Hundreds of bikers join funeral cortege in memory of much-loved Michael Flett
Charity-fundraiser from Northfield given Harley-Davidson sidecar send-off to crematorium
Charity-fundraiser from Northfield given Harley-Davidson sidecar send-off to crematoriumHundreds of bikers were today paying a two-wheeled tribute to one of their big-hearted, charity fundraising comrades.
Michael Flett was a driver of lorries, coaches and the former Big Brum Buz open-top tourist attraction.
Above all, he loved life out on the open road on two wheels.
Everywhere he went, Northfield-based Michael would make friends and put smiles on faces – adding to his ability to raise thousands of pounds for charitable causes.
If he wasn’t dressed as Santa, in his later years he would be carrying a toy chimpanzee to break the ice with sick children.
Youngest son Steven said: “When he had former world motor racing champion Nigel Mansell on board the Big Brum Buz, he was crying with laughter at dad’s sense of humour.
“And Jasper Carrott told him off, saying: ‘Oi, I’m the comedian!’.”
Michael Flett was a driver of lorries, coaches and the former Big Brum Buz open-top tourist attraction.
Above all, he loved life out on the open road on two wheels.
Everywhere he went, Northfield-based Michael would make friends and put smiles on faces – adding to his ability to raise thousands of pounds for charitable causes.
If he wasn’t dressed as Santa, in his later years he would be carrying a toy chimpanzee to break the ice with sick children.
Youngest son Steven said: “When he had former world motor racing champion Nigel Mansell on board the Big Brum Buz, he was crying with laughter at dad’s sense of humour.
“And Jasper Carrott told him off, saying: ‘Oi, I’m the comedian!’.”
The Funeral
The giant cortege from the family home to Lodge Hill Crematorium was headed by five Midland Freewheelers’ ‘blood bikes’ in honour of the money Michael had raised for the charity.
It was being followed by Michael’s coffin in a Harley-Davidson sidecar so he could "listen to the noise of the bike.”
After wife Christine in a car, the family expected 400 bikers with more trikes, cars and vans behind.
Many of the key mourners had last visited Michael when he was at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Sunday, December 16.
Steven said: “We told the police about the funeral but at big biker funerals like this they usually let the bikers just get on with stopping the traffic.
It was being followed by Michael’s coffin in a Harley-Davidson sidecar so he could "listen to the noise of the bike.”
After wife Christine in a car, the family expected 400 bikers with more trikes, cars and vans behind.
Many of the key mourners had last visited Michael when he was at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Sunday, December 16.
Steven said: “We told the police about the funeral but at big biker funerals like this they usually let the bikers just get on with stopping the traffic.
“We’ll be celebrating the life of Michael Flett telling stories and the odd jokes. Strange thing to say but we hope everyone enjoys the day and remembers to ask: “What would Sir Michael do?”
So many people were due to attend the funeral, a broadcasting system was provided to relay the service outside of the 150-capacity crematorium.
Steven was giving a speech with a special prop to lighten the spirits of younger family members – Michael had bought a chimpanzee puppet during a return visit to his Dorset birthplace in 2011.
The choice of songs included the middle of Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now, the intro to The Rolling Stones’ Paint it Black and the outro to Jasper Carrott’s Funky Moped.
The family had 1,000 remembrance photographs printed for mourners.
A wake was held later at BOF (Boring Old Fartz) at Birmingham and Solihull Rugby Club, off Forshaw Heath Lane.
So many people were due to attend the funeral, a broadcasting system was provided to relay the service outside of the 150-capacity crematorium.
Steven was giving a speech with a special prop to lighten the spirits of younger family members – Michael had bought a chimpanzee puppet during a return visit to his Dorset birthplace in 2011.
The choice of songs included the middle of Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now, the intro to The Rolling Stones’ Paint it Black and the outro to Jasper Carrott’s Funky Moped.
The family had 1,000 remembrance photographs printed for mourners.
A wake was held later at BOF (Boring Old Fartz) at Birmingham and Solihull Rugby Club, off Forshaw Heath Lane.
Who was Michael Flett?
Born in Poole in September, 1943, Michael spent his life steadily working his way north – but stopped at Birmingham.
He later went back south to London, but ended up returning to his first love and city.
Michael spent his childhood in Oxford, married Christine in 1964 and came to Birmingham in 1966.
