Thumper Club Forum
Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: Furry John on April 30, 2011, 06:45:39 PM
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H All;
Sadly I have to let you all know that Bruce lost his battle today and has passed away. To many of us he represented the ideal of the Thumper Club, he rode his Norton wherever, whenever, always camping. He was a special character with his daft jokes and crazy music, but by God he was a REAL character. When I last saw him (at Wistanstow Show, two weeks ago) he was delighted at the attention the Norton was getting and chuffed that so many people were reading his folder of pictures and notes that documented his rallying life for so many years but apparently he had weakened since then.
RIP Bruce,
Furry John
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Hello to you all,
Bruce was camping till last weekend and was insistent that he be booked in for the Norton owners weekend in mid Wales this weekend. Sadly he didn't make it but stayed out of hospital until Thursday night and insisted on being out of bed and on his feet as much as he could until the end came. He insisted on choosing and playing his own music in hospital [thank you Shrewsbury] and continued to contribute to the musical education of others! I shall always remember listening to "Yesterday" by the Beatles with him and reflecting how poignant the familiar words had become.
He lived his life with an indomitable courage which sustained him for months longer than he was forecast and long after others would have given up. His friendship and freely offered [and well founded] advice has helped many a novice rallyist find a better tent or sleeping bag. His beef stew is rightly legendary. Determination and friendship are what get us to, and through, both rallys and life Bruce was a legend in both of these.
When the arrangements are known it will be good to see as many as possible of Bruce's friends at Church Stretton on their bikes to send him off with the sound of engines that was so much a part of his life. From his first Dragon in 69 to the last rally he attended at Llanthony with the club before Christmas he was never happier than when surrounded by motorcycle folk. I attended both of these events with him and was proud to be his friend. It will be good to see his friends soon to see him off on the next journey and perhaps to think about how best we remember and use the gifts that Bruce gave so freely.
Dnepr00
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I'm so, so sorry to hear Bruce has passed away, I knew he was very ill but the thought that he has gone is still a shock. Bruce was a real character, Gentleman and a true motorcyclist and his taste in music and humour was wonderfully appalling- the club will be poorer for his loss.
God bless you Bruce, Ride free mate. :'( :'( :'(
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Met Bruce 3 times .. possibly four, always a pleasure to chat to, i loved his style, his capacity to enjoy life and people and (along with his bike) air of invincibility.
he'll be missed by many, a great loss to everyone.... wherever you go Bill.... i'm sure you'll do it your way
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God bless Bruce. So sorry to hear of his passing. As has already been said the club was enriched by his presence and his anecdotes. No doubt he will be soon be regaling St Peter and his cohorts with his considerable repertoire.
Thump on Bruce.
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Sad news indeed, my thoughts are with his loved ones.
I raise a glass to you Bruce, hope you're in a better place now, hopefully a sunny rally field with friends who have gone on ahead.
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Sad to read of Bruce's death. I never met him, but the craic on this site and the images that were posted, let you know Bruce was Bruce. Just back in from riding around Loch Awe on the single track 'road', so will raise a toast of Laphroig, "Slainte" and dedicate the sighting of the Golden eagle and two Ospreys soaring on a strong easterly under clear blue skies to Bruce.
Slainte, Bill.
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Dont know what to say !
Having known Bruce for a little while now......he kept popping up all over the place.
From our first meeting at The Elefant to Builth Wells Show.
Where he was on Marshalling duties and he did come along and join us on the stand keeping us amused with his jokes and banter.
He will be sadly missed by me and many more,Beef Stew was good !
Now God has competition.......Norton Big 4 !
Jethro
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Wotcha.
I was a member of this forum some years ago. . . 'fraid I've had to re-register seeing as I ain't posted for a while ;D
I too saw Bruce at Wistanstow last month, and although he wasn't too well he still enjoyed being there amongst the men and machines he loved.
He also attened our club's ( Moonshiners MCC ) rally on several occasions and we spent quite a few hours generally taking the piss and putting the world to rights.
As folks have said - he may be gone but he'll never be forgotten.
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Good night Bruce, rest in peace. Your day has been long and full, filled with joy and packed with memories but now you must rest.
Met Bruce many times, always a delight to chat too and never boring. He will be missed.
