[23/11/13] SUNSHINE AT CHARITY FAYRE!

Sunshine Hospital Radio were delighted once again to be involved with Weston Rotary Clubs Charities Fayre at the Winter Gardens
.
The Charities Fayre is an annual event organised by the Weston Rotary to give charities in the local area an opportunity to showcase what they do and help raise money for their various causes.
For the past few years Sunshine Radio have been providing the music and working alongside Weston's very own Royal Air Forces Association Concert Band to entertain visitors to the Fayre.

During the event members from Sunshine Radio toured all the charity stands and recorded various audio clips of what the charities Christmas wishes were, and also gave them the opportunity to dedicate song requests to patients in the hospital.

Programme controller Steve Ledbrook said,
“It's great to be involved once again with this event. It's very important that charities in our area get a chance to showcase the wonderful work they do.
"I'd like to thank our team of volunteers, Jack Daley for his engineering expertise during the day, Jo Newey, Richard Chapman and Mike Coles for support with interviewing, selling vinyl and networking with other organisations.”

Sunshine Hospital Radio are already looking forward to next years event and once again going out into the community to highlight and promote local charities.

Pictured right: The Sunshne Radio Team at the 2013 Charities Fayre.
Below: Steve & Richard record charities messages for the patients.

[26/09/13] 2013 SUNSHINE RADIO AWARDS!

Volunteers from Sunshine Hospital Radio gathered at Weston Cricket Club for the charities Annual General Meeting and to celebrate 35 years of broadcasting.

The highight of the A.G.M. (apart from the cake!) was the presentation of the Sunshine Radio Awards.
Earlier in the year all members nominated their colleagues for three very special awards.
These are the 2013 award winners:

'Jill Dando Award' for Best show contribution - Nick Chaffey.
Brought members together to create the '35 Songs from 35 Years' show. Puts a huge amount of effort into his numerous live shows and the extra pre-recorded shows he creates.

'Karen Radford Award' for Best all round member - James Ledbrook.
Enthusiastic and reliable member of both the Monday & Thursday teams. He’s made considerable progress over the last year and can now run Wardround. Helped to cover other nights and supports fundraising events. He also created and recorded a special show for the Birthday weekend.

'Clive Townshend Award' for Best Newcomer - Ben Jones.
Ben was keen from day one to contribute to all aspects of Sunshine Radio.
His highlights have been reliable attendance, support of fundraising events, creative contribtion to Wardround and the film show and an excellent rapport with the patients.

Pictured right: [Top] James, JJ, Ben and Nick.
[Middle] Jo, JJ and the 35th cake.
[Bottom] Sunshine Radio's Team of Volunteers.

[28/08/13] 'MAYORAL CHARITY BALL' DONATION!

On a summer’s evening in August, Sunshine Radio Chairman Jo Newey was invited to attend a reception to receive a cheque for £200 at a presentation held by Councillor & Mrs. David Hitchins at the Burlington Museum in Weston-super-Mare.

The Annual Town Mayor’s Ball has been established for over three decades and proceeds from this years ball had been divided between local charities who had applied for a donation. Sunshine Radio asked for an amount to be put towards replacing old studio equipment such as new microphones.

There were around 30 local charities who attended the event including a local scout group and cancer charities. It was good opportunity to hear about the contributions local people are putting in to small charities in our town, and wonderful that our town council are encouraging us and supporting us financially.

Pictured right: Mrs Carol Hitchins, Jo Newey and Cllr.David Hitchins

[28/07/13] 35 YEARS OF SUNSHINE!

Sunshine Radio celebrated 35 years of broadcasting with a weekend jam packed with shows, fundraising and fun.
Since it was established in 1978 Sunshine Radio has been entertaining the patients of Weston Hospital with a variety of music, and shows.

To mark the milestone anniversary patients were treated to a special weekend of shows designed to suit all ages and musical tastes.
Charlie, Alana and Sophie got up early both days to present the breakfast show, and Gill and Rebecca took us back to the 80’s for their first ever live show together.

Presenter Nick Chaffey put together the '35 years, 35 songs' show, where members selected songs that meant something special to them from each year and recorded a piece to explain why they chose it.

Laura Tremelling was joined on a special birthday edition 'Talk of the Town' show by the Mayor and Mayoress of Weston, Councillor Keith Morris and Mrs Jocelyn Holder, who spoke of their love of the town, and reminisced over its history.

Patients were also treated to an hour of music from the most requested artist on SHR, Frank Sinatra, all skillfully presented by James Ledbrook.

While the shows were taking place a cake sale was held in the main entrance, with cream teas proving popular with staff, visitors and patients.
Special Sunshine Radio cupcakes were made by Angel Cassidy, (CupCakeCassidy), which went down a treat.
Sunday afternoon saw members raising money for the station.with bag packing at Asda.
All money raised will go towards the up and coming studio refurbishment, making it more welcoming and accessible for all.

