Donkey Derby-Dave

Picture courtesy of Orange Man-John from Wootton Bassett

Donkey Derby-Dave, was probably a member of every radio club in the country!!

He helped me a lot when I was starting out in the CB world, and when I was recovering from Glandular Fever, he would often talk to me as he went about his daily life, and as I got stronger, he would take me out for some DX'ing every now and again.

He also introduced me to the world of QSL swapping, took me along to various CB radio clubs in this area, and would always offer advice to fellow CB'ers.

He was always there at fund raising events, such as Odstock Hospital and some of the charity eyeballs.

He was heavily involved in raising money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance by way of a Sponsored DX.

Dave was an avid collector, and sender, of QSL cards. He has very kindly donated some of the ones he used to send out, and they are exhibited here.

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Dave influenced my younger years as a CB operator, and gave me lots of support and advice when I was starting out.

The picture below, shows Dave at the Somerset Wallies Eyeball with the piggy mascot.

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Picture courtesy of Orange Man-John from Wootton Bassett

I remember once we were up on Tan Hill near Devizes, and were doing a special event station. He realised there was an eyeball on somewhere. In a flash, complete with collection bucket, we were off to the eyeball. We arrived there, and collected donations for our Sponsored DX from some of the people who were known to him at the eyeball.

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I recently met up with Dave, and we shared some memories and had a laugh about past happenings. Hopefully some will appear on here for you to share!

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If you are reading this Dave, thanks for the inspiration in my early years when I was recovering from my illness, for the great fun we had at rallies/eyeballs/Sponsored DX events, and thanks for all the support with this site.