Dear reader, I am still in a state of shock having received a phone call from Joan Fielder this morning, to tell me that Fred Fielder had died peacefully in Salford Royal Hospital at 4 am after a short spell in hospital.
Where does one begin when talking about Fred? Chunky Baby the DJ, BBC radio presenter, explorer, hot air balloonist, MBE, musician, coal miner, friend to the stars, raconteur, plasterer, charity fundraiser, all of these and so much but for me a true son of Salford, the City he loved with a passion and which he was immensely proud of.
He told me that he was found as a new born baby in a Moses basket floating down the River Irwell close to the Lanny!
I recall with fondness the madness that was The Fred and Flynny Show, the show we broadcast live from Fred’s farm on Barton Moss, lots of alcohol was consumed as we put the world to rights and failed miserably, we had guests galore on including, Buzz Hawkins, Houghton Weavers, Mike Duff, Steve Foster, Salford City Radio, Tony Easom, Darren Goulden, Brian Gorman, Glenn Kennedy, Emma and Jez Mansfield who himself sadly passed away last year from Cancer, there were far too many to remember, but I remember we all had a terrific time… I say remember… hazily.
Salford Media Editor, Carl Davison, known more commonly as Fred and Flynny’s cameraman, said:
“Fred truly held a legendary status as an iconic figure both on the club scene of Salford and Manchester as well as later as radio presenter at the former GMR (Greater Manchester Radio) now known as BBC Radio Manchester.
“His show reached hundreds of thousands of people daily and was essential listening for a whole generation of listeners who would eagerly tune in.
“For me though, he is and always will be just FRED, ‘The Mad Man of the Moss’ ‘Mosstraudamus’ ‘Funtime Freddy’ ‘Chunky Baby’ but most importantly a very beloved ‘Friend’.
“Some of my most cherished memories will always be of sitting around that kitchen table with Tony Flynn and ‘guest of the week’, listening to Fred ramble on about his exploits as he knocked back a glass of Guinness.
“It was a wonderful time in my life which I will look back on with great fondness, the pair were viewed across the globe and even managed to somehow reach a viewer in Antarctica.
“My heart truly goes out to his wonderful partner, the lovely Joan Fielder and his family and friends.
“Fred Fielder MBE, you were a giant amongst your peers and I hope one day our paths cross again.”
This sad news is still sinking in but safe to say that Salford has lost a true character on this sad day, and I would ask you to raise a glass today/tonight in memory of Fred, we shall not see his like again.
Fred you old rogue… I salute you!
We shall give further details as we receive them and we ask for your memories of Fred on our Facebook pages, Salford Chat and Salford History.