The couple divorced after 14 years, but after he’d gone to London they remarried 14 year later and enjoyed almost another 25 years together after remarrying in 1994.
Still actively fundraising last summer, Michael was diagnosed with terminal cancer on December 24, 2018.
Given three to six months to live, he died aged 75 on eldest son Gary’s birthday – January 10, 2019.
He is survived by Gary, a second son, Steven, and his wife, Christine, 71.
Steven said: “Me and Gary are like two different people like Laurel & Hardy. I’m the thin one.”
He later went back south to London, but ended up returning to his first love and city.
Michael spent his childhood in Oxford, married Christine in 1964 and came to Birmingham in 1966.
The couple divorced after 14 years, but after he’d gone to London they remarried 14 year later and enjoyed almost another 25 years together after remarrying in 1994.
Still actively fundraising last summer, Michael was diagnosed with terminal cancer on December 24, 2018.
Given three to six months to live, he died aged 75 on eldest son Gary’s birthday – January 10, 2019.
He is survived by Gary, a second son, Steven, and his wife, Christine, 71.
Steven said: “Me and Gary are like two different people like Laurel & Hardy. I’m the thin one.”
Michael's career
Son Steven said today: “Dad learned to drive (trucks) in the Army and was known as ‘the master of the roads’.
“He knew all the backroads of London and nobody could get across the city faster.
“Companies he worked for included LEP International and Mereway, delivering top-end kitchens for John Lewis until he had back problems.
“He knew all the backroads of London and nobody could get across the city faster.
“Companies he worked for included LEP International and Mereway, delivering top-end kitchens for John Lewis until he had back problems.
“He then joined Kings Norton Coaches, which is actually based in Halesowen.
“From there, he became the driver for the Big Brum Buz open-top bus tours.”
Steven runs a one-to-one IT help business in Wales called I’m Stuck, helping out older people and the disabled to enjoy a life online at home.
“If anybody has any ten-second clips of the funeral I will be happy to receive it for a film I am making of it,” he said
“From there, he became the driver for the Big Brum Buz open-top bus tours.”
Steven runs a one-to-one IT help business in Wales called I’m Stuck, helping out older people and the disabled to enjoy a life online at home.
“If anybody has any ten-second clips of the funeral I will be happy to receive it for a film I am making of it,” he said
The tributes
Steven said: “Dad was born a character, he never became a character.
“When people retire they usually slow down, but dad sped up and lived life to the full.
“He had four bikes including a Harley-Davidson he had long coveted.
“He bought it two years ago second hand from a company in Halesowen but it had a duff engine and he made them supply a new engine.
“They always say if you get a Harley, you need AA cover and so it proved.
“He also had a trike which I am going to use for charity events.
“Gary is a biker, but I’m a cyclist, so this is the year I’m going to discover biking – after first driving the trike 125 miles back to where I live in Wales.
“You would think they would be easy to drive like a car, but they are very different.”
“When people retire they usually slow down, but dad sped up and lived life to the full.
“He had four bikes including a Harley-Davidson he had long coveted.
“He bought it two years ago second hand from a company in Halesowen but it had a duff engine and he made them supply a new engine.
“They always say if you get a Harley, you need AA cover and so it proved.
“He also had a trike which I am going to use for charity events.
“Gary is a biker, but I’m a cyclist, so this is the year I’m going to discover biking – after first driving the trike 125 miles back to where I live in Wales.
“You would think they would be easy to drive like a car, but they are very different.”
Sue Behan, who used to run the Big Brum Buz, added: “Michael was the most wonderful, kind, helpful man.
“He was my No. 1 driver, very loyal and someone who loved Birmingham’s history.
“Michael loved being a biker and was an absolutely amazing charity fundraiser.”
“He was my No. 1 driver, very loyal and someone who loved Birmingham’s history.
“Michael loved being a biker and was an absolutely amazing charity fundraiser.”
More information
The family has asked for no flowers but donations can be made to The Animal House Rescue.
