CHBN, Truro's Community and Hospital Broadcasting Network, is a dual radio station, writes Jean Main-Reade. Truro Hospital Radio became a registered charity in 1980, and in 2014 acquired an Ofcom licence to broadcast on 100.8 FM in Truro and the surrounding area and online.

So 2024 was the tenth anniversary of becoming one of the UK’s first community radio stations, as well as 43 years as Cornwall's first local radio station - ahead of BBC Radio Cornwall and Pirate FM.

There was much to celebrate. Our studios at the Royal Cornwall Hospital had been closed for three years due to Covid measures, followed by essential fire safety updates behind the studio wall. Only the technical team were allowed access for essential maintenance.

On the basis that "there are no problems, only opportunities", we used that time to achieve a complete digital upgrade of the studio's hardware and software. This was furnished by generous donations from individuals, local and national organisations. When presenters returned to the studios, they had the gift of some of the most up-to-date broadcasting kit available.

In spite of the closures, the station's output continued 24/7 from volunteers' mini-home studios. But many of our usual activities were restricted, including the recruitment of new members. This was a concern, as new blood and new ideas are vital to keep and grow an audience.

However, we need not have worried. Membership grew apace in 2024, and more applications are in the pipeline. Technical, social and administrative roles must be filled, but it is the public facing role of presenter where variety is key. New voices and formats lure a new audience, and several are already in place.

Richard Edoki, who worked in radio and television in his native, now showcases African music, food and culture in African Vibe. Sunday programmes, meanwhile, include Voice of Faith presented by Lorraine Carlin, a pastor at the Emmanual Full Gospel Church in Redruth.

Matters of health and wellbeing are also priorities for a hospital radio station. In The RCHT Radio Show, members of the Hospital Communications Team discuss everything health-related with the staff at the hospital and in the healthcare sector generally.

Viki Carpenter from Access Cornwall uses her programme to give information and advice about the amenities available for anyone living with physical or mental health issues.

The Roman god Janus is pictured with two heads, looking back and looking forward. 2024 has been a stellar year for CHBN. And 2025? Time will tell, but we have high hopes.

• CHBN broadcasts 24/7 on 100.8 FM within a five-mile radius of the Royal Cornwall Hospital. You can also listen online, via the NHS Wi-Fi network in hospital, the CHBN radio app or at www.chbnradio.org