WESTON CARNIVAL.

Every year the carnival lights up the streets of Weston with an amazing selection of floats.
With their music pumping and lights flashing they delight onlookers of all ages from far and wide.

It's free to watch the carnival but those watching are asked to support local charities by donating their change to the fundraisers who follow the procession.

All money collected is put into one pot and divided amongst the charities that sent collectors.
The more collectors a charity that sends the more money they'll receive after the event.

Sunshine Hospital Radio always tries to send a team of collectors and would like to say a very big “Thank-You” for all donations received at the Weston Carnival.

Although the weather can be against us at that time of the year, the generosity of the carnival viewing public always make it a worthwhile event.

Whilst we're at the carnival we always do live reports back to the studio so that the patients get a feel of the action.

The proceeds raised are used for purchasing new C.D.'s and the much needed upgrades to the studio equipment which will all help to improve the service that we offer the patients at Weston General Hospital.

Pictured 2012: The rain stopped just in time for collectors Selina, Jo, Laura, Ben and Dave.

Pictured 2011: Another chilly but dry year for collectors MikeC, LauraT, MikeP, BrigR, SueW and Sue's mum

Pictured 2010: A record number of Sunshine Radio volunteers turned out to help collect on the cold, but dry, evening.
Jack Daley, Sarah Potter, Rhiannon Kate Hubbard, Louise Harris, Jonathan Sigsworth, Blake Longman, Kate Shire, Laura Tremelling, Jo Newey, Ron Walker, Sarah Goldsbrough, Ashleigh Porter, Sue Walker, Danni Howard and Gill Barringer

Pictured 2009: A great turn out of collectors and the weather was good too! Selina, Victoria, Laura, Liz, Greg, Mike, Lydia, Mike & friends.

Pictured 2008: Despite the terrible weather conditions our volunteers still ventured out collecting! Mike, Ron, Liz, Jo, Ruth & her daughter

Pictured 2006: Weston Carnival 2006, Mike trying to look all serious and ignore the chilly weather.

Pictured 2005 : MattyB, Nicky, Pete & Kieran-Bob in
'Abbey Road' pose at Weston Carnival 2005.

SUNSHINE CAKE SALES.

Having run two very succesful cake sales at the hospital (both completely selling out), we are now hoping to make this a regular fundraising activity.

We'll put up posters in the hospital advertising the date they'll be held, but it will usually be on a Saturday afternoon between 3pm-5pm.
Our industrious little cake makers will be found selling a variety of delicious cakes in front of the WRVS Shop near the main entrance of the hospital.

So if you love a bit of cake, then keep an eye out for our 'Table of Cakey Wonderment!' (You could even buy a cake, invite friends over and pretend you made it!)

SANTA FUN RUN.

Every December the Santa Fund Run, organised by the West Woodspring Rotary Club, invites people to run and walk from the Lauriston Hotel in Knightstone Road to raise sponsorship money for the charity of their choice, in our case Sunshine Hospital Radio.

The Rotary Club sell Santa outfits to runners for £10 each, with the proceeds going to Action for Blind People.

This event is great fun and a brilliant way to raise awareness of Sunshine Hospital Radio and the charity that sends the largest team receives a prize!

Pictured LauraT, JoN and friends taking part in 2011 run.

[28/04/11] STUDENTS PROVIDE HOSPITALITY FOR HOSPITAL RADIO!

A group of Weston College students planned a charity event as part of an assignment – and raised more than £700 in the process.

The 2nd year BTEC National Diploma Hospitality Supervision students were tasked with organising a fundraising event, and picked Weston's Sunshine Hospital Radio as their chosen charity.

More than 100 people attended their quiz night at Weston Hornets rugby club clubhouse with prizes donated by Scaffolding Direct, Waitrose and Weston Fruit Sales raising a total of £700.85 for the hospital radio station.

Tutor Alison Collings said: “I'm very proud of our students; they organised a great event and raised a lot of money for a very good cause. I'm also very grateful for the kind donations from local businesses for the raffle.”

Sue Walker, chairman of Sunshine Hospital Radio, said she was 'absolutely thrilled' to receive a cheque following the event.

She added: “The money will make a fantastic contribution to helping us run the radio station at the hospital. Last year we had to update a lot of our equipment to keep the station running, and it's donations like this that help us continue to provide patients with this service.”

Corrie Fairley, one of the students involved in the organisation of the event, said: “I'm chuffed it was a success. The assignment made us work together as a team and we used everyone's different strengths to make it the success it was.”

Pictured right: Sue Walker with Weston College Hospitality students and staff.

[12/12/10] THE 2010 SANTA FUN RUN by Danni Howard.

"On the morning of Sunday December 12th I joined fellow Sunshine volunteers, Steve, James and Ashley to take part in Weston’s Santa Fun Run.

Organised by the Rotary Club of West Woodspring, the event raises money for ‘Action for Blind People’ through the sale of Santa suits, you can then get sponsorship for the charity of your choice, and in our case was Sunshine Hospital Radio!

