Sad news at East Kirkby Aviation Heritage Centre

[Denis Brown]

It is with deep sadness I have to tell you that Fred Panton passed away yesterday. Please read the link

http://www.lincsaviation.co.uk/news/lat ... panton.htm

[DAVE JOHNSON]

Den---that's really sad news----Fred was a real character,i always remember coming over to meet him with Sir John Willis many years ago when we were trying to get the LMA events into the museum calendar---and since then its been the event that all want to return to--thanks to Fred and the Panton family.He was always one of the first on site early each morning,and last month was no different with him either cutting grass or emptying bins before many were awake----its especially sad as he was telling me he wanted to see the Lanc back into the air before anything happened to him,but I am sure that his grandson Andrew and the rest of the family will carry on his good work in his memory.
I will send our condolences onto the family on behalf of the LMA for all the hospitality he has given us over the years-----DAVE

[Dave Parry]

Shock is the only words that can describe this news, when we where their last month he looked a picture of health. As Dave has already said he was on the lawnmower cutting the grass and emptying the bins he always had a smile and always said hello and asked was everything alright. A lovely man and a great loss to us all I think.

[Ken Bones]

Sad indeed

Bonzey and the Baldock mob.

[stewart clifford]

Very shocked to hear this Den, I've Ben going to EK for over ten years. First time I went Fred showed me all round the Lancatster, every visit since then I've always had a good chat with him, an just a couple of months back at the show he was still full of enthusiasm and drive. A great man with amazing positive spirit, one things for sure, when that Lancaster flies, in many ways Fred will be on board.

[Denis Brown]

Very sad Stewart. The museum came together by hard work and Fred's & Harold's determination , as a memorial to their brother killed on the Nuremburg raid. The museum has remained open and as I type this email, the Lanc has started up ready for a taxi run. The Panton family are all involved in this and I know that it will continue to expand and still have the unique appeal it has now. Looking forward for us all to be here again next year.

[Denis Brown]

Needed to tell you that it was the funeral today of Fred Panton.

The service was held in Spilsby Chapel. I estimated between 400 and 500 people in attendance. It was a very emotional service .
Following the service the last offices of love were shared at Old Bolingbroke Parish Church attended only by the close family. The rest of the congregation were invited for refreshments in the Hangar at the Aviation Centre East Kirkby to be joined later by the close family.

The Battle of Britain Lancaster accompanied by a Spitfire and Hurricane in very close formation circled over the Old Bolingbroke Ceremony three times and then proceeded to East Kirkby for two very low formation passes.. A fitting tribute and not many dry eyes, for whatever reason, to see these aircraft flown so gracefully and as an acknowledgement to the Aviation Centre and for what it stands for.

I am lucky enough to be here everyday and hopefully the LMA will be here again to enjoy and help support this museum.

DB

[Alan Cantwell 1131]

A good farewell, for a good man, very fitting, i visited east kirkby for the first time at our LMA fly in, to see what the brothers and their familys have done in dedicated tribute to their long lost brother, was awe inspiring, a fitting tribute, Mr Panton, your work will live on , RIP and thank you,

[Denis Brown]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0 ... ncolnshire)_24_06_2013/




Fast forward to 21minutes & 50 seconds.



Think there may be a time limit for this to be available

[paul needham]

Went to East Kirkby today for the memorial service for Fred Panton, it was a really tuching and fitting tribute to a good man. Long may his family carry on with the same devotion to the Aviation Heritage Centre that Fred had.

[Denis Brown]

I would like to echo Pauls comments on the Memorial Service.

Just thought you like to watch this BBc program made in 1983.

All I wish to say is that everything featured in this program is the truth and the whole truth. No sensationalism was added, in fact it was made clear that the film would not be made if they had to add any untruths, as is in some of the haunted programs.

Sorry about my acting abilities .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfj0OnSb53A



PS. Have to mention I flew the Cessna aircraft in the aeriel filming scenes.

[Denis Brown]

PS No fee was paid to me as a PPL

[Dave Parry]

What a handsome young Den you was, what ever happened to you mate. Joking aside that was a brilliant documentary Den, I think it about time the BBC did another to show people how it is today. You where right about your acting, good job you didn’t give your day job up.

[Denis Brown]

What a handsome young Den you was, what ever happened to you mate. Joking aside that was a brilliant documentary Den, I think it about time the BBC did another to show people how it is today. You where right about your acting, good job you didn’t give your day job up.

Still abit of it there. It doesnt bother me . Just feel sorry for you never knowing what its like to have been good looking
. Tee Hee

[paul needham]

PS. Have to mention I flew the Cessna aircraft in the aeriel filming scenes.

would that be hotel-india ?

[chris willis]

Great tribute there, and a young Den too

[Dave Parry]

What a handsome young Den you was, what ever happened to you mate. Joking aside that was a brilliant documentary Den, I think it about time the BBC did another to show people how it is today. You where right about your acting, good job you didn’t give your day job up.

Still abit of it there. It doesnt bother me . Just feel sorry for you never knowing what its like to have been good looking
. Tee Hee

Nice one Den, Still it must be harder for you having lost yours I on the other hand have never known, so had nothing to lose.

[Denis Brown]

OK Thats one each

Watched it in the pub tonight on DVD and I must admit I enjoyed. Jack Currie was a very nice person . At the end of the filming he asked if he and the producer could have a flight in the Cessna. So I took them for a trip and during the flight asked him if he wanted to fly it.Many of you will know the Cessna 172 just needs a light thumb and finger approach with the controls When Jack took control he grabbed the yoke with both hands like he did with the Lancaster & Halifax the resulting control scared him as well as me. He said "seem to have lost my touch" The BBC did a good job
getting the story together. It has got good comments left on you tube showing there is still a huge respect for our wartime heroes in this country

[chris willis]

Den I think you we're brave in that control tower with those trees a rustling, and the footsteps on the grate, hmmm !

[Denis Brown]

Thanks Chris