Believe it or not it was September 2014 when we held the first planning meeting to discuss the feasibility of a new internet-based service. As our small group discussed the subject we realised that the implications were awesome: should we re-brand (we had been HRH for nearly 39 years), was our existing studio equipment suitable, was our service stable enough to support the new service, did we have the knowledge in-house to make all the necessary decisions and would our funds stretch to cover all the costs!
So the project team reported back to committee with our conclusion that YES, it was doable but we needed to raise more funds and we needed some specialist help.
A year on and with some sponsorship help, we had purchased new computer equipment to provide the technical stability for the service.
From there, the project grew, and grew some more – we took outside help from a professional studio designer and through the generous financial support and gifts in kind of several benefactors along with great support from our members and advice from other hospital radio stations, were able to buy new software, microphones, record turntables and control desk, a telephone system and in fact a whole new studio re-build, to a professional standard – fit for purpose!
During 2016 we have been testing the new streaming service and ironing out most of the little niggles you get with any new technology.
On Friday 8th July, the new service was officially launched by Dr Adrian Bull, CEO of the East Sussex Healthcare Trust and The Mayor of Hastings Cllr Judy Rogers. There were a number of guests, along with many members of Conquest Hospital Radio to see the ‘cutting of the ribbon’ and attendant speeches, after which the wine flowed and food was served, culminating in more cutting – of a beautiful CHR cake, baked by the niece of one of our members. Throughout all, specially recorded programmes were broadcast as a back-drop to the event.
Look out for the write-up in the local papers and other good news stories from CHR in the months to come.
Listen in to CHR - the player is near the top of the home page.
You can also: make a donation, put in a patient request, learn how to join us as a volunteer or just read about CHR.