Glyn's record (From South Wales Argus)

Glyn's record

9:22am Thursday 15th November 2007

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Veteran broadcaster Glyn Parry is celebrating 25 years' service as a volunteer with his local hospital radio station.

Glyn, who lives with his wife Pauline in Sunnybank, Abergavenny, joined the former Radio PYF when it was based at Penyfal Hospital, Abergavenny. The service was started in 1979 by Mrs Jane Ann Parker and others and it was Mrs P, as she was affectionately known, who invited Glyn to become a presenter.

He retired early from his work as a porter at Nevill Hall Hospital because of health problems so found he had lots of time on his hands. He said: "I met Mrs P and she said they needed volunteers for the radio station so I started cataloguing records. Then she asked me if I'd like to present a programme and the day after she'd given me some training I was on air, so I was thrown in at the deep end."

Glyn plays his favourite records from the sixties, seventies and eighties, including Lionel Ritchie, Cilla Black, The Kinks and The Beatles on his regular Wednesday slot Glyn's Record Choice, and every other week on Fridays he presents Our Man Friday.

Radio PYF moved from the old psychiatric hospital to the former chocolate factory in Union Road where it became known as Nevill Hall Sound, then to the Old Workhouse, but latterly it moved to former nurses' quarters at Bronhaul, in the grounds of Nevill Hall. It is now known as nhsound and is broadcast not only to patients but also to the wider public.

Glyn, who is now their head librarian, said: "I've seen many changes in the last 25 years, from using old vinyl 33, 45 and 78 records, through to cassettes and CDs. Now we are digital radio and presenters use the computer for music.

"I have made lots of friends while working for the station and have enjoyed my role very much."

Station manager Debra Bowring produced and presented a special programme on Patientline to mark Glyn's silver anniversary.

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