I
first
heard of Dougie when I was about thirteen and living in Peterborough. He
was a presenter on Hereward Radio. I used to listen to him, and remember
he played a request for me on my 18th birthday. It was a Meat Loaf track,
which, In later years I learnt he wasn't overly keen on.
At
the beginning of 1999 I was introduced to Dougie in the White Heart pub in
Corby old village. My first impressions of him were "OH MY GOD, HE IS
JUST A BIG FAT TAXI DRIVER". But he intrigued me!! We used to chat about
various things, and I knew that I wanted to get to know him better. What I
didn't know, was that he felt the same about me.
One Saturday night/Sunday morning in the middle of April 1999 Dougie
phoned me. It was after he had finished DJing at the Venue. He invited
me to his house for a drink. And as the saying goes "THE REST IS HISTORY"
I
eventually moved in with Dougie on the 1st June 1999.
I
soon realised how volatile he was, but decided he was worth the risk!!!!
It wasn't before long that I knew in my heart that I loved him.
We
had some turbulent times, but always got through them.
Dougie's first love was music. His knowledge of it was amazing. He used
to get me to test him on it. He had various quiz books which I would ask
him questions on. He always knew the answer, whether it was the artist,
the label, or the year it was released. He was an education to me!!!
Over the five years we were together, Dougie taught me more about life
than I'd learnt in all my 35 years.
Dougie and I had arranged to get married on the 4th May last year, but
various things happened, so we decided to postpone it.
Since his his death, it has come to light that he had been making
arrangements for us to "Tie the knot" in October this year. It was meant
to be a surprise for me. It will always be my biggest regret that we
didn't get round to it.
My
personal tribute to Dougie is that, I have taken his name. I have
recently become "BERNADETTE CRAWFORD-KING". I'm sure Dougie would approve.
Dougie's tribute night is on the 15th May 2004, I hope that you will all
be able to join us.
As
the saying goes,
"ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG"
And DOUGIE KING was the BEST.
