[18/02/10] BUSINESS CLUB DONATION.

Sunshine Hospital Radio have received a generous donation of £100 from the North Somerset Business Club.

The business club for businesses in North Somerset held their annual Charity Ball last October and in the process raised thousands for local charities and good causes.

The aims and objectives of the club are many - primarily to keep members up to date with the latest business issues, promote networking and inter-trading within the local business community and offer the opportunity for local businesses to discuss amongst themselves business problems that commonly arise.

More info at www.nssbc.co.uk

[25/01/10] RAPPERS DELIGHT!

Whilst the rest of the nation went nutty for Susan Boyle, Sunshine Radio managed to get the real stars of Britain's Got Talent '09; Burnham on Sea's very own Wrinkly Rappers!

The 3 piece crew, B n B, Snowy and Baby Bel, busted some moves (and not hips) down to our studio to pump some funky, f-f-f-fresh flavas down the noise holes of the hospitals patients.
The vibe they put out was so hot it even inspired show presenter Laura Tremelling to battle lyrical with her own flow, it was described as "epic".

The Wrinkly Rappers charity album "Wrinkly Rappers Unrapped" is raising money to support The Alzheimer's Research Trust. More info at www.wrinklyrappers.com

Pictured right: Baby Bel, B n B and Snowy

[12/01/10] PARKY'S POSITIVE REPORT!

Sir Michael Parkinson has singled out Sunshine Radio and staff at Weston Area Health NHS Trust for praise in his personal account of his year as the nation’s Dignity Ambassador published today. (Jan 12)

In his report, Sir Michael praises the people who inspired him; highlights small steps that cost nothing, but make a real difference to people’s lives; and opens up about his own experience of the care of his mother, who had dementia.
He tells how he first met Weston nurse Jayne Biddiscombe, in September 2008, when she had signed up to the Dignity in Care campaign and become the 3,000th Dignity Champion in the country.

Sir Michael then goes on to describe his visit to Weston General Hospital last April and explains how he enjoyed his time with the volunteers at Sunshine Radio, "...who devote their spare time to trying to brighten the day for the patients in the hospital."

His report also included a photo of his visit to our studio.
Dignity in care Website

[21/11/09] SUNSHINE SUPPORTS CHARITY FAYRE

Over £10,000 was raised for charities and other good causes at Weston Rotary Club's Christmas fayre, and Sunshine Radio was there to help!

The event, staged at the Winter Gardens and attended by a host of local dignitaries and saw more than 60 groups promoting their activities and raising money towards key services.

Bernard Land, president of event organisers Weston Rotary Club, paid tribute afterwards to those who had helped make the event a success.
He said: "We would like to thank Weston Town Council for its sponsorship and Sunshine Radio for their broadcasts, jingles and great support during the day."

Sunshine Radio were busy throughout the day interviewing the various charities and giving them the opportunity to tell vistors more about the work they do.

Steve Ledbrook from Sunshine Radio said "It was a really busy day, but so nice to be able to speak with so many wonderful charities. It was a great event and we're looking forward to next years!"

Pictured right: Sue Walker, Ruthe Nattee, Steve Ledbrook and in the back is Jack, ready to attack, mixing it up and making fools look wack, and when the mix is done you're carried home in a sack....yeah boyyy!

[05/10/09] NEW MAYOR IS 'TALK OF THE TOWN'!

The Mayor of Weston popped into the Sunshine Hospital Radio studio to take part in a brand new talk show.

Mayor Mike Kellaway-Marriott and Mayoress Carmela Bianco de Kellaway aired their views on the seaside town in the topical evening show, ‘Talk of the Town’.
Along with host Laura Tremelling and co-host Selina Cross they debated issues affecting the town, including the pier redevelopment and the ever contentious Tropicana!

Cllr Kellaway-Marriott was very supportive of pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael, and is looking forward to seeing the pier restored for the people of Weston to enjoy.
He also spoke of his love for the town saying:
“It is a great honour to be the mayor of such a wonderful place.We came to the town for a holiday and decided straight away that we wanted to move here…..and we have been here ever since”
Following the hour long show they were taken on a tour of the wards by wardrounder Victoria King. There they met patients, and wished them a speedy recovery.

‘Talk of the Town’ is a new show to Sunshine Radio, every Monday evening 7pm-8pm, where patients and a studio guest discuss topical issues in Weston.

