BLB Sounds From The Past

BLB - Bray Local Broadcasting ceased broadcasting for good at the end of December 1988, bringing to a close more than nine years of service to the local community.Launched in 1979, the station became a beloved fixture in the area, known for its mix of music, local news, interviews, and community-focused programming. As one of the early pioneers of local radio, BLB built strong connections with its audience and gave a platform to local voices.This episode is an edited version of BLB Radio’s final broadcast—a special four-hour programme that aired on the station’s last day. Hosted by long-time presenter Mark Quinn, the show brought together a wide range of contributors, including former presenters and producers, advertisers, local politicians and loyal listeners.Their messages, memories, and tributes paint a vivid picture of what the station meant to so many. There are moments of humour, nostalgia, and emotion, as well as reflections on the challenges and triumphs of running a local radio station during a transformative era for media. Many also shared their hopes for the future of community broadcasting, even as they bid farewell to BLB.This recording is more than just a sign-off—it's a time capsule capturing the spirit of an era and the powerful role local radio played in shaping community identity.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at [email protected]://blb.buzzsprout.com

Despite a nearly ten year on-air and behind the scenes campaign in the 1980's to establish community radio in Bray, County Wicklow and the securing of a legal licence in 1989 by the North Wicklow Community Radio Co-op, we do not have a station such as BLB transmitting community radio in County Wicklow today. In this episode Mark Quinn speaks with John Murphy, Lawrie Hallett and at length with Pat Hannon to find out what happened after the radio licenses were issued and about the wider impact of BLB and today's radio landscape.Credits: Post ProductionHigh Wire, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie  Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com  Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.Go on, send us a review text!Also listen out for and follow Bray Talking Heads - Stories From A Seaside Town - A podcast for Brayites everywhere! With Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon.https://blb.buzzsprout.comGo on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at [email protected]://blb.buzzsprout.com

There were tears in the studio at the end of December 1988 when the faders were finally closed on the BLB mixing desk and the transmitter was silenced for good. In this final episode of the series, Mark Quinn muses over the lasting legacy of the radio station. In its nearly ten year life, what did it achieve, what was its legacy and what lasting impression did it make on those who were involved?Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie  Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com  Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at [email protected]://blb.buzzsprout.com

In this episode Mark Quinn explores when BLB's listeners needed the local community radio station most, it answered the call. At a time when there was no internet or mobile phone services, BLB became the communication channel as Bray suffered two severe weather events in the 1980's. The worst was Hurricane Charley in August 1986 when the River Dargle overflowed, flooding some houses up to a depth of 1.5 metres and forcing 1000 people from their homes. Providing an all night broadcast with up to the minute information for the flood stricken areas of the town and relaying Emergency Services messages, Bray Local Broadcasting was a lifeline.Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie  Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com  Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.Send Mark Quinn a message.Also listen out for and follow Bray Talking Heads - Stories From A Seaside Town - A podcast for Brayites everywhere! With Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at [email protected]://blb.buzzsprout.com

In episode four of this personal journey through the development of Bray Local Broadcasting, Mark Quinn looks at how, despite the station operating outside the law, local politicians were eager to make appearances on air. The episode also transports us back in time through a collection of radio commercials created for local businesses—many of which have since vanished—providing a rich, nostalgic window into Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland’s vibrant past.Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie  Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com  Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at [email protected]://blb.buzzsprout.com

In the third episode of this series Mark Quinn continues his journey through the history of Bray Local Broadcasting. As the 1980’s progressed BLB experienced significant growth and development, establishing itself as a potent presence in North Wicklow and South County Dublin. The station's programming expanded dramatically, offering a diverse range of shows that catered to various interests and communities. This growth was matched by an upgrade in its technical capabilities, with the installation of a more powerful transmitter, which greatly improved the signal strength and expanded BLB's reach. As a result, more voices from the local community were able to be heard, and BLB’s unique version of community radio flourished. The station became a vital platform for local expression, creativity, and connection, embodying the true spirit of community-driven broadcasting.Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie  Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com  Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at [email protected]://blb.buzzsprout.com

In this second episode we learn how a determined group of young people managed to get their radio station on the air. Before launching, they carefully considered a unique approach to broadcasting. They were determined not to follow in the footsteps of other pirate stations operating at the time. Bray Local Broadcasting was set to stand out, and it very much did when it launched at 11 am on Wednesday August 22nd 1979.Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie  Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com  Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at [email protected]://blb.buzzsprout.com

In this first episode Mark Quinn takes us back to the late 1970’s to explore the origins of pirate radio in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. He reveals how Southside Radio, and later BLB, provided exciting and fresh experiences for both the deejays and listeners in Bray. Through this journey, we get a glimpse of life during that time and learn how the story of BLB began.Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie  Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com  Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at [email protected]://blb.buzzsprout.com