Outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor helps Hospital Radio mark 50 years of broadcasting

As one of his final duties before leaving office Plymouth's outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Chris Mavin has unveiled a plaque at Hospital Radio Plymouth's Bircham House studios to mark the station's 50th year of broadcasting.

Representatives from a number of organisations, including the Lions Club of Plymouth, local Freemasons, the Royal Eye Infirmary League of Friends, Tor Bridge High School and the University College of St Mark and St John, turned out for the event and a tour of the studios and to meet some of the station's presenters.

In a speech shortly before the plaque was unveiled Cllr Mavin referred to the station's original opening night on 2nd October 1969 and a formal opening speech given by then Lord Mayor and later Alderman of Plymouth Cllr George Creber. Cllr Mavin also remarked on the many advances the station has made since its formation

Later Cllr Mavin took part in a programme with the station's longest serving female broadcaster, Dawn Cawley, who has been presenting shows on hospital radio for 22 years. Dawn asked him about some of the things he had done during his year in office as Deputy Lord Mayor and he also read out some requests chosen by listeners in wards at Derriford Hospital.

During his visit Cllr Mavin also spoke with pupils and staff from Tor Bridge High which is situated in his own electoral ward of Moor View. Year 7 and 8 pupils from the school have been making recordings in their drama lessons for the Tor Bridge High Radio Show which is broadcast on Hospital Radio Plymouth on Sunday afternoons at 4pm.

The station is now planning a formal 50th anniversary dinner in October at which it is hoped many of the station's past members and presenters will join the current ones to celebrate the radio station's golden anniversary. Enquiries about this can be sent to 50@hospitalradioplymouth.org.uk