David Purley, a lasting memorial

David Purley, a lasting memorial

Author
Discussion

DJRC

23,563 posts

236 months

Wednesday 4th January 2012
quotequote all
Nope. I tried, but I couldnt bring myself to watch that video again. Ive only ever watched it once and it brought tears to my eyes.
That video is the single greatest thing that I know of about humanity and also the saddest, most harrowing and depressing.

The bravest of the brave.

m8rky

Original Poster:

2,090 posts

159 months

Wednesday 4th January 2012
quotequote all
DJRC said:
That video is the single greatest thing that I know of about humanity and also the saddest, most harrowing and depressing.
You know I have often tried to put in to words how I feel about that video,I have only ever watched it about twice,and I think you have hit the nail on the head there.

shoestring7

6,138 posts

246 months

Wednesday 4th January 2012
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rigga said:
gaz132 said:
Thanks just ordered thumbup
Be warned; its a heart breaking read.

SS7

rigga

8,730 posts

201 months

Wednesday 4th January 2012
quotequote all
shoestring7 said:
Be warned; its a heart breaking read.

SS7
Turned up today and about to start it ......

norman156

2,050 posts

196 months

Thursday 5th January 2012
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Hats off to you sir, what a great and noble idea.

I recall reading the following about Purley (I think it's an extract from Classic and Sportscar magazine):

'No shortage or heart in David Purley, a man so well remembered for courage and audacity that people forget he could actually drive.
A friend remembers, "he was an absolutely brilliant bloke, and on the right day, he was blindingly quick. But he didn't have a clue about racing. In Fl, he'd say 'There was this red car right up behind me.' That would have been Lauda, but David wouldn't have known." Now that's what I call style and panache.'

What a classy guy biggrin

shoestring7

6,138 posts

246 months

Thursday 5th January 2012
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M8rky,

I live in Aldwick, let me know by PM if there's anything I can do to support your effort.

SS7

m8rky

Original Poster:

2,090 posts

159 months

Thursday 5th January 2012
quotequote all
shoestring7 said:
M8rky,

I live in Aldwick, let me know by PM if there's anything I can do to support your effort.

SS7
Thankyou,it's gathering a bit of momentum now so will let you know,I have a contact in Sainsburys and I think realistically that is going to be the best option.Would love to try and get Derek Bell on board (a man worthy of his own recognition).

Edited by m8rky on Friday 27th January 16:10

m8rky

Original Poster:

2,090 posts

159 months

Friday 6th January 2012
quotequote all
Update.Today received an email to say my email with a link to this thread has been passed to the property PR team so who knows.All we can do is believe in the saying "From little acorns".

Happened across some stuff I did not know about David Purley,that he was at one time britains youngest pilot,and the story of his parachute failure when he was in the paratroopers and landing attached to his sergeant!
You couldn't make it up,
1.Britains youngest pilot.
2.Joined the Paras on a whim.
3.Surviving the above mentioned parachute failure.
4.Entering F1 for fun.
5.The George Medal for his heroic attempt to save a fellow racer from a blazing car.
6.Surviving his massive shunt at Silverstone.
7.His tragic death while doing plane stunts for fun.

What a legend.

DJRC

23,563 posts

236 months

Friday 6th January 2012
quotequote all
Witness the shunt car at Donnington. Your mind doesnt register what the eyes are seeing because it isnt possible a human being got out of there alive.

The bravest of the brave.

m8rky

Original Poster:

2,090 posts

159 months

Friday 6th January 2012
quotequote all
DJRC said:
Witness the shunt car at Donnington. Your mind doesnt register what the eyes are seeing because it isnt possible a human being got out of there alive.

The bravest of the brave.
Yes I intend to take a trip there soon as I have seen the pictures and would like to see it in person,also all the other interesting exhibits there must be there.

m8rky

Original Poster:

2,090 posts

159 months

Tuesday 17th January 2012
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Received this e-mail today,

Thank you for your email of 2nd January, we have read the comments of the contributors on the link supplied. We are aware of David Purley's heroic actions in motor racing and the many other notable contributions made during his lifetime. From time to time, we have received various suggestions of ways to remember the Purley family's involvement and contribution to Bognor Regis, particularly through Lec Refrigeration. No decisions have yet been made but we would certainly like to make a suitable tribute to the Purley family in conjunction with the redevelopment of the Lec site.



