AN ‘HONOURED’ volunteer presenter on Rugby Hospital Radio has been nominated for a prize at this year’s National Hospital Radio Awards.
Gary Skinner has been shortlisted in the Best Specialist Music Programme category for his show The Blues Experience.
The Hospital of St Cross DJ said it was an honour to be nominated, adding: “The judging panel contains industry professionals, so I’m humbled to have been included in the final ten.”
Gary came up with the idea for his blues show – a recent addition to the station’s line-up – to complement the Classic Rock Show which he presents every Thursday.
He said: “The idea was to complement my weekly show where I play popular rock classics. Blues is where all that music comes from.
“Hospital radio is mainly about familiar favourites, but we also like to have programmes where people can hear something a bit different. Without blues we wouldn’t have rock and roll and everything that followed, and anyone who likes this kind of music will probably enjoy most of the tracks in the hour.”
He said volunteering at the station was a way for him to give something back to the community.
He added: “We are as local as radio can get. Hospital radio is a welcome distraction from worry and can help patients feel connected to the community.
“We have volunteers on the wards each week meeting patients and taking their requests for favourite tunes. Our stats for the last year show we play over 150 requests per month.”
His colleagues are crossing their fingers for Gary to take home the prize at the awards ceremony, which takes place in Bolton on Saturday March 21.
Rugby Hospital Radio secretary Phil Smith said: “Gary has always had a natural talent as a broadcaster and his passion for music really comes over on air.
“Over 150 hospital radio stations across the UK are members of the Hospital Broadcasting Association and eligible to enter these awards, so you can see what an achievement this is.”
Rugby Hospital Radio operates as an independent charity, raising its own funds. It broadcasts from a studio within the St Cross building. Patients can hear the radio for free on their bedside media units.
Visit www.rugbyhospitalradio.co.uk for more information.
