In which we recreate the BBC's first outside broadcast, in Oxted, 90 years ago.

90 years ago today, the first ever live outside broadcast was heard on BBC radio from a back garden at Foyle Riding, Hurst Green, near Oxted. It was the home of a famous cellist of the time, Beatrice Harrison, and she played live on the air just after midnight, with nightingales joining in.

In memory of that momentous day, BBC Surrey’s Breakfast Show, hosted by James Cannon, decided to recreate that moment this morning. Our reporter met with current owner Maria Hall and local vicar Rev Andrew Rumsey. Also present was the Godstone-based cellist Mary Byers, who performed Londonderry Air, the piece of music heard in that historic broadcast.

Commenting on the broadcast, James said: These days, BBC Surrey uses a simple vehicle with a satellite dish to broadcast from across the County, but you can imagine just how much work went into getting the original broadcast on air. Our recreation of that day 90 years ago felt like a fitting tribute, made even better by the garden being bathed in sunshine, and the sound of birds once again tweeting in the background.

James Cannon broadcasts each weekday morning on BBC Surrey 104/104.6FM and DAB Digital Radio between 6 and 9am.

Pic courtesy of @RevAndrewRumsey