|
LIVE COVERAGE OF CRICKET WEEK
11th May 2008
Kent cricket fans who cannot make it to the Tunbridge Wells Cricket Week festival will be able to hear live match coverage online, thanks to Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells. The charity radio station has been given permission to broadcast ball-by-ball commentary from the Nevill Cricket Ground during Kents four-day clash with Somerset from May 21 to 24, and the one-day match between Kent and Middlesex on bank holiday Monday, May 26.
As well as broadcasting live updates, analysis and interviews online at www.hrtw.org.uk, the special week of programmes will be beamed back to patients in the Kent & Sussex and Tonbridge Cottage hospitals.
Volunteer radio presenter Chris Woodward, who has helped co-ordinate the event for the station, said: "We are now into our third year of providing live coverage. We had a terrific response to last summers broadcast, so we are really pleased that Kent County Cricket Club have agreed to let us return again this year."
Chris Woodward will be joined by fellow hospital radio volunteers Tim Godsalve and Chris Reed in the main pavilion at the Nevill Ground, while roving reporter Jason Gray will be capturing the lighter non-cricket element of the event, talking to spectators and sampling the food and drink on offer.
Station programme co-ordinator Chris Manser will be based back at the studio, keeping listeners updated with with the scores from other county matches during breaks in play.
The coverage starts at 10.30am each day and will run until the close of play. The stations coverage of the event has been sponsored by Caffyns, the local Vauxhall and Chevrolet dealership.
DIANE WINS GOLD AT HBA AWARDS
3rd April 2008
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells volunteer presenter Diane Clarke is celebrating this week after winning a top national award for the fifth year running.
Clarke, who presents the Sunday lunchtime show on the charity radio station, won gold in the best female presenter category at the National Hospital Radio Awards in Leeds on Saturday.
The trophy adds to the gold, silver and two bronze prizes she has picked up each year at the annual ceremony since 2004.
Les Rawlings also received a Commended Certificate for his entry in the special events category, which featured an extract from his annual Remembrance Sunday show.
The awards are part of Hospital Broadcasting Week, a nationwide event raising awareness of the work done by hospital radio and TV volunteers across the country.
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells, which broadcasts to the Tonbridge Cottage and Kent & Sussex hospitals, marked the occasion last weekend with a fundraising outside broadcast at Waitrose in Paddock Wood, which raised just under £440.
HOSPITAL BROADCASTING WEEK OUTSIDE BROADCAST AT WAITROSE
31st March 2008
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells were broadcasting live from Waitrose in Paddock Wood last weekend. The team of volunteer presenters presented a six-hour outside broadcast from the supermarket in Church Road to raise money for the station.
As well as entertaining shoppers, the output was beamed back to patients listening in the Kent & Sussex and Tonbridge Cottage hospitals. The event was part of the stations celebrations for Hospital Broadcasting Week, a nationwide event raising awareness of the work done by the 5,000 volunteers working in hospital radio and TV throughout the UK.
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells, which has broadcast to patients in Kent and East Sussex since 1961, is one of more than 200 stations up and down the country, run entirely by volunteers.
The station is actively looking for new recruits who would be interested in volunteering their time to help out. "We are always looking for more volunteers to help continue the service," said Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells programme controller Chris Manser.
"It is not just about presenting a show. You can collect requests, organise fundraising events, help with our record library or get involved with our training and publicity."
Anyone interested in volunteering for the station can leave their details on 01892 528 528 or visit the website at www.hrtw.org.uk.
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells holds fundraising outside broadcasts throughout the year. The last event, in Tonbridge last month, raised £726, up more than 20 per cent on the previous year. The collection in Paddock Wood raised just under £440, which is slightly up on their 2007 total.
DUO SHORTLISTED FOR AWARDS
14th February 2008
Two volunteer presenters at Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells are celebrating after making it on to the shortlist for the National Hospital Radio Awards.
The awards are run by a national charity, the Hospital Broadcasting Association, and aim to recognise the achievements of the 4,800 people who volunteer their time to one of the 230 hospital radio stations in the UK.