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It is terrible news, made no less affecting by the knowledge that it was the likely end to a nasty and debilitating illness. When Ian rang me to tell me the news I had tears in my eyes. The thing is I only knew Bruce through meeting him at rallies and shows, but that's the measure of his unique character, we will all miss him. I've never met anyone else like him and I doubt I will.
The first time I had a decent chat with him was in a camping shop in Betws Y Coed. He was shopping for a camping plate because he'd lost one en route to the Dragon Rally. He was in a terrible mood about it and I left the encounter thinking he was a really nice bloke, but quite mad. I have never modified that opinion ;) The funny thing is I recounted this story to him a year or so ago and he was still in a foul mood about losing his original plate :D
As for his funeral, Mandy (his wife) rang me earlier and confirmed that they intend to flood Church Stretton with bikes and the coffin will be followed by a bike convoy. As soon as details are firmed up then Ian will post them here (or failing that one of us will post them up).
One important thing to say is that Bruce's care during his illness was superb and it's all that any of us could wish that we had friends and family like his. I'll raise a glass to Bruce tonight but I also propose a toast to Mandy (Bruce's wife) and Ian and the rest of his friends. I'm sure it was a comfort for Bruce to be surrounded by such love and friendship.
Graham
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I didnet know Bruce very well and only met him about 3 times but he was someone you don't forget. I was a little out of touch and didn't know he was ill.
A sad loss
Ken
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Sad news, but then I am also one of the many priveledged persons to have met Bruce. Yes his taste in music was so bad that sometimes it was good! I have spent many hours chewing the 'cud' with Bruce especially when he wanted to convert his Norton to be the first electric start one round. At many Dragons I have been invited to have a plate of his famous stew, at many shows it always was quite special to see how much interest and attention his Norton attracted. The vision of him in his Felt hat and the Norton jumper with his old leather jacket will not fade from my memory and those memories can never be taken away from me.
It was not one of his more longstanding colleagues but I would consider myself a friend, who after a long days ride could set up camp, firmly shake the hand of fellow travellers, have that first beer and listen to some of the worst jokes around, courtesy of Bruce!
RIP mate
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I met Bruce on several occasions at various rallies and had to suffer his terrible taste in music and jokes,will be sorely missed,one of liefs characters.
RIP Bruce
Alan
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Whilst I was waiting for Bruce to turn up at the Clee Hill rally a month or so ago I mentioned to Ian's brother that Bruce's voice failing had the one consequence that he couldn't tell me any bloody dreadful jokes. Ian's brother replied, "yes, but he can still text, listen to this"
He continued,
"A farmer goes into his field one morning in the recent cold spell and finds every single one of his cows frozen solid on the spot. He casts he eyes up to heaven and asked for God's help and lo, a woman appears. She goes to each cow in turn and puts her hand on its back, at which the cow comes back to life and ambles off chewing grass. Soon they are all restored to life.
'Are you my guardian angel?' asks the farmer.
'No' she replies, 'I'm Thora Hird'
::)
GC
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Sorry to hear the sad news of Bruce`s demise, I only met him a couple of times but he was one of the biking worlds characters.... He will be sorely missed.
Crusty
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I only met Bruce on 2 occasions and only had one good (long) chat with him. But as others have said he's not the kind of guy you forget.(I couldn't believe anyone could be so relaxed about truly offensive music polluting the air at Llanthony)
He wouldn't remember me, but I'll remember him.
R.I.P.
OZ
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Heard the news whilst away for the weekend. Very sad but privileged to have met him on a number of occasions, something of a legend ! Not sure about the jokes though............
Bye, Bruce.
Richard.
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Absolutely gutted, RIP Bruce.
Mark
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RIP Bruce
I only met you twice, but will not forget. You were a special man.
Trevor
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Sad to hear Bruce has passed away. A good man.
Ron
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'Polly' Pollard, happy as muck.
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Please post details when available, if I can make it I will. :(
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What utterly shocking and sad news. Bruce was simply an inspiration. What excuse can there be for not getting out and about on whatever bike you have running when Bruce was going to roll up the Norton regardless of weather, time of year and be his usual chilled out, happy self (with some truely bad joke ready to go). He will be missed.
Andy
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Wotcha.
Just been sent this . . .
For those who wish to attend, the funeral of Bruce Pollard will be held on 13 May at 2.30pm at St Lawrences Church, Church Stretton, Shropshire
. . . that's as much as I know at the moment.
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Thats a great photo, sums it up mark.
