YHRadio Meets

YHR Meets…National Trust special

In this special National Trust edition of YHR Meets, Steve Eccles visits two properties around York. He joins head gardener Sam Shipman to celebrate the Mediterranean garden at Beningbrough Hall, and also talks to Tom Longridge, gardener at Goddards on Tadcaster Road.

YHR Meets…Mick Rathbone: From Footballer to Physio to Author

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.

YHR Meets…John Helm (football commentator)

York Hospital Radio meets John Helm, a true commentary legend whose career spans over six decades. From standing on the terraces to calling ten World Cups, John reflects on an extraordinary journey through the game. We cover his early commentaries covering Leeds United during the Don Revie era, iconic moments across various Yorkshire football clubs, his work on FIFA tournaments, the Indian Super League, and his current employment for Lincoln City who he commentates for despite being into his 80s. Alongside the highs, John shares his harrowing memories of the Bradford City fire and how he continues to respect those lives lost. We also dive into his philosophy behind the microphone, how he developed his distinctive style, and his respect for fellow commentators across the generations — before finishing with his famous party piece: naming every club in the English football pyramid, just as he did for a Guinness World Record in the 1980s. Interview conducted by Dan Tait. Edited and produced by James Charters.

YHR Meets...Gary Brannan (Archives Keeper)

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.

YHR Meets...North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Part 2)

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