190 metres, medium wave

Welcome to RNI!

Latest update!: dateline week commencing 14th June 1999

Previous updates to the RNI In 1999 pages can be found Here:
Update 1 Update 2 Current

Work on Light Vessel number 18 is progressing as can be seen from these photographs:

Shifting those stubborn hatches and their bolts. We can't put to sea unless the hatches can be sealed down, watertight.

The only decent photo we could get of Graham's face. Chipping away scrap materials inside one of the on-deck cabinets.

The vessel's hull has been chipped clean and it will be painted red (not green as originally planned). The paint is expected onboard the vessel soon. A gas supply to the cooker has been successfully connected. Both lifeboats were successfully launched/tested on Saturday June 12th. Testing of the water pipes for washing/showers etc is planned for this week (w/c 14th June).
The blunt end, showing the stern heli-pad.

The right-hand side, showing the starboard lifeboat and one of the name-plate mounting racks. The left-hand side, showing the port lifeboat and some geezer with a hammer.

The pointed end, showing the bow anchor-chains and one of the masts.

Unfortunately we are not able to rename the vessel 'Mebo-3' due to the high cost involved. Remember the aim of the project is to raise funds for the RNLI, so she will remain LV-18 for the broadcast.

The studio, originally planned to be sited in the wheelhouse, has now been re-located one floor down. Installation of the equipment is scheduled to take place during July. Also in July, aerials etc will be assembled on board. Both events will be photographed and the photos added to this website.


Sea-water and electrics don't mix - Clive making sure they don't.

Email

Thanks to everyone who has emailed us so far. we have been knocked-out by the response and several suggestions/offers are being followed-up, such as the suggestion of Bob Rendle of greeting visitors with a letter-box containing a souvenir rubber-stamp and visitors' book.

Peter van den Berg quoted a long list of records in his email. We have them all, Peter!


The 'bucket-brigade' at work, shifting several dozen scrap lifejackets.

The Music

To update you on the music front - the aim is to make the event as authentic as possible. Project co-ordinator Paul Graham has a large collection of tapes of broadcasts and both he and music co-ordinator Colin Lamb (and others involved in the project) have large vinyl collections. Colin is spending many enjoyable hours listening to tapes of the orininal RNI from August 1970 and documenting the records played - particularly noting placings in the RNI Top 30.

A couple of RNI's August 1970 'Hitbound Sounds' to look out for during our broadcast include "Jumping Jehosphat" by a then-unknown group called Mud, recording on the Philips label. They (of course) became famous later in the 1970s on RAK. Also one of the earliest football records - "Chelsea" by Stamford Bridge.

So, we hope you will glean from this that every effort is being made to get the sound as authentic as possible.

We intend to publish the Top 30 each week on this website, plus a list of each week's presenters.

We plan to do specialist shows, just as the original RNI did. One example is a progressive rock show, which Colin will present from midnight Sunday for 3 hours.

Here's how you can help:
If you have any listings of the Top 30 for the August weeks, or can work out several placings from a tape you may have, then please fax details to Colin on 01255 421011 (International +44 1255 421011).

If any of you have any tapes you could lend us, then please send them to Colin at

26 Dunthorpe Road,
Clacton-On-Sea,
Essex
CO16 8YN
UK.

Please state whether you wish them to be returned.

Please keep your emails coming. We will do all we can to answer any questions you may have.

And now our sponsors so far:

Can you help with sponsorship?

Several local concerns are already booking ads but if any businesses or individuals can assist with sponsorship or would like details of ad-rates, or would even like to sponsor these pages then please contact project-leader Paul Graham on 01255 672531 (international +44 1255 672531).

Ad-rates for RNI will be here soon.

It's good to hear from you!

(Pages built by Graham Vine using Notepad (tm) - This is a Frame-Free Zone).

Get in touch . . .

If you have any memories of RNI please take advantage of our web-site and email us at rni@btinternet.com

RNI will broadcast for 28 days, commencing on the 3rd of August. Tune to 190 metres (1575 kHz), medium wave to relive the exciting days of Radio Northsea International!

At 0001 hrs on August 3rd, test transmissions will commence until 0600 hrs when Alan West will relaunch RNI.

Next update:- due during week commencing June 28th 1999.

Many thanks to Colin Lamb for much of the material contained on these pages.

Press releases - RNI 1999
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since June 8th 1999. Please call again for regular updates on progress on RNI in 1999!
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