COLIN'S RADIO NORTHSEA INTERNATIONAL PAGE

+ 2000 Diary

I first remember listening to Radio Northsea International as a schoolboy (a bit of a give-away as to my age!). It was always my favourite of the Offshore Pirate stations (probably because I was too young to remember Caroline, London etc.), so I was delighted to have the opportunity to get involved with the revivals.

Apart from working on the LV18, Paul Graham and I spent several long evenings programming our debut broadcast. Both of us have sizeable collections, so most of the records used in the August transmission were drawn from our collections, although we are indebted to Paul McLaren, Kevin Briggs, Roger Taylor and Bob Rendle for their additional contributions.

For that first broadcast we focused on August 1970, peering through a specific window of time, so to speak and played what you would have heard had you tuned into the station at that time. The charts were as genuine as possible and along with hitpicks/hitbound sounds i.e. 'Tickatoo' by the Dizzy Man's Band, 'Blame It On The Stones' by Kris Kristofferson, 'Wait For Summer' by Jack Wilde and 'Chuckee' by Miki Anthony were gleaned from tapes of RNI's 1970 output.  

The listening of the tapes that Paul Graham had recorded in the days when he had hair was entrusted to me and the journey to and from work was made that much more enjoyable by these tapes. I have to admit that the sound wasn't totally as I remembered it. I was amazed at how many 'hitbound' sounds they played. In a subsequent conversation with Alan West, he told me new records were shipped out to the Mebo II by the box-load and, using his own words 'there is one hell of a collection somewhere at the bottom of the North Sea'. Also, what was Andy Archer doing playing the Ray Connif singers?? Paul Graham informed me that Andy was quite a fan.

An unexpected bonus during the broadcast was receiving a letter from a lady in Kent, Liz Poole, congratulating us on having so many records from the charts of the time in our top 40s, but stating that we had got several of the records in  the wrong positions. As proof, Liz provided us with the top 40s from late August into September 1970 and explained that as a youngster, she had listened in to RNI's chart show each week to and religiously noted the charts. 

The 4 weeks of the broadcast quite literally 'flew by', but I'd achieved one ambition - to actually broadcast from a 'pirate radio ship'. I also got to meet some famous names in offshore radio - Mike Read, Kevin Turner, Bob Rendle, Dick Palmer, Phil Mitchell (who it turns out lives 2 roads away from me!), Norman Barrington, Dave Rogers (albeit briefly) and of course the R.N.I. original Alan West. I distinctly remember one conversation with Alan on the pros and cons of radio formatting starting at around 2130 hrs and lasting until 0530 the next morning!! However, It wasn't all highs. The transmitter went down twice (once during one of my broadcasts), the inevitable arguments between DJ's, and life on board a vessel (even if it is only 800 yards offshore) can be quite boring!

Overall, the feedback from the initial broadcast was very encouraging. The many reports from radio hams all over Europe were enthusiastically received and read and I think Paul Graham eventually replied to them all (quite a task in itself). The one real negative, I suppose, was the 'criticism' of the the repetitiveness of the chart records, particularly the ones that have been 'flogged to death' on radio over the years, such as 'All Right Now' by Free (which we played around every 5 hours). However, we stuck by our format and I think the records that hadn't had an airing for years, such as 'Peace' by Peter, 'Are You Ready?' by Pacific, Gas & Electric, 'Made In Hong Kong' by the Gee Brothers (one of my favorites from the broadcast), Riki Tiki Tavi by Donovan, 'Never An Everyday Thing' by Eli Bonaparte and 'Ma Belle Amie' by Tee Set made up for the other frequently heard sounds. If I had to list the song that I think drew most favourable audience reaction, apart from 'Peace' by Peter was one of my 45s: 'Mr President' by D.B.M.&T. Sufficice to say, I hadn't played it since I bought it and had it not have been for the RNI broadcast it would still be lying unplayed in the racks. Still it takes all sorts and rest assured it will be included in our second broadcast. 

