YHRadio Meets

York Hospital Radio meets Mick Rathbone, a former footballer who went on to become a physio and later an author. Mick began his career with great promise, representing England at schoolboy level and breaking into the Birmingham City first team at a young age. However, he struggled with nerves and anxiety, and it wasn’t until his move to Blackburn Rovers that he truly established himself as a professional.Mick’s career in the game extended far beyond his playing days. He became a renowned physio, first at Preston and most notably at Everton, as well as having spells with England, Manchester United and Accrington Stanley — the focus of his latest book, The Smell of Football 3.Here, we chat to Mick about the highs and lows of his career, as well as his pride in watching his son Ollie, who plays for Championship side Wrexham.

York Hospital Radio's Steve Eccles talks to Gary Brannan, Keeper of Archives and Special Collections at the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York. It's a fascinating chat about the role of the Institute, and why Gary is so fascinated by archives! The focus is on the unique comedy archives held by the Institute, including Spike Milligan, Frankie Howard, and Galton and Simpson.

This is part two of the York Hospital Radio meet with North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Keith Lea and Steve Eccles visited the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in June, 2025, and met members of the management team, including chief executive Laura Strangeway and Paul 'Piglet' Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering. Join Keith and Steve for this two-part podcast in Grosmont, including a fact finding trip to the Motive Power Depot, and on a steam-hauled journey to Levisham, where they learn about the lineside, as well as the trains and the tracks. Hear about the Pullman trains from an on-board chef; how the railway raises funds; exciting events planned for 2025; and what's involved in running this stunning heritage railway.This podcast was edited and produced by Keith Lea. If you enjoy these podcasts then please consider donating via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

Keith Lea and Steve Eccles visited the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in June, 2025, and met members of the management team, including chief executive Laura Strangeway and Paul 'Piglet' Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering. Join Keith and Steve for this two-part podcast in Grosmont, including a fact finding trip to the Motive Power Depot, and on a steam-hauled journey to Levisham, where they learn about the lineside, as well as the trains and the tracks. Hear about the Pullman trains from an on-board chef; how the railway raises funds; exciting events planned for 2025; and what's involved in running this stunning heritage railway.This podcast was edited and produced by Keith Lea. If you enjoy these podcasts then please consider donating via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

n this episode of York Hospital Radio Meets, Steve Eccles chats with David Kenworthy, the former Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, now serving as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire. David also chairs the Friends of St Monica’s Hospital in Easingwold.They discuss his long career in policing, his transition to civic and community leadership, and the vital role of community hospitals in rural North Yorkshire.A must-listen for anyone interested in public service, volunteering, and local healthcare.

A Life behind the Lens - Keith lea meets up with Alan Wilson a fellow York hospital radio presenter from 1965 who hung up his microphone and pursued a career as a TV documentary film cameraman.Learn how he achieved his dream, hear a little about how film technology developed as Alan shares some of his worldwide experiences, including a close encounter with a polar bear!

Dan Tait chats to David Lloyd, aka Bumble, who holds legendary status in the game of cricket following his long career in the game. This interview goes right back to David's childhood growing up in Accrington, playing and captaining Lancashire, playing and coaching his country as well as his successful broadcasting career. A second part of this interview will be available on the York Hospital Ball podcast in a few weeks. Edited and produced by James Charters.If you enjoy these podcasts please consider donating to the York Hospital Radio charity via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

Steve Eccles talks to York panto legend Martin Barrass, about his life on the stage, his 38 years starring in the pantomime with Berwick Kaler and the team, and other highlights including his West End role in One Man Two Guvnors, and his current role in The Archers.

Graham Bradbury and Mike Pratt talk to Sharon Ward about the history of York's Annual Community Carol Concert, and look ahead to this year's event at York Barbican on Sunday, 15 December

In the latest edition of YHR Meets, Steve Eccles spoke to Abbi Ollive, visitor attraction director at Castle Howard. Abbi tells us what it was like to have a Channel Four film crew on site for a whole year making a fly on the wall series at the iconic venue, and she lifts the lid on preparations for Alice's Christmas Wonderland plus what visitors can expect to see as well as the plans ahead to a brand new exhibition opening in 2025.

Ian Clennan is joined by the British Ambassador in Bahrain, Alastair Long. He talks about his role as an ambassador, but also reflects on his time living in Poppleton. Early memories also include York Hospital and Bootham Crescent. Listen to find out more about a local lad from York representing the UK abroad.