BHBN Radio News

Knitted Swimming Trunks

Join us on BHBN Radio’s Morning Show in the next few weeks for a new daily dose of nostalgia as we look back at life in Birmingham in the 1950s and 60s through the eyes of a boy growing up at the time

Local author Andy Harper has written a book called “Knitted Swimming Trunks” in which he gives  an honest, painful but ultimately hopeful account of an ordinary boy living an ordinary life. It’s a  trip down memory lane but also an insight into the social history of Birmingham

You’ll hear about life in the Back to Backs of the City’s council estates, holidays in Weston super Mare as well as a very personal account of schooldays together  with some great music tracks from the time

Christmas Celebrations

At the BHBN Radio Christmas get together on Wednesday evening (4th Dec) there was a surprise presentation at BHBN Radio studios based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for two dedicated volunteers of over 40 years and also celebrating their milestone birthdays 70 years young. These guys have been friends for 45 years too. Congratulations David Horton Vice Chairman & Technical Controller and Colin Monnaf Programme Controller. - You really do go above and beyond. Proud of you both.Many Thanks go to Joy Bourne and Paul Stanley and a few for arranging this get together and keeping it a secret

Also on the 7th December BHBN Radio were so pleased to be at Claridge Place Care Home providing some musical entertainment at their Christmas Fayre.

And then we moved onto Heartlands Care Homes on the 23rd December 2023 to entertain the Residents there tpp

Yes!! We did it again Station of the Year

Celebrating BHBN Radio’s Station of the Year Gold Award at the HBA Annual Conference.

In a night filled with anticipation and excitement at the HBA Annual Conference and Awards Gala Dinner held at Winchester University on April 13th, 2024, BHBN Radio was crowned with the prestigious Station of the Year Gold Award This remarkable achievement marks the third time in the last five years that BHBN Radio has claimed the Station of the Year Gold Award, having previously received the accolade in 2019, 2023, and now in 2024, along with a silver award in 2020.

The Trustees, David Horton and Paul Stanley, were in attendance at the event, accompanied by BHBN member David Elliot to receive the trophy from former BHBN member Voice of The Lottery Balls and Strictly Come Dancing, Alan Dedicoat.   Reflecting on the win, they expressed their genuine surprise and delight, having not expected to clinch the coveted Station of the Year Gold Award title again this year. The station was truly thrilled and honoured to receive such recognition.

Sponsored by PPL (Public Performance Licensing), the Station of the Year Award highlights excellence in hospital radio, emphasising engagement with listeners and the delivery of captivating station content. Judges reviewed a variety of program content from each station, focusing on interaction, special events coverage, and overall listener satisfaction.

The judges' verdict on BHBN Radio was resounding. They described the station as being at the pinnacle of its performance, characterising it as warm, inclusive, and exceptionally engaging. Every aspect of their entry highlighted special moments and showcased the team's dedication to serving their audience with a diverse range of content.

As the station celebrates a significant anniversary, this latest recognition solidifies BHBN Radio's position as ‘Station of the year 2024’. Their ability to consistently deliver quality programming and connect with their listeners on a personal level sets them apart as a truly exceptional broadcasting entity and hospital radio service.

If you would like to tune into this award-winning radio station, BHBN Radio broadcasts directly to the bedside media of Solihull, Heartlands, Good Hope, and Sandwell Hospitals through Spark TSL, along with the Royal Orthopaedic. Additionally, it is available to the Queen Elizabeth, Women's, and City Hospitals, accessible online or via the Radio App, which can be downloaded from the App Stores.

Moreover, if you have access to an Alexa device or a phone, simply say "Alexa, play HOSPITAL RADIO"  within the Birmingham area, and BHBN Radio will start playing, offering a seamless and convenient way to tune in and enjoy the engaging content.

Congratulations to the whole team at BHBN Radio on this well-deserved honour. Your commitment to excellence and passion for serving patients shines brightly, making you a beacon of inspiration within the hospital radio community. Here's to many more years of success and innovation!

