Former pirates take a trip on the Waverly Paddle Steamer

Radio enthusiasts are invited aboard the Waverly Paddle Steamer next month to join former pirate radio presenters for a trip to the sea forts.

Following the 80s reunion held on the Radio Caroline ship in September, many people, not only from Caroline, but from other stations as well, will be present.

The cruise, on Sunday 6th of October, will include pirate radio celebrities as well as a commentary from the Maunsell Sea Fort Historian.

Peter Philips, who was the programme director on Caroline 558 in the 80s says: “I have never thought of myself as a celebrity. During the [Dawn Of The Ross] reunion weekend, I was overwhelmed with the response from listeners. I’m excited to have an opportunity to get to meet some fans face to face.”

Charlie Taylor, who was the first person to play a record on air in 1983 during the test transmissions from the new Caroline ship, will also be there.

She said: “I was invited to speak at the 40th anniversary event in Felixstowe last year. That was the first time I ever talked about my involvement with the Ross Revenge from 1980, shortly after the ship was purchased by Ronan O’Rahilly, to 1990 when I was last on board. I never thought anyone would be interested.

“Wow! Was I surprised.”

Peter Philips, Johnny Lewis and Charlie Taylor, can now be heard on Radio Jupiter, an online station set up by Peter Philips and Johnny Lewis.

Peter says “When I was the programme director for Caroline 558, we had about 4.4 million listeners. After looking at what’s available on internet radio, we could see there was a market for a professionally run station that remembers the past but isn’t stuck in it. So, we set up Radio Jupiter to be a modern version of the Caroline 558 days.”

Tickets for Waverley cruises can be booked online or by calling 0141 243 2224. Tickets can also be purchased on board the ship.

Photo: Peter Philips in the Radio Jupiter studio. He’s looking forward to the Waverly cruise.