Blue plaque unveiled in Bournemouth celebrating BBC radio

The plaque, which is Bournemouth’s 137th, celebrates the iconic broadcaster being at Bournemouth Civic Centre 99 years ago. 

The plaque is in Holdenhurst Road, outside the Ocean 80 building, and was unveiled on Monday, October 17 by the deputy mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Dave Kelsey, and BBC Radio Solent presenter Steve Harris, who organised the plaque. 

Steve said: “I got a message from [BFBS radio presenter] Jason Herbert and said if anyone can do this, you can. I don’t know where he got that misguided idea from. Gradually, with an hour’s work every week, I just chipped away at it. 

Steve Harris, right, with the deputy mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Dave Kelsey (Image: Daily Echo)

“I’m absolutely thrilled with it. All too often the BBC can feel like a thing that is coming from London and Salford and it’s nice to remember that all the time the BBC has existed, there is a presence to it in Bournemouth. 

Jason Herbert, radio presenter at BFBS radio, said: “It’s such a stunning way to remember local history and some of the creativity of our radio forefathers.  

Read more: DJ Steve Harris: Left behind by reluctance to stream music

“The fact that the BBC was a new company initiating radio stations at places all over the country in places with big populations such as Glasgow and Swansea, and then they also chose little old Bournemouth, is wonderful.” 

The BSO played at the unveiling (Image: Daily Echo)

The event was also attended by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, who played during the ceremony. 

BSO’s chief executive Dougie Scarfe said: “We were thrilled to be a part of this important celebration of Bournemouth’s broadcasting history, marking 99 years since the opening of BBC 6BM.  

“The orchestra’s story has run in parallel with that of the town, from humble beginnings to international regard, welcoming visitors from around the globe to the region.  

“Back in 1922, the musicians of the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra engaged with a new, emerging technology that was to change the way we connect as a society — today, in 2022, reaching audiences around the globe with frequent broadcasts and livestreams from Lighthouse, Poole is a massive part of the modern BSO.”  

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for culture and vibrant places, said: “Blue plaques are something that people go round and look at. There’s quite a popular culture looking at blue plaques.  

“This is particularly important as it’s a bit of important history; something like the BBC is woven into the maverick of British culture.”