PRI broadcasters celebrate 20 years

Feb 20 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

“CAN you play me the ‘Bluebell Polka’ by Jimmy Shand and his band?”

It was Monday February 20 1989; Margaret Thatcher was still in Downing Street, Cliff Richard was topping the charts and British Olympic swimming sensation Rebecca Addlington was four days old!

Twenty years ago, it heralded the launch of Hospital Radio Perth, the culmination of months of hard work and fund-raising by Stuart and Corrine Kennedy, their family and a small group of enthusiasts.

From the very start the organisation was dedicated to being patient-focused – as much a patient visiting service as a radio station. And Jimmy Shand was the very first patient request.

Thirty minutes later, with hospital dignitaries crowded into the tiny studio at PRI, Stuart began the first request show.

“Good evening PRI and welcome to Hospital Radio Perth.” The excitement was all a bit too much though – he'd forgotten to switch on the tape recorder – so no recording of the event exists!

Programme controller that night was John Watson who was to go on to chair the organisation for 17 years.

“I think it was Stuart and Corrine’s vision for the organisation that shaped the way it developed over the years,” reflected John.

“The strength of hospital broadcasting is in the ability to chat directly to the listeners and ensure that the station reflects their music and their wishes. Our aim is to bring a bit of cheer to those who might be a little low or just bored with the long hospital days.”

Donna Lamont was one of the first volunteers. Initially a patient visitor she trained as a presenter and with more than 1000 shows since 1989 she has presented more programmes than anyone on the UK's top hospital station.

“It's amazing the reaction you get from the patients. To many it may be just a favourite piece of music, but to some it is a reminder of times or people long gone,” she said.

“We've had relatives who have phoned the programme from abroad and passed on get well messages live on air. You can't underestimate how that can cheer up a patient to hear a loved one from the other side of the globe.

“We've had them from Alaska to Australia and all points in between!”

Since 1990, Hospital Radio Perth have also broadcast commentary from St Johnstone games home and away. One of the first commentators, Roy Spiers, is still with the station.

He's seen it all, from wet winter's nights in Stenhousemuir to the Stade Louis II surrounded by the millionaires of Monaco.

“We try to tell it as it is,” says Roy, “If Saints are having a shocker we say so – but there have probably been more up-sides than down-sides and throughout the last 20 years we have had first class support from everyone at St Johnstone Football Club.”

Current chairman, Steven Robb masterminded the project and feels that the first-class facilities encourage a first-class service.

“We have some of the best facilities of any hospital radio station and there is no doubt that reflects in our standard of service and range of programmes we offer.”

The diversity of programmes offered has meant national recognition for the station. They have been awarded the coveted “UK Station Of The Year” award four times, beating off the challenge of more than 250 other UK hospital radio stations.

These days the station broadcasts 24 hours a day every day and Steven feels that the success of the organisation is due to the hard work of all the members on a daily basis over the last 20 years.

Although no longer part of the organisation, Stuart Kennedy said: “I've kept in touch over the years and it has been great to see the organisation doing so well. It's strange though, here we are 20 years on, John Watson is again programme controller, Donna Lamont is still broadcasting her programme and believe it or not, Jimmy Shand's Bluebell Polka remains the patients’ favourite!”

Anyone looking for more information on patient visiting or broadcasting with Hospital Radio Perth should apply for an information pack by writing to Hospital Radio Perth at Perth Royal Infirmary, phoning the radio station at Perth 440044 or by e-mailing hrperth@blueyonder.co.uk