newsletter

Included in Issue 1 were an article by Tom Anderson, recounting his experience of getting aboard the Mi Amigo, and an article titled 'Abandon Ship' by Ed Foster. The issue also featured a review of the six best albums released in 1976, including Bowie's 'Station to Station,' Steely Dan's 'The Royal Scam,' and Dylan's 'Desire.' The back cover of the newsletter showcased the Top 100 Albums Chart of 1977, with Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' occupying the number one spot.

Published in the UK in 1977, Issue 2 of the Newsletter included an Offshore Radio Quiz created by Stevie Gordon, an illuminating article by Stuart Russell on life aboard the Mi Amigo, and the first part of 'A History of Radio Caroline' covering the years 1964-1968. The issue also featured music reviews, updates on recent events aboard, and, in the words of the newsletter, 'crisp comment upon the Law and the broadcasting scene'.

Issue 3, also published in 1977, maintained the same tone and spirit. This edition featured an insightful piece by James Ross, chronicling his experiences on the Peace Ship in Israel. In addition, the issue included detailed diagrams of the Mi Amigo, as well as record reviews by Johnny Jason, and a variety of other engaging articles and contributions from listeners.

Issue 4, published in 1977-78, started off on a bleak note with the statement, 'The organisational team that keeps Caroline going has recently received some very nasty knocks ... tendering "Mi Amigo" has become an extremely difficult and hazardous task.' The newsletter also addressed the case of J. Jackson-Hunter, who was convicted for displaying a Caroline car sticker. After refusing to pay the fine, he was imprisoned and subsequently went on a hunger strike. On a brighter note, the newsletter also included a review of the Sex Pistols' album 'Never Mind the Bollocks,' as well as articles on the Tom Robinson Band, among others.

Published in 1978, Issue 5 of the Newsletter contained a bitter complaint after its Post Office Box in Crawley, West Sussex was taken away. The Post Office spokesperson stated that the box number was being used in connection with a Magazine about Radio Caroline, which prompted the Newsletter to retort, "What brought it to the attention of the Post Office?" This issue also featured articles such as "Any Questions" by Ed Foster and "Why we went off air" by Stuart Russell and Roger Matthews. Music groups reviewed in this edition include Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Dr Feelgood, XTC, and Nick Lowe.

Issue 6, which was also published in 1978, marked the end of regular print editions. The editorial continued to focus on John Jackson-Hunter's situation, while a collaborative article titled "News About Us" was contributed by all the DJs on board. In the publication, there was an account of RAF jets "buzzing and dive-bombing" the Mi Amigo for fun. As the article notes, "When we are standing on the bridge at the stern of the ship we are prepared to swear that we can look down upon the planes as they fly over our deck!" Among the albums reviewed in the issue were 'Power in the Darkness' by the Tom Robinson Band, Kraftwerk's 'The Man Machine', and Jethro Tull's 'Heavy Horses'.

Issue 7 of the Caroline Newsletter was never published. However, a Special Edition dated Winter 1979/80 was released. The note on the cover is self-explanatory: "This is a summary, prepared for the Home Secretary, of the incidents, events, and facts related to Scotland Yard's suppression of Issue Number Seven of the Caroline Newsletter, and other improper actions taken by government officials to prevent Members of Parliament from enquiring into the consequences of government officials' enforcement of Clause 5 (3) (f) of the Marine Etc. Broadcasting (Offences) Act."