A fond farewell, and Wingman Down.

Saturday, November 19, 2011 by Cooky.

Just recently we lost Sir Jimmy Saville. I come from the same town as he, as it ‘appens,guys and gals, now then now then, goodness gracious me.

People of a certain generation will not know, or care about all the fuss that has been made in the press recently. That is because they never knew his work. Coming from Leeds it was natural that if he were going to make a name for himself, and ‘make some sheckel’, it would be in his home town. This is where he started, but, he spread his wings, and started to get into the entertainment industry running clubs in Yorkshire, and Lancashire. Not many people will know , or remember he worked on a station, which would seem now, long forgotten. To those of us who remember ’steam radio days’ the station was Radio Luxembourg. A bit of ‘pirating work’, and then a ‘big break’ with Radio One. Here he worked helping new talent to get into the world of radio.

He presented the first programme in the most successful pop programme ever. ‘Top of the pops’. Over the years this format was copied by many european television companies. Two of the most famous being, Netherland TROS ‘Top Pop’, and ZDF ‘Musik Laden’. He is also credited with being the first ‘DJ’ to use double deck, and mixer table, an idea of his own.

His charity work is well known, and recorded, but the difference he made in peoples lives is still going on, and will be hard to measure. Always a man with an answer, and a kind word and deed it was natural for him to host the programme that many will remember him for. ‘Jim’ll Fix It!’

He made alot of peoples dreams come true in many ways, from the simple, to the more complex, but if it could be done it would happen. The spirit of this programme lives on with John Barryman in ‘Tonight’s the Night’.

Sad fact for me is I never got to get my dream come true because I was in the RAF doing ‘my thing’ for Queen, and country. What would I have liked to do? I wanted to drive a London Transport Routemaster with all my family, and friends across the North Yorkshire Moors to Whitby for fish and chips. So if your listening Jimmy, ‘ows about, now then, now then fixing it for me please?’

One other thing he will be remebered for , in Leeds, is the well known ‘Printers Gala’ at Roundhay Park. He managed to get some big names to perform in the park, and make it a day to remeber for all who attended.

So now let the man speak for himself through this page, or what I think he would say.

‘Now then, as it ‘appens I was just trying to make a difference for the guys and gals. If I was a success then that is good enough for me. Goodness, gracious me  is that the time. Well it’s time to make some sheckel, and ‘ave a cigar. ‘Ows about that then?’

Goodbye, and thank you Jimmy. From someone who valued what you did.

Wingman Down. A song featured in my next programme, or the current, however you are listening. This song is written by Ken (Ryback) Nicholl. Ken served as a Recce Commander in the British Army. On occasion serving with NATO, a pleasure I have had here, and there.  His son James is also serving with the army in Afghanistan, doing his third tour.

Ken wanted to show the people of this country, and Royal Wooton Basset, that their respect coming from a selfless emotion, was recognised, and appreciated.

He makes it clear in a statement that he does not see himself as a sensitive guy, but wanted to reach out, and say thank you to all those people who have helped, and shown respect for the memory of ‘The Fallen’ in our Armed Forces. A sentiment I want to support also.

Ken makes it clear, in his statement, that there are times when words just can’t cover all the emotions, and sentiment that we want to express. In this song the words, and the poetry go a long way to correcting this. Ken also wants to mention the American people who support their own troops, and the British troops on a daily basis. I would also like to give my thanks to the American people.

Bill Everatt will be interviewing Ken, so you will be able to hear the man himself on Bill’s show.

You can find more information, about this song, you can buy it at this address: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/wingman-down-single/id480662954.

That’s it from me except to say. Thankyou for listening, reading this missive, and making Celtica Radio a success. Goodbye, and may your God go with you.

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