Family pay tribute to bubbly hospital radio volunteer Brenda

Brenda Jones (née Pink) died at Glan Clwyd Hospital, aged 91, on March 23 after a short illness.
Brenda, of Rhyl, was married to the late Joseph (Joe) Jones, who died in May 2024. The couple had three children: Stephen, Leslie, and Caroline.
Brenda with husband Joe (Image: Submitted by family) Brenda, a cherished granny to Jazmin, Tabitha, Sophie, and Saffron, was one of identical twins, alongside her sister Elsie. The sisters were born into a showbiz family. Their father, Stanley Wilson Pink, worked for 20th Century Fox in Manchester as a film distributor, organising film premieres for cinemas and meeting many film stars of the day - including Shirley Temple, Jimmy Clitheroe, and Frankie Howerd. Brenda and Elsie collected autographs from the celebrities they met through their father.
Sadly, Stanley passed away from cancer at a young age, and the family moved to Prestatyn.
Brenda and Joe married in 1954 and moved to Wrexham, where Joe worked.
Joe worked for Midland Bank, and Brenda worked for Monsanto. After their first two children were born, the family moved to Rhyl where Brenda and Joe ran a newsagents on Vale Road for five years called J&B's.
Singer and cruise star Jane McDonald with Brenda (Image: Submitted by family)
When Caroline was born, the couple left the shop. Joe went on to work for the local council, while Brenda began working at Rhyl Sports Centre - first in the café, then the ticket office, and eventually as PA to the centre manager, before retiring.
Brenda began volunteering at Glan Clwyd Radio in June 2000 and quickly became a beloved part of the radio family.
Leslie said: "After joining the committee and then later on, as press officer, she had her own show every Wednesday morning playing some of her favourite music from show, stage and screen for patients and staff in the hospital. She was a big fan of stage shows such as Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music and Mamma Mia. She used to get press invitations to see shows at both Rhyl Pavilion and Venue Cymru Llandudno including the annual Christmas pantomimes and UK touring companies. She reviewed these and helped promote them for the theatres.
"She would often invite celebrities, actors and singers who would be performing in the various shows and pantomimes onto her radio show. She was very experienced at interviewing and getting them involved in the show.
"She also invited local MP's and councillors to guest on her show asking them to pick their favourite pieces of music to play."
Brenda also ran regular competitions to win theatre tickets and hosted ward bingo nights and quizzes for the benefit of patients.
Brenda, Jane McDonald and Brenda's daughter Caroline (Image: Submitted by family) "She would often be in attendance along with Tony Mannix and other radio presenters at outside broadcasts in the Radio Glan Clwyd van playing music and compering at many local events such as the May Day parades, local car shows and summer fayres," Leslie said.
She was recognised three times for her contribution to the community through her work with Glan Clwyd Hospital Radio.
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"In 2011, mum was nominated to go the Queen's Garden Party at the Palace," Leslie said.
"Caroline accompanied her and they both had a fabulous day.
"In 2018, Caroline nominated mum for a show called 'Jane and friends'.
"Jane McDonald was mum's favourite singer. She surprised mum at the studio, needless to say there were tears, but they both had a fantastic morning on the 'Brenda and Jane show' and then appearing on the Channel 5 television show afterwards."
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In 2023, Brenda was made a Patron of Glan Clwyd Radio in recognition of her 23 years of volunteering and fundraising at a celebration party organised by her colleagues at the station.
Speaking about her personality, Leslie said: "Mum was always smiling, had a great sense of fun, and a bubbly personality. She gave so much of herself to her family and community.
"She was a remarkably selfless lady who leaves behind so many wonderful memories for all who knew her."
Brenda loved meeting stars of stage and screen whenever she had the chance.
Her musician son, Steven (Steve), who composed and performed for various shows over the years, always tried to involve Brenda and Joe in the social side of his work.
Leslie said: "Through pantos in Rhyl, Carlisle and New Brighton, mum met so many stars. Steve would often leave her while he went to the bar only to return to find mum chatting to Dean Sullivan from Brookside or Su Pollard from Hi-de-Hi!
"Mum would be in her element."

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