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A new mixing desk will ensure that Jubilee Hospital Radio can continue broadcasting. The community radio station, which was formed in 1977, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from its base within the Princess Elizabeth Hospital. But when its mixing desk in studio two began to have electrical faults, it faced the challenge of raising thousands of pounds to replace it.
"We have two studios, studio one where we broadcast from and studio two which we use to pre-record programmes and features, for training and also as a back-up for studio one," said station manager Fred Setters.
"Unfortunately the mixing desk in studio two was very old and was literally on its last legs as there were a number of electrical issues. We knew a new desk was likely to cost in the region of £3,500 and so we started approaching companies while keeping our fingers crossed that the old desk would hold out."
With no response as yet from those it had approached, the committee was considering what to do next when presenter Matt Joyce, who works for Sure, suggested applying to the Sure Community Foundation.
"We couldn’t believe it when we heard that the Sure Community Foundation was willing to fund it completely," said Mr Setters.
When the final order was placed, the total bill came to £4,500 as extra items including leads and microphones were needed.
"We have a contingency fund which we could have used for that and then fundraised to build back up our reserves but then we found out that we were one of three charities chosen to each receive £1,000 from the money raised at the Sure Community Foundation quiz which was just amazing."
Karen Jagger said Jubilee Hospital Radio was a worthy recipient of Sure Community Foundation support.
"Being in hospital can mean significant periods of time on your own as there are set visiting hours and often, not everyone will have friends and family available to come at every session. Having a radio station broadcasting 24 hours a day will provide invaluable comfort and entertainment for thousands of patients every year and so we know that the Sure Community Foundation’s donation to Jubilee Hospital Radio will have a huge benefit to the community."
The radio station currently has a full complement of presenters, who broadcast live every evening, with pre-recorded and syndicated programmes on air for the remainder of the time. Jubilee Hospital Radio is also streamed over the internet and anyone wanting to listen or to find out more can go to www.jubileeradio.org.gg.
Charities or organisations wanting to apply for support from the Sure Community Foundation can email communityfoundation@sure.com.
