By Andrew Woolfe
I’ve produced over one hundred episodes of Music was my first love for Hospital Radio Glamorgan (HRG), some of which are still to be broadcast as part of series 7, but one in particular… a tribute show to John Wilce has been the one I’ve wanted to make since we started in 2019.
Why?
I never met John, but I learnt very quickly how important he was to the station, the charity, but also to its many volunteers past and present. So this special 100th addition of our HBA award winning series is as much for all of them, as it is for John’s memory.
The reason it has taken 6 years and 7 series to put this show together has really been about the respect I have for HRG’s chair Jamie Pritchard.
Some may know the important part that John Wilce played in Jamie’s life, as a father or grandfather figure rather than just a friend or fellow volunteer. I first mentioned the idea of a tribute show to Jamie during the planning stage for series 2, however John’s loss was still far too raw for Jamie, so we put the idea to bed.
During the Summer of 2024 as I started planning for series 7, the idea of a tribute show for John resurfaced, and for two reasons I felt now was the time to bring up the subject again.
Firstly, I know Jamie a lot better and understand the relationship he had with John in a way I didn’t in 2019 and secondly, Series 7 would include the 100th addition of Music was my first love, the 100th ‘guest’ if you will. And so, what better way to mark such an occasion than to choose songs that John may well have chosen had he lived to be a guest?
Thankfully Jamie said yes, and John’s friend and former HRG volunteer Robert Darke also agreed without hesitation, to take part as well. Both agreed, they wouldn’t be doing it without the support of the other.
Personally, I think we’ve made a special and respectful show, and I warn you that you will not need a box of tissues as this truly is a celebration which features John’s voice and funny memories.
I dedicate this 100th addition of MWMFL to all the Hospital Radio Glamorgan volunteers past and present, friends of John as well as those no longer with us who knew him.
John – I wish I knew you, and I hope this little show does you proud.
Andrew Woolfe
Presenter and Producer of MWMFL
February 2025
The special show will broadcast on Friday 28th February at the earlier time of 9pm
