Radioland Bids Farewell to "Aunt Gwen"

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 29, 31 January 1930, Page 1

Radioland Bids Farewell to "Aunt Gwen"

Touching Scenes at 2YA JR ECENTLY Aunt Gwen, whose wonderful personality and sweetness has made for her a treasured place in the hearts of thousands of children of all ages and conditions, resigned her position at 2YA, and is now about to be married. She has rendered much valuable service in ’ brightening many little lives, especially those of kiddies whose whole ‘ existence is: passed within the -enclosing walls of sanatoriums and hospitals. But her sphere of usefulmess has not been restricted . to those of tender years; indeed many adults of Radioland find much solace and cheer in Aunt Gwen’s happy words and brightening laughter which have reached -out from the studio to comfort and relieve those whose lives are far from happy. Let us all join in wishing -her true happiness in her married life, and a safe return to the sincere welcome which will be awaiting her on: her return to New Zealand.

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HE studio at 2YA on the evening of January, 20 was the scene of a happy little gathering of radio uncles, aunties, and cousins. They were assembled there to,say farewell, or, Wwe hope, "au. revoir," to Aunt Gwen. Eivervone was a

little sad that Aunt Gwen’s cheery ‘voice would be heard no more giving birthday greetings ‘and making the Children’s Hour something to be eagerly awaited. . However, on the 29th of this month Gwen is! to be ‘married, and on that vday everyone will have the pleasure of hearing her voice once more before she sails across the Tasman Sea to a new home; but here is good news -Aunt Gwen says that when she comes to New Zealand: she- will visit Radioland and ggain you will hear her cheery: opening words, "Hullo, children," that have brought joy and gladness to all the children of Radioland, and those who lay in pain in their own homes or in hospital. One by one before the microphone the Uncles wished her joy, happiness and prosperity. There was Uncle George, who is known so well; Uncle Toby, Uncle Jasper, with Dog Spot; Cousin Dick, with his -bagpipes; and Cousin George. They said many. complimentary remarks about Aunt Gwen, and every one was true. Mr. Ball, on dad IR a SL POP

ehalf of the Broadcasting Company, her for all she had done to ake the children’s hour bright and happy. Then a little cousin "stepped forward and recited "Au Revoir," a pretty. little poem specially written in Aunt Gwen’s honour by Mr. G. 5S. Pringle, of Karori.. ; After this . Cousin making an old-fashioned curtsey,. presented Aunt Gwen with a pretty. bouquet, and ‘thanked her again for all the children of Radioland. . Several other cousins whom eyerybody knows. so well sang, played,and recited to make the party a merry one. Big Brother Jack, Uncle Jim, and: Uncle Geoff were not able tu ‘be present, but. -Uncle Jim sent a cheery Iessage. "Hullo, ‘Aunt Gwen! And you’re going to a ‘wedding party on the 29th? Many happy. returns of the day! (We hope not.-Ed.). Would you like a fairy present? If you look carefully in the church you'll find a handsome

husband. Wait a minute; there are more presents. If you look in the eyes | and hearts of every Radio Cousin who has ‘had the pleasure of listening-in to. your. voice at 2YA, you will find heaps of $miles and love to make your future happiness assured. Cheerio, and the best of good wishes, from Uncle Jim." During the evening Aunt Gwen received a big surprise, for she found on the studio table a parcel addressed to Pod

her. It was u farewell present from the Radio Fairies. She was delighted to receive many other presents from her little friends of the radio circle. Aunt Gwen thanked each one over the air, and at last spoke a few. words in touching farewell to Radioland. Though it is very hard for us to say good-bye to Aunt Gwen, yet it is harder still for her to leave the huge family she loved so well. Still, you must follow the advice of. another radio uncle. This is what he says: So children, when You miss Aunt Gwen, Who. always was so jolly, Don’t fret and. pout, Just sing or shout Three cheers! we have Aunt Molly; And a very big welcome goes out from all the children of Radioland to

Aunt, Molly, who is taking Aunt Gwen's place. Aunt Gwen's Radio Wedding TISTENERS-IN throughout — New, Zealand will attend their. first radio wedding on Wednesday, * January 29, when they will constitute a vast

and invisible audience at the marriage ceremony in which Miss Gwen Shepherd (Aunt Gwen of 2YA) and Mr. Bruce O. Stennett, of Sydney, will be the principals. It is distinctly appropriate that the wedding of one like Aunt Gwen, who has been so closely associated with radio broadcasting for the past two years should be celebrated before the microphone. It will be a unique and memorable oceasion in the history of broadcasting in New Zealand, As 3YA will’ carry out a rebroadcast many thousands of people throughout New Zealand will be rddio guests of honour on the occasion of the first radio wedding celebrated in New Zealand, and thus accord a striking tribute to a very popular broadcaster. It will be~ the

greatest God-speed that a New Zealand bride could be given. The whole proceedings, ‘in the church and at the wedding breakfast in. the home of Mr. Shepherd, will be put on the air. The occasion will also be taken to broadcast a description ‘of the dresses, the many presents, etc. The ‘marriage ceremony is to take place im St. Paul’s ProCathedral at'$ o’clock. The whole of the proceefiings at the service will talie place before the microphone. From. the church an adjournment will be made to the home of the bride’s parents, where the wedding breakfast is to take place, . The broadcast froxr here will commence at 3.30 Thr ee musical items. will be given, At 4,10 the speeches will commence. Following the introductory remarks by the officiating clergyman, Captain Munro will propose the toast of the bride and bridegroom, to which Mr. Stennett . will reply. "The Bridesmaids" will be proposed by Mr. Guy Munro, Mi, Syd. Allwright replying. Mr. H. A. Huggins and’ Major Evie Reeves will propose the toast of "The Parents," Mr. H. Shepherd replying. An address by Mx. J. Davies, station manager’ at. 2YA, will follow. A further toast will be that of the Broadcasting Company, to be proposed by Mr. Claude Moss and

responded to by Mr. J ohn Ball, EditorAnnouncer. During "the happy a ceedings several songs will be sung and as a finale "Aunt Gwen" will "Good Bye" to all her many friends, young and old, who will be listening-in, prior ‘to her departure for Sydney, where she is to reside in future.