We met up with Sue, who came along to support us and take photos, at the Lauriston Hotel where we bought and changed into our Santa outfits. Within minutes we were all looking very festive!
Interestingly I noticed that we were joined by three ponies, all dressed up for the occasion! One was in a Santa coat, one in a reindeer coat and the other was in a Christmas pudding coat, it had to be seen to be believed.
It was also nice to see that some of the other runners brought their dogs…also wearing Santa coats!

It wasn’t long before we set off on our route from the hotel, along the seafront, around Knightstone Island and then back. The run was very pleasant as along the way people in their cars were beeping their horns and members of the public were waving and showing their support.

We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was a beautiful Sunday morning with the sun shining and only a few wispy clouds. The fresh sea breeze certainly helped us along the way.
After we completed the run (or gentle stroll in our case) we were invited to have some warming soup and rolls, all complements of the Lauriston Hotel.
All in all it was a very successful event, we had great fun and we raised funds for the radio too!"

Pictured right: Danni with a horse which appears to have, at some point, been left in the washing machine at the wrong temperature and shrunk.

[12/11/10] MAYOR'S CHARITY DONATION 2010

The immediate past Town Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Dr Mike Kellaway-Marriott and Mrs Carmela Bianco de Kellaway hosted a Reception at The Blakehay Theatre & Arts Centre.

They presented the proceeds of the Town Mayor’s Charity Ball 2010 and Charity Fund raising during his year in office to his chosen Charities and local organisations.
Sunshine Hospital Radio were delighted to attend and receive a significant cheque which will help enhance our service to the listeners.

Pictured right: Councillor Dr. Mike Kellaway-Marriott, Sue Walker, Jack Daley and Mrs. Carmela Bianco de Kellaway.

[15/08/10] SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR SUNSHINE'S DYNAMIC DUO!

Two volunteer radio presenters were flying high last week to raise money for Sunshine Hospital Radio.

Laura Tremelling and Mike Parker travelled to South Cerney, Cirencester to take part in an adrenaline-pumping skydive that saw them reach speeds of 120 miles per hour.

Despite a couple of setbacks, including poor weather and a bird strike to the plane they were both determined to complete their stomach-churning challenge.

“I’ve wanted to do a skydive ever since I saw my friends do it in 2007” said Laura, “Sitting on the edge of the door getting ready to jump I felt slightly nervous, but that didn’t last long, as my instructor Paul launched us off. The exhilaration of free falling soon took over, and it felt amazing.”
She added. “I enjoyed a nice chat most of the way down with him, as people may know I am very rarely speechless!”

Fellow radio presenter Mike Parker took time to enjoy the views 12,000ft above Cirencester before hurling himself out of the plane, but admitted he found it quite nerve wracking,
“Despite watching lots of other people come down safely and knowing that statistically I’m more likely to get hurt on the journey home, the primitive part of my brain took over and fear overwhelmed me for a few seconds” he said,
“I soon got my bearings and began to wave at the cameraman below me.
While I’m pleased to have done it I’m not sure if I’d do it again and I certainly wouldn’t take it up as a hobby!”

The plucky pair hope to have raised over £500 to help maintain and update equipment at the hospital radio studio.

Pictured right: Mike Parker and Laura Tremelling (Strangely, Laura already had the outfit despite having never skydived before.)

[29/06/10] 'THE BIG QUIZ' IS A BIG SUCCESS!

Alan ‘Deadly’ Dedicoat returned to Weston last week to host a Big Quiz Night in aid of Sunshine Hospital Radio and Worle Community School .

The ‘Voice of the Balls’ was in fine voice as he tested the general knowledge of nearly 200 competitors at the charity quiz evening held at Worle Community school.
The teams were competing against each other in a bid to win the much sought after ‘Golden Microphone of Wonder!’

Speaking during the break Alan said: “I’m having a really good time! I'm pleased that so many people have turned up, and am delighted to be able to return to Weston to run this quiz.”
“Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, and are giving it their all.”

Alan hosted a quiz night in 2008, organised by Sunshine Hospital Radio and Worle Community School, to raise money for Children in Need, and Alan was more than happy to return for another quiz night to benefit the organisers.

Many local businesses had donated prizes for the ever popular raffle which included, champagne, cider, hampers and gift vouchers.
Helping out with the raffle, Town mayor, Councillor Phillip Judd attended the event but admitted that quizzes weren’t his strong point.

He said: “I am pleased to come along to show my support but I haven’t entered a team as I am not great at quizzes!”
“There are a lot of teams taking part, and I wish them all luck.”

After five competitive quiz rounds, a raffle and a charity auction the top team on the night were The BJ’s and Alan proudly awarded them the ‘Golden Microphone of Wonder’.
Finishing in last place and winning the wooden spoon were Partridge Pie.

The evening raised a whopping £1207.01 which will be shared equally between Sunshine Hospital Radio, to help purchase a new computer server, and Worle Community School ’s Minibus Appeal.

