In an effort to give an update to all staff members and listeners. The station gained a web presence this year and this was used to the benefit of the members as the work progressed updates were added to the web page.
Those reports can be viewed here:-
All Windows have been boarded up and fire exit has been removed.This is the first visible signs that work has commenced on the new studio's.
Work commenced in May 2000 on the new studio's.
The work has progressed this week with the removal of all old light fitting wiring and the installation of some power point wiring in new wall structure for studio 2. In addition access doorway for storage room has been made.
An oversight shows all windows have been boarded up on the external fascia. This has been noted and a correction is due to be made. New external door has been fitted.
Discussions with electricians this week to finalize some details of the power point locations and console power arrangements.
A visit to the new studio’s today indicates a completion of the walls in both studios’ with the soundproofing pegboard.
Studio 2 Dismantle 10th June.Radio Image Archive
Studio 2 Dismantle 10th June
Click to Enlarge:-The new album rack has been constructed and work is progressing on the new singles rack. All doors have been fitted and primary paint coat has been applied. Suspended ceiling is under construction and will be complete this coming week.
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Studio two console was dismantled and all equipment removed. Radio Image Archive
Studio two console
Click to Enlarge:-This week’s report confirms the completion of the installation of the suspended ceiling. In addition this week we have noted the library racks are all complete and ready for painting. Lighting is installed in ceiling grid waiting to be connected. Wheelchair access ramp to new front door has also completed.
The first indications the rooms will be used as a radio studio are in evidence with the move into place of the wooden console structure for the new studio 1.
2000 was a very busy year for the station management and as the year unfolded there was much to do and organise
For further information about this year:- Follow the links
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This weeks progress shows all painting complete and work tops installed. Internal windows have been installed and arrangements for own power supply are nearing completion.
Radio Heatherwood staff were able to gain access this week and work has started on installing data network and phone points.
Radio Heatherwood staff continued their cabling work. Mains cables for on-air lights were installed this week. The studio two console frame has been installed along with the installation of the tea making facilities.
The current studio’s are looking rather sad now, with the removal of all the memorabilia from the walls and the removal of the tea facilities.
This week’s progress shows the floor covering has been laid in the reception, and painting of the outside exterior is well under way.
Final work on the building by the estates will be completed this coming week.
Internal telephone point has now been provided and light fittings have been completed with the installation of their reflectors.
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Radio Heatherwood bid farewell to it’s old premises today 7pm when after 24 years it broadcast it’s final shows, presenters, Peter Davidson-Smith, Roger Hawkes, Matthew Robinson, Dave Smith, Alan Holder, Sarah Bishton, Jenni Ferguson, Bruce Crosland, and not forgetting behind the scenes work by Ada Hawkes, all ensured the occasion was one to remember.
The final record played " Time to say Goodbye " Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli.
Radio Heatherwood off air until further notice.
A busy day for the station manager as the first of the records and equipment is moved to the new premises. The Album library and a small selection of singles have been moved to the new location.
Radio Heatherwood vacated it’s old premises today. The last of the equipment and records & CD’s were moved to the summer-house( New Studio ). In addition the bed head amps were also moved to the new room and have been re-connected to the bed head system.
The only item left in the old rooms the am transmitter due for removal on the 15th August.
Work commenced this week on the wiring in the new equipment room. A dedicated room set aside to carry all transmission equipment for the studio’s.
Radio Heatherwood’s phone system was installed this week and messages from either the direct line or the internal extension can be answered by the answer machine.
The managers digital camera came in very handy during the transformation. These set of pictures were taken in June & July 2000.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.
Moving In.A busy week completed this week by the station engineer who has been working eight hours a day to make a dent into all the work required to put Radio Heatherwood back on air.
On holiday from his day time occupation, station engineer PJ Davidson-Smith has put up all the transmission lights, completed all cable links to the working studio’s and installed all equipment in studio one.
As part of the new studio build, Bed head radio system on the Emi unit, has finally been re-instated after many years of no service on the bed-heads wards 11,12,14 are now directly linked to the new studio complex. Connections completed this week.
Radica Broadcast Systems visited this week and the am transmission rack was moved to the new studio complex and is now working in the new location.
The cost of the move of the transmitter was £995. This was paid for by the hospital.
Library CD racks were installed this week and all Cd’s are now in order ready to be used.
The station engineer returned from holidays and spent time this week ensuring the temperature in Studio One will be manageable.
Windows have been covered with reflective screen.
New Studio 1.Radio Image Archive
New Studio 1
Click to Enlarge:-Visual indications of studio power up, has been completed and work is progressing on a move towards on-air date.
The league of friends has spent over £2000 so far on the studio move. And the studio engineer has completed 163 hours on the project.
The Radio station gears itself up this week with the news that on Tuesday 17th October Radio Heatherwood will resume broadcasting after a three month break. Work has progressed sufficiently to re-launch our services from the new Studio One.
The new studio complex although complete on the outside has still a major amount of work to be completed. Studio Two is unlikely to be ready for use until the new year.
Matthew Robinson Writes:-
Testing, Testing, Testing was the cry on Saturday 7 October as David Smith (The Gaffer) and I were given the dubious honour of trying the equipment in the new studio.
PJ has obviously spent an inordinate amount of time moving the equipment from the new studio, cleaning it up and installing it in the new studio. It all sounds so simple until you get to see the new studio and the miles of cable, mountains of wood and even new curtains which had to be put into something resembling a new studio for Radio Heatherwood. I was impressed with the new layout but the objective on Saturday was to see whether it sounded as good as it looked without breaking! The first thing I noticed was how clear the sound was – it even made me sound deeper and sexier than usual. I did an hour and a half without any incident despite the faders not being labelled followed by David doing another hour and a half.
The only problem was the heat in studio 1 which was unbearable despite having windows open and fans blowing. Perhaps having 2 radiators and hot pipes all along the wall along with several pieces of electrical equipment was too much! Fortunately all the equipment functioned well which is testimony to the effort put in by PJ and David – pity the presentation was not up to the same high standard ! I blame the lack of practice. Now that the equipment is working OK in one studio, effort will be concentrated on getting the second studio up and running but in the meantime, shows can start again to keep patients informed, entertained and amused. A big thanks to PJ and David for their effort.
Studio Two Test Transmission
On Sunday 17th December Studio Two broadcast a test service of the sustaining service radio two.
This milestone in the re-build of the new facilities paves the way for the second studio to be used for on-air services as well as training for new staff.
Just some extra's we found:-
A Look At Radio Heatherwood's Past:-
Time for a change
In 1976 the first regular service is launched from a room 12ft by 12ft in the ground floor of maternity.
Original Studio Floorplan Radio Image Archive
Original Studio Floorplan
Click to Enlarge:-In the 1980's another room was added this allowed radio heatherwood to have two broadcast studio's.
In the 1990's another room was added which was turned into the new reception and this included tea making facilities.
Reception Old Studio 1990'sRadio Image Archive
Reception Old Studio 1990's
Click to Enlarge:-In 2000 Radio heatherwood vacated it's premises in the maternity unit and moved to the summer house.
Studio 1 2000 re-located into the summer house.Radio Image Archive
Studio 1 2000 re-located into the summer house
Click to Enlarge:-
2000 The Story Continues!
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