Looking at my log again I see it was 124.275 I was trying. The time was 17:35 local so that must explain it.
Stapleford Radio said something about Farnborough North being off air due to a technical problem.
It was nice not talking to anyone, actually. Earlier I was listening in to Essex Radar - continuous chatter and static (I was at low level) as they brought the big jets down (airline pilots job must be incredibly boring - apart from the sexual shennigans that is) . Hard to concentrate on my FREDA checks! The only help a Basic service seems to give is Altimeter pressures. ATZ radio is different entirely and very essential!