Hospital radio station approaches 30 (From Free Press Series)

Hospital radio station approaches 30

10:40am Wednesday 9th April 2008

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AN ABERGAVENNY-BASED hospital radio station is aiming to transform its fortunes as it approaches its 30th birthday.

NH Sound has been based at Nevill Hall Hospital since its inception in 1979, although its popularity is said to have waned over the last six years.

But after a new management structure was implemented last month, staff say there are already signs of a revival in its fortunes.

Presenter Andy King, 26, has been with the station since last August and helped organise a re-launch last week where local businesses and people were invited to its headquarters.

He said: "We primarily broadcast to the hospital, but want local people to listen to us as well. We want them to get up in the morning and tune in to find out what is happening locally.

"I think that revival has begun. When I started, the phone would never ring. Last Tuesday alone, there were 998 calls from people asking about our shows."

It runs live shows from 8am to 10pm daily and is a registered charity. But while its 12 workers are all volunteers, it costs around £5,000 a year to run.

NH Sound is in desperate need of donations from local businesses, but it believes a new mix of new and old music, plus presenters spanning various generations will capture the imaginations of local people.

As well as Mr King, frontmen include 16-year-olds Matt Allen from Gilwern and Carl Williams from Brynmawr.

There is also David Williams, 52 and Glyn Parry, 69.

For more information visit nhsound.org.uk

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