HRH the Prince of Wales thanks hospital radio volunteers including Banbury's Radio Horton with special broadcast

His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales has recorded a special programme to say thank you to volunteers of hospital, health and wellbeing radio stations, including Radio Horton for their work in keeping communities connected and patients entertained during the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘Music & Memories with HRH The Prince of Wales’ will be broadcast on Radio Horton alongside hospital radio stations across the country on Sunday July 4 2021 at 12pm. The programme features some of the Prince’s favourite tracks, from artists including The Three Degrees; Diana Ross; Barbara Streisand and Edith Piaf to name but a few.

In the programme, the Prince of Wales highlights the work volunteers of hospital radio volunteers over the past year, explaining that the role of hospital radio has been even more important during these current times, providing an invaluable service to patients, staff and families and reminisces on key life memories where music plays a significant role.

His Royal Highness’s thanks was also extended to NHS Staff and volunteers across the country, with the Prince adding that he was “profoundly impressed by the dedication shown by NHS staff, marvelling time and time again at the sheer resilience and indomitable spirit shown by everyone throughout the pandemic.”

Grant McNaughton, chairman of the Hospital Broadcasting Association, the national charity which represents hospital, health and wellbeing broadcasting organisations in the UK, said: “The Hospital Broadcasting Association represents over 170 radio stations, delivering entertainment, information and health and wellbeing services to healthcare users across the UK, whether in hospital or the wider community.

“To express his gratitude to the army of dedicated hospital radio volunteers and their listeners, HRH The Prince of Wales has offered to share his favourite music and his memories associated with each choice.”

We are exceptionally grateful for HRH The Prince of Wales to recognise the dedication to volunteers across the UK who have continued to assist healthcare providers throughout these difficult times. Local dedicated and focussed entertainment provided to hospital and healthcare patients has and remains an exceptionally important part of recovery and recuperation.

“Sometimes unrecognised, raising the awareness of hospital, health and wellbeing radio as a key provider to the community is a challenge, but for our stations dedication and their services to be recognised by HRH is truly amazing and we are beyond grateful for his support.”

The programme also coincides with Radio Horton’s anniversary, as the station is set to mark 57 years on Wednesday July 7.

Radio Horton Chair Sam Smette said: “We are delighted to be broadcasting this exclusive programme from His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, and it is both an honour and privilege for hospital radio and our volunteers to be recognised by HRH in such a poignant way.

“Our volunteers have continued to shine a light during these unprecedented times, providing support, comfort and light entertainment to patients and staff in the Horton General Hospital and the local community, and more importantly, keeping families connected at times when they were not able to visit their loved ones.

“We hope listeners both within the Horton General Hospital, local care homes, and the community will enjoy listening to this special programme, complemented by the music chosen by HRH the Prince of Wales.”

Anyone wishing to listen to Radio Horton can tune in at any time via the website (www.radiohorton.co.uk) or by asking their smart speaker to play Radio Horton. Patients in the Horton General Hospital can listen free of charge on Hospedia or WiFi SPARK.