Hans Knot's International Radio Report - July 2007 (1)
W
elcome to another edition of the Hans Knot International Radio Report
and thanks a lot again for sending in your contributions, questions and
other goodies. Due to a short walking holiday, which was a very relaxing
time with my wife Jana, I couldn’t work out all the things which were
sent in. But more to follow next month.
Let’s go to another cartoon which was published in 1964 and was sent to
us by one of the former Atlanta deejays,
Johnny Scott. He kept this one
and many more all those years. 43 years ago British readers could see
the ‘ Pop Around the Clock Cartoon’. Who does remember this one? And if
you’ve one of yourself, please sent it to Hknot@home.nl
Next one comes from South Africa where Dirck Pont is living. He tells us
he has a lot of old material, including photo’s, records, books,
stickers and so on for sale. If you’re interested please contact him at:
dirck96@lantic.net
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A new release in the DVD serie ‘Doculine’ is now available: It’s called
‘Zeezenders in woelig water’. So now on DVD with a bit
different title
as the ‘Zenders in woelig water’ was ever transmitted on Dutch
Television in August 1974.
In 53 minutes the DVD tells the story of the
offshore radio stations off the Dutch coast, including Caroline, RNI and
Veronica.
Some unique interviews and also footage from English TV in the
sixties. The Foundation for Media Communication has decided to sell the
DVD especially for the readers of the Hans Knot International Radio
Report.
Zeezenders in Woelig Water can now be ordered by paying 10 Pounds or
14,50 Euro. You can either sent it by normal mail or on Giro account
number 4065700 Stichting Media Communicatie PO Box 53121 1007 RC
Amsterdam.
Don’t forget to mention the next information when you order: IBAN: NL37
PSTB 0004 0657 00 BIC: PSTBNL21
***********************************************************************
Let’s go back to December 15th 1961. Anyone realy reliving the days gone
by. 46 Years ago, What where you doing? Was there a sound from CNBC or
Veronica on your radio? Was there already a transistor radio in the
house? Was there anything recorded or was there any inspiration to take
a pare of scissors and get an article about radio out of the local
newspaper? I surely was alive, although just 12 years of age. Thanks to
my older brother Jelle is was already a radio fanatic. Listening to AFN,
BBC and of course Radio Luxembourg. Recently I got an email from Alfons
Gelens, a Dutch guy living in Spain for many years already. He has also
many nice memories when the subject
Radio Luxembourg is raised. He lived
during 1961 in Maastricht, the big city near the Belgium border and
could listen to Barry Alldis with the Top Twenty every week once! What
was there more in those days on Luxembourg?
In those days at seven o’clock in the evening, Dutch time, the first
tones of the Waltz ‘The earl of Luxembourg’ was played on ‘208’ Luxy’s
frequency. This meant the official start of the daily programs in
English. The history of this English language service was almost the
same as that one of the Dutch language service on the station. Before
World War II it was already there in 1932. Although not on ‘208’ but on
the 1293 metres Long wave. It took up till March 15th 1950 when for the
very first time the famous ‘208’ was used for test transmissions for
Radio Luxembourg. It took
almost a year, up till February 1951, that
officially transmissions in Dutch and English could be heard on 208
metres, transmitting with a power of 150 kW. I was still in the napkins
and never heard the station before 1957. From Alfons Gelens I learnt
that in 1961 he also tuned into Barry O’Dee, who was nicknamed ‘The
night owl’, Brook Denning, Ted King and other deejays. Ted worked for
Radio Atlanta too in 1964 doing the breakfast show.
Ted King and
Brook Denning (Photos archive Alfons Gelens)
Those guys mentioned mainly taped their programs for Radio Luxembourg in
London Mayfair, where Geoffrey Everett was the general manager with
Radio Luxembourg. So when saying ‘I listened to Radio Luxembourg’ in
those days already a main part came from London. Only three program
makers were transmitting live from the Grand Duchy, as the main town of
the country Luxembourg was often named. There was also a program in
English presented by a Dutch guy, called Lou van Burg, who recorded it
in the Grensstreet in Brussel and afterwards the tape was taken to
Luxembourg for transmission. This same guy had in later years a very
famous television show in Germany called ‘Das Goldene Schuss’ (The
Golden Shot). When I think back to those days I do remember the most
‘Top Twenty’ with the late Barry Alldis each Sunday from Midnight on.
Regular programs in those days during weekdays often consisted of just a
minute of a song, mostly sponsored by record companies like DECCA and
EMI. Remember the titles of the shows in those days? ‘New Songs for
Old’, ‘Spin Beat’ , ‘Presenting Elvis Presley’ or Hits or Misses’. Not
forgetting of course ‘Sundays Requests’, ‘Mondays Requests’ and so on.
