Hospital radio station ‘Radio Lollipop’ celebrates it’s 40th birthday with huge party
BY JAMES TWOMEY
toby@slpmedia.co.uk
Children, their families, staff and supporters were out in force to dance, sing, eat and generally have fun at a hospital radio station’s birthday.
Radio Lollipop marked its 40th birthday by throwing a huge party on Saturday of last week.
in Waterloo who are celebrating their 150th anniversary, and featured a speech from patient and budding radio presenter, “DJRJ”!
Tin Pan Annie, the colourful music therapist, kicked off proceedings with her fun renditions of well-known kids’ songs.
Sixteen-year-old Maya Lane, who attends the Brit School in Croydon, then took to the stage to perform a selection of fun pop covers.
There was also a reading by kids’ author Sibéal Pounder, whose books include Bad Mermaids and Witch Wars.
Up next was Joe Dolman, 22, a singer-songwriter who finished his set with a riveting version of The Monkees’ I’m A Believer, which went down a storm with kids and volunteers alike.
Good Gracious Music returned this year with their selection of colourful ukuleles – sized perfectly for a child’s hands – with founder Marco leading the lessons and singing some of his own compositions.
And to bring this incredible day to a close, we welcomed the Urban Fox Orchestra steel drum band; the innovative, yet accessible steel band who deliver ground-breaking workshops and vibrant performances.
DJRJ, 12, was put in joint command of the famous cake-cutting ceremony, who since learning about Radio Lollipop during his time in hospital was inspired to become a radio presenter and has taken the steps to setting up a hospital radio station of his own in his local hospital.
DJRJ, real name Robin, said: “I really love Radio Lollipop because when I was in hospital, they helped me through the hard times.”
Radio Lollipop founder Hedley Finn said: “We have reached a significant milestone, with 40 years of service.”
Sue Pruden, Evelina London’s lead Play Specialist, said: “We are so pleased Radio Lollipop hosted this festival at Evelina London with such key milestones to celebrate.
Our 150th birthday is about celebrating our patients, and events as this make a positive difference to their hospital experience.”
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