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| Launch day 9th November 1990 left to right Peter Bruce (sitting) Bob & Joy Shaw, Kenny Hague, Mrs Edwards, Frank Edwards, Rita Swift Andy Edwards, Arthur Edwards, Ian Smith, Norman Grundy Paul Gardner and Peter Russell. |
9th November 1990 Castle Mead Radio began broadcasting to the patients and staff of Hinckley Hospital and health centre. Its founding members, Paul Gardner, Peter Russell and David Bedford who had always wanted to provide such a service right here in their home town of Hinckley in Leicestershire. They were delighted to be invited to get the green light to get the new service up and running.
With a very kind one off donation from The Edwards Family of Hinckley and starting out in a small broom cupboard on the first floor,the station quickly attracted local people who wanted to be part of this unique radio station.
August 1994 Following the construction of Castle Mead Radio's new extension, the studio was opened by Alan Grimadell who was the president of the National Association of Hospital Broadcasting Organizations, and Wendy Hickling of the Fosse Health Trust.
1996 Trail broadcasts of Fosseway Radio were transmitted from Castle Mead Radio who were very much involved in getting Hinckley's very first commecial radio station to air in 1998.
September 1997 Dave Bedford did a 96 hours non-stop radio show to help raise funds for the station. He had no sleep for 96 hours and only had a comfort break every four hours. The Guinness Book of Records was notified but they would not recognise endurance as a record.
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| Paul Gardner receiving a cheque from The Edwards Family of Hinckley to set up the station in 1990. left to right: Carole Bannister (Hospital Manager Sue Gardner (secretary CMR) Peter Russell (founder) Mrs Edwards, John Edwards, Andy Edwards, Rita Swift, Paul Gardner (chairman CMR) Owen Russell (treasurer CMR) Frank Edwards and Arthur Edwards. |
July 1998 Not content with completing 96 hours non-stop radio show, Dave Bedford set out to complete a nice round 100 hours non-stop radio show. Dave suffered this time as his legs had swollen up, the nurses kept a four hourly check on him.
May 2004 Castle Mead could be heard at the new Hinckley and Bosworth Community Hospital on Ashby Road for the very first time expanding its listenership beyond its Mount Road site. The Maples Family Medical Practice and The Castlemead medical centre have the station playing into their busy waiting rooms daily.
2011 The station began broadcasting live onto the internet and now enjoys its ever growing listenership around the world. The type of music is wide and varied from some of the latest songs to music from the films and shows, country & western to the standard favourites.
Castle Mead Radio is one of Hinckley's few local registered charities which means by supporting Castle Mead Radio you are helping to ensure that the fine work the station does at the new Hinckley & Bosworth Community Hospital can continue to grow and serve the patients and staff.
Castle Mead Radio can also be seen at local events and also The Hinckley Christmas Lights Switch on every year.
| 9th November 1990 Launch day for Castle Mead Radio at the Hinckley and Bosworth Community Hospital. |
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