Well let’s see who of you do have more memories on the Grand Duchy to
share. Just write to Hknot@home.nl
Instant memories came to me when receiving a photograph which was taken
early June by Marcel Poelman. Marcel, some other friends, an I were
running in the seventies and early eighties a landbased pirate which
made the news headlines a few times. But back to the photo from ‘Poelie’.
Thanks a lot old friend! It shows the dream of Sietse Brouwer in the
harbour of Harlingen. A former lightship which has been rebuilt into a
radio ship for the regional radiostation
Radio Waddenzee.
Tony James is reflecting on getting the International Hans Knot Radio
Report for the very first time: ‘Keep 'em coming Hans - FASCINATING!. PS. I shall be appearing on Red Sands Radio....under the name...Jack
Daniels!
Thank You, Tony, well I don’t drink too much Daniels before presenting a program Tony.
His personal site can be found at:
www.tonyjamesradio.com
Next it’s time for Rob Veld who wrote a long email. ‘Thanks once again
for a wonderful newsletter you sent out. A lot of attention will be paid
this year to 40 Years MOA, I suppose, The Act which made an end to the
British Offshore Radio, except of course Radio Caroline. When the MOA
came in more and more landbased pirates became active. Names which come
into my mind are: Radio Jackie, London Music Radio and Helen
Broadcasting Netwerk. Next one of the internet sites which tells more
about those stations
http://www.geocities.com/heartland/estates/4915/index.html
I was surfing the internet and when you find those site on the subject
landbased pirates a lot of familiar names from offshore radio are
passing by. I think a lot has been tried to copy that which was once
started from international waters. Who in the readership of Hans his
report can tell in his own words about their experience in landbased
pirate radio? Of course in the Netherlands we had the same experience.
After Radio Noordzee and Veronica learnt us all a lesson in radio a new
and younger generation tried to copy them on land. And for many of them
this landbased experience brought them to international waters too. Ad
Roberts has been written about this subject too.
The nice thing is that after all those years the dream is still alive.
See what they’ve done in Harlingen with Radio Waddenzee/Radio Seagull. A
ship with an eye to offshore radio. Maybe a lit to nostalgic but clearly
with a taste of today. A pity we don’t have a Red Sands in Holland but
we had the breakdown of the REM island last year, which got a massive
press coverage. So we have a lot in common to look back at. And I
haven’t talked yet about the fact the formats of the offshore stations
have been copies many times, also their jingles, deejays presentation
style and much more. So please when you had your experience in land
based pirates share it with the readers of Hans.’ Rob Veld.
Well Rob thanks a lot and hopefully people write in with their stories
on this subject too. Next is a first person writing on landbased pirates.
Rob by the way can be listened too on internet:
http://www.radio199.150m.com/
Just going back to Radio Waddenzee I can tell you that on July 28th
Radio Waddenzee will open officially their new studio onboard the
radioship Jenni Baynton. This will be happening with the transmission of
the ‘Vakantie Zomerhits Top 120’ (Holiday Summer hits Top 120). Deejays
from Radio Waddenzee as well as Radio Seagull will present the Top 120
live from the ship in Harlingen harbour.
Mark from Cyprus wrote in about one of England’s well known landbased
pirates, which history goes back to 1967: ‘Hi Hans, once again thanks
for a great report. I have published some information on my site
regarding Radio Kaleidoscope, which as you know was a famous land-based
London pirate from the seventies, this new information dates the station
to much earlier than originally
thought, I am sending you the link as
there are some offshore connections which you may or may not be able to
verify, I would be interested in your comments and please only put this
information in your newsletter if you think it is accurate
http://www.gunfleet.com/page0/page0.html#BigK
I’ve read with interest the information and can assure you that most of
it is well known to me from information I had already from my contacts
in the Benfleet area, which also are going back for many decades. There
are many footsteps from me in that area, which have been made during
many visits with Buster, Jean and of course not forgetting Don. On the
other hand, thanks a lot Mark a big thank you in name of my readers for
sharing the memories of Radio Kaleidoscope with my readers. Another site
with information about the station can be found at:
www.radiokaleidoscope.co.uk/home.html
If any one can add more information please feel welcome to sent it to
Hknot@home.nl
Last issue brought the long story about Robbie Dale and the time after
the MOB became an Act and so Caroline went on as Caroline International.
I asked then if some of the guys working for the International Caroline
knew how Rosalie van Siedenburg got the nickname Pinkie.
