It is with great sadness to report that Jubilee member Sid Burt passed away last week after a short illness.
Sid was born in Folkestone Kent where his father was stationed in the Army. The family later returned home to Bransgore where Sid spent his childhood.
At the onset of WW2 Sid joined the RAF where his excellent hand-eye coordination skills were quickly recognised and he was trained as a pilot in the USA. He spent many hours in action including in Burma mainly flying Spitfires. His excellent skill as a pilot was put to use during the war to train other pilots.
Sid, a keen cyclist throughout his life, was formerly a member of the Bournemouth Arrow where he was a speedy 25 miler in the late 1930s. As a teenager he cycled 140 miles in a day from Bransgore to Southend on Sea, Essex to stay with an Aunt for a few days. As with most young men in the 1930s the bicycle was the only mode of transport available for courting. Sid told how he cycled from Bransgore to Southbourne via Tuckton Bridge (toll) to see his girlfriend and when returning home after dark he turned off his front light so the toll keeper did not see him returning through.
Sid joined the Jubilee in the early 1980s when he returned to cycling.
Sid was a long-time member of the Scrumpy Wheelers. Until a year ago he was a regular at their weekly meetings usually accompanied by his late wife Gladys until her death in the 1990s.
Sid will be remembered by all that knew him as a kind and lovely Gentleman who always looked on the bright side of life.
Sid’s funeral will be held at Poole Crematorium at 4pm. on Tuesday 29th. March and afterwards at The Vine, Pamphill, Wimborne BH21 4EE
Please let me know if you will be attending The Vine so that I can advise the Family for catering.
David Mansfield (Secretary)