We are sad to announce that our game night DJ, Mark (AKA DJ Bertie) will be stepping down at the end of the season. Mark has been our DJ for the last 15 seasons or so, and has been a massive part of building our game night experience over the years.
Mark had these words on his time with Lightning and on the MKL fans: “It’s been a really tough decision to call time on my match night volunteering days which I have been pretty much doing since the end of an amazing first ever season of watching MK Lightning, from their first ever game in their inauguration year. So 23 years of commitment to the team and fans! I feel it’s now time to step away and focus on being a support for my 8 year old Grandson’s (Austin) activities pursuing his loves of basketball and tennis, and competing in tournaments which timing wise often clash with match days.
I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the MKL community over the years and can only hope that I have contributed, in a good way, to your match night experiences. I’m sure many times leaving you thinking “that’s a weird track to play!”.
Whoever steps up to be the next DJ, all I can say is have fun, and the best of luck. It has been an absolute pleasure to entertain you, the best fans in the UK. I know I shall miss it, but thank you for putting up with the noise during my time at the helm.
I will see you around the rink as often as possible when schedules allow me to get there.
Lightning forever!”
Game night MC Peter had these words about working with Mark: “DJ Bertie was the first person I met doing my job as MC and the constant presence ever since. Not only is he the best DJ in the league, always with the right song for the right moment, he’s also an amazing guy with the right word when you’re feeling down, another in-joke lined up and the next goalscorer prediction when the team’s behind. We might find another DJ, but we’ll never replace our Bertie!”
MKL Director Jon Payne said: “We’re sad that Mark’s stepping down and he will be missed. We completely understand his reasons to step away, and we wish him and his family all the best for the future. Mark has always been able to get the balance right between keeping the music fresh, but also keeping everyone entertained with the classics and crowd favourites. He’s always been open to suggestions and requests from fans and players alike to enhance the game night experience and make everyone feel part of it. Hopefully we’ll see Mark around the rink in the future when family commitments allow…and maybe we’ll see him back in the DJ booth for the odd guest appearance now and again!”
We know Mark will hate the attention, but we will be bringing him out on to the red carpet at end of the last home game on Saturday 12th April to give him the send-off and recognition he deserves.
Thanks for everything, Mark! We hope to see you and the family around the rink in the future.
