The History
Of Tarka Radio
Tarka Radio
is the station name of the North Devon District Hospital
Radio Association (NDDHRA). The association was formed in
1980 and is a registered charity (number 280594). The
station is based in a very small area on level 1 of the
North Devon District Hospital which it has now outgrown
and new studios are imminent which will allow the station
to continue its steady growth. This development includes
a probable move to transmitting on AM or FM as have some
other hospital radio stations.
The original studios were refurbished and re-equipped in 1995 and 1997
(respectively studio B and then A) with new desks and the addition of
kit such as mini disc, and then in 2004 our big move to the main
concourse on level 2 with fantastic new studios and equipment and new
computers that enabled us to enlarge our playlist and start broadcasting
music and entertainment 24 hours a day!
Many past and present members of Tarka Radio have gone on
to bigger things within the media world (as is often the
case). We still have one original member who has been
with Tarka since day one and never left- Chris Robbins.
Chris has been an active committee member over the years
and now can be found presenting his show on Tuesday
afternoons.
In 1987 an outside broadcast unit was added to Tarka's
inventory bringing a new dimension to our service to the
patients and staff of the hospital. This unit,
refurbished in 1999 and again in 2004 is still seen at many local events
each year.
In 1998 we were delighted when one of our presenters,
Andrea Mott won the BT/HBA regional presenter of the year
award. She subsequently went on to work with Youth FM and
interview Tony Blair as prime minister as part of that.
In 1999 we were astounded when another of our presenters,
Nick Beer won the same award.
In 2005 we saw our 25th anniversary and held a 25 hour marathon
broadcast that was hosted by many members of Tarka, including Chris
mentioned above who has now survived 25 YEARS of Tarka Membership!
And now, 2006 with our new studios settled in nicely and trying to do
what we are there for - playing music and talking to patients! 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week!
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