HRb Radio
hospital RADIO bedford
serving the COMMUNITY 24/7
Hospital Radio Bedford
In the 70s generally the only main radio stations available were the BBC.
On the 28th June 1975 a new “local” radio station hit the airwaves in Bedford Hospital called “Hospital Radio Bedford” – HRB.
HRB was established for the patients who were able to hear music of their choice in the form of Request programmes.
It had been established that music had a good affect in helping patients to relax and assist in their recovery. To hear their name mentioned on the radio also has a calming effect on the patient.
In trying to bring Bedford to the listeners over a period of early
HRB days, we were the first to report on the late Queen Elizabeth visit to Bedford on 11th May 1976.
Outside broadcasts from Bedford Town Centre, Debenham’s Kempston Fun Days, Police HQ Open Days and over a couple of years provided music, commentary and outside broadcast for the PFA (Private Flyers Association) from Cranwell. Attended many Bedford River Festivals with live broadcasting to enlighten the listeners what was going on.
We carried out 2 Restricted Service Licence broadcasts called “SplashFM” and “Radio Cracker” on the FM network for 28 Days each time. Bringing Bedford to the patients.
Over a period of years we were housed in 3 localities first next door to the original telephone exchange, then to a air conditioned portacabin and finally where we are now, underground beneath Xray department South Wing.