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Since 1992, Birch Radio has operated 3
Restricted Service Licence (RSL) broadcasts in the Rochdale area, to promote the hospital radio service and more recently to gauge the demand for a permanent FM radio
station serving the borough of Rochdale.
The first RSL was broadcast on 1602 Khz on the medium wave for seven days from a studio set up in a
shop unit in the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre. The signal was relayed to our studios from where evening
programmes were broadcast.
Interviews to publicise local charities, groups and voluntary organisations formed the backbone of the
programming. Live music was included at lunchtime to entertain visitors to the shopping centre,
and included Wardle High School Brass Band, several local rock bands, and the every popular kareoke.
Local celebrities took part including Jimmy Cricket, and the town's then MPs namely Geoffrey
Dickens and Sir Cyril Smith were also involved. Our relationship with the Rochdale Observer Group began with a daily 'What the Papers Say' feature read by their Group Editor.
The highlight of
the broadcast was a live roadshow from Hollingworth Lake Country Park, which included live bands, games and an interview with a water skier from the middle of the Lake itself.
On 2nd November 1996, a second RSL began, this time for the maximum 28 days allowed by the Radio Authority, and in glorious stereo on 106.6 FM. A partnership was formed between the Rochdale Observer Group, who provided local news bulletins, and both the Wheatsheaf and Rochdale Exchange shopping centres.
Daily
programmes included a lively breakfast show featuring phone-ins, a gig guide and regular travel updates from Metro Networks. The mid morning show had a financial feature sponsored by Nat West giving
anything from Mortgage to Tax advice. Greater Manchester Police provided a daily background to their services, with a question and answer session for the public at the end of the broadcast.
Lunchtime was dedicated to music and entertainment, whilst the afternoon show was again a magazine format with gardening, health and
beauty, and computing features. Advice for the elderly was provided by Age
Concern. Employment and training issues were dealt with daily by a combination of Hopwood Hall College, the local TEC and
Business Link members.
After a lively drive time show again featuring traffic updates and a What's On feature, the evening show was dedicated to hospital requests and a mixture of serious and fun
discussions / interviews. These included Liz Lynne MP, Karen Hoather of the GEM Appeal, Ron Bolas of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Helen Parkinson from the Town Centre Trust, local playwright and actor
Colin Meredith and many more.
Weekends included live broadcasts from either the Wheatsheaf or Exchange Shopping Centres on a Saturday lunchtime, followed by a Sports programme which included
live commentary from Rochdale AFC home matches.
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