Published on: 4th September 2024
Radio Brockley members gathered together last Sunday to surprise long-serving volunteer Ron Laver with a special presentation for 50 years of outstanding service to the hospital radio station.
Ron is the second longest-serving member (behind David Rauch with 53 years’ service), joining the station in 1974. He became an established part of the Tuesday Team which broadcast requests and also produced some innovative radio such as presenters pretending to host from their homes, on the tube, or even at a fireworks display - thanks to some very cleverly worked-in sound effects.
In later years Ron became actively involved in the Brockley News programmes, producing award-winning packages on everything from the spinal therapy garden (now Horatio's Garden) to charity bike rides and assistive technology.
Most recently, Ron has helped transform the station's new music show "Alpha Sessions" by giving it a platform on YouTube which has gone on to reach tens of thousands of viewers, and helped establish the show as one of the trusted new music platforms in London, whilst helping to promote the hospital too. Just minutes before the presentation, Ron was helping record a special package at Horatio's Garden.
Members past and present, along with his family, gathered to pay tribute to his outstanding service, and founder member Barry Cobden presented him with his trophy live on air. Ron also received a special phone call from the President of the Hospital Broadcasting Association, June Snowden. Our thanks to Ron for his half-century at Radio Brockley.
Ron Laver with wife Jill and daughters Jenny and Clare