Robbie Dale reflected on it with: ‘Hans,
the first time I met Pinkie was the first time I entered the office at
Singel 160. She
introduced herself in perfect English. “Hello I’m
Pinkie
Siedenburg the office secretary”. Pinkie! I asked. That’s an unusual
name nice to meet you. ”My real name is Rosalie but I prefer to be
called Pinkie, my fiends call me Pinkie, it’s a pet name” I know in
Dutch it is used to name the little finger on the human hand. Pinkie,
Stella and I had lunch in The American Hotel earlier this year. She
remains Pinkie to this day. Greetings, Robbie.’
Thanks a lot Robbie for reflecting. I’ve seen you, Pinkie and I, among
many others, are on the guestlist for the forthcoming Offshore Reunion
in London, organised by the Radio Academy. So we have all the time to
get some more memories back that day!
In last issue we had a question about transmitters from Henk de Boer. He
would love to see a photo from the one used at the MV Magdalena for
Radio Mi Amigo 272. From Australia response from Colin Nichol, former
Caroline guy. ‘ In your latest Report, a mention was made of
transmitters. These are unlikely to be the ones asked about, but in case
I hadn't sent them before, here are photographs from my files. More may
come to light, but not very likely. Regards, Colin.’
Well thanks a lot Colin and we used for this issue a
Colin Nichol
exclusive photo from the transmitter room onboard the MV Mi Amigo.
Let’s go to one of my eastern neighbours in Germany: ‘Thanks once again
for your wonderful report, Hans! "Kunsthaus Hamburg" is preparing an
exposition titled "Fish and Ships". They asked me for my recent program
on 40 years of Radio Caroline "Lizenz zum Küssen". It will be played non
stop in a special room which seems to be dedicated to offshore radio.
Best wishes Georg Roloff.’
Thanks a lot Georg and for more info, although in German, you can find
on http://www.kunsthaushamburg.de
From Germany to Los Angeles and Ray Robinson with a question about the
period after the MOB became Act in 1967 and 1968: ‘Hi, Hans. Please see
my posting below. What do you know about
Hotel Pax or Flat 39 during the
67/68 era? Presumably Ronan never heard the last of these three ID's, or
I suspect Johnnie would have been fired the following day! I can only
think that being shut up on the MV Mi Amigo for weeks at a time, and
maybe not even having much interaction with listeners while on shore
leave in Holland due to the language barrier, maybe Johnnie lost touch
with the fact there were still millions of people listening to him every
night. In those days, BBC Radio 1 closed down at 7:00 P.M., the advent
of legal commercial stations in the UK was still more than 5 years in
the future, and the only English language late night Top 40 stations on
the air were Radio Caroline and Radio Luxembourg.
Might these be interesting to play back to Johnnie at this year's Radio
Day? I'd love to hear his reaction and comments on the last one! It was
sometimes quite amusing to hear editorial comments from the DJ's about
the station. After the MOA, the official 'top of the hour' ID for the
South ship went:
"Broadcasting 4 miles off the Frinton, Essex coast, controlled from
Amsterdam, Paris, New York and Toronto, this is Radio Caroline
International on 259 metres. It's now exactly (time)."
I have uploaded 3 clips of Johnnie Walker giving different versions this
ID. The first is how it normally sounded, this one recorded at midnight
on Friday 15th December, 1967, going into the Carl Mitchell show:
http://azanorak.com/ray/JW-ID1.mp3
The second is a somewhat 'tongue in cheek' version from Johnnie, perhaps
indicating he was more than a little uncomfortable with what he was
reading. It was recorded at midnight on Sunday 14th January, 1968, again
going into the Carl Mitchell show:
http://azanorak.com/ray/JW-ID2.mp3
The third is very amusing. The ID was written out on a card that was
normally taped up in front of the DJ. On this occasion, the card had
either fallen down or Spangles had moved it, and Johnnie couldn't
remember the words. He tried to ad lib, and then gave up, saying "It's
all baloney anyway, all this Paris, New York bit." "It's all Hotel Pax
and Flat 39. Everybody knows where it's controlled from. And Canal
Street, Amsterdam -- there's a few offices down there as well!" Recorded
at midnight on Friday 26th January, 1968, with Spangles Muldoon getting
ready to 'sit in' for Carl Mitchell, who was on shore leave:
http://azanorak.com/ray/JW-ID3.mp3
Anyone care to comment on Hotel Pax or Flat 39? Presumably the latter
was Ronan's abode.’ Ray Robinson.
In my opinion Hotel Pax was the place Ronan sometimes stayed in
Amsterdam. Flat 39 is the place where some of the deejays lived at
Prinsengracht Amsterdam.
Brian from Australia wrote in: ‘Hi Hans: Thanks for entertaining me with
the story of the storm-grounding, which I have just gotten around to
reading! These dramas make life in the public service seem boring. But
in those days, music kept us alive. At the university, I learned that
the Netherlands was a place with gas
fields, which one could only get to by joining a gigantic oil company!