Taking all the feedback into consideration, for the second revival we decided to try and present the full picture from April 1970 to August 1974, but concentrate on the English service. Obviously, as R.N.I. 'went Dutch' in 1971, programming was more difficult for this broadcast, but after much discussion, we decided on the following categories for our music:

Preparations for the broadcast were well in hand (as can be seen):

Left:         Paul Graham starting up one of the LV18's generators.

Center:     Paul McLaren checking out the aerial

Right:       Mick Catchpole (the last serving master on LV18) starting the electrics

Left:     Yours truly bailing out the winter rainfall from one of the life-boats

Right:    Tony O'Neil (left) and Clive Boutell (right) adjusting one of the mooring ropes

If you heard any of the initial broadcast, you will know that the LV18 was moored off the coast of Clacton. For the second broadcast we were in Harwich Harbour, moored alongside the Old Railway Pier (marked Train ferry berth on the map below).

One unexpected bonus so far from this website was being contacted by a former school friend, who I last saw in 1973! Anyone else remember me (or will admit to remembering me)?

Update - w/c Monday April 3 (8 days to go)

This week, I'm primarily engaged in sorting out the records.

We have tracked down a vinyl copy of all but about 10 of the UK top 10 hits from early 1970 to August 1974.

We also have all but about 4 of the R.N.I. English service No.1s.

I'm still transferring a number of 'classic' R.N.I. songs that people have either sent on cassette or lent on album or whatever onto minidisc for the broadcast (we just wouldn't get many of these on vinyl anymore). We have just about every hit by Earth & Fire, Shocking Blue and (hold your breath) ... Mouth & MacNeal (well they were very big on the Continent). We also have a good selection from Focus and other classics.

Paul Maclaren is busy putting making final  tests to the new transmitter we have for this broadcast, as well as sorting out the new studio equipment we will be using.

Paul Graham is sorting out the crew and D.J.'s.

Saturday - I purchase the food, but I then receive a telephone call to advise that work on the vessel has fallen behind and the frozen stuff cannot go on board as they will not yet be staying on board 24 hours, so the generators working the freezer won't be on. Luckily, one of my neighbours has a half-empty freezer. (Not anymore)

Sunday, all the records I am lending the broadcast are loaded into Paul McLaren's van (all 12 boxes). That completes my bit in the preparation. It's now down to everyone else.

Week Commencing Monday April 10

Tuesday - the big day. I'm working 0800-1600, so great anticipation as I get into the car and tune into 1575 at 0720. SHOCK, HORROR - Nothing! Upon arrival at work, I telephone the vessel. Can't raise anybody until 0905. Paul MacLaren informs me they have major unforeseen problems with feedback caused by the iron works on Railway Pier. A new mixer is en route and they should be up and running later in the day. Leave work at 1600. Still nothing and that was the case for the rest of the day!

Wednesday - Again turn on radio and nothing! Telephone vessel when I arrive at work (the mobile 'phone bill is taking a bit of a hammering). Paul McLaren informs me arrangements had been made with the good people from Trinity House for the mixer to be brought on board using their supply vessel Vectis - only some-one didn't wake up until 0830, by which time the Vectis had already left port. (I just can't believe it). However, the mixer was eventually brought on board (during the operation Paul Graham & Mick Catchpole fell into the water - Mick has gone ashore not a happy man). Leaving work at 1600, I turn on and hear Paul Graham doing test transmissions. All is loud and clear and I telephone a reception report on arrival at home. Paul McLaren takes over tests 1630-1730, Phil Mitchell 1730-1900 & Dave West 1900-2000.

Thursday - normal programming starts with Paul MacLaren at 0600. Noted that only 4 'jocks' on board. What ever happened to the Bopper's 'stars'?

Friday - After work (1000-1800) drove to the vessel. She was tight alongside the pier so I was able to get on board. Phil Mitchell was broadcasting and looking quite stressed. Reason - No cueing facilities are available, so each 3 hour programme seems like 3 days he says. He calmed down a little when I assured him he was sounding fine. Checked the stores and then joined those on board for the evening meal cooked by Dave West's other half (Julie) - chicken nuggetts, potatoes and a generous helping of various veg. (I enjoyed it. Paul MacLaren moaned there was little chicken content in his 'bullets').