Sad to hear of his passing, a good man,
a
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A sad day.
God bless to his family and friends.
Will
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For those who wish to attend, the funeral of Bruce Pollard will be held on 13 May at 2.30pm at St Lawrences Church, Church Stretton, Shropshire
Myself and Ifor will be attending, we plan to get to Baskerville hall (XT500 meeting) early enough to get the tents up then ride up to Church Stretton by 2.30pm.
Mark
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I only met Bruce a few times but each time was memorable and left an impression on me.
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Unfortunately I'll be travelling back from our charity run late Thurs/early Fri so I wont have time to get back down to Shropshire. :( Best wishes to all who go, I hope it's a great turn out to send him off.
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Wotcha.
Just been sent this . . .
For those who wish to attend, the funeral of Bruce Pollard will be held on 13 May at 2.30pm at St Lawrences Church, Church Stretton, Shropshire
. . . that's as much as I know at the moment.
Just a thought, are we planning to organise a wreath on behalf of the club? ( Assuming Bruce's family are OK with flowers)
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Nice idea if we can get it together and its generally considered appropriate.
I will open my wallet..... Not far mind, but enough to give the moths some air.
a
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Likewise, good idea.
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The club has funds enough to buy a wreath and my thought was that individuals could donate money to the Motor Neuron Charity in Bruce's name. Ian has talked about this but I don't know if a 'giving' channel has to be set up or if donations should just be made individually. I will get back to you on this.
As Ian said to me the other night, surely it's better to give towards making sure that less people have to go through what Bruce endured.
Would you all be happy with this plan?
The wreath is in hand though.
Cheers
GC
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Would you all be happy with this plan?
Absolutely
a
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Would you all be happy with this plan?
Sounds good to me.
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Gets my vote.
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sounds a good idea, count me in
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+1 Happy to do something useful to remember Bruce by.
Andy
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+1 Happy to do something useful to remember Bruce by.
Try a donation here, we can each do our own thing,
http://www.mndassociation.org/applications/dynamic/?appealcode=11PIO&id=635
Note: Link given in full so you can see where you are going to!
Furry John
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Money donated
Unable to go to funeral but will be there in thought when the service is on.
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+1 Happy to do something useful to remember Bruce by.
Try a donation here, we can each do our own thing,
http://www.mndassociation.org/applications/dynamic/?appealcode=11PIO&id=635
Note: Link given in full so you can see where you are going to!
Furry John
Cheers John, nice one.
Mark
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Thank you John and GC for arranging or enabling.
My regards, Bill.
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Bruce's funeral arrangements;
To all of you who are able to come the outline details are as follows;
Funeral is at St Lawrence's Church, Church Stretton [A49 between Craven Arms and Shrewsbury] on Friday 13th May at 2.30pm. If you are going straight to the church can you please try to be there by around 2.15.
The funeral service will be followed by a burial in Church Stretton cemetery, there is limited space in the cemetery so attendance there is for Bruce's family and close friends. Arrangements will be confirmed during the service.
The cortege will leave Orchard Cottage East Wall Shrops[B4371 aprox 6 miles east of Church Stretton between Wall under Heywood and Longville] at around 1.50pm. Motorcyclists will be asked to assemble alongside the B4371 near the cottage, there will be signs put out for this. If you are not sure, or need a cuppa then you can wait at the Plough Inn Wall under Heywood SY6 7DS until the cortege passes.
The order of march will be;
The motorcycle combination carrying Bruce.
Family motorcycles [probably 2 or 3] carrying Mandy.
the car carrying Bruce's parents and family.
the supporting motorcyclists.
It is expected the cortege will arrive at the church [about 6 miles] by 2.20pm. Motorcyclists will then need to park their bikes and get into church as soon as possible so Bruce can be brought in.
This is a time for farewell but a celebration too of an eccentric and great character, I'm not sure about the smoking jackets but come as you feel appropriate!
With best wishes to you all and thanks for the great things you have said about Bruce,
Ian Taylor.
Please post any queries on this site so I can, hopefully, answer them
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Many thanks for the updated arrangements, Ian.
All being well will be there on Friday.
Rob
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I'm hoping to be there all being well.
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Wotcha.
Indeedy.
I dare say a few of our club members, along with Black Country MAG will be there.
Thanks for the updated details.
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Cheers Ian.....I'll be There !
Along with a few others from this neck of the woods
Jethro
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Thanks for the info, I'll be there too.