Written by Suzie Box

Once again in 2024 BHBN Radio volunteers attended the Royal Sutton Fun Run. David Elliott & Paul Stanley got the participants underway and counted them in at the Start and Finish in the High Street whilst Phil Stoneman, Dave Horton Bob Bartlett encouraged and entertained at Town Gate Water Station and Pete Bayliss was our number spotter further up the course. Our thanks to Muff Murfin for providing the BRMB Radio Bus. And of course Jan and Paul Millington who ran the course raising much needed funds for BHBN Radio.

BHBN Radio grateful to
returning Sponsor

BHBN Radio are pleased to announce that Caremark Solihull are returning it's sponsorship this time of The BHBN Evening Show broadcast daily from 8pm.

Caremark Solihull 's Managing Director Herkesh Malhi said sponsoring BHBN Radio reflects our commitment to enhancing community well-being, supporting patients during their hospital stays as well as enhance our local community support and promote our compassionate care.

Caremark Solihull is a Great British Homecare Award Winning provider.

Their friendly service enables you to remain in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. You can receive regular social care visits and services to suit your personal needs. 

Caremark Solihull's vision is to have a world where every individual can age gracefully, surrounded by the comfort of their home and the warmth of compassionate care. Providing reliable, dedicated and personalised home care services with a cheery smile to improve lives and bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones. They can also provide respite for carers of loved ones in need of a break

Caremark Solihull understand that when the time comes where you or a loved one may need help in the home, it can be daunting. Caremark Solihull will help address any worries and answer questions or any concerns you may have. They will always consider your personal needs and visit at times that suit your lifestyle. This can range from a short morning visit once a week, to 24/7 live in care. Either way, we provide flexible home care to accommodate your unique requirements.

Caremark can be contacted by calling 0121 733 8355 or  email us solihull@caremark.co.uk

The BHBN Roadshow
appears at Heartlands Care Home

On the 13th July this year the BHBN Radio Road Show Team appeared at the HEARTLANDS COUNTY COURT CARE HOME.
The afternoon was well attended by the friends and families of the residents along with the staff of the home.Pictured are Left to Right, Dave Horton, Andy Swaby, Shaz Hill, (who works at the Care Home) Rich Pemberton & Paul Stanley. BHBN's Programme controller Colin Monnaf also attended.BHBN

Radio are looking forward to appearing at other COUNTY COURT CARE HOMES where we provide Internet Radios so residents can listen to BHBN Radio programmes

Two become One

Radio SWB Joins BHBN Radio to Illuminate Sandwell and West Birmingham.

In a momentous union, Radio SWB (former Sandwell Hospital Radio) is set to merge with the award winning BHBN radio, heralding a golden opportunity for residents and patients in Sandwell and West Birmingham hospitals. This exciting collaboration promises to deliver an award-winning radio service that will captivate and uplift the hearts of the community.

Imagine the scene unfolding like a breathtaking sunrise, where BHBN Radio's takeover illuminates Sandwell and West Birmingham with a new wave of energy and positivity. This merger isn't just about change; it's a partnership that promises to inspire, entertain, and connect people of all ages.

From the bustling streets to the hospital corridors, a wave of enthusiasm and anticipation sweeps through the air as the renowned BHBN radio extends its reach to welcome a wider audience.

BHBN Radio broadcasts directly to the bedside media of Solihull, Heartlands, Good Hope, and Sandwell Hospitals through Spark TSL, along with the Royal Orthopaedic. Additionally, it is available to the Queen Elizabeth, Women's, and City Hospitals, accessible online or via the Radio App, which can be downloaded from the App Stores.

Moreover, if you have access to an Alexa device or a phone, simply say "Alexa, play HOSPITAL RADIO within an area," and BHBN Radio will start playing, offering a seamless and convenient way to tune in and enjoy the engaging content. Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion as BHBN Radio shines brightly in Sandwell and West Birmingham, spreading joy and warmth across the airwaves with its expanded coverage and accessibility.

