BASILDON-based Gateway FM's History of Radio Project at the Green Centre in Wat Tyler Country Park was opened by local MP Stephen metcalfe.

The project celebrates the history of community radio and the development of radio technology.

Yesterday (Monday, 31 August) South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe joined Danny Lawrence, the Director of Gateway FM, to open the project.

Mr Lawrence has been in the radio business for 40 years and received a British Empire Medal for services to community radio.

The History of Radio Project aims to celebrate Essex radio's emergence in the 1980s and highlight the development of radio technology, from rediffusion cable to FM frequency broadcasting. Members of the public can see the Project for themselves at the Green Centre where they will be able to test 1950s analogue radio equipment, see if they have the skills to be a DJ, and produce their own radio broadcast.

For the month of August, Gateway FM 97.8, Basildon Hospital Radio 87.7 and Krystal Radio will broadcast from the Green Centre from 10am until 3pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Mr Metcalfe said: "Many thanks to Gateway FM for organising this project to showcase the history of community radio and the development of radio technology. It was a pleasure to cut the ribbon.

"Definitely have a look if you're interested in trying your hand at radio or learning more about its history."

History of Radio Project Timetable (Open 10am – 3pm Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays)

• Wednesday 2nd August - 6pm (Krystal Radio) LIVE BROADCAST!!
• Saturday 5th August - Luke Mackenzie, Mayor of Basildon, 10am visit.
• Saturday 5th August - Basildon Hospital Radio (BHR 87.7) 9am - 12 noon LIVE FROM THE FESTIVAL!!
• Wednesday 9th August - The Next Chosen Generation, Yetunde Adeshile, visits with children.
• Saturday 12th August - Gateway Radio Club visit 10am - 12 noon with links broadcast LIVE FROM THE FESTIVAL!!
• Wednesday 16th August - Danny Lawrence hosts a Festival Special with Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt (Gateway 97.8) 1pm - 3pm LIVE BROADCAST!!
• Saturday 26th August - Festival ends with a visit from 'Diddy' David Hamilton.