But the days of REM Island are numbered. The government no longer needs it, and it will soon be demolished. In recent weeks there have been frequent boat trips to give people a last close-up look at the red and white platform that has a sentimental place in the hearts of many Dutch people, especially those who work in the media.
"The end of REM Island is inevitable", says Rolf de Boer from the Department of Public Works, who's responsible for its demolition. "It isn't used as a met station any more. And Dutch law doesn't permit structures at sea within a 12-mile limit from the coast that don't serve any useful purpose. So we have to remove it."
Good memories
For radio fanatics, the decision is a blow. In 1964, the first commercial TV broadcasts to the Netherlands were made from the platform by the Reclame Exploitatie Maatschappij (REM). The REM constructed the platform specifically for broadcasting into the Netherlands from just outside territorial waters.
For Rob Olthof from the Stichting Media Communicatie (Media Communications Foundation), an organisation that collects historic radio and TV material, REM Island brings back vivid memories. "On one occasion, I went to visit my parents in Noordwijk, and a large group of people were standing at the window of a TV shop. They were all looking at the screen of a TV set that was displaying a test transmission from the REM.
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Rob Olthof (left) and Eric van der Welde |
Exciting programming
Radio amateur Eric van der Velde remembers being at his grandparents' house, and watching the mostly American programmes that the REM broadcast, such as Mr Ed the talking horse, Rin Tin Tin, and movies. In between the programmes there were commercials.
"Everyone was watching", says Van der Velde, "even though you had to buy a special REM antenna to watch the programmes. Incidentally I still have the antenna - I recently found it in the attic."
The programmes were groundbreaking at the time, and the fact that they were delivered from outside the official Dutch broadcasting system made the REM hugely popular. "They were young, free spirits, broadcasting contrary to the established order, and that made it extra exciting," says Olthof. He is disappointed about the forthcoming demolition of REM Island. "It ought to be preserved as a monument in media history. Dutch commercial TV began here in 1964, not in 1989 with the arrival of RTL."
View picture gallery of Willemien's visit to REM Island:
English translation of captions: 1. Arriving on the government boat Albatros. 2. The steps up to REM Island. 3. The island is beginning to rust. 4. Imposing structure. 5. Government meteorological equipment. 6. REM Island from the water. 7. Three generators provide power to REM Island. 8. Processing the meteorological data. 9. Fuel for the generators. 12. Mess room billiard table.
Government interference
Actually, the media adventure didn't last very long. The Dutch authorities were very unhappy with the unexpected competition from the sea, but they couldn't prevent the transmissions from starting. REM Island was outside territorial waters, and out of reach of Dutch law. But on 12 December 1964, four months after the start, the Dutch government passed a new emergency law. The so-called REM law split the North Sea into continental sections. The sea bed under REM Island, to which the structure was physically attached, was declared Dutch territory. Five days later, Royal Marines boarded the platform and ended the transmissions, But a year or so later, the REM resumed its transmissions, as a public broadcaster under the name TROS.
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Met Station Noordwijk
For ten years, REM Island stood, unused, rusting at sea. Then, the Department of Public Works began using it as part of the North Sea Met Net. "The Met Net consists of a number of meteorological stations in the North Sea, mostly on board solid platforms, for the use of organisations such as the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI)", explains Jaap van der Hoorn from the Department of Public Works, who's responsible for the Met Net.
From the Noordwijk Met Station, as the platform was called, readings were taken of the wave height and water temperature in the North Sea, as well as details of the wind speed and direction. "The Met Station was also used as a scientific research station by the KNMI and Hollandse Signaal," adds Van de Horn.
Realistic
As platform manager from 1983-2000, Van der Horn was responsible for logistics and safety on REM Island. More recently he was involved in the maintenance of the Met Net. "I was never bored for a moment here," he says. "I had a great time." From the helicopter deck, the highest point of the Noordwijk Met Station, he looked out over the smooth North Sea. "Except for the times when the wind was force 12, the waves were lashing against the deck, and we couldn't get off. I don't want to experience that again."
Van der Hoorn is philosophical about the demolition. "The measurements are now taken on an oil production platform off the coast of Callantsoog. That's a bit further north, but we get equally good data from there. I have to be realistic. At the end of the day, it's about the taxpayers' money."
The people who live on this part of the Dutch coast will have get used to their new horizon, says Rolf de Boer from the Public Works Department. "By the end of this year, REM Island really will be no more."
(All photos (c) Willemien Groot RNW/2006)
Tags: commercial, Radio, REM, TROS, TV