Sue Walker, Chairman of Sunshine Hospital Radio said “I 'd like to thank everyone that made this evening such a success. We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of everyone that attended and the local businesses that so kindly contributed raffle prizes.
As before, Worle School provided a wonderful venue and we look forward to the next, even bigger, quiz night!”

A BIG thank you to all of the local business’ and companies that donated prizes: Asda - By George Hairdressers - Coffee Pot Cafe - Concorde at Filton - First Choice - Kevin Rowley Electrical - Leonard Couch Jewellers - McColls - Motor Parts Weston - Richs Farmhouse Cider - Rossiter & Sons Jewellers - Sainsbury's - Southcombes Hardware - The Lock & Key Shop - Walker & Ling.

[18/02/10] BUSINESS CLUB DONATION.

Sunshine Hospital Radio have received a generous donation of £100 from the North Somerset Business Club.

The business club for businesses in North Somerset held their annual Charity Ball last October and in the process raised thousands for local charities and good causes.

The aims and objectives of the club are many - primarily to keep members up to date with the latest business issues, promote networking and inter-trading within the local business community and offer the opportunity for local businesses to discuss amongst themselves business problems that commonly arise.

More info at www.nssbc.co.uk

[06/12/09] 2009 SANTA FUN RUN.

The Rotary Club of West Woodspring organised their first 'Santa Run' charity event on Sunday to support Action for Blind People and other charities.

Rotarian Roger Buckley said: "It was a great success! The sale of Santa suits went to Action for Blind People and then if people wanted to do it for their own charity they could get sponsorship for the event."
"It was all worth it and everyone taking part seemed to enjoy themselves."

The event was officially started by England and Bath rugby star, Lee Mears.

The cold conditions didn't prevent 'Team Sunshine' completing the run from Lauriston Hotel in Knightstone Road to the Royal Pier Hotel in Birnbeck Road and back again.
The team of volunteers managed to raise a whopping £278 in the process for Sunshine Hospital Radio!

Pictured right: Sunshine Radio members Chris, Victoria Ashleigh and Laura huddle up to rugby legend Lee Mears

[24/11/09] 'CHARITY OF THE YEAR' DONATION.

After a successful year of fund-raising by last year's town mayor Andrew Horler, cheques worth £18,000 were presented to charities at the Blakehay in Wadham Street.

The big winners were Weston's RNLI, Street Pastors and Sunshine Radio, which each received £3,000.

Cllr Horler said: "It was an honour for Camilla and I to be able to serve the town as mayor and mayoress, a very humbling experience and a year which we will never forget.
"We met so many amazing people, charities and organisations that are the life blood of the community."

Cllr Horler held Weston-super-Showcase, at The Playhouse, and the Mayor's Ball, at the Winter Gardens to boost his fund-raising.

Pictured right: Sunshine Radio Chairman Sue Walker is indicated with the red arrow (Please Note: Sue does not normally have a red arrow attached to her head!)

[10/12/08] RUGBY CLUBS RAISE A TIDY SCRUM FOR SUNSHINE RADIO.

The recent Somerset Cup match between Hornets and Weston-super-Mare rugby clubs at Hutton Moor saw both teams donate their share of the gate receipts to Sunshine Hospital Radio.

A cheque for £1000.00 was presented to Mr Alex Harries, Chairman of Sunshine Hospital Radio by Paul Davidson, Vice Chairman of Hornets and Ray Monelle, Chairman of Weston-super-Mare. Mr Harries was accompanied by Vice Chair Sue Walker and Fund Raising Officer Jo Newey of S.H.R.
Hornets would like to thank all at Weston-super-Mare Rugby Club for their extreme generosity in supporting Sunshine Hospital Radio.

Sunshine Hospital Radio are the Hornets community partners for season 2008/09 with previous fund raising taking place at the Summer Buzz with the Wurzels and future events planned before the end of the season.

Pictured right: Ray Monelle, Alex Harries, Sue Walker, Jo Newey and Paul Davidson

[29/08/07] GOOD NEIGHBOUR AWARDS.

Weston General Hospital’s Sunshine Hospital Radio has won first prize in this year’s North Somerset Good Neighbour Awards, created to recognise achievement by groups working in the local community within North Somerset.

North Somerset Council Chairman Cllr David Shopland presented the £200 first prize
The awards are sponsored by take-away company Miss Millie’s Fried Chicken and organised in conjunction with North Somerset Council. They were judged by a panel of Councillors and officers from North Somerset
Council.

Pictured right: Sunshine Hospital Radio presenters
Sue Walker and Steve Ledbrook with Ann Walker, managing director of Miss Millie’s Fried Chicken and North Somerset Council Chairman Cllr David Shopland

BRISTOL CITY BUCKET COLLECTION.

Ashton Gate, the home of Bristol City F.C. was the venue for a successful 'bucket collection'. The football fans were generous with their donations and to round off the day nicely Bristol City won their match!.

Pictured Right: Sunshine Hospital Radio presenters with friends outside the Bristol City Gift shop.