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Portishead Radio GKA
"The World's Most Famous Maritime Radio Station"
Welcome to the new Portishead Radio website.
This site will be updated and enhanced on a regular basis, with new images, information, and other historical documents when time permits.
You will find numerous photographs, audio and video files, and plenty of historical information about what was once the world's largest long-range maritime radio station, which at one time also featured the largest Morse code operating room in the world.
We hope you enjoy the site, and we look forward to hearing from you. We'd love to hear your comments, memories and suggestions!
OUR HISTORY
From Devizes to Portishead
Through war and peace, the station provided vital links for mariners worldwide, assisting in safety of life at sea and providing valuable business and personal communication facilities.
This is our history.
01
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY!
Former Portishead Radio R/O and Overseer Tony Winterburn celebrated his 100th birthday on 7th January!
He served on the Arctic Convoys during WW2 and has received many honours for this vital work.
All GKA staff and families wish Tony all the very best and many more birthdays to come!
Photograph (c) www.burnham-on-sea.com
NEWS & FEATURES
Discovering our Past
Uncover fascinating historical stories and events with our latest updates on the past.
Archive Photographs
A collection of photographs showing the station throughout its existence.
A history of the Aeronautical and Gateway Services operated by the station.
The Aeronautical Radio & Gateway Service
The Social Scene
The staff Welfare Club and Sports Teams, along with the all-conquering Drama Club!
The Lighter Side
A selection of cartoons from Portishead's resident cartoonist Joe McCabe and others.
Transmitting Sites
Some photographs of the transmitting sites at Portishead, Rugby, and others.
News and Forthcoming Events
The latest news and information about the station, with details of talks, events, exhibitions and much more.
The role of the station in the numerous high-profile yacht races and the leisure market.
High-Profile Yacht Races and the Leisure Market
Videos and audio recordings of Portishead Radio
Further Reading
Information about Portishead Radio-related books and publications which are still available.
Receiving Stations
THE LEGACY
Plans to commemorate the history of the station
Since the closure of the station in 2000, efforts have been made by former staff members to formally commemorate the station with the installation of a plaque and information board at the former site at Highbridge.
In addition, the local Heritage Group have been campaigning for a local museum, a section of which will be devoted to the history of the station.
Click on the button below to learn more
All content (c) Larry Bennett 2026.
Many images reproduced from BT Heritage & Archives and used under Creative Commons licence.