CKDSRadio, has endured a series of almost comical misadventures while evolving into a dedicated broadcasting hub. Initially founded in Luton’s Hilltop Court in the early 2000s, the station moved to Borehamwood in 2008, broadcasting from the bossman’s living room. As the station expanded and upgraded its equipment, the operation eventually spilled into the kitchen at Haggerston Road.
CKDSRadio’s evolution from a quirky setup in the bossman’s living room to a professional studio unfolded in rather dramatic fashion. Initially, the operation was comfortably housed within the bossman’s living room in Borehamwood. As the station grew and acquired more modern equipment, it moved into the kitchen on Haggerston Road—a setting that was less than ideal for a budding radio station. DJ Jon, a character as lively as the music he played, once famously (or infamously) poured beer into some of this new equipment, which, while humorous, underscored the need for a more suitable space.
The pivotal moment came during the Watford Comicon. There, the bossman, who led CKDSRadio with a charismatic blend of enthusiasm and authority, encountered actors Virginia Hey and Jerome Blake. Both actors were familiar with the station and expressed a keen interest in participating in a broadcast. Their enthusiasm about the show and potential appearance highlighted the station’s growing reach and influence.
Realizing the incredible opportunity that hosting such high-profile guests could offer, the bossman saw the need to elevate the station’s broadcasting environment. Broadcasting from a kitchen, where accidents like DJ Jon’s beer mishap could occur, was no longer viable. This realization led to a decisive meeting between the bossman and his financial strategist, affectionately known as “The Money Demon” due to his knack for stretching budgets in miraculous ways. Together, they reviewed the finances and agreed it was time to invest in a dedicated space for the radio station.
With a budget now set, the plan for what would be affectionately termed “the cursed studio” was put into motion. This name, initially a playful nod to the anticipated and later actualized challenges, marked the beginning of a new chapter. The decision to move out of the kitchen and into a purpose-built studio was a significant leap towards professionalism and growth for CKDSRadio. This move not only aimed to enhance the quality of the broadcasts but also to solidify the station’s reputation as a serious player in the entertainment industry.
As Chris Eng took on the task of preparing the foundation for CKDSRadio’s new studio at Haggerston Road, the routine work unearthed a series of mysterious finds. While digging into what was once a simple concrete slab for a shed, Chris first approached the bossman with what appeared to be a shin bone, asking, “Does this look like a shin to you?” The bossman, somewhat amused and bewildered, suggested it might just be a dog bone.
However, the mystery deepened within minutes as Chris returned with another bone, this one resembling a shoulder blade marked with what appeared to be a saw cut. “Does this look like a shoulder to you?” he queried. The tension in the air thickened, only to be cut again by Chris’s return, now holding a bone that seemed to be a sternum. The bossman, now more concerned than amused, advised, “Chris, stop digging.”
Given the proximity of their property to a church, the bossman speculated that they might have stumbled upon an old graveyard. This led him to contact the local council for records or any information that could shed light on their backyard findings. The council confirmed that the house and its grounds were established before the church, suggesting no known graveyard should be beneath their property.
Still, the findings were unsettling enough to warrant a call to the police. The authorities arrived, cordoned off the yard, and after a thorough investigation, declared the bones to be old and historical. This clearance from the police provided a somewhat macabre green light for the construction of CKDSRadio’s new studio to continue. Despite the chilling start, the building process resumed, paving the way for the future of the station’s broadcasts, although not without further challenges from nature and craftsmanship alike.
The construction of CKDSRadio’s new studio, dubbed “the cursed studio,” proved to be as challenging as its moniker suggested. The assembly of the studio was nearly complete, with walls erected and the structure standing firm. However, the roof had not yet been installed when nature decided to test the resolve of the CKDSRadio team. As if on cue, a fierce storm rolled in, unleashing gale-force winds and torrential rain on the partially exposed studio.
The flat-pack cabin that was to serve as the new studio had arrived with its own set of issues—it was damaged and poorly constructed, with visible gaps and subpar varnishing. These flaws only compounded the problems as the storm hit, turning the construction site into a chaotic scene. The interior of the studio, lacking a roof, quickly began to fill with water, threatening the structural integrity and any equipment already moved inside.
The bossman, undeterred by the ferocity of the weather, took to the structure himself in a desperate attempt to secure the roof. Amidst the howling wind and driving rain, he climbed atop the flimsy framework, panels and tools in hand. Defiant and determined, he was heard screaming at the sky, “Fuck you, you won’t stop me!” This vivid display of tenacity highlighted his commitment to pushing forward, regardless of the obstacles.
Neighbors, witnessing the struggle as the storm raged, rushed over to lend aid. They attempted to secure a large tarp over the building, hoping to stave off the deluge and give the bossman a chance to finish the roof. However, the wind was overpowering, ripping at the tarp and making it nearly impossible to hold in place. Despite these formidable challenges, the collective effort eventually led to the roof being secured. The installation was far from perfect—hastily done under adverse conditions—but it held enough to prevent any further water ingress.
This episode in the building of the studio was a testament to the community spirit and the relentless determination of the CKDSRadio team. Even though the roof was only temporarily secured and would need significant repairs, the immediate crisis had been managed, setting the stage for further improvements and eventual completion of the studio.
The next few months were spent fortifying the studio. The roof, damaged by subsequent storms, required multiple repairs. The interior was insulated, painted by Ali and Chris, and carpeted. Despite these efforts, on the pilot night of “Cheese to Please,” the team discovered all their equipment had been soaked—mysteriously, as the roof had not leaked.
Undeterred by these setbacks, the bossman hastily arranged a makeshift setup that allowed the broadcast to go ahead. The recording from that night, while far from perfect, marked a significant achievement under challenging circumstances. The studio continued to improve, hosting all UK shows for several years thereafter.
