RADIO FREE LIVERPOOL - 217m (1385kHz to 1389kHz)

1969-1976

Radio Jackie North grew out of Radio Free Liverpool which was one of the very early stations on Merseyside.  According to the birthday shows recordings included below, it began broadcasting on Whit Weekend, in May 1969.  In the early days, the power was very low, and only covered a couple of miles.  In early 1972 a larger transmitter was put into service, and transmissions  operated from fields with around 15 watts. The wavelength announced was 217m, which in 1972 was announced as between 1385kHz and 1389kHz.
In the early years of Radio Free Liverpool, Carl England (aka Dave Simpson) became good friends with Eric and helped with setting up the station in the fields and woods around Liverpool. Carl later recalled some of the locations he was involved at, which included the area near Croxteth Hall Lane, and some close to the M58 at Bickerstaff and Junction 3 for Rainford. A site on the A565 at Ince Blundell Moss Wood caused much confusion for the Home Office, but amusement for Eric and Carl, as the authorities had heard a test from RFL earlier in the day from Woodvale near Fine Jane's Brook, and they continued to search around Halsall Moss for the transmitter which had since moved. Carl was believed to be the only other voice to be heard on Radio Free Liverpool, and only a couple of times, as Eric did most shows himself. Eric didn't think it was worth any others wasting time doing shows when they expected the Home Office to turn up during the broadcasts.
The exact date of the station ceasing broadcasts is not known, but operator Eric Day had by Boxing Day 1976 started another station, Radio Jackie North also announcing 217m. He changed his name on this new station to Rick Dane. Sadly, Eric (real name Eric Haydock) passed away on 16th November 2002.