What Does Membership Involve?

Rugby Hospital Radio has no paid staff and so members are expected to undertake a wide variety of tasks. As well as broadcasting programmes, members are also involved in production work, housekeeping duties, ward visiting and administrative tasks. All members are expected to take part in Rugby Hospital Radio's fund raising activities.

Rugby Hospital Radio is administered by an elected Committee, currently consisting of 5 members, all full members are eligible for election to these posts at an Annual General Meeting each March.

There are also a number of non-committee posts. Assisting in the library, with research for local events or with training

As you can see, members have the opportunity, if they wish, to make a full contribution to the running of Rugby Hospital Radio, as well as broadcasting programmes to patients.

What Happens When I Join?

Membership of Rugby Hospital Radio is provisional for the first three months. New members initially join a Request Show team where they learn about ward visiting and programme presentation. This means that members must be at the studios by 7pm (10am on Saturdays and Sundays). During this time training is also given in the use of the equipment.

After three months, assuming that provisional members have successfully completed their training, full membership may be offered, subject to the approval of the Committee.

Further training now commences in studio and presentation technique. Eventually, after submitting a demo tape, members may be offered the opportunity to present a specialist programme.

All members are required to pay an annual membership subscription fee, currently £15, which is due on April 1st each year. This is used to cover administration costs, such as postage and telephone calls, and personal insurance so that all the funds raised from the general public can be spent exclusively on operating and improving the radio service for patients.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

The short answer to this question is ‘none’! Personal qualities are far more important than formal qualifications. Previous experience is not necessary either as full training is provided.

If you enjoy meeting and talking to people, can work effectively as part of a team, like music, have lots of enthusiasm and a sense of fun, then you are the sort of person we are looking for.

You must be at least 16 years of age to join us but there is no upper age limit. Hospital radio is not just for young people! You will be expected to attend the studios on a regular basis – for example, if you are on the Friday team you will be expected to attend most Friday evenings – and you must be willing to help out at Rugby Hospital Radio’s various fund raising events.

Successful hospital radio requires hard work, commitment and discipline – but it is very rewarding for those who put the effort in.

How Do I Join?

If you haven’t already got an application form, please use the contact page and include your name and address or write to:

The Membership Secretary
Rugby Hospital Radio
St.Cross Hospital
Barby Road
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV22 5PX

Because the station is run by volunteers, you may have to wait up to 21 days for a reply.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about Rugby Hospital Radio that are not explained here, please use the contact page or telephone (01788) 545271. An answering service operates outside studio hours.

Please remember to print a copy of this page.