The Rushden Echo and Argus, 30th November 1951, transcribed by Jim Hollis
Radio Programmes Blotted Out — Interference mystery in Rushden (north)
Residents of Hayway, Higham Road, and North Street, Rushden, are faced with a mystery that for several weeks has defied solution. They are annoyed, too, for each time they switch on their radio sets they get ear-shattering interference instead of the scheduled programme, and no one knows the cause.
Radio engineers confess themselves beaten. They say that only one thing can solve the mystery – the Post Office detector van. Post Office officials say that though they are dealing with isolated cases of disturbance in Rushden they have had no mass appeal.
Peak disturbance hour seems to be between 12.30 and 1 p.m. Judging from comments made by inhabitants of the area, no one is ever able to listen to the lunchtime news bulletin. The noise starts as early as 7.30 a.m. on some occasions and has often spoiled Sunday evening transmissions. That fact alone seems to rule out many people’s contention that the disturbance is caused by a factory generator. Refrigerators, electric welding apparatus, electric blankets and television have all been blamed for the interference. One person claims that on the stroke of 8 o’clock each evening – television’s commencing time – she hears a peculiar whistle on her radio. Though all these suppositions are within the realms of possibility – though some, only just – they are extremely unlikely.
Simple Cause?
Local radio experts think the trouble may simply be a number of faulty appliances, which are spread throughout the area. They claim that appliances on direct current are the most likely causes. Another very feasible theory is that a “pirate” transmitter is working in the area, probably using a morse key.
Television viewers are having trouble too and they complain of “queer noises” coupled with severe picture distortion.
Variously described as “just like a tractor engine” or “like a person frying eggs,” the interference has been going on for a month or more.
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