On 25th March 2015 we lost another member of the “aero-engine” fraternity, Bill Richards.
Bill entertained countless crowds over the years with his Rolls-Royce Griffon 58 mounted on a trailer, his favourite trick being to throttle back quickly with the resulting series of artillery-bore explosions which required that we were moved further and further along the jet pan at Duxford with every new Flying Legends…away from the control tower!
I first met Bill in 2001 when he had recently purchased the engine, he was instantly likeable, with a unique sense of humour, and we spent the next 14 years attending events up and down the UK. Bill was also incredibly generous, he had owned a Working Men`s club in Westhoughton, near Bolton, an ex coal miner and later Coal Board safety engineer, he was always careful to have the Griffon maintained, and the propeller stripped and rebuilt every couple of years.
The Griffon lives on, in the hands of his daughter and son-in-law, who already regularly run the engine.
Pete
Video here:
By: racer2_uk - 3rd April 2015 at 21:14
Bill, a strong man, a dedicated man, an enthusiastic man, a caring man, that’s how he always was when I met him to run engines, I will not forget him.
Andy
By: Arabella-Cox - 2nd April 2015 at 21:56
Another one of Bill with his Grandson.
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Anon.
By: Arabella-Cox - 2nd April 2015 at 20:14
Sad to hear of the passing of Bill Richards recently. I didn’t know him that well but well enough to confirm what Merlin Pete says of his generosity as well, I might add, as his forthright manner. I only spoke to Bill last a few weeks ago and he made no mention of his problems.
Bill was as hard as nails, being from a tough working class background and having endured some unbelievable and horrifying experiences in his long career as a miner. However, he had a heart made of soft butter and when in his presence his generosity was matched only by his love for his friends and family.
Here are a few pictures of Bill as most of us will remember him best – behind his Griffon hanging on for dear life!
RIP Bill. There’s a special place for you up there.
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Only able to upload one pic at the moment due to “failed to Upload” on a couple more. Will post some later (if the stupid PC allows!).
By: Seafuryfan - 2nd April 2015 at 18:29
Very sad news, MerlinPete. I well remember those ‘bangs’ from the Griffon….great memories. For many of us attending air shows, the static engine run-ups are a highlight – it’s great being so close to such raw power. Thanks Bill, for sharing your passion with us.
By: richw_82 - 2nd April 2015 at 13:40
Bill was a long standing Trustee of the Shackleton Preservation Trust, and we always knew if we asked anything of him we would get a straight answer and 110% support. He will be missed, and our organisation is the poorer for his passing… I have fond memories of climbing over boxes in our store with him looking for Griffon parts (only to find what we were looking for in the box we were standing on)
Our sincere condolences to his family.
RIP Bill.
Regards,
Rch
By: Trolly Aux - 2nd April 2015 at 13:05
At least we have the internet to be able to share the great contributions people make, what a great video there to remember him for ever.
RIP sir
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April 2, 2015 at 11:00 am