A special Facebook page for tributes has been set up at this link here and for more information about Michael Flett’s life with videos, visit this page here
For details about the work of ‘blood bikes’ run by Midland Freewheelers’ emergency rider voluntary service to ‘help the NHS to help you’ visit the website here or call 0300 1024 999.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/hundreds-bikers-join-funeral-cortege-15742178
A special Facebook page for tributes has been set up at this link here and for more information about Michael Flett’s life with videos, visit this page here
For details about the work of ‘blood bikes’ run by Midland Freewheelers’ emergency rider voluntary service to ‘help the NHS to help you’ visit the website here or call 0300 1024 999.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/hundreds-bikers-join-funeral-cortege-15742178
Bikers in guard of honour as sidecar coffin taken into funeral
Leading charity fundraiser Michael Flett given an amazing send off
Hundreds of headlights lit up the road ahead for biker Michael Flett's final journey.
Draped in a flag of St George, his coffin was carried in a sidecar so that he could "listen to the noise of the bike.”
The giant cortege from the family home in Northfield to Lodge Hill Crematorium was headed by five Midland Freewheelers’ ‘blood bikes’ in honour of the money Michael had raised for the charity.
The bikers then revved the coffin into the service at full throttle.
Michael, who made it his mission to put smiles on faces, died aged 75 on January 10, 2019 - the birthday of his eldest son, Gary.
Usually to be found dressing up as Santa every December, Michael was told on Christmas Eve that he had three to six months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Hundreds of headlights lit up the road ahead for biker Michael Flett's final journey.
Draped in a flag of St George, his coffin was carried in a sidecar so that he could "listen to the noise of the bike.”
The giant cortege from the family home in Northfield to Lodge Hill Crematorium was headed by five Midland Freewheelers’ ‘blood bikes’ in honour of the money Michael had raised for the charity.
The bikers then revved the coffin into the service at full throttle.
Michael, who made it his mission to put smiles on faces, died aged 75 on January 10, 2019 - the birthday of his eldest son, Gary.
Usually to be found dressing up as Santa every December, Michael was told on Christmas Eve that he had three to six months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
But after lasting just days into the New Year, his family were determined to give him the ultimate send-off - with a full-scale biker's funeral.
The service was attended by Michael's wife, Christine, and sons Gary and Steven.
So many people were due to attend the funeral, a broadcasting system was provided to relay the service outside of the 150-capacity crematorium.
The service was attended by Michael's wife, Christine, and sons Gary and Steven.
So many people were due to attend the funeral, a broadcasting system was provided to relay the service outside of the 150-capacity crematorium.
The choice of songs included the middle of Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now, the intro to The Rolling Stones’ Paint it Black and the outro to Jasper Carrott’s Funky Moped.
The family had 1,000 remembrance photographs printed for mourners.
A wake was later held at BOF (Boring Old Fartz) at Birmingham and Solihull Rugby Club off Forshaw Heath Lane.
The family had 1,000 remembrance photographs printed for mourners.
A wake was later held at BOF (Boring Old Fartz) at Birmingham and Solihull Rugby Club off Forshaw Heath Lane.
By Graham Young 17:42, 28 JAN 2019
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/bikers-guard-honour-sidecar-coffin-15744483
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/bikers-guard-honour-sidecar-coffin-15744483
Download PDF
Spoken Words On The Day
Spoken Words By:
- Jacqui Mason-Dipple
- Steven Flett
Opening Speech by Jacqui Mason-Dipple
Michael John Flett wasn’t a one in a million man – no, he was more than that – he was a once in a lifetime gentleman.
But then, you already know that - you wouldn’t be here otherwise - and there are so many things that are just so “Sir Michael”, it’s difficult to know where to start.
So, if I was to ask you “what’s the first thing that comes into your mind when you think of him?” I wonder what your answer would be.
Bacon sandwiches? His love of fancy dress costumes, taking any opportunity to don Saint George’s chainmail, with Lady Kriss riding pillion as his dragon?
His many nicknames – Sir Michael, Papa Smurf, Road Captain, Santa – he answered to them all.
Or his incessant countdown to Christmas each and every year, starting in January…
I’m sure for many of you, it’s motorbikes. How could it not be, really? Mick had ridden all of his life, an integral part of the biker community.
He’d been a member of many organisations over the years – 1066, Spitfires, Bones and the Bread Pudding Club, when he took learner riders out on the road before tucking into hearty amounts of bread pudding at the end - but whatever group he was in, he filtered through, he included everyone, supporting new clubs and new members, particularly with the sage words of advice he dished out to everyone “Make sure you fill up before you come on the ride!”
