The centenary of Highbridge’s former maritime radio station is being marked with the launch of a new publication charting its history.
Former Radio Officer Larry Bennett has published a new brochure featuring the story of Highbridge Radio Station, which opened in 1925 and closed in 2000.
Larry, pictured with a previous book he wrote on the station, worked there for over 20 years, and told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This year commemorates 100 years since its opening, and also 25 years since its closure, so 2025 is the ideal time to celebrate the role of the station.”
Portishead Radio was a significant maritime radio station located in Highbridge that was the world’s largest and busiest long-distance HF maritime radio station. The station provided worldwide maritime communications and long-range aeronautical communications.
The Highbridge site played a crucial role during World War II by maintaining communications with the British merchant navy and patrol aircraft in the North Atlantic. The station was eventually closed in 2000, and the building was demolished in 2007.
The buildings made way for the Mulholland Park housing estate, named after former station manager Don Mulholland and his father Robert, who also worked at the station.
The Queen’s visit in 1958 is covered in the new booklet, along with details of how the station changed over the years, and the services it provided during its years of operation.
The new 32-page brochure, costing £3, contains numerous photographs and images of publicity material.
It will be available to buy at the upcoming Somerset History Day exhibition at Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre on May 11th.
Copies of the new brochure, pictured below, can also be obtained directly from Larry. Email him at portishead.radio@btinternet.com for postage/packing rates if postal delivery is required.
