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The Radio England Reunion. |
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Britain Radio and “Swinging” Radio England began broadcasting in May 1966. Various members of the original DJ team had been discussing the possibility of a reunion to mark the fortieth anniversary for some time but it was when Grey Pierson, son of the stations' founder, got involved that it all came together. Although billed as the Radio England reunion, the guest list was open to people who had worked on any of the stations based on the mv Olga Patricia, including Britain Radio's successor, Radio 355. The venue for the party was the one used for the Radio Caroline celebrations two years previously, the Red Lion pub in London's Waverton Street. Once again The Pirate Radio Hall of Fame was delighted to be able to help track down some of the former DJs and was honoured to be invited to the event. Sadly original Programme Director Ron O'Quinn had to cancel his trip at the last minute due to health reasons. |
left to right: Phil Martin, Roger Day and Johnnie Walker. |
The same three joined by Rick Randall and Larry Dean. |
The night before the party, in the same hotel suite that his father had used forty years before as a London base while recruiting DJs, Grey Pierson (left) met Rick Randall, radio historian Svenn Martinsen and Larry Dean. |
Left to right: Dave MacKay and John Ross-Barnard (or, as he was known to some of his Boss Jock colleagues, John �Boss-Farmyard�). |
Larry Dean. |
Larry Dean and Roger Day. |
Rick Randall, Larry Dean and Rick's friend Joy. |
left to right: Mark Sloane, Dave MacKay and John Ross-Barnard look through Dave's collection of photos, press cuttings and memorabilia. |
Radio 355 colleagues Dave MacKay, John Aston and Mark Sloane with, in the background, Paula Pierson and, on the right, Svenn Martinsen. |
Another Radio 355 colleague arrives: Tony Monson (second right). Also in the photo, John Aston's wife Christine. |
Jack Curtiss calling the pub from his then home in Australia. It was very late, Australian time, and Jack says he is “suitably attired for the occasion (and hour) in a Pierre Cardin bathrobe, flannel pajamas and floppy Aussie bush hat.” Thanks to Brynna McPherson for taking the photo. |
Rick Randall takes Jack's call. |
Master of Ceremonies Roger Day. |
Roger Day. |
Johnnie Walker and Roger Day. |
Johnnie and Roger. |
Johnnie and Roger. Photo courtesy of Gil Aris. |
A group including John Aston, his wife Christine, Mark Sloane, Tony Monson, John Ross-Barnard (obscured) and Svenn Martinsen. Photo courtesy of Gil Aris. |