Latest News

4 July 2004  

The run up to Southampton’s 10th Birthday started with a Roadshow at the Shamblehurst Primary School Summer Fayre at Hedge End, near Southampton. The weather forced the event indoors, however it did not dampen the atmosphere and Radio Lollipop, Southampton provided the announcements, music and entertainment for the 5th year running.

There were plenty of stalls, activities and competitions plus a Karate display and 2 dance displays from Spinners Dance Studio ending with a lovely chorus of “Happy Birthday to Radio Lollipop” and a mass performance of the Cha Cha Slide from the Spinner’s Dancers and many other children.

The Southampton station was set up in 1994 as part of the sponsorship package for the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. In that time they have been able to provide a dedicated team of volunteers to travel around the wards and talk to, play with and entertain the children and young adults at Southampton General Hospital. They also supply activities such as colouring; puzzles; word searches; crosswords; a craft trolley and regular competitions with prizes. This unique play service is complimented by radio shows that are broadcast on 3 nights a week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) and the presenters play the children’s requests, interact with the children in the studio and use special telephones to link up “live” with the wards.

On Sunday 4th July 2004, Honorary Chairman, Steve Read and Thursday night volunteer, Winston Crosby made a special visit to all the children’s wards and run a competition where the children had to design a 10th Birthday card.

Despite the sporting events of the day that dominated the TV (French Grand Prix, Wimbledon Tennis – Men’s Final and the Euro 2004 Final), there were many fantastic entries and judging was extremely difficult. Steve and Winston chose 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, however there were consolation prizes for everyone that entered.

After nearly 4 hours of travelling around the wards and backwards and forwards to the Radio Lollipop studio, Steve and Winston tucked into some Birthday cake!!

The afternoon was a huge success and both Steve and Winston said “It was lovely to mark the occasion by spending time with the children and doing what we do best. We bought smiles and laughter and a distraction from their hospital stay.”

Other birthday celebrations are being planned for later on in the year, starting with a Strawberry Fayre at Bursledon House Children’s Centre, Tremona Road, Shirley on Thursday 22nd July 2004, between 1-4pm.