Sunday evening was the time for members to party, with a birthday bash held at the Coach House in Locking.

Members past, present and future turned out to celebrate the stations 35th yearl
A fun and challenging quiz and skittles were on the menu, with friendly competition between the teams.
A raffle was also held with prizes donated by local companies.
SHR would like to thank Thatchers Cider, Wookey Hole Caves, Frankie and Benny's, McDonalds, and Virgin Active for their support.

Here's to the next 35 years!

[03/07/13] HOWZAT! SUNSHINE SUPPORT ARUL.

Sunshine Hospital Radio's outside broadcast unit was in full operation at Weston-super Mare Cricket club, helping Somerset player Arul Suppiah raise funds in his benefit year.
Steve Ledbrook and Jack Daley had the pleasure of being part of the charity twenty20 match, entertaining the crowd with music throughout the event.

A benefit season comprises of a variety of events such as special matches, dinners and auctions of memorabilia over the course of the summer cricket season or the whole year in which the relevant cricket season falls

Suppiah made his first-class debut for his county in 2002 and has scored 5,156 runs and taken 45 wickets. He was a member of the Somerset squad that won the 2005 Twenty20 Cup, and set a new world Twenty20 bowling record by taking 6-5 against Glamorgan in July 2011.

A full strength Somerset side which included former England Star, Marcus Trescothick and local legend Pete Trego took on a skilled Weston side. Both teams performed well with Somerset ending up the eventual winners.

Steve Ledbrook said “It was an amazing evening and I really enjoyed the game.
What I love about twenty20 is that the music played after every 4 or 6 is hit.
‘Gangnam Style proved a popular choice for a player hitting a 6!”

Weston Cricket Club vice-chairman Sam Curley was very pleased with our help and we look forward to being able to help out at future twenty20 matches.

Arul will be supporting two Charities that are very close to his heart throughout his Benefit Year: Childrens Hospice South West and PCA Benevolent Fund.
Click HERE for more info.

Pictured right: Jack, Pete Trego & Steve.

[23/06/13] ON YER BIKE MIKE!

Mike Parker's 100 Mile Sponsored Cycle Ride
(Queen fans - can you spot the ten song titles?)

Early Sunday morning I arrive at the Bath Recreation Ground, known to rugby fans as ‘The Rec’, to check in and receive my participant number, which includes a timing chip, and a map of the route.

I’m in the first group to ride off after a final briefing from the starter, indeed I’m the first to cross the line at the start but this position is relinquished before we even leave the Rec. There again I’m in this merely to complete the course and it certainly isn’t a bicycle race in my mind.

The procession of bikes spreads out quite quickly with more experienced riders pulling away and the rest of us frantically changing down gears to deal with the first rise in the road. For a while I find I’m keeping pace with Chris who’s using this ride as training for a Land’s End to John O’Groats trip next month when he expects to ride this sort of distance for 10 consecutive days.

The route is punctuated with four Feed Stations and the first of these comes up quickly at Biddestone after just 15 miles. Think I’m doing all right as I’m still with plenty of other riders but this is probably more due to the strong tail wind than my fitness level!

The second stage is spent largely on my own with a few small groups of riders passing me, exchanging greetings and words of encouragement. I offer what assistance I can to a rider with a puncture but my spare inner tube won’t fit his tyre, he says the next Feed Station is coming soon so he’ll walk and see if he can get help there.

Leaving the Feed Station I see another lone rider a short distance ahead and after a couple of miles I eventually catch them up. She introduces herself as Tory, short for Victoria, but her surname isn’t Pendleton. Her ambition for the day is the same as mine - complete the ride and not get picked up by the ‘broom wagon’! She’s good company and we ride together to the next Feed Station. The route has turned back on itself and we alternate riding in front to give each other some respite from the strong wind that was a boon before.

Shortly after leaving Tetbury Tory is riding a little faster than me so I tell her to ride on ahead as I don’t want to slow her down. Just a few other riders pass me before I roll into the final Feed Station at Horton. In contrast to the first crowded stop I’m among just a handful of riders, most of the rest are well ahead. Still the finish isn’t long away as this is 84 miles into the trip.

The final stage took in a couple of longish steep climbs which at this point severely test my staying power. There’s also an even longer descent, from the top of which I could see Bath basking in the afternoon sun in the valley below. The descent is over in a flash, taking me into Batheaston which marked the 100 mile point but there were still a couple of miles to ride back to the finish.

It’s late afternoon when I cross the finish line at The Rec (although tired didn’t feel a complete ‘wreck’!) and within minutes of arriving get a text confirming my total journey time of 9h 13m.

So was it all worth it - achieving the goal I’d set myself gave me a sense of personal achievement and raising over £150 towards the cost of refurbishing the Sunshine Radio studio certainly helped with the motivation, so yes it was definitely worthwhile.

The Queen song titles:
Bicycle Race
The Procession
Doing All Right
Coming Soon
Good Company
Long Away
Staying Power
Flash
It’s Late
Was It All Worth It

[22/04/13] DAN RACES FOR SUNSHINE!

