Radio Horton branches out after 54 years
12/07/2018
This article is more than five years old.
As the NHS celebrated 70 years on Thursday 5 July 2018, Banbury's hospital radio station, Radio Horton, was preparing to mark its 54th birthday two days later.
On Saturday 7 July, Radio Horton welcomed volunteers and dignitaries, including the Mayor of Banbury, Councillor Shaida Hussain, and Radio Horton Vice President, Jeremy Wilton, to take part in the celebrations. Volunteers of long-standing were recognised with Long Service Certificates presented by the President of the Hospital Broadcasting Association, June Snowden.
Certificates were awarded to Maria Mayo (10 years), John Mayo (20 years) and Colin Beeby (30 years). Mr Beeby was also presented with the Radio Horton Wilton Memorial Trophy by Cllr. Shaida Hussain for outstanding contribution to Radio Horton.
Colin said: "I am completely overwhelmed. I really didn’t expect it [the Wilton Memorial Trophy], and I feel very pleased to have been recognised in this way".
Cllr Hussain added: "I would like to convey my congratulations to Colin, this is a fantastic achievement. Thanks must also go to the volunteers because they are such an integral part of your team, and I wish you every success for the next 54 years."
Radio Horton began in 1964 as the brainchild of two local journalists, the late Ted Hanson MBE and Graham Wilton. Initially, there was one broadcast a week to the wards, and programmes were pre-recorded on tape at Graham's home.
Over the last 54 years the station has kept up with the demands of modern technology and patient interest, offering listeners the ability to listen from the comfort of their own home via the internet.
This has now enabled the station to begin broadcasting to care and nursing homes in the region, and the first of these trial services has been launched to coincide with the 54th birthday celebrations.
Radio Horton will provide any care home wishing to take part in the new service with a free internet radio.
The station is looking for volunteers to help front its new care home request programme, which will feature music requested by the residents of local care homes or their families.
If you would like your care home to receive the new service, or if you are interested in volunteering, please email committee@radiohorton.co.uk
For more information or to listen to Radio Horton, please visit www.radiohorton.co.uk