Latest news with #BillyPearce
BBC News
15 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Tributes to popular trader Mike's Carpets after his death aged 79
Tributes have been paid to a popular carpet salesman known for his 1980s TV adverts following his death aged Mike Smith, the driving force behind the Mike's Carpets chain of businesses, became a household name across Yorkshire with his colourful TV at his carpet stall in Kirkgate Market and shop in Armley, the adverts led to him becoming one of the most recognisable faces on Yorkshire Television. Tony Hale, a friend of Mr Smith's for more than 25 years, said the "shrewd businessman" would be remembered for his laugh and his jokes. "His jokes were horrific - only he found them amusing," Mr Hale recalled pair were initially business rivals before becoming friends and working Hale said people would remember him for the "daisy carpet" he sold which "really took off in the 80s and 90s"."He used to sell rolls of it. It was a common carpet at the time, just like a little floral design." Mr Hale remembered seeing his friend performing at pubs and clubs in West Yorkshire during the 1990s, telling jokes and playing songs on his Billy Pearce also paid tribute and said in a social media post that he had "lost a true friend"."I'm in shock at the passing of my good friend Mike Smith, founder of Mike's Carpets in Leeds."Mike helped me so much over the years and the advice he gave was the best."Mr Smith's wife Carol told ITV Calendar he suffered heart failure - a condition he had been living with for six months - and had died earlier this businessman first started selling carpets at Leeds Market in 1970 and later moved into a former church in Armley, which was emblazoned with large signs advertising Mike's opened a number of other stores including shops in Bradford, Brighouse and the key to his success last year, he said the art of a sale included "giving good service" to customers, and "a product at the right price"."Don't give them any porky pies," he added. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
On this day: Chuckle Brothers feature on Bradford Burns Unit track
On this day ten years ago, the Telegraph and Argus reported that a cover version of the anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' had been recorded to raise money for the Bradford Burns Unit. The track, featuring stars such as the Chuckle Brothers, Billy Pearce, and Black Lace's Dene Michael, was set to be released on download sites on May 11, the anniversary of the fire disaster. It was also set to be played to the crowd at Bradford City's League One clash with Barnsley on April 25, 2015 (the day after reporting). Nigel Hunter, a driving force behind the recording, said at the time: "All the money from sales is going straight to the burns unit. "And we would love it to get to the top of the charts." He added: "I am extremely proud of it. "It sounds really good. "The artists have gone way over what we expected and gave their time for free as well. "I am ecstatic. "It's been a bit of a hard slog, but definitely worth it. "I want to say thank you to everybody involved. "Tim Walker for producing it, and all the artists – Dene Michael, Clive Jackson, Owen Paul, Billy Shears, Billy Pearce, the Chuckle Brothers, Flint Bedrock, Rick Wild, Danny Tetley, The Aim, Tom and Dom from Bantams Banter, and all the local musicians on it." The idea for the charity track came from lifelong Bradford City fan Lloyd Spencer.
