Superfly Braunstone

Victor Reginald Nelson in 1989

• b. 24th June 1945, Enderby, Leicestershire
• d. 13th June 1990, Glenfield General Hospital, Leicestershire

Based at 11, Woodland Drive, Braunstone, Leicester (1979 – 1990)

I have long thought of setting up a site in memory of my Dad, so this is me putting pen to paper (or rather fingers to keyboard) to do just that.

A big part of my Dad’s life was CB radio and later on Amateur Radio (call sign G7CGD). Starting in the early 1980’s he aquired a walke talkie which worked using just two channels using the name “Superfly” on the Citizen’s Band radio, which at the time was illegal. Redundancy in 1983 from Jones & Shipman in Braunstone, and having to look after my Mum pushed him to acquire a new CB radio set from Dixons with part of his redundancy money. The set he was to use constantly was one called a Harrier, it served him well. His first gesture upon Citizens Band becoming “legal” was to buy a license, which he did yearly.

Through being online, he made so many wonderful friends who helped us through some rough times. In publishing this site, I hope to keep his memory alive.

As is life, my Dad sadly passed away in June 1990 following just a few months suffering with a particularly agressive form of lung cancer. Many of his friends made online were there to say good bye to him at Gilroes Cemetry.

For me, life changed forever and over the years I lost touch with practically all of those in the CB community. By putting this site online I hope to renew old friendships and provoke memories for the local community in Braunstone where this form of radio communication was so widespread in the 1980’s.

John Nelson, Fontenay-le-Vicomte. France.

A few names from the past… remember yourself?

• Axeman (Albert), Braunstone.
• ESOP (Brian), Oadby.
• Gordon Bennett (…), Nottingham.
• Gypsy Cream (Beryl), New Parks & then Braunstone.
• Harrier (…), …
• Harry (Paul), Braunstone.
• Lucyfer (Lucy), Leicester Forest East.
• Manila (Mike), Narborough.
• Noggin (Nigel), Braunstone.
• Petro (…), …
• Toitoise & … (Barry & Pete), Mobile but based in Hinckley.
• … (Trevor), Mobile often to & from Merrylees.
• … (Colin & Di), Leicester Forest East.
• … (Ken), Kirby Muxloe.

If you can help fill in any blanks in this list, including those I might have missed you can contact me here.

During the time my Dad was on the airwaves he made many friends – here are those that I have photos of…

Superfly leaving on an excusion with some fellow CB’ers

Each year, my Dad and some of his CB friends used to hire a minibus to take a daytrip to the seaside. Most of the time this was either to Skegness or Great Yarmouth, and I know they made at least two or three trips out. From memory the regulars were Ken (Kirby Muxloe), Lucy “Lucyfer” (LFE) then a chap who I remember was a retired fireman but can’t remember his name. There were no doubt others who I just can’t remember.

Noggin (Nigel)

Noggin (Nigel) in 1985.

Nigel became a great friend of my Dad’s, both shared interest in Amateur Radio. Along with “Harry” (Paul) they went to night school to study for their “B” license which they passed. My Dad was learning theory, mostly morse code, for his A license shortly before he died.

Nigel was a pillar of strength when my Dad passed away and helped me so much with everything that had to be done afterwards. I just remember being in shock at the time – he was about the only one who I could rely on considering the state I was in.

The photo above, was taken in about 1985 by my Dad, over the road from where we lived in Woodland Drive, Braunstone. You can see me to the left of Nigel piloting my radio controlled Tamiya Sandscorcher – which my Dad had saved for, for months, to buy.

Noggin (Nigel) in 2008.

In the early 90’s I lost touch with Nigel – things moved on, and at the time I finished college and started working full-time. Then by pure chance my Mum moved into sheltered housing practically over the road from where Nigel is still living. We renewed contact a few years ago when I said hello to him on one of our visits to Leicester. Of course I didn’t recognise him – but upon hearing his voice I knew it was him.

En route to Turkey a couple of years ago (don’t ask!) he stopped off for a couple of days at our place here in France. I was really chuffed to see him and show him where I now live.

On a visit to Leicester in December 2008 – our paths crossed again. Here we are pictured with my son Rémy who was 20 months old at the time.