The mighty masts of Wychbold

Available for over a year

The 700ft titans of the Worcestershire countryside played a vital role in British history. The transmitters, which beamed out The Archers, The Shipping Forecast and Test Match Special, amongst many others, were at one point the tallest structures in the country. Discover how the masts required a huge amount of energy to power them, which beamed the radio signals from Droitwich to the rest of the country, continental Europe and even as far south as the Mediterranean Sea. Alistair Moseley from The Bromsgrove Society and Rebecca Butler from the Droitwich Calling exhibition share how the transmitters played vital roles in World War Two, including the Dunkirk evacuation and the Battle of Britain, blocking enemy aircrafts' transmissions, as well as broadcasting secret messages to the French Resistance. Just ten riggers helped erect the masts in 1934, one of whom came from the other side of the world, having just finished work on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Alan Phillips from Bewdley shares how listening has soundtracked his life, listening religiously to Radio 4 Longwave whilst driving all over Europe with his coach company. Presenter: Lindsey Alder Producer: Phillip Stoneman