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RW Team A ministry of WEC Radio as communication RW History Technical history

OUR HISTORY

The Foundations

Radio Worldwide came into being in 1961. Its founders, Phil and Miriam Booth, recognising the new opportunities God was opening up through the medium of radio, began to produce programmes for supply to international Christian radio stations. The home of Radio Worldwide was described on early letterheads as "Temporary Address 5 Harold Road". From the outset there was a recognition that more space would be useful. The letterhead was right, but not initially in the way the team expected. The local authority re-numbered the houses! So 5 Harold Road became 13 Harold Road, and for over 30 years served as the headquarters of Radio Worldwide.

A Growing Ministry

Gradually God brought together a team of people with a similar vision, and the ministry began to grow. Offices and professional recording facilities were installed at 13 Harold Road, and later on, RW purchased the next door property to house the growing team. While the focus was on programme production, the value of passing the skills of radio programming on to other Christians was soon recognised.

Training Others

Within a few years of its foundation, RW was offering radio training courses in and away from the London base. Then in 1980 a separate training centre was set up in Bexhill-on-Sea (on the south coast of England), offering radio training specifically to Christians from the developing world. The new centre was called 'Hurchington Manor'. Hurchington provided a homely environment for students living away from home, together with excellent training facilities, including a radio studio and up to date equipment for students to learn and practise on.

A New Era

By the early '90s the team had outgrown both the London and Bexhill properties. As they prayed, God indicated that they should sell up and relocate everything onto one site. In 1993 Radio Worldwide moved to Springhead Park House, on the outskirts of Leeds. This larger property houses offices, studios, training facilities and accomodation for both staff and students. As well as two broadcast radio studios, complete with digital recording equipment and music automation systems, there is a music production studio with digital and analogue multitrack, as well as midi facilities. In the last ten years the ministry focus has also changed. While the internet brings new challenges and opportunities, English programming for overseas distribution has given way to training and partnership projects. These days the major emphasis is on enabling and empowering Christians worldwide to reach their own communities with the gospel.

Part of the Local Community

Springhead Park House is situated on the edge of Rothwell Park (also known as Springhead Park), a very visible position as far as Rothwell is concerned. The team has been able to take advantage of this to identify with local community events such as Rothwell Carnival. The On-Air Foundation course is timed to coincide with the carnival, and as part of the week's events, RW staff and students serve the community by broadcasting live on Rothwell Carnival Radio. From time to time local groups and churches also make use of RW facilities, particularly the Booth Hall and kitchen.