Those of us who have experienced being in hospital will know well the seemingly endless boredom that occurs between being treated by Angels dressed as Nurses, and they are truly Angels, and discomfort that it can cause. Having experienced a period of incarceration that only lasted a few days one can say that hospitals are the noisiest places at night-time and through the day there is little to do but sleep or read a newspaper, there is only so much one can do to keep the blues away and pass the time.
However, there is another Band of Angels trying to make hospital stays more bearable, the Hospital Radio Service. The service is run by volunteers who work in relays and provide much needed music and a bit of friendly chat throughout the days and nights.
Durham Hospitals Radio is a registered charity (No.516714). It is staffed by volunteers and is entirely self-supporting. The station broadcasts 24/7 to the patients of the University Hospital of North Durham, where it has done so for over 60 years.
Being a Charity the DHR is always looking for additional money to enable it to provide this heartwarming service. In early September DHR was proud to receive a handsome donation from the staff of the Durham Branch of the TSB. They presented Durham Hospitals Radio with a cheque for an amazing £587.26, with the help of Roberta Blackman-Woods MP. Terry Clough (Chairman) and Mike Hardy (Secretary) received the cheque on behalf of Durham Hospitals Radio. In addition, every year around 6,000 young runners pound the pavements at the UK’s biggest and most popular children’s running event on the Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside: The Great North Run Mini. Such commitment to raising funds for Durham Hospitals Radio is greatly appreciated.
Durham Hospitals Radio is also pleased to announce details of their annual concert, with the GT Group Band Peterlee and the Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir performing live. The concert will be held on Friday 7th October 2016 at Spennymoor Town Hall. Advance tickets are £6 or £8 on the door.
Whilst money is always an issue for any charity, willing helpers who will give of their time freely are also at a premium. The DHR folks operate a request arrangement so that bed ridden people or their loved ones may request a meaningful, or simply favourite, tune to be played. People who will give some time are always welcome do to the little jobs, like going around the wards asking if patients would like to request a piece of music. Many hands make light work and easy listening.
Music does indeed have charms to soothe and help one sleep at night or keep one entertained when sleep will not come. Durham Hospital Radio is there to help and the people who do all the work deserve a great big vote of thanks for their selfless service.
