Memories

These are the words by Des Barber's speech which are a combination of his and others thoughts.

I have been asked by Bernie to say a few words about  Dougie on her behalf. 

It would be impossible to include everything in the time we have but I would like start by thanking you all for being here, it means a lot to Bernie and Dougie’s family to know just how popular he really was. 

 Corby has seen an outpouring of grief like never before and to those that have phoned, emailed or posted messages on the internet – many thanks.

 We all have fond memories of Dougie and no doubt later today we will share them all at some point.  Having spoken to many people this past week about Dougie here are just a few reminders.

 In his youth he was a corporal in the Army Cadets. He re-named a division from the local Borstal  ‘The Sticky Finger Brigade’. They loved it so much they adopted the name

About this time he met Franny Lagin who became a lifelong friend, so much so that he once convinced Franny that ice cream wasn’t fattening so it was all right to devour as much as they could and it would have no effect, but as we all know that wasn’t quite true.

 He was a Star Rugby Player, a Top Salesman,  Mad Taxi Driver, Publican, DJ, Radio Presenter and a fully paid up member of Mensa. He was all these things and more.

 Dougie loved music and he loved drinking, so what better than to combine the two by becoming landlord and DJ in places like The Rock and The Nags, and lets not forget to mention great times in The Raven and The Rugby Club. Lets be honest he worked in every pub and club in town and tried to drink most of them dry!

 Who can forget his world famous impersonation of tweety pie’s ‘ I Taut I Taw a Pooddy Cat’ or his solo version of The Blues Brothers’ in the Open Hearth.

In his own words he was a ‘Part Time Pop Star’. One night in the Nags Steve Marriot from the Small Faces was on stage when suddenly Dougie jumped on stage, guitar in hand. Steve asked him if could play?  Dougie replied  ‘No but I have got the facial expressions of a top lead guitarist!

 He was friends with the rich and famous, Billy Connelly, Rick Wakeman, Bill Drummond from KLF and Mr BIP to name just a few.

 As you all know Dougie didn’t suffer fools gladly, for example at one Radio station he had a disagreement with the programme controller, Dougies answer was to thump him. Good answer but I’m so pleased he never had a disagreement with me!   

 He was all things to all people.

 In December Dougie broadcast on Corby Radio for the last time. He knew he wasn’t well but never missed a show.

He was at his happiest when imparting ‘The Wisdom According to The King’

 FINALLY

 Over the years Corby has been famous for two things, The Steel works and Dougie King. Both are now gone. The works we may forget but we will always remember Dougie King,

The Family Man, The Showman, Part-time Popstar and all round good guy.

I will leave you with the man himself  "Often imitated, never duplicated".