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I will be attending.
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Thanks for the further information Ian, I will join in from The Plough onwards,
Furry
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I'll be there as well
Tim
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What a funeral, he would have been laughing all the way.
The M21 and sidecar which was being used as a hearse broke down twice on the 6 mile run to the church, the second time it started pouring down and meant he had to be removed from the chair and put into a professional hearse for the remainder of the run.
Entered the church to the sound of Monty Pythons 'Always look on the bright side of life'. Hymns and prayers and a marvelous tribute by his life long friend Ian and another by Bruces father followed by the full length version of 'The laughing Policeman'. A soloist sang Amazing Grace with no musical accompaniment.
Bruce exited the church for the cemetery to Hawkwinds Silver Machine.
R.I.P. Bruce.
Mark
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Indeed Mark, a lovely send off. I was glad I was able to get there, thanks to Jules.
Godbless Bruce.
Rob.
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Glad I was able to attend to say my Farewell.
Yes...I did chuckle.....how many people are late for their own funeral !
I'm sure Bruce found that most amusing.
May your God go with you.
Jethro
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Rather sadly I never met Bruce in the flesh; only electronically on this forum. However, I have been deeply moved by all these comments posted by members who knew him personally and feel I have missed an amusing opportunity in my life judging by the jokes.
May he rest in peace.
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Wotcha.
Here's a short video of Bruce's last ride.
CORTEGE PASSES BY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGeR6VGmrfk) < - clicky, linky, thingy.
R.I.P. Bruce.
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Thank you for that video, it was very touching.
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What a funeral, he would have been laughing all the way.
The M21 and sidecar which was being used as a he******* broke down twice on the 6 mile run to the church
Wotcha.
Someone just told me it was not a BSA M21, but a Norton . . . . .maybe Bruce would have prefered his own Norton ;)
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What a funeral, he would have been laughing all the way.
The M21 and sidecar which was being used as a he******* broke down twice on the 6 mile run to the church
Wotcha.
Someone just told me it was not a BSA M21, but a Norton . . . . .maybe Bruce would have prefered his own Norton ;)
Yes indeed it was a Norton Big 4, the same as Bruces. I had another bike in my mind whilst write the previous note. A BSA would have got there. ;D
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Or may be an Enfield???????????
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What a send-off eh?
I sloped over to the Baskerville Hall XT meet on Friday morning and set up my tent there. Mark, Ifor and Steve D were there already so we rode together to Church Stretton. After a bonkers but scenic GPS-led detour we arrived at the house and were fed and watered by Mandy and her band of helpers (thanks guys). Without wishing to sound churlish, we thought that Bruce's terrible taste in music was no longer able to torment us, but when we arrived we were each given a CD of his choice of music ::)
With Bruce placed onto a Norton for one last time the cortege set off on the 6 mile ride into town. Mark couldn't get his Enfield started so I took him on the back of the ER5 I had been lent for the ride. Shortly after setting off we were joined by even more riders who had waited on the route. As has been mentioned the sidecar outfit carrying Bruce broke down, but with little fuss the car was brought into play and we continued to the church.
The service was really nice and Ian did a great job with his tribute. My favourite line was, "The very approachable Bruce on his unapproachable Norton". Bruce's dad told us some great stories about the young Bruce. Apparently, as a four year old on a half built housing estate, Bruce would go off and 'help' the builders. When his dad asked if he was annoying them they said no, he was fine. It got to the stage that he started going to 'work' each day with a packed lunch :D
After the service it was a bit chaotic as the burial ceremony was for the family only. We made our way back to the house and spent an hour or so watching the misbehaving Norton being fixed, chatting about Bruce and laughing at Ian laying on his back working on his brother's Dnepr despite still being dressed in his pin-striped suit.
Tim Berry had lent Mark a battery so he managed to get the Enfield started and he, Ifor, SteveD and I rode back to Hay on Wye.
The rally was, perhaps, one of the best places to ponder on Bruce and what he meant to us because he was such an accomplished rallygoer. The rally itself was a good affair and XTwill and his chums put on a great event. As for the elderly woman being given the bumps, an unfortunate dog and an alarming rendition of an Adam and the Ants song, these things will be better left to another thread.
GC
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Or may be an Enfield???????????
NOT!
but I did save a quid on petrol and it allowed me to get close to our leader. ;D