Philip Birch |
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Philip Birch |
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Tribute by Mary Payne – Page 2Although the RL website had been running since 1999 and several people had asked us about contacting Philip, we did not actually manage to get in touch with him via email till 2004. I received a message from Catherine McDonald in Alberta, Canada. Catherine (who sadly passed away in 2009) was a second cousin of Philip's, and hoped I could help her to contact him. She recalled Philip turning up in a Rolls Royce at her family home in Orpington when she was aged around 11 years old. He took her dad, Doug, to Biggin Hill for a flight in a Cessna which he piloted himself. Catherine was very jealous of this and was disappointed that Big L closed down before she and her brother Keith had been able to take advantage of Philip's promised trip out to the Galaxy. I was pleased to be able to pass Catherine's email on to Philip and they were delighted to be reunited. In recent years, I was also able to put Catherine's brother Keith in touch with Philip. Not everyone realises that Philip was a film star - if a background shot in 'Dateline Diamonds' – a pretty bad 'B' movie – counts as being a star. Ben Toney relates: "Philip Birch and I were credited as Technical Advisors to the film and had a couple of walk-on shots. One scene was quite laughable. They showed Philip and me inside the studio grooving to the song being performed by the Chantelles. Then they cut away to the main deck of the ship, and there I was again. I was in two places at the same time! At the first screening of the film, I called Harold Shampan's attention to this odd situation. He just laughed and said, 'Never mind, Ben, we'll just pretend you had a twin brother.'"
In 2013, RadioCentre, the trade body for commercial radio, celebrated commercial radio's 40th anniversary year by compiling a Roll of Honour. Philip's name was on that prestigious list and he was awarded a gold disc. To mark the occasion, RadioCentre held an event in the House of Commons, which we felt was somewhat ironic, considering offshore radio's history with the British government. However, Philip wrote: "Actually, I spent quite a lot of time in the House of Commons as MD of Radio London when I was working with the shadow Postmaster General, getting the Labour government to delay the legislation that would eventually cause Radio London to close down. We gained a few months, which was about the best one could expect. At the time the legislation finally came into being we were also able to get the Conservative opposition to announce that when they next came into power they would introduce commercial radio. Which they did. Those were the days!" Philip was being rather modest about his part in delaying the MOA. At his instigation, listeners were asked to write to PM Harold Wilson and demand a referendum to 'put free radio to the public vote'. The government responded with a printed leaflet. In tandem with Radio Caroline, Radio London mounted an anti-Labour Fight For Free Radio campaign to coincide with a major local election and issued "Radio London Needs YOU!" car stickers. As young listeners, my friends and I failed to understand politics and simply could not comprehend why something that we loved so much was being taken away. We had no idea how hard Philp had fought on our behalf to keep offshore radio going. Radio One may have begun as an attempt to duplicate Radio London, but that would have been impossible to do. However, Philip stated that he was glad to know that his loyal DJs were going to be given the opportunity to continue their broadcasting careers with the new BBC station. Philip had been attempting to delay legislation against offshore radio until the government agreed to provide onshore commercial radio alternatives. He had hoped for the chance to bring Big L ashore, but commercial radio did not arrive in the UK till 1973. On behalf of the thousands of loyal listeners who have never forgotten 'Big Lil', our grateful thanks, Philip, for Radio London. Mary Payne From Ben's daughter Philippa Thank you so much Mary. We really appreciate the time and energy you put into it. The tribute is lovely. Wishing you and Chris the best. Philippa Tribute by Geoffrey Pearson:
This really is the end of an era for me as Philip employed me personally, in December 1964. I think he was the reason I gave up my creative job with Aluminium Foils to join Big L. Although I was originally interviewed by Alan Keen, I was then taken to meet Philip, who, after a very pleasant chat, offered me the job in Advertising. I don't think I would have taken the risk (it was a risk) if I had not had the time to meet Philip. It was his calm yet enthusiastic manner that most impressed me. You felt that the business was in safe hands, and therefore it had a good chance of success. Your tribute made excellent reading. Well done!
Ronagh and Ben Toney with Elizabeth and Philip Birch
A note from Philip congratulating Paul Kay on producing the programmes In the picture below, Philip (centre) is seen with Paul Kay to his right and DJ Earl Richmond to his left
Radio London's Promotions Manager, Gordon Sheppard (far right) with Philip on the tender to the Galaxy.
A music press advertisement for the new release by Jon – one of the bands represented by the Philip Birch Agency
Philip with Paul and Barry Ryan and Programme Director Ben Toney.
Aboard the Big L tender with DJ Tony Brandon (left) and engineer Mike Howell
One of the last memos from Philip to Galaxy captain Bill Buninga
The Galaxy was painted green towards the end of her life as a radio station Photo credit: the late Andy Wright (courtesy of Charles Wright and the Felixstowe and Offshore Radio Facebook Page) Links to features and events referenced in this tribute:The Launch of the Radio London Club The Launch of the Big L Discothéque The 'Big L Film' – Dateline Diamonds Captain Bill Buninga's personal memorabilia |
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