We stood in the High Street and gasped as the mad Australian Ayers, the driving force behind that autumn’s broadcast, did his high-wire act, walking the antenna cable across the ridge of the Barclays building towards the studio. And you’ve guessed it, there was no risk assessment!
Unsurprisingly, the broadcast was rough and ready, despite the involvement of some skilled and experienced people, but it was generally well received and was a load of fun to take part in!
After Festival Radio, the project fell apart but was revived by East Sussex Radio Society in 2001, with the aid of a Lottery grant and backing from some kind local sponsors.
The skills needed are many and various and the present organising committee have experience in their day-jobs to help them: graphic designer, printer, sound engineer, solicitor, electronic engineer, website designer and teacher. Oh, and we have gradually and
painfully built up some broadcasting expertise as well, helped by a number of radio professionals from the BBC downwards who happen to live in the town. Local high-tech businesses have also rallied round time and again.
So what of Rocket FM’s sixth season? We look forward to hearing the music and thoughts of Peter Messer, Bill Collison and John Eccles, on the third run of ‘My Rocket Records’ with Dilly Barlow.
A small army of local guests will take to the air. On the breakfast show, Dino & Ruth will air topics by the day such as planning, parking or health. We will be joined from time to time by the folk at VivaLewes, letting us know about the wealth of local events and activities. AT

(Andy Thomas is chairman of East Sussex Radio Society. Tel:478576)