:-) Here I have just celebrated (early) the winter solstice with friends.
It is traditional here in winter to have `Christmas in July'.’
Thanks Brian, well I hope the winter goes well and do you have also a
special mid New Year or so to celebrate? The story you’ve learnt about
the gas fields is nonsense. All the houses in Holland changes to the so
called ‘Aardgas’ in the sixties. Still remembering the promotional movie
for the hard work people did to change the complete network, which we
were shown at school. By the way the head office of the company
‘Gasunie’ is situated in my home city Groningen.
Brian has also some comments on the site from Philip in Belgium, which I
mentioned in last issue too:
http://users.fulladsl.be/radio-Mi-Amigo-319/
http://www.radio-mi-amigo-319.eu/
‘I had a bit of trouble with these (interlinked) sites. I used a Mac OS
widget translator to get the feel for a few sentences. And I agree
entirely with the sentiment we schoolboys experienced at the time! [Sigh]
But alas Dutch wasn't on the curriculum at my high school. So I would
prefer more English translation. The music player kept crashing my Mac!
I think just linking to audio files would have been better.’
A site to visit is from Manneke Pop, aka
Peter van Dam. He began as
Peter Brian in 1972 on Radio Caroline and changed his name to Peter van
Dam in 1974. Now 33 years later Peter is still active in radio. Find
more on: http://www.mannekepop.net/
Some weeks ago, when the review on Johnnie Walker’s Autobiography was
written, I decided not only to put it on internet and sending it by e
mail to all my readers of the Hans Knot International Report but also to
someone special. When over in London for years I stayed several times in
a Bed and Breakfast in Hanwell. The lady there, Joyce Collier, always
had some time to talk after breakfast and wondered why I was so often in
England. I told her what the reasons were and that ‘Radio’ was one of
the reasons. Hearing my stories she started to tell about her all time
favourite ‘Johnny Walker’. So I sent her a copy of the review and
the 78 years old Joyce wrote back: ‘What a nice surprise the letter was,
plus the contents. Thank you Hans, you are an angel. Well,
what a
touching story about dear Johnnie W. He has been down in depth but came
through and I can tell what a lovely man he is by instinct. I truly hope
he is now happy and content and will keep that wonderful giggle forever!
Hope you are both fine. I’ll look out Johnnie’s Autobiography in Smiths
and get me copy! Best wishes as always, Joyce!’
Another cartoon was found back by Robbie Dale. This one is from a Punch
Magazine in the sixties.
And I can tell you that Robbie Dale has opened his archives. With the
good help from Martin van der Ven a lot of Robbie’s archive material is
now on internet. Just go to
www.hansknot.com and surely you’ll find it.
Updates are made regularly.
Also on this site you can find a ten page long article in Dutch in which
I take, together with a lot of former colleagues of
Hans Hogendoorn
(Hans ten Hooge on RNI) you to the memories on this great guy, who is 60
years old this month.
Dick Offringa, a big fan
of Radio Luxembourg when it was on ‘208’ sent
in the next news: ‘Bringing Irish Radio to Europe: RTÉ, Ireland´s
National Television and Radio Broadcaster, has just upgraded its
longwave transmitter to the new DRM standard. RTÉ´s longwave 252 is the
first installation of its type outside of Germany. The new system can
now broadcast a clear FM-like sound across the UK and part of
continental Europe. It is expected to test in the very near future.’
Let’s wait when testing start Dick.
Talking about Luxembourg, I got an e mail from Jean Pierre in Belgium
who is dissatisfied with how the station does sound these days: “I
almost never listen to nowadays Luxembourg. What I saw on their internet
site that they have only four deejays. Their programming doesn’t work
proper. You have to look by watching the photos to get more info when
they are on the air. For the rest you can guess. Deejay ree doo seems to
be a non stop guy. If it’s not working well there, I don’t know. Finally
is there some one in the listenership of your Report who has recorded
Happy RTL in the past? I would love to have a recording. Jean Pierre.’
Thanks Jean Pierre. Hopefully Benny Brown can answer your question, as
he’s a reader too. All answers to the last question can be sent to
Hknot@home.nl
Well time for updates: Just a quick note to let you know I updated
The
Pirate Radio Hall of Fame earlier today. New this month: Colin Nicol has
kindly provided another batch of photos from his mammoth collection of
offshore memorabilia - this month two pages of great Radio Caroline DJ
photos; and there are more Caroline photos - these are generously
contributed by 'The Admiral' Robbie Dale; as the fortieth anniversary of
Radio 390's closure approaches, we remember the final moments of this
popular middle-of-the-road station with the help of two of the
announcers who were there at the time; we hear from Radio City DJ Eric
Martin for the first time. He is currently back on the air courtesy of a
Sussex RSL station, Uckfield FM; and we have added a link to Roger Day's
new web site. The Pirate Radio Hall of Fame
www.offshoreradio.co.uk
Also have a look on the news updates on Mary and Chris Payne at
www.radiolondon.co.uk
Also all info about the August 4th reunion in London and how to book
this event is on their internet site.
