Achi news desk-
James Gavigan, John Snowden and Maria Bowers all received long service awards, having each been members of hospital radio for 50 years.
They were presented with their certificates by station patron Alan Dedicat – the voice of Strictly Come Dancing and the National Lottery.
James, June and Maria were each at the radio station – a registered charity, which produces radio programs 24 hours a day, seven days a week for listeners at York Hospital – for most of its existence.
This year the station marks its 60th anniversary – the program that was recorded for the first time ever was broadcast in January 1964.
Chair of York Hospital Radio, Ian Callanan, said: “This is a very big year for York Hospital Radio, so it is particularly fitting that we have no less than three of our members reaching a significant milestone themselves.
“Congratulations to James, John and Maria, and my sincere thanks to all three of them – and indeed to all our volunteers – for their amazing work over so many years to keep our radio station sounding so good!”
James, June and Maria have all been broadcasters for many years – and all have also had other roles in the organisation, including external broadcasting and training new members.
Yoni is also the president of the Hospital Broadcasting Association, the national organization that represents hospital radio stations all over the country.
In addition to producing a radio program for listeners in the hospital, York Hospital Radio also broadcasts on the Internet. It can be listened to using smart speakers or a free app.
The output includes music performances, interviews and features, live commentary on all York City home games, concerts and shows from venues around the city, and information for listeners about services and facilities at the hospital.
To get York Hospital Radio outside the hospital, listen online at www.yorkhospitalradio.com, download the free app from your app store, or ask your smart speaker to play York Hospital Radio.
