Portishead Radio

R/O Mike Pearson preparing to send the last ever w/t transmission from GKA. The text of the message can be seen on the desk, next to his ETM-3 electronic key.

A very emotional moment.

R/O Larry Summers preparing to broadcast the last R/T message, surrounded by a BBC TV crew. R/O Pat Dear, Station Manager Martin Davies, and handyman Tom Ponting (in the colourful shirt) are also in view.

This broadcast was unfortunately marred by a faulty microphone, causing some break-up in transmission.

A group of ex-GKA R/Os gather for the last time. Left to Right: Odette Ristic, Joe McCabe, Steve Fell, Des Thompson, Mike Potter, Giorgio Matranga, John Ryder, Kay Elliston, Steve Elliston, Cheryl Potter, Anver Anderson & Larry Summers.

The final gathering of ex-Portishead Radio staff outside the entrance building.

CQ CQ CQ de GKB2/4/5/6 =

This is the last broadcast from Portishead Radio. For 81 years we have served the maritime community. We say thank you to all those who have supported and used our station.

We pay tribute to Marconi who made it all possible. His first transmissions across water were made from nearby here and so started the radio era. We are proud to have been part of that era.

As this historic time in the commercial messaging world comes to a close the manager and radio officers wish you farewell from Portishead Radio/GKB + SK