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells presenter Diane Clarke has been shortlisted for best female presenter for the fifth year running. Since she joined the charity station in 2002, Clarke has won two bronze awards, a silver and a gold at the annual ceremony.
Les Rawlings, who joined the charity station in 1996, entered the awards for the first time this year and has been shortlisted for best special event. Rawlings, who served in the Royal Signals and went on to work for the Broadcasting Group of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Crowborough, submitted an extract from his annual Remembrance Sunday programme.
The team of volunteers at Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells are now keeping their fingers crossed for the pair, who will find out whether they have won at the ceremony in Leeds on March 29.
CROWBOROUGH SHOPPERS DONATE £500
1st February 2008
Shoppers in Crowborough gave generously to Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells last Saturday (26 January), raising almost £500.
The charity station, run entirely by volunteers, was kindly allowed to spend the day broadcasting from Waitrose in Crowborough town centre, and the live shows were beamed back to patients in the Kent & Sussex and Tonbridge Cottage hospitals.
The outside broadcast raised a total of £483.69, which will help the station continue broadcasting 24 hours a day to the two hospitals with a lively mix of news, sport, music and patient requests.
The event was the latest in a series of regular fundraising days for Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells, which has entertained local hospital patients for more than 45 years. The next event takes place at Waitrose in Tonbridge on 23 February.
CAFFYNS SPONSOR SINGLE OF THE WEEK
24th October 2007
Caffyns Vauxhall and Chevrolet in Tunbridge Wells have become the latest local business to support the work of Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells. Caffyns have become the station’s music sponsor, by providing funds to enable the charity station to buy two new songs each week, one of which is featured on their programmes as the Single of the Week and to enable the team to play more patient requests.
Diane Clarke, Station Manager of Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells said: “We are very pleased Caffyns have agreed to support us, whilst many patient requests are still for old classics by people such as Jim Reeves, Frank Sinatra and the Beatles, we are getting an increasing number of requests for more modern artists, such as Enrique Inglesias, Take That and Mika, so it’s important that we have the funds available to buy new songs each week and keep our record library up to date.”
The charity station entirely run by volunteers, which has been running since 1961, has a large record and CD library with over 68,000 titles in it, to try and fulfill all the requests it receives.
During a presentation at the radio station to confirm the sponsorship, Chris Loveys, General Sales Manager of Caffyns Vauxhall and Chevrolet in Tunbridge Wells said; “it gives our company great pleasure to help a local good cause such as Hospital Radio, we look forward to a long and mutually successful working relationship between Caffyns Vauxhall and Chevrolet and Hospital Radio.”
The support of Caffyns will be acknowledged when the station plays The Single Of The Week throughout its programmes. Tony Finn, Projects Officer, for Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells added; “it is encouraging for our team that local businesses are willing to support us, we are delighted that Caffyns have joined our team and we would be pleased to hear from other local businesses who may wish to support us by sponsoring some of our shows”.
HOSPITAL RADIO AWARDED BT COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS GRANT
20th August 2007
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells has been awarded £500 by the BT Community Champions award scheme thanks to the voluntary work of Chris Manser, who works for BT and is a member of the station. Run by BTs charity programme, BT Community Champions awards BT people with funding on behalf of local community groups, charities and organisations where they work on a voluntary basis. The grant will be used towards updating the stations playout computer system.
Further details about the award scheme can be found at www.btcommunitychampions.com
COUNCIL SPONSORS CRICKET WEEK
30th May 2007
Its been announced today that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will sponsor the Cricket Week coverage being provided by Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells to its listeners in the Kent & Sussex and Tonbridge Cottages hospitals and online via its website to Kent Cricket fans.
Cllr James Scholes, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said ‘We are delighted to be able to support the Hospital Radio team in providing cricket coverage to those in hospital.
We are also pleased that their coverage will not be limited to hospital patients, any cricket fans can listen live online.’ Coverage starts on June 6th.