And of course also news from Whitstable and
Bob LeRoi’s latest update:
In this months Scrapbook a prelude to the broadcasts of Red Sands Radio
on 1278kHz with the first broadcasts from the forts since 1967. In "One
Subject One Link" an interesting observation about local licenses, with
stations asking to move the goal posts. More Records & CD's plus we've
added some books too at great prices. And new Barge Sailing dates to
consider for your trip to sail round the Red Sands Forts out into the
Thames Estuary whilst Red Sands Radio is on air. Enjoy your visits
www.bobleroi.co.uk
Bob also tells us about the Red Sands project again: ‘One of the Radio
City’s Top DJ’s and zaniest of the boys returns to the Forts 7 nautical
miles from Whitstable. Ian MacRae famous for his sketches as alter ego
Auntie Mable will present programmes on the new Fort based station Red
Sands Radio. Ian who returned to his native Australia when the Pop
Pirates had been outlaw carved a highly successful media career down
under and is still in radio today. Said Ian “Auntie Mable would be
tickled pink to know I’m back, not sure the gin swigging old girl though
is up to climbing those rusty ladders anymore. It’ll be great to be on a
station that comes from the Forts again, I’ve some amazing memories of
my time there which I’ll be sharing, in my wildest dreams I’d never have
thought I’d broadcast from them again.”
Radio Red Sands launches on 14th July 2007 on 1278kHz!
Always nice to see people looking for old productions on LP. Here’s one
from my reader Keith: ‘I am trying to find good copies of the following
Albums: ‘10 Years of Offshore Radio’, ‘Another 10 Years of Offshore
Radio’, ‘Radio Atlantis Story’, ‘The Radio Northsea Story’ ‘100
ZeeZenders Jingles’ There are a good few books also required, I'll send
you a list of the radio books soon, but need to desperately replace all
those items they were pinched....Hope that you can help.
Best Regards Keith.’
Anyone who can help Keith can write to Hknot@home.nl
Question time for Oscar in Holland: ‘It never became clear to me why the
most beautiful radio ship ever, the
MEBO II with a heavy AM, two
shortwave and even an FM transmitter, had to be torpedoed by those guys
from Algeria. Was there any possible buyer in 1977 for a ready to
transmit vessel? In my memories there were some planned ventures in
those days. Maybe the price was to high and wasn’t that Ronan was on the
look for a new ship for the very ill lady on the North Sea, called Mi
Amigo?’
Thanks Oscar with bringing the questions to the report. Well it were the
Libyan people, some of the neighbours of Algeria. Ghadaffi was and still
is in charge there. It was later than 1977 as in that year the ship came
free from Dutch authorities and were brought, under command from Captain
Van der Kamp, to the Middle East. At one stage all the transmitters were
taken off. There were even 2 shortwave transmitters on the ship. Also
three AM ones. First the original 220, the former Radio 390 one as well
as the former 10 kW Veronica transmitter. The latter one was bought by
Meister and Bollier from Bull Verwey. All the transmitters were put on
land in Libya as spare transmitters. When Ghadaffi decided to rebuilt
his own transmitter site the MEBO transmitters were taken in force. If
anyone can add some info to this please don’t hesitate to sent it to
Hknot@home.nl
Next one please: ‘Dear Hans, In your last report you mentioned that you
had added to your site some photos that Rob Olthof had provided on the
fitting out of the Ross Revenge. I can't find these!
Where should I be
looking? Kind Regards Robert’
Well this time you’ve to go to
www.mediapages.nl and there are several
pages with photos to find from the archives.
Talking about archives here’s another one from
Robbie Dale ’Hi Hans, I have just come across this little treasure among my collection of
memorabilia. You recently wrote about someone who lived next to Pinkie
talking about the first choice made by Terry Bates for the Amsterdam
Office to be located at 130 Koninginneweg Amsterdam Zuid. This artwork
was produced by H H and dated 5/67. This clearly points to earlier
planning regarding the UK-NL move than previously known. I remember
always getting a free copy of H H on KLM fights. They did a three page
spread on me during my “Jam” days. An exclusive for you Hans. Greetings
and goodnight, Robbie Dale.’
