During October 2024, with colleagues at Suffolk Archives, we invited members of the public to share photos, documents and memorabilia from local radio station Radio Orwell 257’s heyday at 3 story collecting events hosted at The Hold, Eastern Angles and New Wolsey Theatre.
The events were held as part of our oral histories project When you’re alone, we’re together: remembering Radio Orwell 257, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Members of our visually impaired drama group, newly trained as oral history interviewers, were delighted to welcome former listeners, employees and DJs from the radio station, and record their stories.
We heard from schoolboy listeners, pop quiz competition contestants, audio technicians, and reluctant fancy dress competition judges, and more. Together, their stories begin to capture the innovation, excitement and community spirit of Radio Orwell, particularly in its early years.
A huge amount of documents, images and film relating to this golden era of local radio were donated to the archive. Together, the artefacts and stories shared will play an invaluable part in ensuring this part of Suffolk’s history is preserved for years to come.
“We’re reminiscing about very, very happy days…it’s just such a special time. It gets the old brains going and it’s good for your wellbeing.”
“Suffolk people, and the people who live here are unique, and they did take us to heart. It’s important to record this part of our history.”
-Story collecting event attendees