CRICKET WEEK COMMENTARY ONLINE
29th May 2007
Kent County Cricket Fans unable to get to the Nevill Ground in Tunbridge Wells for the town’s annual Cricket Week festival won’t need to miss any of the action, when Kent play Yorkshire in the County Championship from June 6-9th, followed by matches against Hampshire and Gloucestershire in the Friends Provident Trophy on June 10th and 13th, as they will be able to log in and listen to ball-by-ball coverage being provided by Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells via this website.
The special week of programmes will be heard by patients in the hospitals served by the charity broadcasting service and for the 2nd year will be made available to cricket fans via this website. Chris Woodward who has co-ordinated the event for the radio station said “last year we managed to provide ball-by-ball coverage for the first time in many years and we made it available via our website, we had a terrific response, so we’re extremely pleased and excited that Kent County Cricket Club have agreed to let us return again this year”.
Chris Woodward will be joined by Chris Reed and Tim Godsalve in the commentary box at the Nevill Ground, whilst Tim Addicott, Will Dunn and Chris Manser will be based at the studio to keep listeners updated with the scores from other county matches and reports from the Third Test between England and the West Indies, as well as playing some music during the breaks in play.
The Cricket coverage will start at 10.30am each day of play and will run until the close of play each day.
BIDDING FOR A VALENTINE
5th February 2007
Here is a unique chance for two lucky lads to get themselves a dinner date for Valentines Day. Karen Burke of the Afternoon Show on Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells and her friend, also called Karen, are auctioning themselves off for a dinner date on Valentine’s night.
They’re doing this to help raise funds for Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells and to sponsor a trek to Kilimanjaro, via the Prince’s Trust. So if you’re a lad looking for a Valentine’s date or know a guy who needs a date, you can go and visit the website www.datekaren.co.uk and make a bid.
One date will consist of a meal for two, sponsored by Brasserie Blanc in Tunbridge Wells. The other date will be a meal for two at another restaurant in the town yet to be announced. All proceeds will go to the girls chosen charities.
To see photos of the girls and to find out a bit more about them you can visit their website which is www.datekaren.co.uk. The bidding closes at 4pm on February 13th, so don’t delay go and make a bid today.
OPEN DAY - FOR NATIONAL GIVING WEEK
24th September 2006
Its National Giving Week from October 16th to 22nd and to mark the occasion Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells is holding an Open Day between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday 22nd October. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in Hospital Radio to come and find out more about the service. This includes staff who work in the hospitals, former or current listeners and people who are perhaps interested in joining the team as a volunteer member.
Visitors will be invited to join Award Winning Presenter Diane Clarke for an "on air" chat during their visit. To find out where the studios are situated at the Kent & Sussex hospital please call 01892 528 528.
CRICKET WEEK COMMENTARY ONLINE
20th May 2006
Local West Kent hospital patients will not miss the excitement of Tunbridge Wells Cricket Week at the Nevill Cricket Ground, courtesy of live coverage from Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells. The special in-house radio station is providing live comprehensive “ball by ball” coverage for the 3 matches Kent play with Ireland, Warwickshire and Sussex between May 29th and June 4th. A team of the station’s volunteers will be interviewing players and analyzing the matches as well as giving ball-by-ball commentary, to bring these matches to the patients’ bedsides. The coverage will also be available online courtesy of a special license obtained for this event. This will enable the public to hear the station’s output during that week, via their website.
The commentary team is being led by station volunteer and presenter Chris Woodward, who said “I’m delighted we’re able to provide comprehensive coverage this year, our thanks go to Jon Fordham the Commercial and Development manager at Kent County Cricket Club for allowing us to attend and cover the entire week, it’s especially appropriate this year coinciding with the town’s 400th year celebrations”.
Press Officer Cathie Burgess said “This is very exciting for both our listeners and for us. In addition to our normal sports coverage throughout weekends, we have been able to really ‘go to town’ for cricket week. This is also the first time the public has been able to listen to our output online and may encourage some people to join us. We broadcast twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and we are a charity, run entirely by volunteers so it is important to get the public involved.”