Part time local racing driver, Dan Wright, showed his support for Sunshine Hospital Radio by promoting their fundraising campaign on his competition car.

Nailsea resident Dan was taking part in the Weston Sandocross, which was the first round of the Southern Counties Autocross Championship. The Sandocross is a variation on Autocross, which is unique to Weston-super-Mare Motor Club as the only club running this type of event on the mainland of the UK.

Dan said "I'm really pleased to be here supporting Weston Hospital's Sunshine Radio and their bid to get a new studio so that they can produce more shows for the patients."

Sunshine Hospital Radio are attempting to make the most of their limited work area by planning a studio rebuild that will give their volunteers a new, accessible recording area to develop new shows.

Competing in his trusty Corsa Sport, Dan considered it an excellent day as he suffered no vehicle damage or mechanical failures and battled his way up to 4th in class out of 15, finishing just one place behind Jenson Button's driving instructor!

To donate towards Sunshine Radio's new studio just text SUNR33 £1 to 70070.

Pictured right: Dan Wright competing in the Sandocross in his Vauxhall Corsa. Photos courtesy of 'Sunflower Hut Photography' .

[17/04/13] LAURA NEEDS YOUR VOTE!

Following on from her success at the HBA Radio Awards where Sunshine presenter Laura Tremelling scooped the 'Female Presenter of the Year' crown, she has now been nominated for a Sony Radio Academy Award.

The Sony Golden Headphones Award is a new category, and allows members of the public to vote for their favourite radio presenter.

Laura said: "It is really exciting to be nominated,

"Hospital radio is so important, we really try to make a difference, and help patients feel that little bit happier.

"If you can spare 30 seconds I'd be very grateful if you could vote for me."

Sony has sponsored the acclaimed annual Sony Radio Academy Awards - the UK radio industry's most prestigious awards - for more than three decades, and is committed to recognising the very best talent in the industry.

Sony UK country head Chris Bowen said: "This year, the team at Sony really wanted to create a new award category that allows any radio presenter in the country to battle it out and mobilise their fans to find out who is the people's choice.

"We look forward to finding out who is the nation's favourite presenter."

The award will be decided entirely by public vote, and people have until 5pm on Friday, May 10th to vote.

To vote for Laura please click HERE and type Laura Tremelling in the box.

[23/03/13] LAURA SCOOPS GOLD AT HBA AWARDS!

Presenter Laura Tremelling was thrilled to take the top prize in the 'Female Presenter of the Year' category at the ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Blackpool.

Organised by the Hospital Broadcasting Association (HBA), the awards invite entries from over 200 stations and is aimed at recognizing and rewarding the very best in hospital radio over the last year.

The Female Presenter of the Year category focuses on the diversity of presentation and listener awareness.

Laura, who has been a volunteer with Sunshine Radio for five years, presents a local news show every Monday evening called Talk of the Town.
She said: “I am over the moon to have won, and still can’t quite believe it.
To win gold is such a wonderful feeling, and it is all down to the support I have received from the amazing people at Sunshine. The award is just as much for them as it is for me, and honours the tireless work we all do to make patients stay in hospital a little bit easier.
“Hospital radio is so important, and I am proud of every single person who gives up their time to do it.”

The National Hospital Radio Awards are the leading national award honoring excellence in hospital broadcasting.
Many popular radio and television presenters began their careers in hospital radio including Scott Mills, Ken Bruce, Phillip Schofield and the late Jill Dando who was a volunteer at Sunshine Hospital Radio.

Sunshine Radio Chairman, Jo Newey said "We're all very proud of Laura's achievement which she thoroughly deserves. This has come at a perfect time as Sunshine Radio is this year celebrating 35 years of broadcasting and Laura is a great role model for new volunteers."

You can hear Laura’s winning entry at www.hbauk.com.

Pictured right: Laura collects her award from Roy Martin of Radio Today.

[31/01/13] HBA AWARD SHORTLIST FOR SUNSHINE!

Sunshine Hospital Radio are thrilled to have been told that they've been shortlisted in two categories at the 'National Hospital Radio Awards 2013'.

Laura Tremelling has been shortlisted in the highly sought after 'Female Presenter of the Year' category.
Laura said, "I woke up to the best news ever! I'm so chuffed to have been shortlisted. Well done to all involved, and fingers crossed for the awards ceremony in March!"

The team of volunteers have also made the 'Station Promotion' shortlist with an amusing Wardround show promotion put together by Marcus, Ben & Dave.

"It really has been a team effort to get our award entries together, so everyone involved feels proud just to have made the top ten." said Marcus.

The awards, which celebrate the best in hospital radio broadcasts from across the country, are organised by the Hospital Broadcasting Association (HBA) and are proud to have Sir Terry Wogan as the patron of the association.

The results will be announced at the award ceremony, on Saturday 23rd March 2013.