is a testament to your [the volunteers] dedication that the station remains strong today,” he added.

The station's first broadcast began with the words: "This is Radio Horton calling"

The station's first broadcast in July 1964 came in the same year that Labour Party leader Harold Wilson was elected as prime minister for the first time, ending 13 years of Conservative governance, and The Sun newspaper first entered print.

The first broadcast began with the song Westminster Waltz, followed by the words: “This is Radio Horton calling”.

Volunteers were also presented with long-service awards during the celebrations

Founded by local journalists Ted Hanson MBE and Graham Wilton, the station was built on the founding principles of uplifting spirits and brightening patients’ time in hospital.

Sixty years on, the station's celebrations paid tribute to its volunteers - including engineer Tom Wilson, who has been involved at the station for 50 years.

Local journalist Ted Hanson MBE, pictured here in July 1964, helped set up the station

Sam Smette, Radio Horton chair of trustees, said: "Radio Horton owes its existence to the incredible support of our volunteer workforce, from presenters to ward volunteers and those behind the scenes.

"To everyone who has ever supported Radio Horton as a volunteer over the past sixty years, including those sadly no longer with us, no matter your contribution, we are grateful for your part in keeping this great organisation thriving."

Engineer Tony Wilson (left) was also commended for his 50 years of service to the station

Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, chair of the board of directors at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - which runs the Horton General - added that Radio Horton was "one of the precious arteries through which its [the Horton General] life-blood flows."