I seldom post on PPRuNe. Last night, reading the condolences, I was close to tears. Regrettably, I did not have the opportunity to meet Pete Barnes. Forgive me, the following verse has been posted before on PPRuNe, it touched me then, as it does now

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air,
Up, up the long delirious burning blue.
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew;
And while with silent uplifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.


A week on, at 0800 on Wednesday, I shall hold my own 2 minute silence for both Peter and the gentleman who died at the scene. Our thoughts go out to all affected by this tragic accident.

XTEC

R.I.P. Barnesy
 

I was introduced to "Barnesy" through the late Phil Ward back in April 1994, remember the days flying around in G-AVSZ the old Agusta-Bell 206II which I collected from Yorkshire after repaint in Metro colours for the traffic contract on the 3/5/1994. Pete was a natural broadcaster, outstanding friend and pilot. At least Pete you will be in great company as on the same day my old friend Captain Graham Snook (The Baron ) lost his fight to retain life and passed away after a short illness at 0205 hrs another great loss to aviation.

I noted the Mode S on a helicopter operating around the Newcastle area today had the callsign ''RIP SAW01'' entered. I assume that's a tribute from someone to Pete Barnes reflecting his time operating in the area. Nice gesture if it was.

RIP Peter. What a great guy who will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. Condolences to his family from all at the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

If anyone who knew Pete would like to send condolences to his wife send me a PM and I'll give you the address.

NB: This is intended only for those who knew him.

A sad loss and I'd like to express my sincerest symapthies to his wife and children.

A nice tribute in the local paper

Newbury Weekly News

Whirls

Tears and laughter at Pete Barnes funeral
 

.


Note the waistcoats. Pete was famous for his brocade waistcoats at Ascot and other occasions, and many of the scores of helicopter pilots who attended wore them in tribute to him.


The eulogies were a perfect balance of moving tributes and funny stories from Pete's life, by his brother Chris, Amer Nimr (an Oakham school friend) and pilot Patrick Margetson-Rushmoor.

The hymns were a mixture of traditional and modern: Jerusalem, One More Step Along the World I Go [chosen by Pete's children Alexandra (12) and Freddy (8)], Lord of the Dance and, after a rousing Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, Pete's coffin was carried from the church by his skiiing friends, to the sound of I Wan'na Be Like You from Jungle Book.

Before the family left for a private service at the crematorium, we stood in the churchyard as an Agusta 109 flown by Captain Leon Smith performed a fly-past over the church.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/...72_306x510.jpg ...........http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/...32_306x423.jpg
Pete's partner Rebecca (Bex), brother and mother



A very sad occasion, but interspersed with laughter.
Barnesy would have approved.
It was impossible to be in his company without laughing - and anecdotes about him made us laugh to the very end.

I shall always remember not only the enormous number of people who attended the funeral but the very obvious affection for Pete throughout the day, both during the service and and at the reception later.

He was a good man.

.

Thanks for the update FL. You are quite correct, he was a good man.

Tam

barnsey
 

What a send off, God bless you Pete [Capt Large]

If anyone is interested. I have some heli stickers not 109 but jetbox, some large and some smaller, to stick on you car, windows/walls etc.

If you send me a cheque for min of tenner + an A4 sae envelope with the cheque made out to pete's air ambulance charity, see how much dosh we can raise. I can get more printed if required.

Post to Chris Stepto, PO 355, Hassocks BN6 9GR.
I'll keep you all posted on Pprune.

God bless you Pete
Helispeed iii


PS Can someone post here which air ambulance Pete supported.
Thanks. PPS see [FL ]below take your pick which one to make you cheque to thanks F L sorry we missed each other cs

The family have chosen two charities:

http://www.memorygiving.com/public/i.../6_cropped.jpg
Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance

This link takes you to another page where you can choose which charity you would like to support and leave a message: In memory of Pete Barnes

---------------

Chris

Good idea. :ok:
Sorry we didn't get the opportunity to speak.
There were so many people that I didn't manage to find some I knew were there - somewhere.

Tudor

http://news.images.itv.com/image/fil...9j-4aaqsk.jpeg


http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/...02_306x551.jpg
Freddy Barnes, 8.



Link to BBC report with television footage


Press Association video