Fletcher Richardson
FLETCHER RICHARDSON
WATCH A SHORT VIDEO
with Fletcher in the Preston Studio
(CLICK HERE)
Listen and laugh - a couple of clips
from BBC Radio Blackburn
when things didn't go right!
I'm sure Fletch would enjoy them
(CLICK HERE)
ALSO NOW AVAILABLE
visit bbc.co.uk/lancashire and leave your
thoughts and comments on a special
page - simply click HERE
(7th October 2007)
Fletcher suffered a stroke some years ago, but continued to battle on despite restrictions to his mobility. He was 73.
He came to the BBC form the Methodist Church where in the 1960's with his long hair, he was known as the 'Beatnik Vicar'! His Geordie accent gave him a very clear identity on the airways of a Lancashire Radio Station!
I worked with Fletch for many years at the old BBC Radio Blackburn, and Lancashire. In fact it is ironic that his former Saturday Morning co-host Phil Scott also lost his life after a long illness a few weeks ago. It was on their show that the new BBC Radio Lancashire was launched in the Summer of 1981.
This is truly the end of and era, as the then Manager John Musgrave who made the announced name change on that show also passed away some time ago.
Fletcher and I worked together on many programmes including "AM/PM" which I presented - but he also hosted. Fletch would take over for the 'phone in section - something he was brilliant at. The picture (left) shows him in full flight during one of our Preston Studio shows. We went there every Wednesday - and he was irate about new parking arrangements at the Guild Hall! "It's Saturday" was his weekend outing. We worked together on some great editions - always funny, entertaining and rewarding.
Fletcher provided a platform for many aspiring broadcasters, and we'll all miss him. Pat Gibson gave me the news, and I've also talked of his passing to Nigel Dyson (Editor BBC Radio Cumbria) and Gerald Main (Editor BBC Essex). They all had fond memories.
I'm sure I'll post more in the future - but for now my thoughts and very best wishes go to Joan and all his family.
I understand that the funeral will be held in Montrose on Wednesday 10th October 2007.
Gerald Jackson (4th October 2007 - updated 7th October 2007)
