Southern Sound Radio in the old Rothbury Cinema

 

The Radio Station That Defined an Era: Your Memories of Southern Sound

If you grew up in Sussex in the 80s and 90s, the frequency 103.5 FM wasn't just a number on a dial—it was the heartbeat of the community.

I recently asked for your memories of Southern Sound, and the response was overwhelming. It’s clear that the station, which launched from the old Rothbury Cinema in Portslade back in August 1983, holds a very special place in our collective memory.

A Community Connected by the Airwaves

From the legendary Terry Garoghan and his iconic "Last Bus to Whitehawk" to the late-night love songs that kept us company, Southern Sound was more than just a music station. It was where we won auctions for signed vinyl, took school tours of the studios, and even heard local businesses like "Southern Music" advertised on the air.

Your Stories

The comments have been pouring in, and the level of detail is incredible:

• The Personal Touch: Many of you remember visits from DJs like Chris Copsey or being shown around the converted cinema by Rory McLeod and Keith Belcher.

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  The late Chris Copsey at the Southern Sound Radio controls

  
  
  I found a link to a collection of Southern Sound Jingles

• The Local Landmarks: Long-time residents recall the station's neighbours, like the KTM club, and the excitement of seeing a "smooth operation" working right in the heart of the village.

The Legacy: It’s wonderful to hear that the passion for radio continues today, with some of your children now involved in local stations like Regency Radio.

https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/35161/photos/411423

Do You Have the "Lost Tapes"?

One of the most exciting things to come out of our recent chat was the mention of old tapes and recordings still tucked away in drawers. There is even talk of some recordings living on via YouTube!

I want to keep this history alive. If you have a specific memory of a presenter, a contest you won, or if you were one of the many people who worked behind the scenes at the Rothbury, please share your story in the comments below.


We asked:

"Does anyone else remember visiting the Southern Sound studios at the Rothbury? Or perhaps you won a prize on air or had a 'shout out' from the DJs back in the day?"
 You were spontaneous

Debbie Marriott Miller

Southern Sound was a brilliant radio station. Still miss Terry Garogans Last Bus to Whitehawk

Mark Shoulders

Debbie Marriott Miller use to listen every sunday.

Tina Malenczak

Debbie Marriott Miller I think his recordings are still online. Maybe YouTube?

John Channon

It was round the corner from me in portslade my dad used to go to the KTM club next door. My mate lived in the house next to it.

Denise Darbinean

What was the name of the DJ who played the late show with love songs?

The Mystery of the 'Love Songs' DJ Several of you asked about the smooth voice behind the late-night love songs. That was, of course, the legendary Ambrose Harcourt, famously known as "Mr Lurve." Ambrose was a staple of Southern Sound from 1986 onwards with his Love Zone show. It’s heartening to see his legacy continue through Regency Radio, a station he helped to launch.

Mark Shoulders

We had someone come to our school.and gave us tshirts and other stuff with southern sound on.

Gary Hornbuckle

I do, I actually worked there for 36 years 

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Jayne Packham

My son always had an interest in radio and was invited to visit the studio back sometime around 85/87. He’s now involved with Regency Radio.

Jayne Packham's son visits Southern Sound

Melvyn Taylor

Yep as used to advertise on the station for my music shop "Southern Music" in fact I still have tapes of them ..

Carolyn Docwra

Yes, had a tour round from Rory McLeod and Keith Belcher when it was being converted from the Rothbury cinema. My first husband had been signed up to be amongst the very first presenters when Southern Sound was launched on 29 August 1983. Went in there frequently once up and running.

Adrian Francis

Yes ,when they did there music auctions we won a signed white Vinyl of the dammed group Eliose 12""

June Churchill

I had Chris Copsey visit me and collect some of our records for his programme Sounds of the 60s.

Nicci Davies

I was in there a fair bit as I remember. I worked for an advertising agency that had links with them.

Linda Goble

Yes we won a competition and was shown around the studio.

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Malcolm Stuart

Spent most of the day there when they did a fund raising day for the Albion, very smooth operation.

Julie Blenkinsopp

Played good music

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 Terry Garoghan does Southwick

Southern Sound Reunion

Southern Sound DJs

Portslade Musical

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• The Rothbury Timeline: Into the 21st Century

  • 1934–1964: The "Golden Era" of the Rothbury Cinema, Portslade’s window to the silver screen.

  • 1964–1978: The lights dim for film but brighten for Mecca Bingo, becoming a firm favourite for local socialising.

  • 1983–2019: The "Radio House" years. As the home of Southern Sound (and later Heart FM), the building was the literal heartbeat of Sussex broadcasting for over three decades.

  • 2020–Present: Following a major refurbishment, the building now serves as a modern business hub. While the DJs have moved on, the building remains a hive of activity, providing flexible office spaces for a new generation of Portslade entrepreneurs.

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• 📍 Exploring the Neighbourhood

  While the Rothbury was busy with the "flicks" and later the airwaves of Southern Sound, there was plenty of life happening right next door!

  See Also:

The CVA & K&T Sports & Social Club: Discover the story of the "rabbit warren" social club next door, featuring the legendary Christmas parties and 6d-a-week memberships.

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Link to Franklin Road Index

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