Through that community, Mick made so many lifelong friends, but then being as genial and friendly as he was, and being someone who was in their element holding court with their wit, charm and comedy timing – it’s hardly surprising.
He would strike up a conversation with anybody, anywhere, certainly making an impression on everyone that he met. He could scrap with the chickens, yet fly with the eagles, and many, if not all of you may be here today because Sir M himself invited you…
His kindness and overwhelming generosity will also be at the forefront of many minds, I’m sure.
Mick would do anything for anybody – nothing was ever too much trouble - all you had to do was ask.
Heavily involved in charity work, he was tireless in his fundraising activities, focusing on the smaller charities – Acorns Children’s Hospice, the Duck Run for Blood Bikes, NABD, Animal House Rescue – the ones where he knew that every penny raised would make a difference - the ones without the highly paid CEO’s at the helm…
Having served in the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery for 9 years, Mick was also honoured to be involved in the repatriation of fallen soldiers, making regular journeys to Wootten Bassett and Alrewas amongst others.
Kriss said, at his age, most people would be happy to take things easy, to slow down – Mick, on the other hand, was just speeding up, and at the age of 64, he gave up smoking to fund his 4 bikes, his trike and his camper van…
You may also remember that he was a stickler for timekeeping too.
If arrangements had been made, he expected people to have the good grace to turn up on time and could get very frustrated when they were late…
He would, of course, let them know about it, as and when they did turn up.
Of all his many splendid traits, a filter was not something that Mick was equipped with, and he told it as he saw it…
You knew exactly what was on his mind, because he’d tell you – without hesitation – just what he was thinking…whether you wanted to hear it or not!
So when you take all of these qualities, throw them all together and shake them about a bit, the end result is the magnificent man that is Sir Michael John Flett.
His compassion, his kindness, his humour, his generosity and his strength and determination will forever define him, and that, in turn will ensure that the unique, the extraordinary and irreplaceable Sir Michael will never be forgotten.
But then, you already know that - you wouldn’t be here otherwise - and there are so many things that are just so “Sir Michael”, it’s difficult to know where to start.
So, if I was to ask you “what’s the first thing that comes into your mind when you think of him?” I wonder what your answer would be.
Bacon sandwiches? His love of fancy dress costumes, taking any opportunity to don Saint George’s chainmail, with Lady Kriss riding pillion as his dragon?
His many nicknames – Sir Michael, Papa Smurf, Road Captain, Santa – he answered to them all.
Or his incessant countdown to Christmas each and every year, starting in January…
I’m sure for many of you, it’s motorbikes. How could it not be, really? Mick had ridden all of his life, an integral part of the biker community.
He’d been a member of many organisations over the years – 1066, Spitfires, Bones and the Bread Pudding Club, when he took learner riders out on the road before tucking into hearty amounts of bread pudding at the end - but whatever group he was in, he filtered through, he included everyone, supporting new clubs and new members, particularly with the sage words of advice he dished out to everyone “Make sure you fill up before you come on the ride!”
Through that community, Mick made so many lifelong friends, but then being as genial and friendly as he was, and being someone who was in their element holding court with their wit, charm and comedy timing – it’s hardly surprising.
He would strike up a conversation with anybody, anywhere, certainly making an impression on everyone that he met. He could scrap with the chickens, yet fly with the eagles, and many, if not all of you may be here today because Sir M himself invited you…
His kindness and overwhelming generosity will also be at the forefront of many minds, I’m sure.
Mick would do anything for anybody – nothing was ever too much trouble - all you had to do was ask.
Heavily involved in charity work, he was tireless in his fundraising activities, focusing on the smaller charities – Acorns Children’s Hospice, the Duck Run for Blood Bikes, NABD, Animal House Rescue – the ones where he knew that every penny raised would make a difference - the ones without the highly paid CEO’s at the helm…
Having served in the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery for 9 years, Mick was also honoured to be involved in the repatriation of fallen soldiers, making regular journeys to Wootten Bassett and Alrewas amongst others.
Kriss said, at his age, most people would be happy to take things easy, to slow down – Mick, on the other hand, was just speeding up, and at the age of 64, he gave up smoking to fund his 4 bikes, his trike and his camper van…
You may also remember that he was a stickler for timekeeping too.
