3.4.09

Schoolchildren at Radio Caroline exhibition

ISLE OF MAN - More than 130 schoolchildren Islandwide revived the swinging 60s when they visited the Radio Caroline exhibition at the House of Manannan, Peel. Pupils from St. Thomas's School and St Mary's School in Douglas, Laxey School, Ballaugh School and Peel Clothworkers' School enjoyed dressing up in 1960s costumes for the information communication technology workshops. As well as exploring the exhibition, the children formed rock groups and posed for photographs to create their own album covers using a computer programme. And they interviewed each other to make radio podcasts on the Island's Computer Bus – adding jingles and information from the exhibition. Anthea Young, education services officer for Manx National Heritage said: 'Youth culture rapidly escalated in the 1960s. Offshore radio stations, including Radio Caroline North, broke the mould of radio broadcasting in Britain and is still fondly remembered by its listeners today. 'Accessibility to music media nowadays, through internet downloads to iPods, contrasts vastly with access to popular music prior to 1964. 'Radio Caroline North began operating from the MV Caroline off Ramsey Bay in 1964, challenging the BBC's monopoly over British radio. But it was forced off air just four years later. The free exhibition, which is due to end on August 23, marks the 40th anniversary of the ship's departure from Manx waters. Following political and legal pressure and unpaid bills, the pirate radio ship was towed away in the middle of the night with the few remaining DJs still on board. However, in those few years Radio Caroline became a watershed in British broadcasting history and provided a blueprint for many of today's radio presenters.