A RADIO station in Winchester has celebrated being on air for four decades with its dedicated volunteers.
On Friday, November 8, Winchester Radio and its volunteers gathered with the Mayor of Winchester at Rick Stein’s restaurant on High Street.
Having been first established as ‘Winchester Hospital Radio’ at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in October 1968, the radio station, pioneered by its devoted volunteers, has since expanded its broadcasting into an Ofcom-licensed community radio service at 94.7FM.
The chair of Winchester Radio, Anna O’Brien, said: “It is wonderful to be able to get together as volunteers with the members of the community we serve here in Winchester, to celebrate Winchester Radio’s 40 years, and we are delighted that the Mayor of Winchester is able to join us.
"We are very grateful to Rick Stein Winchester for providing us with such a beautiful venue to celebrate this special anniversary of volunteer effort, and to the organisations and businesses who have supported us with raffle prizes too.”
READ MORE: Dangerous concrete found in Winchester hospital will be fixed, government agrees
Tony Knight, an individual who has been with the radio station for over 40 years, reflected on fond memories with the organisation. He said: "After 40 years, it's still great to be a member of a dedicated team.
"Winchester Radio is a truly intimate medium broadcasting to the local community. I look forward to Winchester Radio celebrating our Golden anniversary in 2034."
At the gathering, awards for dedicated volunteers were presented by The Mayor of Winchester, Councillorr Russell Gordon-Smith, who praised the commitments made by individuals.
He said: “I am constantly impressed by the dedication of Winchester Radio’s entire team - all of whom are volunteers - who help the local community via the airwaves. Happy Ruby anniversary to them all, and to everyone involved with the charity; here’s to many more years of such vital work and service.”
The Mayor has worked closely with Anna at the radio station which is at the very heart of the community in Winchester. The station aims to support those aged over 50, promoting local activities and stimulating people to get involved. It signposts listeners to health, charity and support services they may need, keeping them engaged with the community as a means to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
A cooperative with teamwork and collective zeal at its heart, Winchester Radio is always looking for new volunteers to join its excellent team.
This article was written by Amelia Young.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here