If arrangements had been made, he expected people to have the good grace to turn up on time and could get very frustrated when they were late…
He would, of course, let them know about it, as and when they did turn up.
Of all his many splendid traits, a filter was not something that Mick was equipped with, and he told it as he saw it…
You knew exactly what was on his mind, because he’d tell you – without hesitation – just what he was thinking…whether you wanted to hear it or not!
So when you take all of these qualities, throw them all together and shake them about a bit, the end result is the magnificent man that is Sir Michael John Flett.
His compassion, his kindness, his humour, his generosity and his strength and determination will forever define him, and that, in turn will ensure that the unique, the extraordinary and irreplaceable Sir Michael will never be forgotten.
The Original Speech By Steven Flett.
Dads speech (ROUGH NOTES) 1284 words By Steven Flett
Jacki will introduce me but I thats no my name I say my name is DNA
I was planned, sorry Gary had to get that one in.
Dad has been inviting people to this day for years.
Dad had a great sense of humor Time.. I have it on a piece of paper (story)
Dad loved Billy Connolly, Jasper Carrott, The Goons, Morcambe and wise.
Oh the stories... the last 10 years he really lived. Where people would of slowed down he sped up.
Dad was a legend, but he would say Leg Endlike when we was in Prestatynhe called it Push that in.
Names Mick, Michael, Granddad, Dad, Papa Smurf, then Sir Michael John Flett. In the later years we shared dad and he became everyone’s dad,
And my favorite ERNIE and he drove the fastest milk cart in the west.
Charlie
I can hear Charlie because of my hearing aid. (Bring Charlie up on stage)
Introducing Charlie the chimpanzee. Charlie thinks he is a monkey but he is a chimpanzee.
Charlie was bought in monkey world, in Dorset 2011
I could make dad laugh when me and Charlie got together.
In may coming from the hospital after visiting Mom. Charlie was hanging out of the car watching everyone while me and dad was talking.
Dad was born in Poole, Dorset to Eileen Dignam & George Flett in 1943
Dad had a brother Philip who moved to Australia (Died in 1991)
Dad was a war time baby.
Charlie
Charlie say love in an elevator / Love in air raid shelter. That’s funny Charlie
Bring Charlie to the front
Charlie Prostate check,
it’s so sad says Charlie it’s not sad it’s a party a time to remember the good times.
I have lump in my throatno you don’t it’s my hand.
Dad spent 9 years in the Army, 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Mom and dad met in September 1964 at Larkhill,Wiltshire near Salisbury and 7 month lateron 14th May 1965 got married. (14yrs)
George Flett passed away just before the wedding
Gary was born in 1968 in TidworthHampshire Army Hospital
Steven (Me) born in 1969 in Army Hospital, Colchester and we all stayed in army hiring (flats). Moved to Jaywick for a while then moved to Birmingham to be with Moms family.
Dad got into trouble with mom because Gary’s first words were swear words and I’m sure it will be his last words.
Dad was told to watch his language around the kids
Dad worked on Granddads Taxis’s
Dad would arrange the pick-ups and was very good at it and got good tips.
Grandad found out about the tips and raised the taxi fares to a round number so the tips stopped
Jobs
LEP international
Plumb bob in birmingham. Every school holiday it was take your children to work. See the country in a lorry. Asking his boss for our pocket money.
Dad would borrow the company Vauxhall Viva and take us camping to places like Shell island
Dad was a satnav
White and pink papers. Sorting in order of the calls whilst driving
Cottridge school. Oxford dirty week
Staying with Granny Oxford and uncle Patrick (Dads half brother) who I’m older than. Work that one out
We did a lot with dad even spent time with him when he was in the bath.
It was our job as kids to wash his hair and yes he had some in them days.
My baby little fingers was used to clean his ears.
We did family things like going to the kings NortonMOP and the King’s Norton cinema to see the classic film like superman and starwars
The Wellington story
Dad wasn’t impressed with us kids and came up to our bedroom to tell us off. Well Gary said something cheeky and dad threw a wellington boot at him. Gary dodged the wellington and it smashed through the window. Gary shout out HA you missed.. Remember Gary Wellingtoncome in pairs
Dad left plumb boband worked on West Midlands Buseswith Uncle JohnWalton.
Once again take your kids to work day we would wait at the bus stop and travel with dad. Standing at the front and feeling very big and proud.