Previous shows have seen MP John Penrose, Weston College principle Paul Phillips., Weston Hospicecare fundraiser Penny Star and Roger Noble from STAR Radio all talk about the town.

Future guests lined up include Kerry Michael, Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, the R.N.L.I., musician Adam Lipinski and a Halloween special with the Witch of Wookey Hole Caves!

Pictured right: Selina Cross, Mayor Mike Kellaway-Marriott and Mayoress.Carmela Bianco de Kellaway, Laura Tremelling.

[19/07/09] T4 ON THE BEACH '09!

Weston-super-Mare once again played host to T4 on the Beach, when thousands of people descended on the town to watch acts such as The Saturdays, Peter Andre, JLS and Alesha Dixon. Sunshine Radio presenters, Laura Tremelling and Matt Begent were invited to interview the stars.

Peter Andre spoke of his love for Weston, which he visited as a child, and said he was honoured to perform at T4. When Peter was asked what song he would request if he was in hospital, he said anything by the Jackson 5 because he admired the family and said that any song by them would lift him up, and make him smile.

Singer Paloma Faith gave an interview straight after her performance. She was very friendly, happy to chat and was particularly interested in the work of Sunshine Radio. Paloma was also asked what song she would like to hear if she was in hospital, and whilst she couldn’t choose a specific song she did say it would have to be something more upbeat than relaxing.

While in the press tent, the wardrounders spotted Malachy from Hollyoaks, played by Glen Wallace. The actor talked about hospital radio, and said he thought it was a brilliant idea, a great way for people to help others and learn about radio at the same time!

Many stars at T4 recorded “Get Well” messages, which can be heard exclusively on Sunshine Radio. One of the most memorable was Keith Lemon, the fictional character created by Leigh Francis. He joked with the wardrounders about radio and kangaroo attacks, and recorded a very funny “Get Well” message. Keith said that laughter is the best medicine, and so he wanted to make the patients laugh.

Throughout the day the yellow ‘Never mind the Anaesthetic’ t-shirts worn by sunshine radio members were praised. Many of the stars commented on how much they liked them, and asked where they could get one from! (via HERE of course!)

Pictured right: Peter Andre being interviewed by Sunshine Radio at T4 on the Beach

[21/05/09] WESTON'S SUPER MAYOR!

In his last evening as the Mayor of Weston super Mare, Andrew Horler paid a visit to the Sunshine Radio studio accompanied by Mayoress Camilla de Bernhardt Dunkin.
The Mayor & Mayoress had chosen Sunshine Hospital Radio as one of their three 'Charities of the Year' and during the relaxed interview with Marcus Tripp they discussed the many public engagements and fundraising events that the prestigious role had taken them to.

Music was also on the agenda as the Mayor was asked to choose three songs. The first was one that he would choose if he were in hospital and wanted to be cheered up, and he chose Mr E's Beautiful Blues by Eels. He explained that whilst not a being a particular fan of the band it was one track that always made him smile.

The second song was one that meant something special to him. Honey and the Moon by Joseph Arthur was the track of choice. This less well known song is featured on the soundtrack to the TV show, the O.C. The Mayor dedicated the lyrically beautiful track to the Mayoress, Camilla de Bernhardt Dunkin.

His final choice was a song to dedicate to the patients of Weston General Hospital. This was a tricky choice for him as songs can mean something different to different people. In the end he chose a song that was uplifting and full of energy, he went with Viva la Vida by Coldplay.

The Mayor & Mayoress have had a very successful term in 2008/2009 and the team at Sunshine Hospital Radio would like to thank them for their support and wish them all the best for the future!

Pictured right: Mayor Andrew Horler and Mayoress Camilla de Bernhardt Dunkin

[07/04/09] PARKY POPS IN!

The King of interviews, Sir Michael Parkinson paid a visit to Sunshine Radio today (Mon) to help promote the 'Dignity Campaign'.
The legendary broadcaster has been appointed a "dignity ambassador" in the governments campaign to ensure that everyone using care and health services are treated with dignity and respect at all times.

Sir Michael had accepted an invitation to visit the general hospital when he met with Staff Nurse Jayne Biddiscombe last year – shortly after she became the 3,000th Dignity Champion in the NHS.

Following a tour of the wards, Sir Michael, 74, made time for a quick interview with Sunshine P.R. Officer Marcus Tripp. During the interview Sir Michael explained about how he'd agreed to be involved with the Dignity Campaign because of his mother's experience in care, where he saw at first hand what can happen, he said "I saw a mixture of indifference and wonderful nursing."