Join us on this thrilling voyage as we embark on a transformative journey of radio excellence, where the power of music, news, and community intertwines to create an uplifting experience. Let us raise a cheer to this joyful union, as Radio SWB merges with BHBN radio to illuminate the lives of residents and patients, transmitting a radiant glow of positivity across the airwaves.

We offer a massive welcome to the Staff and Patients of Sandwell Hospital to the family of BHBN Radio hospitals. 
Thank you to Spark TLS the bedside media provider for making it happen.

BHBN Radio broadcasts direct to the bedside media of Solihull, Heartlands, Good Hope & Sandwell Hospitals via Spark TSL. Also the Royal Orthopaedic. Available to the Queen Elizabeth, Womens & City Hospitals, Online or via our Radio App, download from the App Stores.

A Football Fan Compliments BHBN Radio & Birmingham City FC

BHBN Radio, as well as broadcasting Birmingham City FC football commentaries from St Andrews, supplies commentaries for the Sight Impaired fans using closed circuit transmitters and receivers loaned out for each match by the club. It was wonderful to see this post by a fan on X (formerly known as Twitter), complimenting our service and especially Kym Smith for her descriptive commentary.

Bedside Unit?

If you're currently staying at Birmingham Heartlands, Good Hope or Solihull Hospital as a patient, you might be tuned in right now, enjoying our complimentary broadcast. There are numerous other features available on the Bedside Units. Including television, movies, sports, phone calls and hospital information.

The radio, morning television and outgoing phone calls, are all provided free of charge. Within the Hospital Information section, you'll discover valuable resources such as a patient safety video to ensure your well-being.

Should you require any assistance with your TV Bedside Unit, simply reach out by picking up the phone and pressing 'Customer Care' to connect with our dedicated customer service team. Or you can Google, Hospedia FAQ, to access our resource page. www.sparktsl.com/en/hospedia-faqs

BHBN Radio's Paul Stanley interviewed during 'Back to the Start' with Greatest Hits Radio presenter Ken Bruce

by Kira Hughes

As the NHS celebrates its 75th birthday, Greatest Hits Radio presenter Ken Bruce went ‘Back to the Start’ for an hour long special looking at the world of hospital radio.

Paul Stanley BHBNradio's Gold Winner of Best Male Presenter at the HBA awards this year was proudly interviewed by Jo Russell on the programme.
Paul has always presented himself perfectly, professional, proud, and incredibly humble with an uplifting tone and a sense of humour. he shares his passion for radio, his team, and his wonderful achievements. Paul followed his interview with a fantastic request and sentiment, "The Bluebells - Young At Heart.

Paul has been wholeheartedly committed to BHBNradio since 2017, and throughout this time, he has done so much for patients, listeners, and his team around him. He is endlessly committed to events, interviews, and on hand to be a happy helper whenever needed. Paul is a lively, lovable, loyal member of BHBNradio.

WONDERFUL WRIGGLEY WORM

featured in the BHBN Morning Show, broadcast Monday to Friday at 10am
& on Kids Time With Kira on Sundays at 2pm

The Author - Eugenie Summerfield
The late Eugenie Summerfield began her writing career creating stories for BBC Radio Four’s children’s programmes. These included the national favourites, Listen With Mother, Let’s Join In and Listening Corner.  More than 100 of her stories were broadcasted on these programmes, and it was on Listen With Mother that Wriggly Worm made his first appearance, winning the hearts of listeners, young and old.  Over a number of years,  Eugenie also wrote for Yorkshire TV’s programme My World, as well as a number of children’s books, including Nelson’s Story Chest series – and of course the published collections of the Wonderful Wriggly Worm stories: Wonderful Wriggly Worm and Wonderful Wriggly Worm Rides Again. Eugenie died in February 2016, in Gloucestershire