RESIDENTS held a commemorative event at Steamer Point to recognise its history and heritage with new totem boards revealed.

Three new totem boards were officially unveiled at a commemorative event by Friars Cliff Residents Association (FCRA) which worked with councillors and BCP Council to help celebrate the history of the area. 

The totem boards are said to share information on the significant research and development work undertaken at Steamer Point. 

Steve Alves, FCRA chairman, said: “We are very proud of the local heritage of our area and feel the huge technological achievements of those who worked here between 1939 and 1980 should be properly recognised.

"That is why FCRA researched the content for the boards and worked hard with BCP and local councillors to create this lasting memorial which we hope will be of interest to residents, our many visitors, and anyone with an interest in the nation’s technical heritage.”

Steamer Point was originally part of Highcliffe Castle estate before it was later requisitioned in 1939 by the War Office for the Air Defence Experimental Establishment (ADEE).

By 1943, ADEE was moved for security reasons with the site taken over by the Signals Research and Development Establishment (SRDE) which was on the site until 1980. 

A speech was given at the event by satellite communications programme team leader, Dick Harris, who worked on American and British satellite communications programs at Steamer Point from 1963 through to 1980.

He said: “It’s so easy to overlook the many achievements of sites like this that were once so busy and productive.

"Enormous contributions were made here to so much of what we see around us today such as satellite communications, radar, fibre optics, mobile phones, communication systems, night vision and much more.

"It’s marvellous to now see these achievements recognised, and information made available to the public.”

Artefacts from the former establishments can be found around the site including remains from the Skynet satellite communications programme and Second World War prototype buildings for the Chain Home Low nationwide radar system.

Christchurch Mayor Councillor Paul Hilliard has said he is 'very pleased' with the end product.