Saturday - Purchased week 2s stores. It was raining, so got a bit wet going around the market for the fruit/veg (luckily one fruit and veg stall had turned up). Clive Boutell delivered food etc to the ship, although one of the triffles was a casualty when Paul MacLaren was 'less than careful' lowering some of the bags into the tender boat.  My first rock show went out at midnight.

Sunday - 1st Rock'n'Roll show with a very nervous Peter Salberg went out at 2200. I followed that up with the second progressive rock show.

Week Commencing Monday April 17

Monday - Just quickly visited the ship after work to check the supplies. All onboard O.K. Boarded & disembarked vessel via the ladder method (ladder extended from vessel to the quay - distance about 20 feet - seemed longer when I was on it!)

Tuesday-Thursday - Other matters keep me away from the vessel.

Good Friday, - Problems with the transmitter resulted in our second serious break in transmission. For reasons I don't know about, Bob Leroi & Kevin Turner left the vessel/project.

Saturday - We are back on air. Signal still doesn't sound right. After work, I collected the R.N.I. souvenirs from Tony O'Neill (exchange made in true offshore style - in a pub car park), in readiness for the RNI Big Night out at Lt.Oakley, which I attended with Paul Graham. Turn-out slightly disappointing, but then earlier in the day Paul Graham remembered it was Radio Caroline's annual bash! Had a good time never-the-less. The group at the function were very good (played a lot of Bowie numbers). Everyone thought it was a fix when I won the pop quiz. At midnight the 3rd progressive rock show went out.

Sunday - (Working again!) 2nd rock'n'roll show went out, followed by 4th rock show.

Week Commencing Monday April 22

Monday - Presented 1800-2000 show (after work).

Tuesday - Presented 1800-2000 show. John Platt rowed Paul McLaren and myself onto LV18 as Mac declined to go via the ladder. John's a glutton for punishment! Mac's a coward!

Thursday - Presented 1800-2000 show.

Friday - Presented 1800-2000 show.

Saturday - Progressive Rock show went out at Midnight.

Sunday - 3rd rock'n'roll show went out, followed by 6th rock show.

Week Commencing Bank Holiday Monday April 29.

Monday - Presented 0900-1200 show. Interviewed Paul Graham on 1100 coffee spot. Discussed 1970 marches in London in support of free radio. Paul had been on those marches. Paul also reminded everyone that Radio One in those days only played about 40% of recorded music. Rest of shows made up of chat (remember Jimmy Young's recipe of the day?) & orchestras playing 'hits of the day'.

Tuesday - Presented 0900-1200 show. Ian Thurgood of Wilkin and Son visited vessel. I interviewed him on air around 1030ish. At 1100, on the coffee spot, interviewed Norman Barrington and he explained his time on Radio Caroline & how he left his job in a bank to first join Caroline. Very interesting.

Wednesday - Presented 0900-1200 show. Interviewed Victor Hartman on Coffee Break at 1100 (even though he'd only got out of bed at 1050 a.m.!!). By end of the feature he was alive & kicking!

Thursday - Presented 0900-1200 show. At 0930, a gentleman, later indentified as Ben Meijering boarded the vessel. He had visited the day before and Paul Graham had told him 'he was welcome to come back anytime', so here he was, complete with video camera. After Paul McLaren (the only other person on board that was awake) had given him a cup of coffee and a scone, Ben spent the next hour and a half with me, videoing my every move. I interviewed him on air and then let Ben have a 15 minute spell spinning and introducing the discs himself. Ben coped very well. Paul McLraen reckoned Ben sounded better on air than me! (Mac always is a charmer!)

Friday - Presented the 0900-1200 show. No-one else on board awake at 1100, so no-one to interview for the coffee break. Sadly John Platt, who had done a splendid job crewing on the vessel had had enough of Paul Mac and left at 1230 (he had planned to see out the broadcast).

Saturday - Visited the vessel after work. The vessel had been moved to Trinity Pier. Still had to board her using a ladder!! After our first 'fish & chip' (or in most of our cases pie & chips) supper on board spent 2 hours sorting out the records for Paul Graham to use on the chart show the following day. Progressive rock show went out at midnight.

Sunday - 4th rock'n'roll show went out, followed by final progressive rock show.

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