* Scroll down the page for Webmasters Review *
* Scroll down the page for Webmasters Review *|
Although only broadcasting for 15 months in the mid-60s, Radio 270 certainly left a lasting mark on Scarborough and the East Coast. Its colourful story contains fierce boardroom battles, appalling technical disasters and high-profile DJ mutinies. Some people were at first reluctant to talk about their involvement, and for Radio 270 Chairman, Leonard Dale, it was a period of his business life he said he wished to forget:
of the cesspool operations of the entertainment world."
This then is the short-lived but highly-charged story of Radio 270
|
 |
As the author of the Radio 270 Tribute pages, I know just how difficult it is to obtain accurate information about a radio station. Particularly one that had closed down some thirty-five years earlier. Traditionally, such ventures were by necessity, shrouded in mystery and missinformation, and as the years go by, memories fade, and even if one can track them down, many may still feel reluctant to talk about their involvement. So, when I first heard the rumours, several months ago, that someone was writing a book on Radio 270, I was eager to see just what, if anything new could be learned about the station. I am happy to say that this new book by Bob Preedy exceeds all my expectations. It is well researched, well written, and well presented. This 97 page volume is a worthy addition to any radio enthusiasts' bookshelf. And one which will provide a valuable information source when updating the Radio 270 Tribute Pages, here on the internet.
Of particular interest is the profiles of the key players in the operation, Leonard Dale, Wilf Proudfoot, and Don Robinson. The book provides a revealing insight to the problems of setting up and running such a venture and staying within the law. The interests of shareholders and investors had to be considered, add to this the difficulties faced by crew and DJs aboard the ship, and the boardroom battles, it's a wonder how the station ever made it out to sea, let alone provide the listener with 15 months of entertaing radio.
The book is arranged into 10 chapters, and events are chronologically described. Interspered with over sixty photographs and illustrations, a nice feature is the inclusion of charts listing the popular music of the day. (Which helps trigger those memories). There's also a section giving profiles of the DJs, and an update on the present activities of those behind the venture.
In closing, may I say that Mr Preedy has done us proud with this book. I can recommend it to all visitors to this website. If I had one small critisism, while he does mention The Pirate Hall of Fame website, I would have liked to have seen a small section listing some of the many other worthwhile websites that exist to keep alive the memory of offshore radio. I realise that by the very nature of the beast, websites do come and go, but there are quite a few that have stood the test of time. (Indeed, this one has been here for several years). Just a small niggle, but perhaps the author will consider this, should a further edition of this otherwise excellent book be planned.
David W Salmon, Webmaster. FOOTNOTE
The Radio 270 Tribute Pages
4th May 2002
Just to set the record straight, I am in no way connected to Mr Preedy, and I bought my copy of the book just as any other private indivdual would. This Website exists simply as an information source, and the inclusion of his book on these pages is offered purely as an extension of that information, as service to the radio enthusiast.
