2 sheds
Yes indeed, being UEE/LCE at an ATSOCAS unit, that caused a a little smile, follow-up answer even better!
Anyway...where were we:
"newaviator"...couple of questions....were you using the Tower freq which has a DOC 25 miles/4000 feet.....or the Approach freq which has a DOC 40 miles/10000 feet? On your next transit ask ATC if you can try an alternate freq to check the reception.
What type of aircraft? It is not impossible for a particular airframe/aerial combination in association with a set of unique three dimensional position characteristics to cause this effect.
An additional check....if your aircraft has two radios...try a comparison between the two.
Explanation of opening line....please excuse a couple of controllers having a little chuckle....no insult intended....a Basic Service is virtually nothing, although it obviously incorporates Alerting Service and may or may not contain items of relevant information such as generic traffic situation. Guidance to controllers is quite specific in that routine provision of a service in excess of that requested by the pilot may lead the pilot to expect the same level of service by default when in communication with other air traffic units that comply with type of service definition as published. So you see that your reference to the superb basic service flagged up a big question mark!!
Sincerely though.....let us know how you get on next time.....I'm from Blackpool so I always take an interest.