JOHN “DEBARKLE” ARKLE

Hi All Bashers,

We’ve all got used to bad news recently but today it got even worse when Ruth “Mayhem” phoned me to tell me that her wonderful Dad ~ John”Debacle” passed away today. He was only 70, far too young to be taken, but having said that he had packed more high quality diverse sporting activities and a vast range of interests and hobbies into those 70 years than any one else I have ever known.

He was and is a unique human being . A GP Doctor and also a family man. He and his very understanding wife Pauline, had 6 children ~ all of them first class likeable well rounded individuals and an absolute credit to them both.   I know that he will be sadly missed by them and all of us , BUT always fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to have known him and have had the pleasure of his company.

Debacle was an absolute Gentleman with a strong faith who cared for his fellow man. Words alone cannot do justice to the life of this remarkable man, John Arkle, who we all had the benefit to be acquainted with.

More details will follow as soon as I have them.

Finally, can I add some joyous news, and that is that Ruth’s Baby is due sometime around the 9th April . We wish her and Kevin well for this happy event.

once again more details as soon as I have them.

                                                    Pottsie

CHRISTMAS PARTY 19TH DECEMBER 21

Hi All Bashers, 

This is an important reminder that the STARCROSS F&CC is now less than 2 weeks away. If you want to be there, then please act NOW .

Book your place by sending £10 to STICKY or give it to POTTSIE.

We have to let the club and the caterer have details of our numbers by Monday 13th December.

If you are concerned about Covid, I think it’s true to say that most of us, if not all of us, have been double or even triple jabbed + Flu.  In that respect we can do no more.
So let’s enjoy the day !!  

Looking at our current list, some famous former fancy dress names are still not registered. You know who you are, and we really want you to join us.
 

Updates on Dandy & Debacle:

Dandy continues to make progress but it is very slow. He now goes home twice a week.

Debacle is recovering from his op and wants to come to the Christmas Party to meet us all & Ruth “Mayhem”  has promised to drive her Dad .

The very good  news is that she is pregnant and expecting her baby in April .

                                                                      Pottsie  

WEEKEND OF 20TH – 22ND AUGUST 2021 TRUCKERS FIELD

Hi Bashers 

Trucker is going to do a ride from his field on Sunday 22nd August.

Trusham, Teign Valley  TQ13 0NU

It is all self catering, so bring your own food and booze etc.

Those that wish to go on Friday or Saturday in their Motorhomes/vans etc are more than welcome.

If numbers warrant it, then fish and chips can be had at a local pub on Friday or just a pub crawl.

Please let Trucker know if you are interested in either of these options for  Friday and also if you are going to be camping at his.  07895 964565

 

Thanks 

NEIL “CAPTAIN AHAB” GAMBLE

Hello All, 

 Hello All, it is my sad duty to report the death of one of our older former Bashers Neil “Captain Ahab” Gamble.

  Ahab passed away on 31st December he was 89 in a care home and suffered with Parkinsons. He leaves his wife Dorothy,2 Sons Eric & Ian,2 Grandchildren & a Great Grandchild. 

   Ahab was a remarkably fit strong man who enjoyed a very varied, long interesting life with many “strings to his bow”. In his younger days he was a P.T.I  in National service. Super fit, he was a fell runner & mountaineer. He came to Teignmouth from Nottingham. Stickie thinks he arrived in a boat!! He worked for Morgan Gilles and subsequently operated the Teignmouth Belle boat offering fishing trips and diving. He also delivered new boats .

    Roy “Old Fart” Stoyle introduced him to the bash and when I saw his unique bearded & weathered face I immediately came up with the name Captain Ahab !!  It soon became apparent that he set himself “cycling goals” that most of us younger men couldn’t match ~i.e. He rode to many Bash venues, completed the bash ride then rode back home. He undertook not one but three very long and arduous “pilgrim trail” rides to  Santiago de Compostela and he came on several Bash tours abroad. Quite remarkable considering his age. 

    He retired from the Bash as his health failed and effected his mobility. However I think it fair to say that most of us will be able to remember something of our times spent together with our very own “Captain Ahab”  

                 R.I.P.  Neil Gamble

 

                                              Pottsie

PETER “RUBBER” JONES

Hi Bashers

Pottsie has asked me to let you know that Rubber passed away peacefully on Saturday in his surfing chalet aged 83, after a long battle with prostate cancer.

He was the 3rd oldest person in the bash and led a very interesting and full life. He also had a varied and successful career as a prestigious hairdresser for top stars in London’s West End (and later in Dartmouth – hence the Bash nickname) as well as being a hotelier and a water-sport instructor.

In addition to being a competent and adventurous off-road cyclist, he was a boxer in the army, a single-handicap golfer, good skier, windsurfer and sailor.  Quite a Guy !

Rubber will be remembered for all of the above and his great sense of humour and mild and gentle nature.

For further details, spider has put a posting on Facebook.

 

On on 

Diamond Lil

ALLEN “ISAAC” NEWTON

Hi Bashers,
 
For all those Bashers who knew Allen well, his funeral will be on Thursday (tomorrow) – a very sad day.   His local friends plan to raise a glass or three at 6 pm along with many of the friends he has elsewhere so please join in if you can.  We know Allen does not want us to be sad but rather to reflect on so many happy memories and bring a tearful smile to our faces. 
 
Due to the limiting COVID restrictions and taking into account his own wishes for a very simple affair, there will be no service.  His ashes will be interned with his wife, Teresa, at their family grave in Shaldon some time in the future.  There will also be a celebration party (which he was very explicit about) when the time is right.
 
On on
 
Diamond Lil

Allen “Isaac” Newton

Message from Pottsie

It is with great sadness that I have to announce that a Basher, Allen “Isaac” Newton passed  away  17.04.20 following underlying health problems. He was aged 80.

Those of us who knew Allen will particularly remember him as a WW2 flight pilot at the Christmas party. He was the life and soul of the party that day  and enjoyed himself very much.

Allen was a sociable man, enjoyed the bash which he found stimulating and a great comfort. He accepted it for what it is. He attended most of the FARTS when his health allowed and rode his electric bike very keenly.

Those who knew him well will miss him.

Ride on 

Pottsie

COVID-19

A message from Pottsie

Hi All Bashers

In view of the current COVID-19 situation and to protect ourselves, especially the older members which are more vulnerable and those with underlying health issues, it has been decided to halt all TVPB group activity until further notice, with immediate effect.

The Government guidelines are changing daily and I’m sure it won’t be long until all pubs, cafes, restaurants etc will be closed anyway.

Stay in touch with each other via phone, social media, WhatsApp groups etc  especially if you have any questions or concerns.

Stay safe everybody, until we can resume normal activity.

On on 

Pottsie