New hospital radio van is set to hit the street
HOSPITAL radio is set to take to the streets of Nuneaton and Bedworth on brand new wheels.
George Eliot Hospital’s Anker Radio is set to to take its sounds out into the community in style.
Auntie Rita is the name of George Eliot Hospital Anker Radio’s brand new outside broadcast van.
It takes its name from Margaret Taylor, known as Rita, from Hinckley Road, whose family donated funds in her memory.
But the lion’s share of cash to pay for the van was handed over by former Nuneaton and Bedworth mayor Councillor Barry Longden, who chose the radio as one of his two chosen charities during his year 2015/16 in office.
He chose Anker Radio and Maggie’s Memory to benefit from his civic appeal and, together, the two teams set about raising a staggering £33,000.
That money was split between the two good causes and Anker Radio used its share to help buy the van.
“The old trailer was well past its best and Merv Lawrence managed to source an old bus that used to carry disabled people.” Cllr Longden explained.
“It’s taken a year to get it refurbished, with a spray job and all the logos put on, and it looks magnificent. This means instead of having to struggle to hook the trailer up, they can just jump in and head off to an event.”
He added: “The mayoral year was really special for Joan and myself and we are pleased that our charity team have been rewarded in the level of additional research into brain tumours, and improved facilities for Anker Radio.
“The bus (Auntie Rita) will be out and about at numerous events, so go and say hello, they will be glad to see you.”
Anker Radio now hopes to build on its work, not only in keeping hospital patients entertained but to also spread the word much further afield.
“Volunteers have worked tirelessly to achieve what we have – our new Outside Broadcast Vehicle known as Auntie Rita and we hope it will serve the communities of Nuneaton and Bedworth in many years to come,” said Merv Lawrennce of the team.
“We could also not have achieved this without the help of sponsors and the generosity of firms keeping required work to an absolute financial minimum.
“For this we are incredibly grateful and publicly thank these sponsors, the three one off generous donations and the support of all the local public who attended events throughout 2016 to raise such an amount for us to achieve what we have.”
People will be able to see ‘Auntie Rita’ at Nuneaton’s Carnival this Sunday (June 11) as well as at Bulkington Carnival, Bramcote Open Day, Remembrance Day events, the Civic Bonfire in Nuneaton and Atherstone Christmas Light switch-ons to name but a few.
“On behalf of all members of Anker Radio I would like to thank everyone for their wonderful support and generosity,” he added. Fully fitted stair lifts installed by our professionally trained fitters stockists of Brooks, used curved stair lifts FREE HOME SURVEYS & FAST FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE! 4 MPH ORION 8 SCOOTER 8 MPH