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[kitz]

Some of you wont know the name, but I can guarantee that you will have heard his voice on TV or radio or even those damn annoying "Thanks for calling.. Press #" for the likes of BT, NHS etc.    Most famously known for being the voice of British Rail.

Going back further in time, If you lived in the NW, you may also recall him from the likes of BBC NW News, Radio Pic and a presenter for the early Children in Need programs.   

So why am I so devastated today - he was a good friend of mine going back 20yrs who was extremely witty and had the best SoH ever.  His house was always open to me and many a night I bunked in the guest room after an evening of laughter and too much wine.  His wisdom helped me through dads illness and he even helped me with Dads eulogy when I was struggling for words.

It was Phil, who took me to Scan Computers back in the days when Scan was in a tiny building and you paid for your goods through a serving hatch because there was no such thing as buy on line.  He taught me how to upgrade a PC by plugging in new parts.  It was Phil who encouraged me to go to night school to learn html, and later on go on to do a degree.   He joked that I overtook him long ago

I never dreamed that sat around his table a few short weeks ago having a catchup before he went on holiday that it would be the last time I would get a proper 'Philly hug'. 
 
My heart goes out to Ellie and the boys.. "Mind the Gap"... you left a stonking big gap behind you Phil. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-36052363

[burakkucat]

Upon reading the news and then hearing an audible clip (on the BBC News web-site), it was a voice that I recognised from diverse situations over many years. 

" . . . and stand clear of the doors."

[speedyrite]

Phil Sayer is a voice I am familiar with from many recent years of train travel. I was particularly touched by the final comment made by his wife on their Facebook page:

"Phil Sayer - voice of reason, radio, and railways. A dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

We are sorry to announce that this service terminates here."

[kitz]

Phil Sayer is a voice I am familiar with from many recent years of train travel.

I have a story to share which I very recently recounted elsewhere.

I seldom use public transport but one particular year I was recuperating from an operation so decided to let the train take the strain for a long w/e in London.   Bear in mind my daughter was only about 11/12 at the time and not used to travelling on trains.

For the return journey we had to change at Reading and whilst we were stood on the platform the tannoy burst into life with something akin to
"The train approaching platform 'x' is the [insert train blah blah].   Please do not leave luggage unattended.  Please do no feed the pigeons."

My daughter looked around, looked at me and said "Muuumm is that Phil?" and then looked around again.


I asked her this morning if she could still remember and she said she could.  She said it was the phrase "do not feed the pigeons" which had made her think that Phil was there.