Radio Champions a Teacher

A LONG-serving community radio champion and former teacher has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

David McGealy is approaching his 40th anniversary of voluntary radio work in Oldham. He began with the Royal Oldham Hospital’s Radio Cavell in the early 1970s and is now involved with Bolton Community Radio.

Gerard Dignan (77), a fellow Oldham Community Radio volunteer presenter, nominated Mr McGealy.

He said: “David was one one of the originators of Radio Cavell and will officially reach his 40th anniversary this winter. In more recent years he has become involved with Bolton Community Radio, which is based in Failsworth and supported by Oldham Council.

“He has spent years doing good work with other volunteers and really deserves an award.”

Mr Dignan, from Royton, is a former British Aerospace worker who later became self-employed.

He now presents radio programmes throughout the week including some with his wife, Barbara.

Mr McGealy (64) said: “This nomination is not just about me. I’ve had great support over the years and community radio in Oldham has many excellent volunteers.

“I think community radio is fantastic. I believe ordinary people can get involved in radio and everyone has fascinating stories to tell. People should be encouraged to get involved. Radio should be accessible.

“Community and hospital radio do fantastic things and spread the word about the many good things happening in Oldham.”

Benefits

Mr McGealy moved to Oldham in 1971 as a newly-qualified teacher at Littlemoor Primary School. Radio Cavell began broadcasting in 1974.

Speaking about the benefits of hospital radio and music, he recalled: “One night I was in a hospital ward giving out bingo prizes and I heard a women call out ‘ooh’. She was in hospital on her wedding anniversary and her husband had requested her favourite record. That request probably did her more good than anything else that day.”