They also found time to chat about current topical issues such as Jade Goody's mistreatment by the media, how Frank Sinatra would fair on the X Factor, as well as Sir Michael's passion for music.

(The whole interview can be heard exclusively on Sunshine Radio.)

Pictured right: (Top) Marcus Tripp, Sir Michael Parkinson, Steve Ledbrook & Sue Walker
(Below) Sir Michael admires our playlist, Sinatra, Fitzgerald & The Beatles all feature!

[31/03/09] NATIONAL AWARD FOR SUNSHINE RADIO'S PIER FIRE COVERAGE.

Sunshine Hospital Radio were once again award winners at this years 'National Hospital Broadcasting Association (H.B.A.) Radio Awards.'

The charity that broadcast from Weston General Hospital, were presented with an elegant glass trophy in recognition for their coverage of the tragic Grand Pier fire.
The volunteers were complimented for capturing the emotions of the day, and it was noted that, as an event that drew international media interest, it was high praise that the local hospital radio station should receive an award for the quality of their coverage.

The gala award ceremony took place at the Hilton Hotel in Blackpool on Saturday 28th of March with ITV's Dr Chris Steele presenting awards.
The evening also featured video messages from Sir Terry Wogan and the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, both of whom congratulated the hospital radio volunteers for their hard work and commitment.

Public Relations Officer Marcus Tripp said "We're all absolutely thrilled with this award! Particular acknowledgment has to go to the team that were out recording and broadcasting interviews with the public from first thing in the morning until late that evening.

We always try and keep our listeners informed of significant events, which is particularly important for those who have had a long stay in hospital."

He added, "This is a great start to the year for us, and we hope to use the momentum from this to go on and fund raise enough money to introduce a new hybrid telephone system which will allow us greater on-air interaction with the patients as well as their friends and family."

Kerry Michael, owner of the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare said: “It was a terrible day for us and the media coverage worldwide was unprecedented with pictures appearing on the front page of the local newspaper in Sydney, Australia and over three million hits on the BBC website.
“But the events of the day were most important to Weston people and it is fantastic that people gave up their time to ensure those in hospital on that day were kept informed. It is great that Sunshine Hospital Radio has received this award and we look forward to them broadcasting from the pier when we re-open.”

Sunshine Radio also received an armful of prestigious radio accolades for other areas of their broadcasts, including a pier documentary and an Occupational Therapy health care promotion.

Pictured right: Steve Ledbrook (Programme Controller), June Snowden (H.B.A. President), Katy Blake (Treasurer)

[14/02/09] CRICKET STAR BOWLS OVER THE LISTENERS.

Somerset ace Peter Trego took a break from his winter training to pop into the Sunshine Radio studios on Saturday for a chat on the stations sports show, Saturday Sports Focus.

The popular, Weston born, all-rounder proved to be a hit with the listeners, answering their questions and recounting some of the more amusing incidents he had witnessed on the pitch. One such event focused on a "barking bowler" who, as the name suggests, would run up to batsmen and bark at them after bowling them out.

Unsuprisingly Peter was also asked about his England aspirations, to which he responded;
"Representing England would be a dream come true, but I have to prove that I have the ability. I've been set targets that I must reach and if I do that and the targets are raised then I'll simply have to raise my game. I'm working hard and hopefully that will show in our results this season."

Pictured right: Cricket star Peter Trego hits us for 6!

[03/02/09] SUNSHINE RADIO SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARDS.

The volunteers at Sunshine Hospital Radio have been informed this week that they have been shortlisted in a total of four separate categories for this year’s prestigious H.B.A. (Hospital Broadcasting Association) Awards.

The categories that they have reached the final ten in are: Station of the Year, Special Event (coverage of the Grand Pier fire), Best Speech Package (Grand Pier documentary) and Station Promotion (promotion of Occupational Therapy Week).

The organisation hopes to be among just a handful of winners, which will be will be revealed on March 28th at a glitzy ceremony in the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool.

Commenting on the Awards, Marcus Tripp, Public Relations Officer for Sunshine Radio, said: “It's fantastic to have reached the finals for this year's awards, especially when you consider that the H.B.A. represents over 220 stations from all over the U.K.
“Our shortlisting is testament to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers, we're all keeping our fingers crossed for when the judges make their announcement in March!”

Guests at last years awards ceremony were greeted by a video message from long standing Patron Sir Terry Wogan.