Of course Robbie is talking about the Holland Harald and ‘someone’ was
the famous organist Piet van Egmond living next door the Pinky. Well
Pinky we see again Robbie early August. Thanks for the info! And the
special can be found in Robbie Dale’s archive which is now on
www.hansknot.com
Let’s see what happened to
Chris Edwards on Sunday July 1st in Hanwell:
‘Hi Hans Hope you're well. I've just been over the fields to give Abba a
run, and met a lady with a dog called Freyr. Earlier this morning met a
dog called O'Rahilly - came from a rescue centre, and originated from
Ireland. Neither person has any anorak connections, but made me wonder
if anyone has named their pet with an offshore radio connection. A cat
named Caroline perhaps, or maybe a fish called Fredericia? Best wishes
Chris.‘
Well if you have a pet with an offshore name or connection please feel
free to mention it in an email to Hknot@home.nl
I know for sure there’s one as my friend
Paul de Haan, who is also a
dedicated follower on offshore radio since the start of Radio Caroline
in 1964, has a special dog. Here he is with his Irish Wolfhound called
Ronan.
It’s like a photo magazine this time as another nice one comes from
Alan
Bailey, former technician with Radio Luxembourg. Late June he went to
the festivities in memory of the late Alan Freeman. One of the things
happening was the official presentation of the memorial plaque by Rick
Wakeman, Tim Blackmore, Robin Gibb and Dave MacKay. Also Alan was taken
by the camera in the hands from Paul Easton. More photo’s are on:
www.flickr.com/photos/pauleaston/
Alan Bailey (Photo Paul Easton)
And for those who didn’t know yet:
The Emperor Rosko is coming over to
the UK at the end of
July for one month. He will be broadcasting live
from the 'pirate' Radio Essex as well as doing gigs and promoting a new
song...’Turn on the Pirates’ lyrics are written by Emperor Rosko and
Dave Cash and is produced by Muff Murfin and is already released on 7th
July.
The Emperor Rosko 2007
Now some words from Martin van der Ven, this year the main responsible
man for the programming of the Radio Day in November Amsterdam: ‘The
time is running fast and we're only four months away from this year's
Radio Day, which will be held on Saturday 10th November again in
Amsterdam's Hotel Casa 400 near the Amstel railway station (James
Wattstraat 75). Our most recent plans include an interview with Steve
England on his days on the MV Mi Amigo in 1973 (Radio Caroline 389) and
on the MV Jeanine in 1974 (Radio Atlantis). Jelle Boonstra will chat
with Tom Mulder (Klaas Vaak) about his wonderful radio career. And last
but not least we will have two major events: "The Swinging Radio England
Reunion" with Stuart Aiken and Svenn Martinsen co-hosting a discussion
with several former SRE jocks ("Swinging Radio England - It was just a
job...") and a round table called "Radio Caroline resisting the MOA".
Many well known names from the sixties' offshore radio heydays will
attend the event. For more details on the Radio Day and how to book a
suitable hotel go to:
http://www.offshore-radio.de/radioday
Soon the well known AM frequency 1008 kHz will not bring anymore the
good sound of Radio 10 Gold to the people in the Netherlands. A signal
which was also received by a lot of listeners in Great Britain, Belgium,
French as well as Germany. Owner of Radio 10 Gold. Talpa International,
has sold the right to use the AM frequency to ‘Groot NieuwsMedia’ (Big
NewsMedia). Director Talpa Radio, Jan Willem Brüggenwirth, announced
early July to be very content with selling the rights. Till late July
the 1008 kHz will still bring the sounds of Radio 10 Gold. It then will
be followed by a program organised by ‘Groot NieuwsMedia’, which is a
part of the publishing company ‘Dorpsbode BV Ermelo’. First the station
will bring easy music and official programming for the station will
start either in November or December. Spokesman Arjan de Heer announced
that there will be a lot of attention in the programming for
Christianity and news that is important with Christian people. Next to
that informative and music programmes. It was earlier this year, in
March, that Talpa Radio – owner of Radio 10 Gold – announced that due to
economy cuts they wanted to sell the frequency rights for the AM. In
that way the owner thought there would be more continuation for the
station, which still transmits on the wide cable networks in the
Netherlands as well as on internet. The financial situation at the
station became bad after loosing the FM frequencies in 2003. Too high
costs for transmitting on full power on AM brought Talpa to the idea of
selling the frequency. The new owner announced that they will
programming for all kinds of religious people so also for Jewish, Roman
Catholics as well as Evangelic people. There will be a possibility in
the future for external religious organisations to hire airtime on the
new station.
Next November it’s a year ago the annual radio day featured the
Voice of
Peace reunion as well as the presentation of the English Language Book
Memories to the Voice of Peace. The book has more than 250 pages and is
still available. Earlier on we had a chapter in the report written by
Noam Tal from Israel. This time we go back to the late sixties and early
seventies when the New York days for the Peace Ship. We see what
Russell
T. Dodworth, one of the right hands of Abie Nathan, has to remember of
the days the Peace ship stayed in the USA in 1969 up till early 1973.
