The Journal
Alan Shearer
opens hospital station
Radio Tyneside
9 March 2010
FOOTBALL legend Alan Shearer was all smiles when he officially opened the new
premises of an award-winning hospital radio station.
Radio Tyneside broadcasts to patients in many of the North
East’s leading hospitals, including Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, Royal
Victoria Infirmary and Gateshead’s Queen Elizabeth.
The station’s studios were initially based at Newcastle’s
General Hospital but moved to new premises in North Terrace, near Claremont
Road, Newcastle, more than a year ago. And yesterday former Newcastle United
star Shearer was delighted to unveil a plaque to mark the official opening of
the £60,000 relocation.
Alistair Baker, who presents Radio Tyneside’s Sunday Supplement
show with Cara Hall, said: “It was fantastic Alan gave his time to officially
open the new premises of the station. It was a kind of endorsement from a
local hero – it was very symbolic.
“He also gave an in-depth interview in which he talked about his career, his
charity work, this year’s World Cup, stories about Kevin Keegan and becoming a
key supporter of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”
Radio Tyneside is a charitable organisation that runs 24 hours, seven days a
week, 365 days a year.
It exists thanks to the team of dedicated volunteers who take time to provide
a service of music, sport, news, features and football commentaries.
The station began on October 6, 1951, when three enterprising men started the
hospital radio by commentating on the football match between Newcastle United
and Wolverhampton Wanders, especially for patients in the Royal Victoria
Infirmary.
Today the tradition continues at Radio Tyneside and a commentary on all
Newcastle United’s home football matches live from St James’ Park is provided
for patients. So it was felt to be only right that when the station moved
premises they invited someone associated with football to open the new
studios.
Dave Nicholson, the station’s director, said “We thought it was only fitting
that we got someone associated with football to officially open our studios
and when Alan said he would do it we were delighted.
“We must thank Northumbria Water, who are great supporters of our organisation
for having a plaque made which was unveiled by Alan and is on display in our
reception.”
Radio Tyneside has won a host of awards. It received a ‘Highly Commended’
accolade in the Special Award for Outstanding Contribution category at the
National Hospital Radio Awards 2008.
A host of leading reporters also began their careers at the station, including
BBC newsreader Kate Silverton.
Mr Baker added: “Radio Tyneside is a station that is there for patients and it
is something they can identify with. It really is their very own station.”
Shearer recorded a 20-minute interview for the station which will be broadcast
on Sunday at 10am. You can hear Radio Tyneside on the hospital wards on
Hospedia, also on 1575AM in the hospital community or by logging on to their
website, www.radiotyneside.co.uk
We thought it was fitting we got someone associated with
football to officially open our studios