Top hospital radio award for Christine (From Romsey Advertiser)

Top hospital radio award for Christine

9:00am Monday 16th April 2012 in Basingstoke By Helen Morton

PATIENTS’ comments mean a lot to a DJ at Basinstoke hospital who has just picked up an important award.

Christine Rowley, a volunteer with Hospital Radio Basingstoke has won the Gold Award for best newcomer at the annual National Hospital Radio Awards.

Christine only joined the station less than a year ago. She said: “It was an amazing evening. I was so pleased to have been nominated but to win was incredible.

“I absolutely love what I do at the station. We get really positive feedback from patients and it’s lovely to know they appreciate what we do.”

She said she had been inspired to take up broadcasting by her father Terry Berker, who worked as a dubbing mixer.

Held in Northampton, the awards featured contributions from Olly Murs, Alexandra Burke, Jon Snow, Ken Bruce and Alan ‘Voice of the Balls’ Dedicoat.

The awards are held to celebrate the best in hospital radio broadcasting in 435 UK hospitals and Christine was praised for her presenting style and original material.

Hospital Radio Basingstoke, HRB, was also shortlisted in categories Station of the Year and Special Event, for its coverage of the Basingstoke Half Marathon.

Marilyn Price, chair of HRB said she was delighted Christine had been recognised for her hard work.

She said: “Her natural flair to deliver entertaining shows has been well-received”.

Programme controller, Neil Ogden, from Tadley, said “Christine has thrown herself into the role and her entry included interviews and requests with a number of the patients, reflecting what a difference the hospital radio service can make to someone when they have a stay in hospital”.

If you would like to volunteer for HRB call 01256 313521 or email studio@hrbasingstoke.co.uk.