The A to Z of Pop
is sponsored by
and generously supported by
North West
Earby Parish Council
and
©2013
Richard Smith
The HB Week
BIG Broadcast
"An amazing event!" probably describes another successful BIG Broadcast from the A to Z of Pop's studio in Lancashire.
For 24 hours, more than 30 Hospital Radio stations in the UK and Ireland took part in the biggest event of it's kind for Hospital Broadcasting week since time began.....
TV and radio comedian and impressionist JON CULSHAW recorded an interview with Richard Smith all about his early days on Hospital Radio at Radio Ormskirk General.
Hospital Broadcasting Association Chairman Jim Simpson interviewed ‘Voice of the Balls’, Alan Dedicoat, and 'live' music was provided by Kiki DeVille!
The BIG Request show which was planned to take place between 7pm and 10pm on Sunday evening had to be specially extended due to the volume of requests coming through.
Our award-winning Guest presenters Laura Tremelling from Sunshine Hospital Radio in Weston Super-Mare, Rachael Dodd from Hospital Radio Plymouth and Andy Brown from Radio Wey in Surrey joined in the fun by providing shows for the broadcast. These were supplemented by "The First Record I Ever Played On Hospital Radio", feature, where various station members from all over the country recalled some of their earliest memories of their first foray into programme presentation.
And in association with irwinmitchell solicitors, the The A to Z of Pop Trivia Challenge was won by Hospital Radio Basingstoke closely followed by Northern Air in Manchester!
The team at Auckland Hospital Radio once again provided technical assistance and streaming services and my grateful thanks go to Craig, Simon and Dennis.
Silver award winner Dave Warren provided news on the hour every hour and the team of Paul & Emma Sysum, Jim Simpson and Brenda Massie provided support for yours truly.
Mrs A to Z once again provided the catering facilities as only she could, and judging by some of the comments I've had, I think stations were pleased that they took part.
AHR's Programme Controller Simon Temby said; "Richard’s programmes are always a fantastic listen. He puts a lot of time and effort into coming up with ideas to feature in his shows and deciding which songs to play which really comes across when you tune in. The best thing is that he and the team always sound like they’re having a whale of a time! The team took full advantage of it being April Fools’ Day too with a news item about Richard taking over from Ken Bruce on Radio 2 for a few weeks. It’s a shame it wasn’t true!"
"The thanks need to go to YOU and your team. It is incredibly easy for any of us to take a feed. BUT the level of commitment and hard work from you and your team is immense and is greatly appreciated by us at Radio Nene Valley.
Keep up the good work!"
Kevin Askew, Chairman, Radio Nene Valley (Northampton)
"I would like to add Castle Mead Radio's thanks to you and the team for a great programme. As as been said before its really easy to take a feed but keeping it going and entertaining takes so much work and effort. Thanks for making our Easter programming different and enjoyable for the first time in ages!"
Paul Gardner, Station Manager, Castle Mead Radio (Hinckley)
The 'New Years Eve' BIG Broadcast
Thanks to everyone who took part in the New Years Eve BIG Broadcast too many to mention here, but the motley crew below had quite a bit to do with it.
Special mentions to Craig Robinson at Auckland Hospital Radio and John Williamson at Bay Trust Radio for use of their services throughout.
To Mrs A to Z who kept everyone fed, watered and entertained throughout the event.
To the Pendle Jazzmen for turning up and making our New Years Eve go with a real swing!
To our intrepid newsreader Rob Watson who kept everyone informed throughout.
And finally to all the Station Managers and Programme Controllers who thought that it was a good idea to let me loose on their airwaves - I hope I didn't let any of you down!
Here's to the next one.......................................
Richard