Phil Easton RIP

Sorry I'm a bit late posting this. Hadn't been into this blog for so long I'd forgotten my password!

By now, most of you will have heard the tragic news that Phil Easton died of a brain haemorrhage at his home on Monday. Tributes have been paid all week across Merseyside and wonderful stories of the great man have been shared.

Although unfortunately I had been unable to interview Phil for my book, there were many stories of the man in there, along with some great photos. He also featured my book in a fabulous interview with Gillian Reynolds on Magic 1548 in which he talked about his memories of the early days of 194.

Although I saw him at a couple of City events and hosting concerts, I met him only once. I'd asked for his autograph when standing outside the Stanley Street studios (if you've read the book, you'll know!) and he'd popped out to renew his parking ticket. Not only did he provide the autograph, but he was very obliging and took the time to chat to us. As everyone has said - what a nice guy!

Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Hello Again

OK I am aware that I haven't posted on here for ages and ages but have been so busy with different things. Sorry!

Unfortunately there won't be a new edition of the 194 book - at least not with updates on the City story. After a lot of soul-searching I decided that the book is best left as it is. I can't really improve on it because it is my story and also the story of those who were involved in the early days of Radio City. I don't really feel that anything further can be added that would improve it. Maybe you disagree, but if anyone else wants to have a go at their own history of the station, then please feel free!

I may update the acknowledgements and dedication (I would like to do something special for Sharron) and I may update the Postscript, but that is all.

Watch this space for more news. I promise not to leave it too long before I post on here again!

By the way, you can still buy the book from Lulu.com, Amazon, Borders etc if you haven't already bought a copy. It is available on Lulu as both a paperback and a download.

The Polo Express

Tomorrow morning, at 5.30am, husband Tom and his friend Scott will be leaving to go on the Calais to Casablanca rally in aid of Cancer Research UK. They will be doing the trip in a £100 banger, which will be scrapped at the end of the trip in a week's time.

This is a very worthwhile cause. As some of you will know, my best friend Sharron died just over a year ago of cancer, aged 43. She was an integral part of my Radio City book, both in simply being there with me throughout the 1970s and early 1980s (and beyond), and by providing fantastic memories that I'd forgotten.

Tragically, so many of the great Radio City names over the years have succumbed to cancer - Dave Eastwood, Roger Blyth, Joe Butler, Ron Davies... Please, if you are able, take this opportunity to donate to this very worthy cause.

You can follow their progress by clicking on the Team Polo Express link to the left (Tom's blog, which he will be updating during his trip) and you can donate on-line through www.justgiving.com/poloexpress.

Good luck lads!

Welcome to City Talk 105.9 fm

If you don't already know (and if not, then where have you been?) today is when City Talk 105.9, Radio City's sister station, starts broadcasting throughout Liverpool and the surrounding areas. (Including most of North Wales, but not out in the sticks where I live. Thankfully though, thanks to my wonderful AE wi-fi radio I am able to listen in!)

Basically it is an all talk station, but check out the website to find in-depth details of who is involved and what the station provides. http://www.citytalk.fm/

Good luck to Terry Smith and everyone else involved, and we wish you every success!

Brand New Radio City Tribute Website!

Well OK, it's not exactly brand new. Brian Jones has updated his old website, making it easier to navigate around, and there are some interesting new additions (including an interview with me!) so do take a look. Follow the link to the left.

And to all you 194 Radio City, Magic, Caroline and radio fans in general, have a great Christmas and a very happy 2008. I promise to have some news on the updated book early in the new year.

It won't be out by Christmas!

I'm afraid the new edition won't be out by Christmas after all - I thought I'd better let you all know. Various unforeseen circumstances have meant that I haven't been able to begin contacting people until this past week. Hopefully it will be out early in the new year.

Already a few people who were unable to contribute to the earlier version have confirmed that they will be contributing to the update. This is great news, but I'm not revealing any names... yet!

As promised, I will keep you up to date with everything, so keep watching the blog.

New Edition of 194 Book for Christmas!

Following the publication of '194 Radio City - The Heart of Liverpool' in April 2006, I have been contacted by many people who, for many different reasons, weren't involved in the original book.

As stated in an earlier post, I would also now like to include a small eulogy for Sharron who died in March this year. Sharron was my best friend and of course was an integral part of the story. There are also a few more updates I want to be included, so I thought it would be a good time to get back to work on updating the story for the Christmas market.

I have asked this before, but now that you have all seen the book and know what's involved I will ask again...

Do you have any stories or possibly photos which could be included in the update? These could be because you were involved in the station, or maybe you were just a listener.

If you can help, please contact me on kathybarham@hotmail.com.