Bay Trust Radio

Community & Hospital Radio for the Morecambe Bay area

"Around the wards and around the clock since 1977"

Bay Trust Radio is a registered charity and relies 100% on sponsors, donations, grants and fund raising to remain on air.

They have been broadcasting 24 hours a day to patients, staff and visitors of hospitals in the Morecambe Bay area for 35 years.

However Bay Trust Radio is much more than Hospital Radio as not only can you hear them on the wards, but in hospital waiting areas, NHS Clinics and Dentists, and all around the World via the internet.

And now you can even listen on your mobile by downloading their Mobile App.

Bay Trust Radio broadcast a mixture of music, information and entertainment including, uniquely for their area, National and International News from SKY News Centre.

To listen on-line now visit: http://www.baytrustradio.org.uk/info/listenonline/

History

In December 1976, after an initial meeting of a recently formed committee, accommodation was arranged by Westmorland County Hospital and, the originally named, Kendal Hospital Radio was up and running.

On Sunday 6^th February 1977 the first broadcast was made which attracted 60 dedication requests and 22 tracks of music were played.

Major changes came in 1991 when Westmorland General Hospital was opened and a new studio was provided

By 1993 the record library had grown to 30,000 tracks of music which was larger than many commercial radio stations.

In 2001 technology had moved on at a furious pace and Bay Trust Radio became involved in broadcasting via a 'Computer Play-out' system. This meant that with a particular computer package they could receive information from a satellite transmission and could thus place all their music on a computer data base and receive national and international news from SKY, plus the latest weather forecast for the region.

Additionally, with this system of broadcasting they could now broadcast local events live, direct to their studios, and they have already covered Holker Hall Garden Festival and the Kendal Torch Festival.

All this success comes at a price and they now require around £3,000 to £4,000 per year to continue to provide their service. This money is raised by Bay Trust Radio through the sponsorship scheme they have with local shops and businesses, as well as raffles, bag packing sessions at Asda Stores, Kendal.

Presenters and Staff

Bay Trust Radio's presenters and staff are ALL volunteers.

This dedicated band of people give up their time to provide a much needed and valued service to the local hospitals and community in the Morecambe Bay Area.

Often these volunteers come to offer their services after being confined to a hospital bed and realise the value and pleasure that can be derived from having a 24 hour a day 'companion' during times of confinement.

However Bay Trust Radio is also able to offer local young presenters the opportunity to gain experience in a real radio station and with the economy facing challenging times, providing young people with the opportunities to develop their skills and be supported in their learning, is invaluable.

Some of these young presenters have gone on to be well known personalities in national broadcasting.

Are you a budding radio presenter or would like to get behind the microphone and can spare a few hours a week? Then contact the station manager John Williamson at john.williamson@baytrustradio.org.uk.

Radio North Network

In 2004 Bay Trust Radio and Auckland Hospital Radio in the North East decided to share some programmes and Radio North Network was born and has proved a great success.

For 6 hours a week live programmes are shared between the two stations. Both stations benefit from well prepared live programmes which attract large audiences.

Using IP technology programmes are transmitted from either studio in the network.

If you are a broadcaster and are interested in carrying content from this network please contact Bay Trust Radio at info@baytrustradio.co.uk.

Can You Help?

Become a friend of Bay Trust Radio

This is a simple way for you to help where ever you are in the world.

For a donation of £10 per year you get the following benefits:

· Quarterly newsletter

· Bay Trust Radio Calendar

· Visit the studio and produce your own 'Desert Island Disc' type of show for you to keep

Sponsor a Programme

A great, inexpensive way for companies in the Morecambe Bay Area to get their company name mentioned at least 3 times per hour during their specified programme.

· Brings increased visibility and awareness

· Listening audience and footfall of thousands per day

· Seen to be associated with a great local, community facility

Presenter or Volunteer

Get behind the microphone or help with programme production and management. The communication skills you will learn will help you in many different walks of life.

Prospective employers will be impressed to see this on your CV and your confidence in presenting yourself will be of great advantage throughout your career path.

Contact: John Williamson, Station Manager Email john.williamson@baytrustradio.org.uk

Please mention thebestof Lancaster when contacting Bay Trust Radio