Tributes paid to Frank Bartlett (From This is The West Country)

Tributes paid to Frank Bartlett

5:09pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News By Kirsty James

A ‘TRULY loved’ Bridgwater DJ who entertained the town well into his 90s has died.

Frank Bartlett, of Parkway, passed away on February 6 at the grand old age of 98 – just four years after hanging up his headphones as a ‘mobile music man’.

His 50-year career saw him spin records at countless events in the town at venues such as Blake Hall, British Cellophane, Sea Cadet Hall, Royal Marines, Lions Club, and Clarkes Shoes.

When the Mercury reported Frank’s retirement in 2008 his ‘FB Sound’ was so popular in the town, he still had two years’ worth of bookings in his diary.

Frank’s grand-daughter, Lesley Trowbridge, told the Mercury: “He was extremely modest and a truly loved Bridgwater man.

“He gave a lot of pleasure musically to local functions for people over many years.

“It is hard to comprehend if you didn’t know Frank, but he was absolutely astonishing. His own play list of music was extensive, from ’40s swing right up to modern stuff such as Coldplay.”

Frank was also a life member of Bridgwater Town Football Club and had bought a few shares when it was ‘Robins Club’ in 1957.

The club placed a dedication to Frank in its match programme this week. It said: “It was with great sadness the club heard the news of the sudden death of long-serving supporter Frank Bartlett.

“It was in 1946 that Frank began his marathon 67 years following The Robins.

“He has made many friends here over the years and had become a well-respected authority at the club. He will be sadly missed.”

Bridgwater Town Clerk Alan Hurford knew Frank well. He said: “He was such a nice guy. He was the oldest DJ in Bridgwater and was such a smashing, generous bloke.

“He was a true supporter of Bridgwater Town Football Club. He appreciated the good times, but also stuck with it through the bad times too.”