It is with great sadness we announce the passing of West Kent Radio's Chris Reed after a short illness.
Chris became involved with hospital radio at Whipps Cross Hospital Radio in 1973 through a conversation at Broadcasting House, where he was working on the production team of BBC Radio's Late Night Extra. Later that year when London's Capital Radio was launched he became involved with the production of Tim Rice's programme on the station, which merited a very brief mention in Tim's autobiography "Oh, What A Circus".
Chris joined Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells in 1978 and became the charity's Treasurer in 1982, a role he would continue to do until 2021 when the charity became West Kent Radio. Chris served as an important member of the management team and was involved in many shows and projects including the annual Cricket Week coverage and commentary on the town's annual carnival.
He continued to present on West Kent Radio doing his Classical Selection shows and Pure 70's his passing will leave a big hole in our radio family, he will be much missed and we all send our deepest and most sincere condolences to his wife Valerie and the family.
RIP Chris Reed 01 February 1947 - 11 September 2026
Presenter Brian Johnson shares thoughts and reflections about Chris and his contribution to radio in West Kent on our breakfast show (3:40):
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