Tributes continue to flow in for Charles Webster, one of the most important names in the history of radio in the Isle of Man.
Reaction to news of his passing earlier this week has demonstrated just how much Charles was revered by all who worked with him.
Daughter Lucy Webster-Thompson said: “Kate and I are deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and beautiful tributes following the passing of our lovely dad.
“It’s been incredible to hear the impact he had on so many people and their careers. What a legacy he leaves behind.”
She added: “The kind words and shared memories have brought immense comfort to us during this incredibly difficult time. We thank everyone for keeping us in their hearts.”
Charles joined Manx Radio when it was based in a caravan up at Signpost Corner in 1965, before moving to Douglas
promenade and then to Douglas Head. He was initially an engineer and progressed to being the senior producer, a career which lasted 37-and-a-half years.
He would tell his family he “absolutely loved” the job and meeting island people, hearing their stories and opinions.
He started the Farming Programme, Sunday Opinion, the Radio Dr and the Geraldine Jamieson show – the latter which brought him to meet many famous people including astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, to name just a few.
“He covered everything from royal visits, Tynwald Day, the Guild, public meetings, General Elections, Any questions, protests, current affairs, and everything In between.”
Up until last week he remained an avid follower of news and politics, both locally and globally.
“Manx Radio was a real family affair for us with my mum June working on reception on a Saturday for many years and Kate and I helping with sports reports on a Saturday afternoon,” Lucy added.
Kate and Lucy both went on to have careers in the media, with Kate still working for ITV after more than 20 years.
Juan Turner, the founder of Energy FM, worked closely with Charles at Manx Radio. He paid tribute to his friend and former colleague.
“Charlie took me under his wing at Manx Radio and we became a bit of team sharing the basement office together. I was very excited to first meet Charlie as this was the famous ‘Charles Webster’ that I used to hear mentioned when David Callister signed off the Manninline … crediting Charlie as the producer.
“Charlie was exceptionally fun to work with and he knew literally everyone. I owe a great deal of my radio skills to Charlie. He taught me to edit quarter-inch tape with a china-graph pencil, razor blade and splicing tape. Together we rigged microphones and cables for outside broadcast and in many churches for live broadcasts of services for Manx Radio.”
Juan added: “One of my favourite moments was when Charlie went up into the pulpit to test a microphone and started giving ‘a sermon’. But unbeknown to him the Archdeacon had come in and heard all the nonsense and shouted, ‘What are you doing up there you silly fool, get down from there!’ It was all in good fun as the Archdeacon knew Charlie very well.
“I left Manx Radio and joined Border Television (ITV). Charlie’s daughter Kate joined Border and I was again working with a Webster! So my connection with the Wesbters continued and Charlie was so proud of Kate being on the television.
“Charlie and I had so much fun and camaraderie. We remained friends and only a few weeks ago I was chatting to him and he had suggested meeting up at his home for a cuppa. I regret terribly this never happened.
“Charlie had some wonderful stories and I shall miss him dearly and our reminiscing. My thoughts are with his daughters Kate and Lucy and their families.”
Service of Celebration
The above picture is from Charles’ early days at Manx Radio.
Details of a service to celebrate Charles’s life will be announced in due course.