Gareth Philips
Gareth Philips was a presenter at Radio Clatterbridge between 1995 and 1997. After years as a Series Editor on Coronation Street, he's now left the cobbles behind to produce other dramas for ITV Productions. Gareth believes Radio Clatterbridge definitely helped in getting him on the right career path.
"Thanks to me having gained presenting experience at Radio Clatterbridge, I was taken on as a presenter by MFM," says Gareth. "From there I went on to present for two local cable TV companies in Liverpool: Liverpool Live and Channel One respectively. I left Channel One in December 1998 to join Granada TV.
"I've been there ever since, firstly as a researcher in the Entertainment Department working on Stars In Their Eyes, You've Been Framed!, and Soap Fever." Gareth continues, "I joined Coronation Street in November 2000 as a Storyliner, then they promoted me to Assistant Script Editor!"
Gareth was also involved in a lot of drama, both amateur and semi-professional. He says that, together with his involvement with Radio Clatterbridge, definitely helped him in his career.
His time at Radio Clatterbridge wasn't all serious either. Gareth recalls how he used to change everybody's name on the scheduling board with Phil Rodgers every week.
"We altered people's names to suit their characters, and found it all terribly amusing. Two I can remember are Andy Bonner becoming Randy Boner, and Mark Lloyd becoming Baby Doll! I think it really used to wind people up, but we loved it in a naughty school boy kind of way. Rather pathetic really..."
Although Gareth admits things have changed a bit since his time at Radio Clatterbridge, he says it's not all different.
"The things that won't have changed are perhaps the most important ingredients a hospital radio station needs: enthusiasm and dedication of its members."
And Gareth has some good advice for anyone wanting to get involved with the station.
"Go for it! The station serves a vital role to the patients of the hospital, and that in itself can be very rewarding. I must confess, I was there for more selfish reasons. I wanted to gain experience in broadcasting, and Clatterbridge certainly allowed me to do that... I was using the station to further my career, but in return I knew I was providing patients with hopefully some kind of respite from their illnesses.
"The most important thing though, whether you're after a career in broadcasting or not, is to have fun. You don't need to be a slick radio presenter or have loads of experience. Those things can be gained in time. As long as you've got energy and enthusiasm, you should be able to enjoy it as much as I did."
Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral CH63 4JY • 0151 482 7888