Russel did a lot of publicity in those days as well getting Abie in
contact with John Lennon: ‘I’m getting older and not too good on dates,
but I was with Abie Nathan, in New York. Somehow we set up a donkey
watch for the plant and general security at the East River pier. I was
in those days, in the publicity business mainly with solo artists and
bands in the City. I supplied Abie with gratis talent who were so
romanced to appear on the big, covered hatch aft of the ‘house’, for
some of our attraction, which included art shows and benefits. I often
slept on the Peace Ship, after long nights in Abie's cabin, which was
really the whole saloon area of the house. We had shore phones, of
course, and once people got to know Abie, they wanted to share some of
their contacts who would be useful. In a subtle way, we were making
press but the big main liners were a bit timid to do much follow-up.
About 2 o'clock in
the morning, I picked up the cabin phone and John Lennon, was on the
other end. Somehow John had heard (through the grapevine) about the
Peace Ship and her earnest problems of coming to New York, to raise
funds and have the transmitter equipment donated and installed. I
believe it was exactly the same time though it appeared so, both John
and Yoko, were staying in bed at a fine Amsterdam hotel for ‘Peace’. Of
course, the Lennon's planned this course of publicity for World Peace,
in general. He had heard of our ship in New York, and asked for Abie.
Abie wasn't aboard, but John volunteered a whole shipment of ‘John &
Yoko’ posters (in bed) which really arrived shortly after. I mentioned
that we were doing art shows and auctions at the Commodore Hotel, and we
would appreciate any donations of objects or services from any of his
contacts. "I will donate my 'Yellow Rolls Royce", John exclaimed. I told
Mr. Lennon that I was personally astounded. I think Yoko was right next
to him, and I didn't hear any laughter about the surprising idea. "I
want you to talk to Abie", I said. "He should get the personal thrill of
all of this!" John gave me the direct number and proudly carried it in
my ‘Address Book’, to give to Abie. Nathan got back to Lennon and we
received boxes of rolled up posters from John & Yoko, in bed for PEACE,
plus posters of the Yellow Rolls in black and white. Lennon's car was
being offered, but our auctions were not rendering enough more than to
pay the ballroom. We had an original ‘Carot’, worth tens of thousands
yet we had to pull it out of the sale. I left the car deal to Abie, and
this would involve surface transportation from London, or where so?
The mentioned John Lennon car (Soundscapes Archive)
Abie was concerned about the time such a deal would take and he could
not realise how long we were to be moored on the East River. The plans
were to run the ship up the Hudson River, to federal lock at Troy, New
York, and navigate the New York State Barge Canal to the Great Lakes,
sailing to Chicago, to have the radio equipment installed. I thought
this was such an expensive goal; and why couldn't we have it all shipped
here? After a good night's sleep, I met with Abie and put forth a good
idea for publicity which would make the trip to the Great Lakes, a
publicity build. I explained that I could master a plan for interviews
and picture editions in all of the local newspapers along the Erie &
N.Y. State Barge Canal. With my plan, folks could come down to the locks
to greet the Peace Ship, as it locked through.
By the time we got to Chicago, we would have a whole crescendo of
interest built up, for an outstanding welcome of Radio-TV news, and the
big daily newspapers. I was so discouraged that Abie wasn't interested
in the idea, but there came a time when we had arranged for the radio
masts to be fastened to the decks. I thought it would be better to do
the Atlantic crossing first, and deploy the towers in a Mediterranean
port. A few weeks went by, and I found that Abie had ordered a huge
derrick on a tremendous tractor with steel treads. I was the last to
know, and on early morning watch, this huge industrial machine slowly
crossed over a stone arch bridge over the Franklin Roosevelt Drive or
more commonly known as the East River Drive. The mammoth apparatus made
is safely over the stone bridge and started erecting its boom that
looking like a giant ‘Mecano’ tm. set. By then, the full extent of ‘rush
hour’ traffic was cruising by the Peace Ship pier, and here comes the
cops!
