Photo project to mark radio mast's 100th year

People who live near what was one of the largest radio transmitting stations in the world are being urged to send in their own photos to help mark the mast's 200th anniversary.

Rugby Radio Station first opened in 1926 inside the Grade II- listed building, just east of Rugby, Warwickshire.

A total of 57 radio transmitters covered an area of 1,600 acres but following dwindling traffic, the site closed in 2002.

It now forms part of Houlton Secondary School and residents in the area are being asked to help build a digital photo mosaic to celebrate its centenary year in 2026.

A digital tapestry will be created using thousands of individual pictures combined to form one main mosaic-style image.

It will go on display at Gabriel's C of E School and then at Rugby Museum and Art Gallery.

Rugby Radio Station became the UK's base for radio telephony in the 1920s.

After opening in 1926 it made the first transatlantic voice transition in 1927 which was sent to Houlton, in Maine, in the United States.

It also sent the time signal, maritime and submarine communications and played key roles in World War Two.

After closing, part of the building that was used to house the transmitter was saved and developed into a secondary school, which is now Houlton School.

Artist Allan Levy, who is leading the Houlton Tapestry project with developers, Urban&Civic, urged people from across the area to contribute their own images to the tapestry.

Johanne Thomas at Urban&Civic said they were "delighted" to be sponsoring the work.

"[We] hope all those that share a fondness for the history of Rugby Radio Station get involved in this hugely significant part of local history," she added.

A special website has been set up for people to contribute their images to the digital tapestry.

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