In 1980 mid-life wobble mom and dad divorced and dad finally moved to London
So I had nothing to do with dad for a bit and forged my own way to adulthood
Gary left home and went to live with him in London
when I was 17 I caught up with dad and had weekends in London and to be honest I used him and made him work hard to get my respect back. And he did work hard to do that.
He did Cook the best English breakfast and you never needed food again
Charlie Start itching
Dad turned up at my work place in Butlins Minehead. We went for a big walk up the hills and on the evening got pissed.
He announced that he was going to try and get back with momand what a mistake he had made leaving her. I said good luck with that, didn’t think he had a fighting chance.
Dad came to Birmingham a few times and stayed at my flat and helping me set it up.
Gary’s engagement party on 1st April 1994and mom gets very drunk and as a true gentleman Dadlooks after mom. Taking her home and putting her to bed and even holding the bucket. Seen strange hickie on mom and dads neck the next day
They got married 1994 again on moms birthday 29th October for 25yrs
Charlie
Charily what are you doing. Why are you itchy. What do you mean you have an allergy to fur You don’t have monkey nutsyou’re a chimpanzee
Wanting to be like Dad
Dad had great skills of DIY. When I moved to Longbridge and built my own office up. Dad said good effort but didn’t you want them shelves straight
Dad had the ability to talk to everyone and I always admired that but look at me now
Dad and Tech
He had 2 SatNav and argued with them and still went his own way.
He hated TECH at first. Telling me, mom & Gary off in the later 90’s for talking geek.
But in 2000 dad took to techand people would walk away from us talking geek
Charile
Swing teabag and I say Im not doing the teabag joke its rude
Cup of Tea
Dad had the skills to get a cup of tea anyone. Once his pc went downand he took it to Northfield because I was doing one of my international cycle rides.
Few years later dad got a laptop because the nice guy in PC World told him it was good. He understood cars but not computer spec.
Dad gave me his old pc and I found it a new home when I came to open the pc to upgrade the ramI found a teabag sellotapedinside from the computer shop. Knowing full well dad got a cup of tea out of them.
Last thing I ever showed dad was InPrivate browsing.
Employment
Agency always asked for dad and he was offered employed
Poem
All my life I been kissing your left tit because the right one is missing oh boy oh boy
I stuck my finger in a woodpeckers hole the woodpecker said oh bless my soul
(Middle Finger)
When visiting a club and we was about to leave I thought it would take a while to say our goodbyes
But Dad said
Never says goodbye just leave and say see you soon
Jacki will introduce me but I thats no my name I say my name is DNA
I was planned, sorry Gary had to get that one in.
Dad has been inviting people to this day for years.
Dad had a great sense of humor Time.. I have it on a piece of paper (story)
Dad loved Billy Connolly, Jasper Carrott, The Goons, Morcambe and wise.
Oh the stories... the last 10 years he really lived. Where people would of slowed down he sped up.
Dad was a legend, but he would say Leg Endlike when we was in Prestatynhe called it Push that in.
Names Mick, Michael, Granddad, Dad, Papa Smurf, then Sir Michael John Flett. In the later years we shared dad and he became everyone’s dad,
And my favorite ERNIE and he drove the fastest milk cart in the west.
Charlie
I can hear Charlie because of my hearing aid. (Bring Charlie up on stage)
Introducing Charlie the chimpanzee. Charlie thinks he is a monkey but he is a chimpanzee.
Charlie was bought in monkey world, in Dorset 2011
I could make dad laugh when me and Charlie got together.
In may coming from the hospital after visiting Mom. Charlie was hanging out of the car watching everyone while me and dad was talking.
Dad was born in Poole, Dorset to Eileen Dignam & George Flett in 1943
Dad had a brother Philip who moved to Australia (Died in 1991)
Dad was a war time baby.
Charlie
Charlie say love in an elevator / Love in air raid shelter. That’s funny Charlie
Bring Charlie to the front
Charlie Prostate check,
it’s so sad says Charlie it’s not sad it’s a party a time to remember the good times.
I have lump in my throatno you don’t it’s my hand.
