Rich history of radio celebrated in new exhibition

Remember the Radio, which opened on Monday in St Richard's House, Victoria Square, is an 80th birthday celebration of the Droitwich Transmitting Station.

Artefacts and old equipment rescued from skips by volunteer John Phillips, who worked as an assistant engineer at the Wychbold site before retiring, are on display along with the control desk which is still working today.

There are also old radios and amateur radios along with BBC memorabilia and the visitors book from the Droitwich Transmitting Station open at the page signed by John Reith just before he retired as the first director general of the BBC.

Visitors can also view information about the radio masts themselves and subsequent changes in broadcasting and radios.

Other displays include 90 years of the Radio Times and an old Queen's Coronation issue published to commemorate the historic milestone.

Becky Pye, heritage manager, said the exhibition has been really popular so far.

"It's gone brilliantly," she said. "We've had lots of people come in and remember Droitwich on the dial. A lot of elderly people are coming in and remember it. We've had lot s of interest, it's been quite good."

Miss Pye said while the exhibition evoked memories of a by-gone era when people listened to the radio rather than watch television, it was also a chance to show Droitwich was famous for more than just salt.

"Everyone knows Droitwich for salt but although we've got these huge radio masts that stick out as you're coming home on the motorway, everyone overlooks its radio history," she said.

"It's just to commemorate that and bring it to the forefront of people's minds. Droitwich is not just salt, its played a part in radio history.

"Everybody knows about them but they don't know what they are still doing and the rich history that is with them."

Remember the Radio is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sundays from 10am to 1.30pm until September 13.