York Hospital Radio celebrates 60 years on air
- Published
Presenter Keith Lea has been involved with the station since 1967
A hospital radio station is marking its 60th anniversary with a day-long programme of events.
York Hospital Radio, which is staffed by volunteers, began broadcasting on 26 January 1964.
A registered charity, the station broadcasts 24-hours a day, seven days a week to listeners in the hospital and online.
The anniversary is being marked with a number of civic visits and live broadcasts.
Ian Clennan, chair of York Hospital Radio, said: "We are still a unique service for the hospital, and we know we can be a valued part of patients' recovery."
The very first show was pre-recorded
A spokesperson for the station said: "The very first show was pre-recorded on tape and consisted of listeners' requests."
They added: "In those early days the station broadcast to the former Fulford Maternity and Naburn hospitals.
They said the first record ever played was Thank Heaven for Little Girls by Maurice Chevalier.
The station began broadcasting live shows in 1967 and its first sports programmes followed in 1968.
At one stage, the station broadcast to 10 hospitals in the York area, but today it focusses purely on the York Hospital on Wigginton Road.
The station now has two studios and an extensive record library, however technological advances have resulted in many shows being recorded at home and presented remotely.
Previous presidents of the organisation include the former BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration and York panto favourite Martin Barrass.
Alan Dedicoat said hospital radio was "great fun"
The station's current patron is Alan Dedicoat, best known for being the announcer on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing.
Mr Dedicoat, said: "Hospital broadcasting fulfils lots of roles.
"It takes your mind off what's happening to you in hospital and its great fun to do. It is where I learned my trade."
He added: "Nobody gets paid and they have to raise money themselves
"Today I'll be listening in and raising a glass to the boys and girls later on.
"Happy 60th"
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