Stoke Mandeville Hospital Radio

Dave Gamage

I was born and raised in Oxfordshire and, whilst at school, developed my first taste for music by learning to play the French Horn which subsequently led to a scholarship with the Oxfordshire Youth Orchestra. My musical interest was not solely classical though. In my teenage years I ran Disco roadshows as well as singing Country music in various hostelries ! How`s that for a wide mixture of musical tastes ?
I have also been an avid follower of football (firstly Oxford United) and, after moving to the Aylesbury area in the eighties, I`ve been involved with Aylesbury United FC in various capacities since that time. A part change in lifestyle occurred following a heart attack on New Year`s Eve 1995, and it was during my stay in Stoke Mandeville Hospital that I first became aware of the Stoke Mandeville Hospital Radio Station.

I had been broadcasting on BBC & Independent Radio Stations since 1988 and Andy Baxter (then member of SMHR) persuaded me to come along. I joined SMHR in 1997 and this has enabled me to share my love and knowledge of music with the listeners. The radio station itself has gone through many changes, members sometimes move on, but one thing which is crystal clear (apart from the signal !) is the 100% dedication of the members. A look at the programming output shows that, as a whole, it caters for just about all musical tastes - a bit like yours truly !

I present The Magazine Show (6 to 7pm Fridays) which incorporates The Bucks Herald report (a round-up of the week`s news from across the Vale). I also provide information on charitable fundraising, and if you would like me to `advertise` a forthcoming fundraising event then send me the details.

Before those early French Horn days, my main musical `love` has been country music. Hank Williams Snr and Jim Reeves were my initial heroes, whilst the likes of Shania Twain and Alan Jackson are my current favourites. I present My Kind Of Country every Friday (7 to 8pm) and include new releases, number ones & other chart hits from past decades, along with a round-up of the week`s Top Ten Hot Country Singles chart. If you would like me to include a past, or current, favourite artist or track then drop me a line.

To send Dave an email click: Dave Gamage