The event is also being supported by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council as part of the towns 400th year celebrations.
GOING FOR GOLD AT AWARDS
1st March 2006
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells have finalists in 4 categories of this year’s prestigious Hospital Broadcasting Association’s National Annual Awards. The award ceremony will take place on 1st April in Blackpool when the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded to three of the ten finalists in each category.
Programme Controller, Chris Manser said, “We are very proud of all of our finalists; Nicky Chappell is a finalist for Best Newcomer, Stephen Butler is a finalist for Best Speech Package for his interview with the Air Ambulance Team, Tim Addicott, Chris Woodward and our “Saturday Action” programme have been short listed for Best Sports Coverage and Diane Clarke is hoping for a Gold in this year’s Best Female Presenter Award after achieving Silver last year and Bronze in 2004.”
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells volunteers regularly make ward visits to take requests for peoples’ favourite music, or sometimes just to talk to the patients. The station comprises around 50 volunteers who range in age from those still at school to those who remember school as a dim and distant memory. Not all volunteers present shows, some work as engineers and technicians, the station is run by a committee who take care of the administration, and there are also fundraisers and request collectors. There are hospital radio or television services in around 90% of hospitals in the UK, actively working to entertain and inform.
The Hospital Broadcasting Association describes Hospital Radio stations as “A friend at the Bedside”. These awards recognize the achievements and talents of those involved in Hospital Broadcasting, all of whom are volunteers and give their time freely.
OPEN DAY - FOR HOSPITAL BROADCASTING WEEK
2nd April 2005
It's National Hospital Broadcasting Week from April 2nd to 10th and to mark the occasion Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells is holding an Open Day between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Sunday 10th April. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in Hospital Radio to come and find out more about the service. This includes staff who work in the hospitals, former or current listeners and people who are perhaps interested in joining the team as a volunteer member.
To find out where the studios are situated at the Kent & Sussex hospital please call 01892 528 528.
SILVER SUCCESS FOR DIANE AT NATIONAL AWARDS
2nd April 2005
Diane Clarke presenter of the Sunday Lunch show on Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells has won Silver in the Best Female Presenter category in the National Hospital Radio Awards for 2004/5. Last year Diane took Bronze and had told colleagues before attending the ceremony in Belfast that she didn't think she would win anything this year.
Station Manager Will Dunn said "It's been a tough year for Diane, so we are all pleased and very proud of her for getting this award". Diane received a trophy and a cheque for £150. So next year will it be Gold for Diane??
BROADCAST BASH AT BREWERS IN SEVENOAKS
14th February 2005
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells raked in £290 at their recent Outside Broadcast from the window of Brewers in Sevenoaks High Street on Saturday, 12th February. Volunteers from Hospital Radio were stationed along the street and collected money from passers by who, despite the rain gave generously. The staff and management at Brewers were, as always, extremely hospitable and Hospital Radio members enjoyed the day despite the bad weather.
During the day shoppers were given the chance to win competition prizes donated by the Odeon, Tunbridge Wells and store manager Bob Seale ran an instore competition for customers to win a Brewers Goodie Pack. See photos of this event in the gallery.
CHRISTMAS AT THE CO-OPERATIVE HOME STORE
20th December 2004
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells started it's festive season of programmes with a two day outside broadcast at the recently re-furbished and re-named Co-Operative Home Store. The two-day stint, which took place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th December raised over £555, two thirds up on last year’s total.
Press Officer, Cathie Burgess said “this really does prove the spirit of giving was in the air, - we have quite a lot of notes pressed into our tins, as well as small change so it really gave everyone who was involved a good feeling. The new Co-Operative Home Store looks great too, I think that helped a lot!” Volunteers from Hospital Radio donned Santa Hats and hosted a live Outside Broadcast in the new-look store’s window, as well as hosting a raffle with prizes given by the Co-Operative Home Store.