We understand that there will be a public information meeting held in Bognor Regis during the week of 30th January to inform the public and invite proposals for the use of the s106 agreement funding which Sainsbury’s will contribute from the redevelopment of the former Lec site. It may be an idea to attend this meeting if you wish to promote a memorial/tribute for David Purley or his family.

We hope this is helpful and thank you for taking an interest in our work.



Pat O’Shea

For Sime Darby London Limited






Regards

Pat O'Shea



Tel: 01243 838283 or 01243 861107

Fax: 01243 828918

Web: www.simedarby.co.uk



Sime Darby London Ltd. is a proud supporter of the Bognor Regis Developer & Partner Charter



I will try and get a firm time and date for the meeting.

MarkwG

4,848 posts

189 months

Tuesday 17th January 2012
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Some of you may be aware of the Under 17 Car Club?

http://www.under17-carclub.co.uk/nonmembers/nonmem...

The club was started by Sandie Barrie & Barrie "Whizzo" Williams to give youngsters the opportunity to drive vehicles, with the ambition of improving their road safety sense & awareness. Each year at the Annual General Meeting in December, awards are given out to recognise the achievements made & the contributions of the youngsters, some of whom are as young as eleven - & one of the awards given is the David Purley cup. During last years AGM our Chief Instructor gave a brilliant presentation on the history of each award; during his review of David Purleys life you could have heard a pin drop. Barrie was there, & he added memories of David; a rare privilege for us all. So he is definitely not forgotten, his memory lives on with the drivers of the future. I wish you every success in your quest.

theshrew

6,008 posts

184 months

Wednesday 18th January 2012
quotequote all
DJRC said:
Nope. I tried, but I couldnt bring myself to watch that video again. Ive only ever watched it once and it brought tears to my eyes.
That video is the single greatest thing that I know of about humanity and also the saddest, most harrowing and depressing.

The bravest of the brave.
Have to agree you have hit the nail on the head

molineux1980

1,200 posts

219 months

Wednesday 18th January 2012
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Good work M8rky!

LiamM45

1,035 posts

180 months

Wednesday 18th January 2012
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I am not old enough to remember him racing but as a fan of motorsport and seeing the videos of his brave actions I am certainly in awe of what he has done. Fingers crossed they do provide a well deserved memorial for the guy, and all the best in your work to get it.

m8rky

Original Poster:

2,090 posts

159 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
Had a chat with Pat O'Shea at Sime Darby today,very helpful and the venue for the meeting is as below,

Meeting will be held on January 30th at the Methodist Church Hall on Waterloo Square,Bognor Regis. at 6.30 pm

This is to discuss the use of the section 106.I will be there to put a case forward,fingers crossed it will work out.




Edited by m8rky on Friday 27th January 16:11

Little Droogie

39 posts

187 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
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Looks positive. I wish I was closer I would help in anyway I could. I was too young to see him race, but I do remember him flying. I was watching from my back garden the day he crashed. He needs to be remembered.

CivicMan

2,211 posts

201 months

Sunday 22nd January 2012
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David has a memorial bench on the hard (harbour's edge) at Itchenor where he lived - his wife Gail unveiled it as I remember in the mid 90's. A lovely lovely guy, he was my best man at my wedding too!

m8rky

Original Poster:

2,090 posts

159 months

Monday 23rd January 2012
quotequote all
CivicMan said:
David has a memorial bench on the hard (harbour's edge) at Itchenor where he lived - his wife Gail unveiled it as I remember in the mid 90's. A lovely lovely guy, he was my best man at my wedding too!
Sent you a PM.

yorkieboy

1,845 posts

175 months

Monday 23rd January 2012
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I wish you good luck in what you are trying to achieve, Just looked up on wike about him. Absolutely amazing chap. I have bookmarked this.