Dad spent 9 years in the Army, 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Mom and dad met in September 1964 at Larkhill,Wiltshire near Salisbury and 7 month lateron 14th May 1965 got married. (14yrs)
George Flett passed away just before the wedding
Gary was born in 1968 in TidworthHampshire Army Hospital
Steven (Me) born in 1969 in Army Hospital, Colchester and we all stayed in army hiring (flats). Moved to Jaywick for a while then moved to Birmingham to be with Moms family.
Dad got into trouble with mom because Gary’s first words were swear words and I’m sure it will be his last words.
Dad was told to watch his language around the kids
Dad worked on Granddads Taxis’s
Dad would arrange the pick-ups and was very good at it and got good tips.
Grandad found out about the tips and raised the taxi fares to a round number so the tips stopped
Jobs
LEP international
Plumb bob in birmingham. Every school holiday it was take your children to work. See the country in a lorry. Asking his boss for our pocket money.
Dad would borrow the company Vauxhall Viva and take us camping to places like Shell island
Dad was a satnav
White and pink papers. Sorting in order of the calls whilst driving
Cottridge school. Oxford dirty week
Staying with Granny Oxford and uncle Patrick (Dads half brother) who I’m older than. Work that one out
We did a lot with dad even spent time with him when he was in the bath.
It was our job as kids to wash his hair and yes he had some in them days.
My baby little fingers was used to clean his ears.
We did family things like going to the kings NortonMOP and the King’s Norton cinema to see the classic film like superman and starwars
The Wellington story
Dad wasn’t impressed with us kids and came up to our bedroom to tell us off. Well Gary said something cheeky and dad threw a wellington boot at him. Gary dodged the wellington and it smashed through the window. Gary shout out HA you missed.. Remember Gary Wellingtoncome in pairs
Dad left plumb boband worked on West Midlands Buseswith Uncle JohnWalton.
Once again take your kids to work day we would wait at the bus stop and travel with dad. Standing at the front and feeling very big and proud.
In 1980 mid-life wobble mom and dad divorced and dad finally moved to London
So I had nothing to do with dad for a bit and forged my own way to adulthood
Gary left home and went to live with him in London
when I was 17 I caught up with dad and had weekends in London and to be honest I used him and made him work hard to get my respect back. And he did work hard to do that.
He did Cook the best English breakfast and you never needed food again
Charlie Start itching
Dad turned up at my work place in Butlins Minehead. We went for a big walk up the hills and on the evening got pissed.
He announced that he was going to try and get back with momand what a mistake he had made leaving her. I said good luck with that, didn’t think he had a fighting chance.
Dad came to Birmingham a few times and stayed at my flat and helping me set it up.
Gary’s engagement party on 1st April 1994and mom gets very drunk and as a true gentleman Dadlooks after mom. Taking her home and putting her to bed and even holding the bucket. Seen strange hickie on mom and dads neck the next day
They got married 1994 again on moms birthday 29th October for 25yrs
Charlie
Charily what are you doing. Why are you itchy. What do you mean you have an allergy to fur You don’t have monkey nutsyou’re a chimpanzee
Wanting to be like Dad
Dad had great skills of DIY. When I moved to Longbridge and built my own office up. Dad said good effort but didn’t you want them shelves straight
Dad had the ability to talk to everyone and I always admired that but look at me now
Dad and Tech
He had 2 SatNav and argued with them and still went his own way.
He hated TECH at first. Telling me, mom & Gary off in the later 90’s for talking geek.
But in 2000 dad took to techand people would walk away from us talking geek
Charile
Swing teabag and I say Im not doing the teabag joke its rude
Cup of Tea
Dad had the skills to get a cup of tea anyone. Once his pc went downand he took it to Northfield because I was doing one of my international cycle rides.
Few years later dad got a laptop because the nice guy in PC World told him it was good. He understood cars but not computer spec.
Dad gave me his old pc and I found it a new home when I came to open the pc to upgrade the ramI found a teabag sellotapedinside from the computer shop. Knowing full well dad got a cup of tea out of them.
Last thing I ever showed dad was InPrivate browsing.
Employment
Agency always asked for dad and he was offered employed
Poem
All my life I been kissing your left tit because the right one is missing oh boy oh boy
I stuck my finger in a woodpeckers hole the woodpecker said oh bless my soul
(Middle Finger)
When visiting a club and we was about to leave I thought it would take a while to say our goodbyes
But Dad said
Never says goodbye just leave and say see you soon