As the year 2000 draws to a close, the radio can look back and reflect
at what seemed the worst year in it’s history as the station is forced to
move premises.
It’s only through the support of patients and nursing staff was the
station able to re-build itself and be prepared for new challenges in the
coming years.
A dedicated group of volunteers have made possible the continuation of a
dearly loved service. To all the friends and families associated with the
League of Friends radio service " Radio Heatherwood ", we wish them all a
Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
PJ Station Engineer/Secretary.
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On Saturday 11th November Gwen Cowland a patient on ward 4
sponsors a new loan radio. This raises the total issued over the last ten
years to 246 new units. In addition 60 replacements have been issued for
those broken beyond repair.
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On Tuesday 17th October Radio Heatherwood resumed programs
for the patients of Heatherwood. After Three months silence on the airwaves
the radio service was able to turn on the comfort factor for listeners
recuperating from their operations.
Initially programs are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, evenings and
Saturday Mornings.
A large recruitment drive is now under way to train new presenters and
increase broadcast hours.
A nice touch for the first week back on air when a grateful patient from
ward one sends a donation of £10 to the station.
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Testing, Testing, Testing was the cry on Saturday 7 October as David
Smith (The Gaffer) and I got given the dubious honour of trying the
equipment in the new broadcast studio.
PJ has obviously spent an inordinate amount of time moving the equipment
from the old radio studios, cleaning it up and installing it in the new
studio. It all sounds so simple until you get to see the new studio and the
miles of cable, mountains of wood and even new curtains which had to be put
into something resembling a new studio for Radio Heatherwood.
I was impressed with the new layout but the objective on Saturday 7th
was to see whether it sounded as good as it looked without breaking! The
first thing I noticed was how clear the sound was – it even made me sound
deeper and sexier than usual.
I did an hour and a half without any incident despite the faders not
being labeled followed by David doing another hour and a half.
The only problem was the heat in studio 1 which was unbearable despite
having windows open and fans blowing. Perhaps having 2 radiators and hot
pipes all along the wall along with several pieces of electrical equipment
was too much! Fortunately all the equipment functioned well which is
testimony to the effort put in by PJ and David – pity the presentation was
not up to the same high standard ! I blame the lack of practice.
Now that the equipment is working OK in one studio, effort will be
concentrated on getting the second studio up and running but in the
meantime, shows can start again to keep patients informed, entertained and
amused.
A big thanks to PJ and David for their effort.
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Radio Heatherwood bid farewell to it’s old premises today 7pm when after
24 years it broadcast it’s final shows, presenters, Peter Davidson-Smith,
Roger Hawkes, Matthew Robinson, Dave Smith, Alan Holder, Sarah Bishton,
Jenni Ferguson, Bruce Crosland, and not forgetting behind the scenes work
by Ada Hawkes, all ensured the occasion was one to remember.
The final record played " Time to say Goodbye " Sarah Brightman & Andrea
Bocelli
Radio Heatherwood off air until further notice.
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Radio Heatherwood this week presents it’s final shows before closedown
on Saturday 22nd July.
An air of sadness for the presenters as they say goodbye to an old
friend. From 10am till 7pm next Saturday, Radio Heatherwood will Rock the
airwaves for the final time from the Ante-Natal Clinic Heatherwood
Hospital.
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Radio Closedown Report 24th June 2000
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Radio Heatherwood will cease broadcasting on Saturday July 22nd
from it’s current premises. Movement of all equipment and facilities will
commence from Saturday July 29th. An estimate on the on–air
return date is forecast for October 2000.
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