Pictured right: Patron of the H.B.A. Sir Terry Wogan.

[25/01/09] SUNSHINE AT CULTURAL DIVERSITY EVENT!

Sunshine Hospital Radio were on hand to provide music and announcements throughout the day at the North Somerset Cultural Diversity Festival.

P.R. Officer Marcus Tripp said, "This was the first year that Sunshine Radio were involved with the Diversity Festival and it was clear to see why it has become such a popular event. Providing the music for the colourful and vibrant dancers was a real pleasure."

He added, "We met so many interesting people from such a broad range of countries, it was the perfect opportunity to record 'Get Well' messages in different languages for the foreign patients at Weston General Hospital.
We look forward to supporting next years event."

Pictured right: (Top): Sunshine O.B. Team playing the music for the traditional Filipino dancers.(Bottom) Bollywood Dancers Becky Slade and Reshma Rajagopan.

[19/12/08] LOCAL MP DROPS IN ON SUNSHINE RADIO

WESTON MP John Penrose joined the team at Sunshine Hospital Radio in the lead-up to Christmas to take part in the ward request show.
Volunteers at the station, based at Weston General Hospital, took Mr Penrose around the wards, where he met patients and collected requests for the show.

Vice-chairman Sue Walker said: "It was wonderful to have Mr Penrose with us for the evening. He was more than happy to get fully involved and the patients were happy to chat with him."
Mr Penrose also joined the presenters on air, introducing records and chatting about the reasons why patients had chosen their particular songs.

The visit was arranged by public relations officer Marcus Tripp, who said: "We hope that Mr Penrose got a feel for the work that our dedicated team is regularly involved with.
"The Wardround Request Show is probably our most important show as it gives us the opportunity to chat with the patients, and in particular those who may not have had any visitors."

Mr Penrose said: "Everyone who works at Sunshine Radio is a volunteer, trying to make things a bit more cheerful for the patients in Weston Hospital.
"They are great people and it was loads of fun taking part in their Friday request show.
"I hope we managed to spread a bit of Christmas cheer around the wards in the process."

Pictured right: (Top): John Penrose with Wardrounders Rhiannon & Mark.

[10/11/08] VOICE OF THE BALLS HELPS RAISE £2,900 FOR BBC CHILDREN IN NEED

Alan 'Deadly' Dedicoat, ‘Voice of the Balls’ (BBC National Lottery), Strictly Come Dancing & Wake up to Wogan (BBC Radio 2) visited Worle Community School on Friday 7th November and helped raise over £2,900 for BBC Children in Need.

The event, organised by Sunshine Hospital Radio in association with Worle School, attracted 35 teams battling it out to be crowned quiz champions and carry off the ‘Golden Microphone.’
Before the first question had been asked Worle School had already raised £1,100 through a non-uniform day; this was added to the quiz takings of £1,800 and presented to Alan Dedicoat.

Trevor Bailey, Headmaster of Worle School said "We were delighted to work with Sunshine Radio to raise funds for Children in Need and we were even more delighted when we learned the final amount that had been raised. We look forward to working with our colleagues at Sunshine Radio on further projects in the future."

Alan Dedicoat was extremely pleased with the amount raised saying, "I've taken this quiz the length and breadth of the country; this is the best figure we've achieved. Worle Community School's non-uniform day (which raised over £1,100) made all the difference!
Well done, Sunshine Radio!"

The quiz also marked the culmination of celebrations to celebrate Sunshine Radio’s 30th year of broadcasting to hospital patients in Weston-super-Mare.

Pictured right: (Top): Worle School & Sunshine Radio with Alan Dedicoat. (Middle): Mayor Andrew Horler, Alan Dedicoat, Mayoress Camilla de Bernhardt Dunkin and Sue Walker presenting the cheque for Children in Need.
(Below): The winning team 'The Binge Thinkers' being presented with their prizes by Alan Dedicoat.

[12/09/08] Sunshine Hospital Radio are delighted to announce that four of their young volunteers have been honoured with the Diana Award.
The Diana Award challenges stereotypes of young people by showing that the Award Holders have the power to be positive role models for an entire generation. They have received this recognition at a time when their life choices are still to be made, encouraging them to develop their full potential.

Christopher Smith, Ron Walker, Scott Quinn and James Gordon all dedicate their spare time to helping the patients of Weston General Hospital by contributing to the voluntary radio service that this year celebrates 30 years of broadcasting.

