From Pat Kennedy - a photograph of the late Peter Wilkins, that I took in March 2014. The photo demonstrates Peter's smart turnout, including his gleaming bicycle. Alas, he never wore a cycle helmet that could have afforded some protection when he hit a pothole and crashed off his bike on his way to meet-up with the Forty Plus CC in Sandridge in March 2016. I was pleased to note that the photo was reproduced in his funeral Order of Service, held in Hendon on 28 May 2019. Don Wallace, President, Forty Plus CC gave a glowing tribute at Peter's cremation service.
Kevan Harrop writes: Peter was a modest man, a stalwart, a gentleman and a perfectionist. An extremely intelligent man who always had time to speak to, and show interest in, people.He had a cheeky disposition - particularly with the members of the opposite sex who, without exception, all took a shine to him! He always called them 'dear' and was polite to a fault. It was interesting to listen to him talk of his past, from leaving the RAF to living above, and working on the cheese-counter of, one of the original J. Sainsbury high street shops, to working as a motorcycle mechanic - he had a phenomenal memory. His knowledge of bike (and motorcycle) mechanics was exceptional. His bikes were always immaculate and he was a superb rider. I remember following him, in his draft, riding as steady as a rock with no rolling of the head nor the body, no matter what the terrain - poetry in motion. It was a complete shock when he had the accident which curtailed his riding, hitting a much-obscured pothole - Peter just didn't have accidents! When we visited him in the nursing home he was just the same as he had always been - just not riding his beloved bike. Irreplaceable!
