Amplified Sound of Malvern celebrates 50 years in business

Amplified Sound was formed by Barrie Smith in 1973 and is still going strong today, providing sound equipment for events.

Barrie was born and bred in Malvern - born in Church Road, Malvern Link and educated at the Wyche Primary School and The Chase.

“On leaving school, after staying on an extra year, and not knowing what I wanted to do, my father got me an apprenticeship with the then Wireless Supply Depot in Worcester Road,” said Barrie, who attended Worcester Technical College on day release, studying both practical and theory electronics.

Not happy in a small workshop, with no natural light in the back of the shop, he left and took a series of short term jobs until eventually working with the Worcester Repertory Company, along with other theatres, leaving the Birmingham Rep in 1972.

But it was his love of theatre and other events that led Barrie to form Amplified Sound, working part-time with a small set of speakers and an amplifier.

Worcester Guildhall is among the many place Amplified Sound have worked (Image: Amplified Sound)

“This was to lead on to what is today a full-time service with a good order book and 50 years’ work under my belt,” said Barrie.

“Amplified Sound has worked with Wandsworth and St. Helens Councils for their city shows, along with Cheltenham Town, Prestbury, and Droitwich Councils for the Remembrance Day Services.

“We work for other local councils including both Malvern Hills District Council and Malvern Town Council.

“Larger local public events have included Bromyard Gala, Welland Steam Rally, Tenbury and Hanbury Country Shows.

READ MORE: Friends group in bid to save Theatre of Small Convenience

“Some of the smaller outings have involved just towing their stage onto Malvern Common for the annual MappFest or to the Drum and Monkey Pub, near Upton, for WooFest.”

Now a Limited Company, Amplified Sound is celebrating turning 50 by staging an event near Malvern on Monday, May 8 for customers, engineering staff and suppliers both past and present.

The event will feature a DJ set and a performance by local band The Delray Rockets.