Award winner Scott Quinn, from Wick St Lawrence, said, "I was totally surprised as I didn't know I'd been nominated. I really enjoy helping out at Sunshine Radio because I've met lots of interesting people on the wards and got some requests for some really different music, songs I wouldn't normally get an opportunity to listen to, it's great!"

Sunshine Radio's Public Relations officer, Marcus Tripp said; "We're all very proud of the hard work put in by these young members and we were absolutely delighted when we heard that they were all going to receive the prestigious Diana Award.
There seems to be a lot of news recently focusing on young people who cause trouble, but hopefully the dedication of James, Scott, Chris and Ron will be acknowledged just as widely."

Pictured right: Christopher Smith, Ron Walker, Scott Quinn and James Gordon holding their awards.

[29/03/08] Weston Super Mare's Sunshine Hospital Radio station has won the
2008 Outstanding Contribution Award at the H.B.A. National Awards.
The glitzy ceremony, organised by the Hospital
Broadcasting Association, is seen as the hospital radio equivalent to the BAFTA's and invites entries from it's 5000 members.

Sunshine Hospital Radio were entered for the brand new award with their profile raising 'Taking Over The World' campaign which resulted in photographs coming in from
all around the globe. Celebrity support was also received from the likes of chart topping producer Mark Ronson, F1 World Champion Nigel Mansell and former Sex Pistol Glen Matlock.

The ceremony took place at the prestigious Queen's Hotel in Leeds and welcomed special guests including ‘This Morning’ Doctor Chris Steele and Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, CBE, MP. They were joined by a host of presenters and producers from both the BBC and commercial radio.

Sunshine Radio fought off close competition from Newcastle based, Radio Tyneside.
Marcus Tripp, P.R. Officer for Sunshine Radio said, "We were absolutely thrilled be announced as the winners of this prestigious new award. To have been considered alongside such a well respected station as
Radio Tyneside is amazing enough, but to go one step further and win shows that the dedicated team at Sunshine Radio are working in the right direction."

Pictured right: The H.B.A. Award Cermony held in Leeds. Terry Wogan, Patron of the HBA, on screen giving a video message to the guests.

[28/03/08] It was a night of celebration at Sunshine Hospital Radio when Tina Pritchard was presented with the grand prize for her photographic contribution in the stations 'Taking Over The World' campaign.
Tina, a teacher at local St Marks school, was photographed wearing her Sunshine Radio T-shirt by her husband Brian whilst on their honeymoon in Ecuador.

Sunshine Radio's Vice-Chair Sue Walker took Tina and her family on a tour of the studios before the prize presentation.
Tina's prize, a Virgin V.P. Voucher offered a range of exciting experiences but Tina said she'd prefer something more relaxing and plans to use the voucher for a luxurious spa day with her daughter Christy.

Sunshine Radio launched the Taking Over The World last year and asked members of the public to buy one of its T-shirts and then have their picture taken wearing it somewhere interesting across the globe. "The response to our 'Taking Over The World' campaign was fantastic!" said Marcus Tripp, Sunshine Radio's P.R. officer. "We're so grateful to everyone who takes part and it wasn't an easy job choosing the best photo from over 25 finalists, but after much discussion and with the contribution of the team at The Weston Mercury we felt that the photo on the equator had something special."
Marcus added "We'd really like to thank everyone who helped us with 'Taking Over The World', the Weston Mercury for their support with the whole campaign, Virgin Experiences and EU Signs for providing the prize and Clobber & T-shirtPrintingandMore.co.uk who sell the
t-shirts."

Although there is no longer a grand prize, photographs are still welcome to help Sunshine Radio spread the word across the globe!

Pictured above, from left to right: Sunshine Hospital Radio presenter James Gordon, prize winner Tina Pritchard, Vice Chair Sue Walker and presenter Ron Walker

[29/08/07] Weston General Hospital’s Sunshine Hospital Radio has won first prize in this year’s North Somerset Good Neighbour Awards, created to recognise achievement by groups working in the local community within North Somerset.

North Somerset Council Chairman Cllr David Shopland presented the £200 first prize
The awards are sponsored by take-away company Miss Millie’s Fried Chicken and organised in conjunction with North Somerset Council. They were judged by a panel of Councillors and officers from North Somerset
Council.

Pictured right: Sunshine Hospital Radio presenters
Sue Walker and Steve Ledbrook with Ann Walker, managing director of Miss Millie’s Fried Chicken and North Somerset Council Chairman Cllr David Shopland