Seventy Five Years On Air
75 for 75
A series of 75 articles with photographs capturing aspects of our rich history since 9th April 1951 when we began as an activity at Port Sunlight Boys’ Club.
Read all about the station’s rich history.
75 for 75 series 31 to 45
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After 42 years, it was the end of an era in 1993 when we marked our last ever day at the original Larch House studios with a video showing highlights from every show broadcast on that significant Sunday in our history.
Supported by many other members, the day started with Ted Richards hosting ‘The Gospel Hour’. Neil Southerin was next with ‘The Neil Henry Show’ and then Neil Jackson urged you to ‘Relax a While’. ‘Sunday Plus’ was presented by Dave Harvey, Paul Culshaw was next, Simon Lee and Andy Williams co-hosted before Paul Stewart presented ‘Afternoon Edition’. Richie Moore helmed ‘Sunday Forum’ before Dave Wilson rounded off programming until 9pm speaking with many who had also turned up including Graham Johnson and Mike Eveleigh.
The stills taken from the video show Neil Jackson, Neil Southerin (who broadcast as Neil Henry) and Paul Stewart.
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In 1941 the Ministry of Health added an emergency hospital on farmland next to the hospital grounds. The new hospital consisted of a line of wooden huts, an operating theatre and an X Ray block. A line of brick huts was added to the site.
In 1950 three brick huts were declared obsolete and converted into nurses’ accommodation, later to be named Larch House.
Gerry Marsden opened our new larger studios at the front of Larch House on our 25th anniversary in April 1976. Mike Eveleigh met Kenny Everett at Capital Radio and asked him to record a jingle for our Anniversary. ‘Cuddly Clatterbridge’ was the result, featuring Tommy Vance’s throaty vocals at the end.
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By the early 1970s Roger Hazlewood was broadcasting solo. In 1973 the Chief Administrator at the Hospital phoned to say that he had received requests for alternative voluntary work. Dave Williams, who had just left college, visited Roger.
A fortnight later the pair were joined by Brian Sumner and Phil Price, and a full Saturday schedule began. Roger, Dave, Brian and Phil each presented a 2-hour show including, at 9am, ‘Mid-Morning Music’. It would stay on the air until 1998. All four reunited in 2023 for a special show!
Back in 1973, press coverage and word of mouth generated huge interest. Within two months, membership rose from these four to thirty and the Station began broadcasting weekends and week day evenings.
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On Sunday 8th June 2008 members of the station attended an ASDA Charity Night DJ’d by our very own Ian Grant pictured above with Radio Clatterbridge’s Treasurer at the time, Sarah Russell (now Jones).
We received a cheque for £300, as we were ASDA’s nominated charity. As well as the great music from such an experienced compere, there was a sumptuous spread, raffle and a good time was had by all.
The well attended Event took place at the Scout Hut in Birkenhead’s Park Road East. Birkenhead of course being the birthplace of the Scouting movement.
Radio Clatterbridge has had strong links with ASDA over the years thanks to its community champions. Ian Grant assisted by Helen-Louise Sestan-Burton broadcast regularly for many years on a Thursday morning and have arranged many a supermarket collection for us at their stores at Arrowe Park and Bromborough.
