G3NJ OFF THE AIR No-One to Carry on Radio Station at Conisbrough

December 1947

South Yorkshire Times, December 6, 1947

G3NJ OFF THE AIR
No-One to Carry on Radio Station at Conisbrough

Conisbrough’s radio station, G3NJ, Is closing down. Wireless Pioneer and veteran of two wars, Mr Frank Jackson, who has operated this transmitting station from his home at Crookhill Hall, died on Monday, and his daughter, Miss Ruth Jackson, told a “South Yorkshire Times” reporter last night that the family would be relinquishing this fascinating hobby which her father had fostered for so long.

Began In 1933

“We do not hold the necessary certificates required before a licence can be granted to operate such a station,” she explained. “Father first began with the station in 1933 and operated it until the war. During the war the equipment was, of course, taken away by the Post Office authorities, but he began again when the licence was renewed last year. During the past few months I have been assisting father as second ‘op.’ ”

Miss Jackson added that her father, chairman of the Doncaster branch of the Radio Society of Great Britain until he resigned last February owing to ill-health, “spoke ” with friends all over the world He had radio contacts in Peru, Russia, Bermuda, Africa America and many other countries as well as at home.  He was also a television pioneer. He made his first television set in 1933 and exhibited at the Manchester Exhibition. He first became interested in wireless 21 years ago. Mr. Jackson was equally well known as a rabbit fancier, and an all-round judge, and gave valuable assistance at Conisbrough and Denaby Agricultural Society’s two shows for Fullerton Hospital.

Although born at Dewsbury, he spent most of his life in Mexborough and had been a member of the staff at Crookhill Hall for many years. He served with the Signals in the Great War and, as a member of the R.N.V.R. was a telegraphist in the Royal Navy in the last war. He took part in the King’s inspection on August 6th, 1939, and was recalled to the Colours from that day. While serving in the “Courageous,” he shook hands with the King

He leaves a widow, one son and two daughters.

At the funeral at Conisbrough Yesterday the Union Jack was draped and the Last ‘Post sounded. Mourners were: Mrs. C Jackson (widow), Mr. F. Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Burgess, Miss R. Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. K. Kirton’ Mrs. H. Devereaux, Mr. H. Walker, Mrs. T. Walker. Mrs. J. Walker, Mr. and Mrs Sudbury, Mr. F. Randall, Mr. J. Randall, Mr. Hays, Mr. Flintham and Mr. F. Robinson (representing the Radio Society of Great Britain, Doncaster branch). Miss M. Toogood (Matron, Crookhill Hall), Mr. R. Sims, Mr. and Mrs. J. Wholey and Mr. L. Harding Wreaths included tributes from the Radio Society of Great Britain (Doncaster branch), Conisbrough British Legion branch and the 1st Matron and Staff of Crookhill Hall. Funeral arrangements were by Greathead Bros., Ltd., Park Road, Conisbrough (Tel. Conisbrough 22).

An inquest was held on Mr. Jackson at Edlington Police Station on Wednesday, when the Doncaster District Coroner (Mr. W. H. Carlile) returned a verdict of death from heart disease which might have been accelerated by a fall.

It was stated that Mr. Jackson, an engineer employed by the West Riding County Council at the Crook-hill Hall Sanatorium, fell on a piece of coal in July last year.

He was admitted to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, but later was discharged. On returning to work he collapsed.