Llanelli’s Radio BGM to mark 50th anniversary with dinner at the Diplomat

Llanelli’s Radio BGM is marking its 50th anniversary this year with a number of off and on-air celebrations.

Pictured: (From left to right) – Alessandro Di Filipo, David Hurford & Gareth Hurford of Radio BGM.

A gala dinner at Llanelli’s Diplomat Hotel on the evening of Friday March 22 is among the plans as the station hits a half century of broadcasting.

Initially based at the former Bryntyrion Hospital, Radio BGM (Bryngwyn Mawr) moved to Prince Philip Hospital in 1990.

The station now provides a 24/7 service to Prince Philip Hospital patients and staff, as well as to the Llanelli community and beyond via the Radio BGM website and a free app.

The gala dinner on Friday March 22 will include a three-course meal and entertainment from Llanelli band The Wurlitzers, local tenor Richard Allen, and the Prince Philip Hospital Notes Choir.

BBC news presenter Garry Owen will be on hand to compere the event.

David Hurford, chairman of Radio BGM, said: “It’s an exciting time for Radio BGM – not just because of our 50th anniversary celebrations, but also because of our exciting plans to take part in a number of local events throughout the year.

“It’ll be an evening of great entertainment that has something for everyone – and it’s all in aid of a great local charity that’s proud to be at the heart of Llanelli life.

“Tickets are available from the Radio BGM website at www.radiobgm.org.uk/gala and discounts are available for group bookings, including businesses. All profits from the event will be reinvested back into our charity.

“On-air plans for 2024 include a number of special programmes with a nod to the past as we celebrate Radio BGM’s history, while also looking to the future.”

Information is also available on Radio BGM’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

As well as a board of trustees, the station has a team of volunteer presenters who give their time to all kinds of projects and generally help to keep the station on air.

Hundreds of local people have been volunteers at Radio BGM over the years and many have gone on to pursue broadcasting careers, while others have become doctors, nurses and even a judge.

Current volunteers include head of programming Gareth Hurford, head of off-air operations Alessandro Di Filipo, and volunteer manager Gale Morgan-Williams.

Among the volunteer presenters are the Reverend Eldon Phillips and Nicholas Heath, who’s been with Radio BGM since 1991.

Radio BGM has won awards in both 2018 and in last year’s UK-wide Hospital Broadcasting Awards. These included an outstanding contribution award for chairman David Hurford, as well as awards for the Coffee Club programme and the 1990s show.

Events attended by Radio BGM last year included Llanelli Pride.