Press release 22 July

The X Pilot went out on Thursday the 19th from Whitstable harbour at 1.30 with 12 people and 2 crew on board. Amongst the passengers was a crew from Meridian TV which is the local TV station for the Southeast of England and legendary Radio Essex (Knock John Fort) broadcaster Dick Palmer, also known from Radio Caroline back in the 70’s. Also water and food supplies for the people working on the fort. This afternoon we are listening to Tony Christian a DJ also know from Radio Caroline.

Weather was calm but somewhat overcast.

Whitstable Times printed a nice article on the broadcast from the forts in their 19th of July edition, definitely worth a look.

The X Pilot went out again on the 21st of July with on board supplies and also local musician singe/songwriter Mandy Kewley and her drummer Dave Willoughby to perform live on the forts. Mandy played 3 songs amongst which the song “Pirates” which is a nice tribute to the 40 year commemoration of the closure of the pirates by the Marine Offences Act on 14th August 1967. Also on board was ex-pirate Black Printz.

Meanwhile the town of Whitstable was heaving with the crowds there for the opening of the yearly Oyster Festival, which included a procession and some energetic drumming.

Some comments follow;

“Definitely the best RSL I've ever heard. Loads of enthusiasm and superb programming. I can’t hear it from my home location 70 miles away but had the pleasure of visiting Herne Bay today - was able to hear it all the way there and back. Also found a lot of interest in the station in Herne Bay and everyone's happy. I certainly am and wish it was going on for a lot longer. Wish I had a station like this to listen to all the time. Well done to all concerned” RJ

“I have to say I did get the chance to listen on Saturday and I thought it sounded great, well done guys and good luck with the fort restoration project.” Paul G.
 
”Hello guys. This reminds me of those (veronica-Caroline...) pirate days of the seventies (hi)!” Tony

“It is a rare thing indeed when national heritage and offshore or free radio come together, I know of no other example than the Red Sands project. We should support a project like this, in the fervent hope that future projects with a similar link might have a chance to survive. Robin and all the crew are doing this for us and future generations. Peace and a long life.” Don Stevens

These quotes via Chris Cary’s website. Chris is also a legend in the pirate radio world.

Elija van den Burg