One of the many music festivals in New York for Peace (Photo Hans Knot
Archive)
Apparently there wasn't a permit to move the boom crane here. I took
notes of the gross tonnage and registration numbers, and quickly hailed
a cab down the City Engineer's Office. He was a most cordial man, and I
presented a small press kit regarding the goals of the ‘Peace Ship’
efforts. The gentleman was quite intrigued as he sat behind his desk
that I was busy admiring. The Chief saw me examining his fine desk and
offered the information: "This desk used to belong to the famous General
Pershing, of World War One!" The ‘bad news’ was that he could not
authorise the boom contraption to be sent back over the bridge, as it
exceeded the registered stress limits. Emphatically he said that "she
has to go off by sea, aboard a barge". Being a publicity man, I mused
about how we could turn this
big disappointment into a mainline
publicity event. I knew guys that worked the picture desks of many of
the big papers of New York, and I was anxious to call the assignment
editors of television, etc., turning this ‘scar’ into a ‘star’ piece
about the plight of the Peace Ship. I contacted Dr. Larry Birns, on our
Board, and he tamed me down, in his most mature way.
Not long after that incident, I went home to keep better office hours on
West 58th Street, at the time. I kind of felt spent out, but so many of
my clients enjoyed entertaining aboard the ‘Peace Ship’, i.e. the famous
‘Bergerfolk’ and ‘Irene Cara’. Some of my greatest memories have been
with the Peace Ship. I've been close friends with ‘Larry Birns’, ever
since. He went on to found the C.O.H.A., (Committee On Hemispheric
Affairs),
representing countries in the Caribbean Basin, as well as all of South
America. We all love Abie Nathan's subtle sense of humour. He sure liked
the beautiful girls who would gravitate to the ship on fine Sunday
afternoons.
Mixing panel in one of the studios (Photo Hans Knot Archive)
There was a time when I was talking business with Abie, at the port side
Saloon cabin door. I had his full attention and after a few minutes, I
saw his eyes looking over my shoulder- distracted with some of the women
who had come down to the quayside. "Abie!" I said: "How do you spell
P-E-A-C-E"? "Right now, you must be spelling it with the' I-E', I said.
I was also good friends with and Irishman by the name of Patrick Dean.
He was a watch-standing engineer at the famous ‘Woolworth Building’,
once one of New York's highest buildings. Pat volunteered many hours
standing watch and keeping the donkey engines going. He lived in
Woodside, Queens, N.Y., and I would sure like to meet him again.
However, there are a lot of ‘P.Deans’ in the Borough of Queens, N.Y.
phone book.
As many of us, I treasure my times with the Peace Ship effort, and the
magnetic Abie Nathan. It’s now nice to see the Peace Ship's story mapped
out, right to her briny deep end. Peace be with
you,
Brother Abie. You
were full of magnetism and lived a life of mission that brought you to
so many precarious situations. You finally brought your dream ideas to
fruition. Russel T, Dodworth’.
Thanks a lot Russel and here more information how to get your own copy
of the book:
VOICE OF PEACE MEMORIES
AND ABIE NATHAN’S WORK
HANS KNOT
(Editor)
This new book edited by Hans Knot tells the history of the Voice of
Peace but also tells about the various humanitarian jobs Abe Nathan has
done through the past 4 decades. With assistance from people next to
Abe, deejays and staff of the station in the past, Hans Knot has
succeeded in writing a 250 pages book. In the book are many exclusive
photographs, but as there were hundreds of photos sent in by many
people, a ‘photo cd’ will be included. The book, is officially presented
at the Annual Radio Day in Amsterdam on November 2006. The book can now
be ordered from the publisher. The price for people in the Netherlands
will be 30 Euro, including postage and packing. For people outside the
Netherlands the price will be 33 Euro. You can sent in your money by
sending it in an envelope to SMC, PO Box 53121 1007 RC Amsterdam. Also
you can pay your money to Giro account 4065700 on the name of
Mediacommunicatie Amsterdam. Don’t forget to mention IBAN number: NL 37
PSTB 0004 0657 00 BIC: PSTBNL21 . This to avoid high costs.
I also have to tell that a new CD has been released by singer
Nick
Barnes. I hope it can have some airplay on Caroline again as Nick
deserves it. It’s called ‘90mph’ and more info can be found at
www.nickbarnes.does.it
Well that rounds ups the July edition of the Hans Knot International
Radio Report. I hope to bring in next issue two longer stories as Andy
Sennit has promised to do a bit on 60 years Radio Netherlands and
Steve Conway will hopefully come with a flashback on his time on Radio
Caroline.
Anyone who has something to share memories can write to me at
Hknot@home.nl
Please sent photographs to
Hans.Knot@gmail.com As I’m away a few times
for more days the normal email box will be filled to fast. Happy holiday
for those who are going away and for those who will listen to Red Sands
Radio or Pirate Radio Essex: Have a lot of fun. Hans Knot
When mentioning ‘Hans Knot archive’ the maker of the photograph is
unknown. During the past 40 years a lot of photos have been sent to me
by several persons. If anyone thinks his or her name isn’t there, please
feel free to mention it.
Offshore Radio Programme Names - Programmanamen Zeezenders 1958-1990
Read Hans Knot's former report