40th Anniversary Celebration
26th February 2005

From the Guest Book (More signatures at the end of Page 6)

Radio London's 40th Anniversary was December 23rd 2004. After consulting ex-Big L personnel, it became apparent that virtually nobody would be able to attend a celebration on that date. Taking guests' preferences into consideration, the date of February 26th 2005 was agreed and a venue was chosen – the TS Queen Mary, berthed permanently on the Thames.

Unfortunately, several guests were obliged to drop out, due to personal commitments or ill health. We had a smaller gathering than anticipated, but it was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Five original DJs, one Texan founder and a very popular ship's steward were present and absent friends were fondly remembered. Tom Danaher flew in from Texas and Norm St John flew all the way from Brisbane, especially to attend. Many guests had not seen each other for around 40 years!

The saddest cases of missing guests were Tommy Vance and John Peel. Tommy had initially written to say he would attend, but on the day, was working in Spain. He sent us his love, via Duncan Johnson. Only days later, Tommy suffered a stroke from which he never recovered. He died on March 6th, aged 61.

John Peel had written back on the bottom of his invitation, (below) to say he was scheduled to be presenting a show December 23rd, but that he would like to be kept informed about February 26th.
This was in July 2004. John's sudden death three months later, was a shock to us all.