A hospital radio station manager is celebrating four decades at the station this month, after a chance invitation to tour the studio saw him unexpectedly presenting his own show.
Elliot Kennedy, has been a part of the Radio Stitch team since 1985, when the station was originally called North Tees General Radio – and turntables and vinyl were a mainstay.
Elliot is also a Radio Stitch trustee and governor at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
Elliot said: “Originally, I moved to the North East in 1976 to join Eastern Ravens as a group leader. It was during 1985, while in another volunteer role in Acklam, that I met a former presenter at the station – I was invited along to have a tour of the hospital radio.
“I remember turning up on the day, being ushered into the studio, directed to where the pile of records was and told that I would be presenting live at 7 o’clock. Considering I had only been expecting a tour – it was a bit of a steep learning curve!
“Back then, all you had to do was place your vinyl on the record player, pull the fader up, make sure your microphone was on and away you went. We certainly have a lot more technology at our disposal now.”
Experience over the years
Elliot’s first show aired that evening, 6 May 1985, and would come to be known as ‘The Weekend Starts Here’ show. He affectionately remembers his first experience presenting being ‘two hours of music and mistakes’.
Elliot continued: “I found myself having to learn quickly after that first show, but I came back each week as it felt like something good to get involved in and the people were great.
“I gradually moved away from presenting into more of a management role, for some time I managed a work experience programme that brought in local students to the studio. Seeing some of those students go on to courses and careers in media was rewarding and a highlight of my time here.”
“I’ve always loved volunteering and find purpose in supporting the local community. Throughout my time at the station especially, I’ve found that music is a great leveller – bringing volunteers from all walks of life.
“Seeing the station go from strength to strength, making some lifelong friends and being able to provide comfort to patients’ bedsides has been what has kept me coming back each year.”
Radio Stitch is a hospital radio service operated by volunteers and has spun records to cheer up patients, 24/7 at their bedside, at the trust since 1976. More recently, with the formation of the University Hospitals Tees group, the station has begun broadcasting at The James Cook University Hospital.
Celebrating 40 years of volunteering
Elliot’s long service was marked with a surprise presentation at Radio Stitch’s annual general meeting, which included High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham and vice lord-lieutenant for County Durham, Michael Poole, who presented him with the High Sherrif’s award and a voucher for a night away to relax.
Volunteer manager Paul Wharton was also on hand to give Elliot his 40 year service award and a Hospital Broadcasting Association Award for long service.
Michael said: “It’s great to be able to celebrate Elliot and his dedication to both the radio station and his many years of volunteering within the community.
“Elliot is an absolute credit to the station and has contributed massively to its running over the years. I couldn’t be more pleased to have been invited along to celebrate this milestone with him.”