Volunteer broadcaster Keith Lea will celebrate 60 years with York Hospital Radio this Saturday, 26 July.
Keith, who is from York, joined what was then called the Ebor Tape Recording Club on 28 July 1965, aged just 16, and discovered he had joined a hospital radio station based in a disused pathology lab at the former Fulford Military Hospital.
To mark his 60 years of service, Keith will present a live six-hour show from 10am on Saturday. It will feature music from each of his 60 years on air, and he will be joined by family, friends, fellow presenters, and Clare Grainger, deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.
Keith continued to present request shows and record interviews during the 1960s, including the first live shows in 1968. By the 1970s, he was involved in outside broadcasts and today heads up the OB team.
Over the years, Keith has helped raise funds for the station, including £63,000 towards a purpose-built studio complex that opened in 1983. He has served as Chairman, run the fundraising mobile disco, and supported many community events.
Reflecting on his 60 years, Keith said: “Hospital Radio was a treasure trove of opportunities and life experiences, which I embraced as a ‘Jack of All Trades’ and master of only a few.
“It’s been a personal journey of challenges, triumphs, teamwork, technology, friendships and fun! York Hospital Radio has endured and evolved and I’m proud to be part of its journey.”
Ian Clennan, chair of York Hospital Radio, added: “Huge congratulations to Keith on his amazing 60 years with us!
“I am immensely grateful to Keith for his unique contribution to hospital radio in the city for six decades and hope he will continue as an active member with us for many years to come.”