Hospital Radio showed their appreciation of the store’s ongoing support with the presentation of a special Certificate to Deputy Manageress Claire Gee on Saturday morning, by Station Manager Will Dunn. See gallery for photos of this event.
HALLOWEEN OB AT SAINSBURYS TUNBRIDGE WELLS
30th October 2004
The Hospital Radio Outside Broadcast Team had a successful day at Sainsburys Tunbridge Wells and despite being the end of October the weather was kind and the sun was shining. Customers visiting the store kindly donated £473. 43, which almost matched the total collected in 2003.
During the afternoon Station Manager Will Dunn presented the store's Duty Manager Ian Tasker with the first "Thank You" certificate, which has been designed by Cathie Burgess and will be presented in future to those organisations and stores which support Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells. See photos of the day in our photo gallery.
SUNSHINE AT SAINSBURYS FOR OB
7th August 2004
The Hospital Radio Team held a very successful outside broadcast and collection at Sainsburys in Otford Road, Sevenoaks on Saturday 7th August. Despite concerns that the hot sunny weather would keep people away from the shopping a total of £454 was raised, which was slightly down on the 2003 total. There was a slight hiccup at the start of the day when the engineering team found one of the CD players was not working correctly, but Programme Controller Chris Manser was swiftly despatched to the studio to collect a replacement and listeners were none the wiser.
The event also marked the Outside Broadcast debut of Chris Woodward, Barbara Manackjee and Diane Clarke, who each did their first solo OB shows under the watching eye of engineer Arthur Hosmer. The shows were broadcast live from 10am to 4pm from the store back to the hospitals.
BIG COLLECTION SUCCESS AT BEWISE
17th July 2004
The Annual Tonbridge Street Collection was a great success this year with a total of £445 being collected. This is an increase of 76% on the 2003 total. The Hospital Radio team spent the day broadcasting from the window of Bewise in Tonbridge High Street whilst the collection took place.
The day started sunny and warm, with presenter Tony Finn sweltering in the heat as he presented the first show, but a sharp shower soon cooled things down at midday, but despite this the collecting continued. Treasurer Chris Reed commented "it's one of the best collections we've ever had in Tonbridge, thanks to lots of team work." You can see photos of this event in the photo gallery.
WHITE HORSE DONATES CD PLAYERS
8th July 2004
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells have been awarded 4 new CD players as a result of the fundraising efforts of the White Horse Public House, Otham, near Maidstone. Peter Bonner, Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee for The White Horse, presented the CD players to volunteers from the station at the White Horse. The presentation was hosted by Peter and Lorraine Lea who run the White Horse.
The station was nominated for the award by Jason Williams who is a regular customer at the pub when not presenting shows at Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells. Jason was joined by Steve Hobbs and Will Dunn at the presentation. The new CD players will replace some 10 year old equipment in the studios.
HRTW QUIZ TEAM COMES THIRD
2nd July 2004
A quiz team representing Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells attended a quiz night being hosted by Hospital Radio Maidstone at Aylesford Community College on July 2nd and managed to come 3rd out of the 12 teams that took part.
The team of Cally Howes, Jon Borley, Vince Cox, Steve Hobbs, Diane Clarke and members of her family enjoyed the evening with a sausage and chip supper and the quiz. Another quiz night in aid of HRTW is to be held this autumn.
OLDIE MAGAZINE - NEW REQUEST SHOW SPONSOR
1st June 2004
The Oldie magazine has officially become the sponsor of the request shows on Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells. The magazine described as a haven for fun, good sense and quality writing is published monthly. Presenter Diane Clarke contacted the magazine to see if they would be interested in becoming our newest sponsor and given the similarities in the age range being targetted by the magazine and those often found in the wards of the hospitals served by the station they felt it was an excellent idea.
