Should it be of any wonder that the home of radio also be the home of one of the early champions of hospital radio. Of course not, Chelmsford was the base of Marconi and therefore only natural that these radio pioneers could see the benefits that a local radio service could offer patients in hospital.
Originally formed by a small group of enthusiasts from the Chelmsford Round Table and Marconi, HRC was formed and original broadcast to Chelmsford & Essex Hospital. Initially providing some football commentary from the then neighbouring New Writtle Street ground of Chelmsford City and a Sunday morning request programme.
The service was then expanded to include Broomfield, St. John's and Baddow Road Hospitals. The Baddow Road Hospital closed in 1971 and the radio link was transferred to St. Peters Hospital in Maldon.
Unfortunately, we stopped broadcasting to Maldon in the late 70s due to the expensive annual landline fee but, owing to modern technology and interest from the management and staff of St. Peter’s Hospital, this changed in February 2004, when HRC returned to the Spital Road site.
During March 1971 HRC also moved from its premises at Chelmsford & Essex Hospital to the grounds of St. John's Hospital, firstly in a large caravan,
and in May 1978 we moved into 'The Gate Lodge'.
Our studios were originally on the ground floor, but a new studio was installed on the upper level, which became operational in February 1982.
How Did It All Start?
We also held a non-stop broadcast in July 2004, held a Reunion for former members, and also broadcast an Anniversary programme.
In April 2006, we finally won the big one that we had been chasing for years. It no longer eluded us – we got Gold in the annual awards. It was announced in April that we were Station Of The Year in the National Hospital Radio Awards. We were officially the No. 1 Hospital broadcaster in the country for 2006.
After many years at St John’s Hospital, we moved to Broomfield Hospital on 27 March 2007 to a purpose built professional studio complex, where we remain to date.
In March 2008, our success at the National Hospital Radio Awards continued, where we obtained 6 awards, including the Best Male Presenter for Tom Foster - the first time we have achieved this award!
Matt Wade from HRC also won the award for Volunteer of the Year.
There has been many twists and turns our our 45 year history. So what does the future hold for Hospital Radio Chelmsford? One thing is for sure, with the ever growing expansion of the Broomfield Hospital site, we will be kept just as busy visiting patients and taking our local radio services to all parts of the hospital.
Many thanks to everyone who has played a part in our history, from presenting a programme, wiring a plug, raising a few pounds or visiting our listeners on the wards of Mid-Essex.
Thank you.
