After brightening up the days of local hospital patients for four decades, Norman Johnson has hung up his headphones for the last time as he retires from his volunteer role as a radio presenter.
Norman, 82, from Stockton, has been a regular voice on Radio Stitch since 1984, spinning records and cheering up patients as they recover on the wards.
Popular host
Radio Stitch is a volunteer operated hospital radio service which has served patients at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust for nearly 50 years and is now broadcast to bedsides at The James Cook University Hospital.
For the popular host of the ‘Thanks for the Memories’, now is the right time to step away from the microphone and spend some time with the family.
Music
Norman, a married father of two, said: “I enjoy music and it’s been a lot of fun playing musicians not normally heard on the radio. Some of my favourites are ‘Wonderful One’ by Ken Griffin and ‘La Mer’ by Charles Trenet.
“I’ve had a great time here at Radio Stitch. I’ve made some lifelong friends.
“Volunteering at a hospital radio station is a great way to have fun, enjoy good company and hopefully make life a little brighter for patients on the wards.
“Keeping active and doing my radio show has kept my brain working for sure but I don’t think I have another 40 years left in me!”
Norman points to Radio Stitch going global via the internet as a highlight of his time at the station. “Anyone can tune in now!” says Norman. “We’re global!”
Norman’s retirement was marked by a special celebration, which included former Boro goalkeeper Jim Platt who presented the retiring presenter with an away shirt, signed by the first team, a real treat for the Boro-mad radio presenter.
Long service
During the party, Norman was also presented with an NHS long service badge in recognition of his decades of commitment.
Elliot Kennedy, Radio Stitch presenter and station chairman, said: “It’s not just going to be the same without Norman. He’s been a fixture here for decades and literally thousands of patients have enjoyed listening to him as he introduced record after record.
“His commitment to volunteering has been incredible. We’re really going to miss him.”
Having enjoyed a varied working life which has seen him service his community as a police officer, postman and bus driver, Norman is planning a quiet retirement.
Norman commented: “I’ll keep myself occupied but I’m also looking forward to a little time relaxing and watching a bit of TV.
“I’ll miss my friends at Radio Stitch, but I‘ll keep in touch. And I’ll definitely listen online every now and then see how they’re getting on without me!”