The Oldie Magazine will be sponsoring the request shows on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for the next 12 months. You can find out more about the magazine by visiting their website at http://www.theoldie.co.uk/
24/7 OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
29th May 2004
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells officially launched it 24 hour a day service today. A launch party was held in the hospital's Postgraduate Centre and the team were joined by BBC South East Today presenter Ceri Thompson who pressed the launch button to start the new service. Representatives from several organisations that support the station attended along with many of the volunteer members.
Newly elected Station Manager Will Dunn explained this was "the climax of a project which started in February 2003 when the station was awarded £5000 by the National Lottery". The special launch show was hosted by award winning presenter Diane Clarke, Tim Addicott and Stuart Boyle. A bouquet of flowers was presented to Ceri, who agreed to attend the event at the 11th hour, when sadly the Chief Executive of the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Rose Gibb advised the team she was unable to attend.
A bouquet was also presented to Cathie Burgess who organised the event and arranged all the food which was enjoyed by all those who attended. (See gallery for photos of this event).
AWARDS & ELECTIONS AT AGM
16th May 2004
The station's Annual General Meeting took place at the Royal Wells Inn on May 16th, during which Diane Clarke was officially awarded her recent HBA Bronze Award for Best Female Presenter in the UK. She also received a bouquet of flowers presented by Treasurer Chris Reed.
Tim Addicott was awarded the Silver Mic Award, which is an annual award made by the Station Manager to a member of the team for their outstanding contribution to station activities throughout the year. Tim won the award for his work in assisting with the setting up of the new Myriad computer playout system, his work on the Saturday Action Sports show and for regularly attending the station's various fundraising events.
Other members who were finalists in this year's award were Stephen & Anette Parris for their work in the wards promoting Hospital Radio whilst collecting requests and Cathie Burgess who has taken on the role of Press Officer with great success, she has also been heavily involved in the setting up of the station's 24/7 Launch event due to take place on May 29th.
During the meeting the annual election of officers to serve on the station's management committee took place. Both Station Manager Chris Manser and Secretary Jerry Miller stood down from their roles, although Chris said he intended to continue in the role of Programme Controller, subject to being elected. When nominations were asked for each post only one candidate came forward for each of them, so the following people were duly elected. Will Dunn as Station Manager, Diane Clarke as Secretary, Chris Reed as Treasurer for the 23rd year running!! Chris Manser as Programme Controller and Arthur Hosmer as Station Engineer. Will Dunn will hold the dual post of also continuing to be IT Manager, responsible for Myriad, along with Marketing and Promotions, although it was announced that some of the committee roles and responsibilities would be reviewed and possibly realigned.
BROADCAST FROM WAITROSE IN CROWBOROUGH
19th April 2004
The Hospital Radio Team held a very successful outside broadcast and collection at the Crowborough branch of Waitrose on Saturday 17th April. During the day Sir Jeffrey Johnson-Smith the former MP and broadcaster joined the team for an interview and expressed an interest in getting the hospital radio service extended to the town's own hospital.
It was the 2nd year that the team had put on a broadcast from the store in Crowborough, the equipment was set up by the engineering team led by Arthur Hosmer in the lift lobby overlooking the car park. (See gallery for photos) The team also held a collection and raise just under £278, which was slightly down on the total in 2003.
DIANE WINS NATIONAL AWARD
5th April 2004
Diane Clarke presenter of the Sunday Lunchtime show on Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells has won the Bronze Award for Best Female Presenter in the Hospital Broadcasting Association national awards for 2003/4.
Diane, who has been a member of the station for around two years, enjoys a variety of hobbies including keeping speckled hens, gardening and needlework. Station Manager Chris Manser said “We are very proud to have Diane on our team. She is a dedicated volunteer who gives her time to the station freely.” Diane receives a trophy, certificate and £100.
When told she had won she could not believe it and thought it was a late April Fools joke, but having been assured it was true she vowed to "go for gold" next year!!
CO-OP STORE SPONSORS BREAKFAST SHOW
2nd April 2004
The Co-Op Store in Tunbridge Wells has become the latest business to support HRTW by agreeing to become a show sponsorship.
