Celebrant Give Back – George Smith

June 24, 2022by GMcLean0

Our amazing Fuze Celebrant George Smith gets ready in the big DJ chair – he spins all things Beatles to the Old Grey Whistle Test stars, and everything in between

12 Years of Hospital DJ Volunteering

This year our amazing celebrant George Smith celebrates 3 BIG milestones. 10 years of conducting wonderful ceremonies for couples and families, the small (BIG really) matter of his 70th birthday and 12 years as a volunteer at HSBA Radio and not forgetting

George’s tremendous dedication to his family and work colleagues seamlessly transferred to his passion for ‘giving back’. That passion elevated to the next level as George took his lifelong love for music and began volunteering 12 years ago at HSBA Radio at University Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, his home town.

Hospital Broadcasting Services Ayrshire (HBSA) started life in the mid 1970s. A man called John Barbour had the idea to start a hospital radio station modelled on the HBS in Glasgow. Like the Glasgow station HBSA would serve more than one location from a central point. HBSA would be a volunteer led organisation and has never had any paid staff.

Studios

HBSA is well equipped and brings HBSA up to modern industry standards with the help of a very generous donation from the AAHB staff lottery fund. They have 2 studios which are located in the main building in Crosshouse Hospital. Read more HERE.

The DJ set up at Crosshouse has all the new tech to make the magic happen for patients and digital listeners across the world

Q&A Time

We caught up with George recently and asked him some questions to help unlock what makes the man behind the ‘mic’ do what he does.

How long have you been volunteering as a HBSA DJ and what got you into doing this fantastic give back? “ I’ve been involved with HBSA for 12 years. I saw an advert for presenters when I was visiting my mum in Crosshouse Hospital and decided to apply. Although I had no experience as a DJ, I knew my love for music was a great place to start.”

How did you manage to pick up the DJ nickname of General George? “ At the beginning I felt I needed a dj name so General George came partly from an old tv advert for General George carpet shops and partly from my nickname that I was given when I was a hotel manager.“

Why is it so important to you to give back your free time in this way? “After 25 years in hospitality I saw this as an opportunity to do something for people who couldn’t provide the service for themselves. No one enjoys being in hospital so I realised it was a chance to play some cheery music to brighten up what can be a very long day for patients. We could also involve patients by asking them for requests. Once I got started, I realised that playing music was also therapeutic for me.”

George and his DJ friends also completed a fundraising walk for the very worthy Whiteleys Retreat

Tells us some standout moments from your time at HSBA? “Becoming a board member/trustee was very special as I enjoy the responsibility of helping to keep the station on air and planning for the future. Being able to broadcast digitally throughout the world has been a huge step forward also for us, as patients can listen on their phones and tablets. I also know expats across the world love listening to ‘local’ voices from where they grew up.

And getting involved with local schools by inviting both able bodied and physical and mentally challenged pupils in to present shows or just look around the studios. Giving back in the community this way, as well as the hospital, is a very rewarding part of what we do.

George proudly interviews photography friend Kevin Wyllie’s very talented daughter “The G” on his show

What songs or music genres would you say get requested the most? “ Easy listening pop songs tend to be the most requested, Abba, Rod Stewart, Queen, Beatles, Ed Sheeran. With over 30 presenters on board, we can offer a huge variety of music from classical to rock and pop, country to rock n roll, and every decade from 60’s to 20’s.”

What have been your favourite shows? “8 years ago my friend and fellow presenter Johnny Robertson and myself went in to broadcast from 8am to 10 am on Christmas morning. We concentrated mainly, but not exclusively on providing music for the Children’s wards. We got such a buzz from it that we have done it every year since. At 10 am we are followed by another 2 presenters, with one of them dressing as Santa and visiting the children.”

George spreading his ceremony love with his Fuze Celebrant hat on

We know you love your role as a Celebrant and a Kilmarnock FC fan, how have you included these at HBSA? “Pre Covid, I would invite friends and fellow wedding suppliers to come in, talk about their work/hobbies and choose their favourite music, and it’s something I intend to reintroduce. I also often give shout outs to couples and fellow celebrants as they request their favourite tracks to be played.

Where’s the General? Can you spot him in the Killie crowd?

As a Kilmarnock FC fan I was also delighted when we secured the rights to broadcast live home matches into the hospital, a wonderful service for local football fans who are stuck in the hospital. As things return to normal we hope to return to some outside broadcasting from local events as well.

George’s incredible DJ volunteering dedication was summed up by Mark Fisher, HSBA Station Manager, who said; “Our George is such a good communicator and his caring and natural empathy for people shines through in his shows and his popularity at HSBA is down to the connection people feel towards him. In his 12 years with us, George has helped to forge the personality of station by broadcasting in a warm and friendly way. Everybody loves the General”

Celebrant Recognition

George was also recently recognised and awarded a 10 year outstanding long service award at the Fuze Foundation 10th Birthday event in April this year. Through his work as celebrant at Fuze George has conducted thousands of ceremonies, connected and help many many families and couples during those most important celebration of life moments.

George pictured at Fuze birthday awards celebrations

Anne Widdop, CEO and founding Director at Fuze commented: “George has touched and enriched the lives of so many others through his work as a Celebrant. His passion in his role is very clear and he has been a great support sharing his experiences and wealth of knowledge, earning the respect of his peers and has become a role model to some of our newer members.”

70 Years

As we publish this blog, George celebrates 70 years on the planet, so although we don’t have any of his big birthday celebratory photos, I’m sure George will be continuing his ‘giving back’ by sharing his birthday cake with family and friends!