Icom UK founder Dave Stockley G4ELP

Icom UK founder joins Ramsgate Fire Brigade's 100th Birthday Celebration

Icom UK founder Dave Stockley G4ELP was recently invited to join the Ramsgate Fire Brigade in celebrating its 100th birthday.

The station’s birthday was the 17th October and was celebrated by past and present staff.

Dave, always a keen Amateur Radio enthusiast worked for the Ramsgate Fire Brigade before opening radio retail shop, Thanet Electronics, in Beltinge during 1974. Following the success of the shop, Dave approached Icom Inc and was granted sole distribution rights in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the rest as they say is history.

When asked about the celebrations Dave commented, “Its amazing how time flies, I can’t believe it’s been well over 30 years since I worked here yet some things never change. Its been great to catch up with old friends; I only wish more of them were still around. Still it was a long time ago but out of the remaining few of my lot I’m pleased to say I’ve got the most hair!”

Talking about Icom, Dave said. “I know how lucky I’ve been. How many people can say that they’ve turned what was once just a hobby into not only my job but also a successful business that has been in existence for over 30 years. Both of my sons work with me here and I am very proud that it is a real family business”.