From Monday 5th April the station's Breakfast Shows will be sponsored by the Co-Op Store. Store Manager Adam Medhurst said "we have supported the radio service for many years by allowing them to hold events at our store, so when this opportunity was presented to us I was pleased to be able to become one of the station's on-air sponsors."
The Co-Op joins, Waitrose, Pegasus Retirement Homes, Odeon Cinema, Trinity Theatre and Howes of Southborough as on-air sponsors of various programmes and station features.
HRTW VISITS WAITROSE IN TONBRIDGE
15th March 2004
The Hospital Radio Outside Broadcast team added a new venue to their list of events on March 13th when they made their first visit to Waitrose in Tonbridge.
Station Manager, Chris Manser said, “We were very excited to be allowed to broadcast from this new Waitrose store. It was a new challenge for the team who had not set up an outside broadcast in this store before, but it all went very smoothly and we had a great day.”Waitrose supports Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells by sponsoring the station’s “Single of The Week” and their weekday “Magic Moments” each evening at 6pm.
Marketing manager from Waitrose Matthew Gaunt said “We are pleased to be able to support hospital radio, with four of our stores in the area covered by Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells we felt it was appropriate for Waitrose to support their charity work for the patients.”The team managed to collect £350 during the day.
Photos of this and other events can be found in our gallery.
SEVENOAKS BROADCAST AND COLLECTION
16th February 2004
Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells held a very successful outside broadcast and Collection in Sevenoaks on February 14th, based at the Brewers store in the High Street. Despite poor weather and a seemingly slow start the team ended the day with £298, which was about £60 up on the total in 2003.
A great day was had by all, made even more special by the enthusiasm and participation of the shop staff led by their manager Bob Searle.
Being Valentine's Day the team ran a Valentine's Challenge Competition to win a bottle of pink champagne and a box of chocolates, these were won by Vivian & Morris Manning.
Photos of this and other events can be found in our gallery.
TRUST LAUNCHES PATIENT POWER PROJECT
20th January 2004
On January 19th the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust formally launched their Patient Power Project, which as part of the Government's scheme which will see the Wandsworth Group installing their Tele-Call Digital system into the Maidstone, Kent & Sussex & Pembury hospitals. They should be starting this work in Maidstone in the summer and then moving onto the Tunbridge Wells hospitals in the autumn, with an aim of completing the installation by the end of the year.
The new system will give patients bedside access to many facilities including television, telephone and radio. Hospital Radio will be made available to patients via this system and it will end the years of problems with broken radios and missing headsets.
CHRISTMAS AT THE CO-OP STORE
15th December 2003
HRTW held another successful outside broadcast and collection at the Co-Op Store in Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells on December 13th & 14th. This year in addition to the normal collection the store manager Adam Medhurst set up a free customer raffle, which helped boost the collection total to £333. A good time was had by everyone involved.
Photos of this and other events can be found in our gallery.
HRTW WINS AWARD
1st December 2003
HRTW's work in the community has been recognised at county level when they won the Kent Volunteering Excellence Award sponsored by Kent County Council and the Marlowe Theatre.
These awards have been running for 5 years and members of the public nominate groups and individuals for recognition of their voluntary work. The station received a certificate and trophy at a gala awards ceremony in Ashford.
SPONSORED WALK RAISES £800
24th October 2003
A team of 5 station members, Stephen & Anette Parris, Tim Addicott, Cally Howes and Chris Merriman. Completed a 13 mile walk around Bewl Water and raised £800 for HRTW. The group were sponsored by friends, work colleagues and family.
Stephen Parris said "it was a lovely day and we managed to complete the walk in just over four hours." The team also received a £20 donation from another couple of walkers during the event.
COMMUNITY AWARD FROM SIEMENS
10th October 2003
HRTW Presenter Tony Finn is a Project Manager for Siemens by day. So when he heard about the Siemens Employees in the Community Awards he entered Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells into the awards.
As a result the station has been awarded £250. This money is to be used to purchase additional CDs for the library to fill some of the gaps when patients request a song and we don't have it.
|
