An oak tree has been planted in the grounds of Bedford Hospital to commemorate the long service of the hospital radio station’s longest-serving volunteers.
Deputy Lieutenant Deborah Inskip and Chairman of Hospital Radio Bedford (HRB) Laura Taylor planted the tree as part of the Queen’s Jubilee Canopy initiative to celebrate Her Majesty’s jubilee celebrations.
The tree is dedicated to the longest-serving volunteer at HRB, Frank Palmer. He joined the station shortly after it began broadcasting in the 1970s and has remained as part of the presenting and operational staff ever since.
Joining the planting were Councillors Abu Sultan and Fouzia Zamir, Cauldwell Ward, where Frank is a resident.
Deborah thanked Frank for the hours of work he has dedicated to helping others over the years and Laura said: “I hope that patients and staff visiting the Hospital will enjoy seeing this tree grow for years to come.”
Barry Tappenden from HRB organised the planting and thanked the Cauldwell community for their support.
“The Cauldwell community have been great supporters of our charity,” said Barry.
“They donated equipment to enable home broadcasting during lockdown, for which we are truly grateful and it is wonderful of them to support Frank today.”
Recorded interviews from the event are available on the Hospital Radio Bedford Facebook page. As an internet-based broadcaster, Hospital Radio Bedford is available to all to listen to both inside and outside the Hospital.
Full programme details can also be found on their Facebook page.
