Tribute to Ian Stroud aka Tony Mandell

'Mandy Toenails'

Tony at Radio Essex Reunion 2003

We're sorry to report the sudden death of Tony Mandell who began his career on Radio Essex. Here are some anecdotes & tributes from some of his Fort colleagues

Michael Bates: My parents & I were shocked to hear of the passing of Tony who I remember from my school days when visiting the Knock John. I recall he was involved in the Tongue forts adventure & was the last person from Radio Essex to stand by my father when he took over Roughs Tower now Sealand. I suppose in reality he was only a few years older than me, but in my young eyes seemed so grown up.
A very likable fellow he will be much missed

Richard Palmer: Tony was a really decent bloke, a great fun friendly person. I'll always remember his signature 'Terrelian' shorts. Much to our amusement & oblivious to comment he'd potter about the Fort with no concern for the cold, or exposing his knobbly knees & legs. We were fortunate to have Tony with us on Tongue whilst scavenging, & when we'd moved to the Roughs. Tony, one of the few to go beyond the call of duty on three Forts

Greg Bance aka Roger Scott: Tony Mandell had a warm personality, when the London Advertiser Radio Supplement came up with the slogan, that he'd created a unique bond with millions of listeners, we all fell about the place. Radio Essex' signal just about made South East Essex & North Kent. But he'd forever be the man with millions of Essex listeners!

David Sinclair: I did not get to know Tony that well, because our shifts did not coincide that often. I think he joined the Essex gang not that long before some of us went to 270, I do though remember that he was a pleasant guy who fitted in well

Andy Cadier aka Michael Cane: I actually met Tony for the first time at the 2003 Radio Essex reunion. Tony joined 222 just after I had left, however our brief discussion of those pioneering days on Knock John were full of fantastic memories

Bob Le-Roi: I myself first met Tony in the early days of Southern Television & Northdown Radio. Tony was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet, a genuine good natured sensitive man he'll be sadly missed

Tony Mandell pictured above at the Radio Essex reunion on 8th October 2003