As one who knew, from the back of the plane, those halcyon days of aviation in the late 50's and early 60's plying the London - Aden route, and eventually London - Darwin with BOAC, I knew about Speedbird. As a (very) young Junior Jet Club member it would have been negligent of me not to!
On more than one occasion while sitting in a cockpit jumpseat (they were much more trusting times back then), including in a Comet 4 somewhere over the Indian Ocean, I can recall listening to the Captain calling Speedbird London and being mesmerised by the fact that they could actually hear us from all that way!
To Aerial-Bender and all those who served with you, and went before you, commisserations on the end of an era (another one!
) and I hope thing fall into place for you from here on.