R.I.P. Dave Berry 19/2/58 to 21/11/06
We would like to thank all the people who attended Dave's Farewell tribute on Tuesday the 5th December.
The cortege left his house in High Road Trimley with a large number of bikes following, the lead bike being Rastas his faithful B31 arriving at Felixstowe seafront to see a magical flying display by a MK9 Spitfire the Merlin engine singing out as Dave would have loved to have heard it. From there the cortege weaved its way out of Felixstowe on to the A14 finally arriving at Ipswich crematorium for the 3.15 service. There is an estimate of 180 bikes in the cortege covering all types, old and new, scooters to specials. Many thanks to The Suffolk Constabulary who provided an excellent escort for the entire journey with officers on all roundabouts and junctions which made for a very smooth passage.
The service which was suitable irreverent and conducted by Dave Mitchell who did an excellent job, with four speeches by Clive "Cockbulger" Bamberger ,Nacton Nick (His own and one on behalf of Andy and Jo )and "Shitter" John Smith. There was a mixture of tears and much laughter with the truth finally coming out about the Felixstowe traffic warden's kidnapped push bike from many years ago. The music was by The Beatles , Jefferson Airplane and The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. The capacity of the two chapels which is 190 was well exceeded with many many more people standing outside and in the doorways.
The wake held at the Waverley Hotel in Felixstowe was very well attended. The main room being full to the point of bursting. Ursula had provided various boards with photos and a good spread of food (without cucumber Dave's most passionate hate). Trev did some posters of various shots of Dave at work in Fram plus a few of Dave's notices and the workshop clock (suitably endorsed with the Whitworth name and a rude sketch). The evening was finnished off with his old mates going down to the Half Moon in Walton where much beer was consummed and the chant of "He's a jolly good fellow" was heard.
The family have requested any donations can be made to The East Anglian Air Ambulance charity number 1083876 these can be made through the COOP Funeral Service 213 High St, Walton, Felixstowe, IP11 9BQ Tel 01394 670100.
Messages of condolences can be sent to andybuysbikes@aol.com and will be posted on this page
If you have any pictures from the day you would like to share please send them to andybuysbikes@aol.com especialy the wake.
We now have a slide show of pictures from the day Click here to see the slide show.
and a short movie of the Flypast Spitfire Movie 1web.wmv
Some more movie from Mr Simon Merrin ">Mini Mashers Movie.wmv
Click here to see the comments page
The link below is to the Evening Star News paper article
Many thanks for all who helped bring the party last Saturday 7th July together especialy
Nick , Renee and the girls
John the Pub
Kevin the Carpenter
The Three Texan Blondes ( Ursie , Jane and Maria )
Justin (For a well stuffed Edward)
Phil Neal (Rubberman) for Edwards fantastic appendage
Glen and Karen Rae
John Bailey ( For the PA )
The C I S
The Pancakes
Ed Hirst
Eric Patterson (Mr Kempton Park Autojumble)
Ian Furguson
Firebreathing Danny
and all who brought some food along
And anybody else we have forgotten
To see a slide show of the Party click here
The Party went well with good weather and much fun had by all even the firebrigade turned up for Edwards monster fire!!
As soon to be seen on www.NearTheCoast.com
With deep regret we announce the tragic loss of Dave our mechanic of 22 years (Beret to everybody) who died riding his B33 to work on Tuesday morning 21 November when he was involved in a severe head on crash.(see Evening Star article). He will be sorely missed by his many friends and fellow enthusiasts.
( click here to visit Daves memorial page)
The defendant in the case was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on the 4th June 2007 to 28 months imprisonment and banned from driving for 4 years
His partner, family and friends are dissmayed at this very short sentance
Click here for the EADT article on the Court case 4th June
If any one has any strong feelings or comments etc please e-mail us and we will post them on the site as long as they are publishable e-mail
Messages from friends and fellow enthusiasts
I know I have spoken to you already, but both brother and I are pretty choked up at this end about Beret. Hope you don`t mind me dropping you a line , Kind regards . Simon Merrin.
They don't come much better, do they? Please keep us in touch with the funeral details. Love Angus & Harriet.
My sincere condolences to all there and Dave’s family for this very sad news today, my thoughts are with you all, God Bless.
old school biker I am gutted for you all, from James Cooper.
My heartfelt & deepest condolences go out to Dave's family, loved ones, work colleagues and friends on the loss of one very special person. Words are not enough for this utter tragedy, but my thoughts are with you. From Hugh Hollis
Our world is a strange place when people like Dave (Beret) are taken from us. WHY.
I will miss him , Alan Miles the Fram DIY driver. |
Dear Andy, Jo, Trevor & Daves family, shocking news & loss, proper bloke &
old school biker I am gutted for you all, from James Cooper.
Hi Andy
Julia has just called me with the devastating news of the loss of Beret. I know it has been many years since I have been in touch however the feeling of loss I feel is immense. Some of the happiest day of my life has been spent In Framlingham with Beret and the rest of the crew of the late 80’s.
I am still indebted to Beret a man who had great present and character, a man who introduced me to Earl Grey tea with the word ‘It’s man’s tea’ which was good enough for me. My thoughts go out to his partner and family at this time.
With much sadness
Steve
That's tragic news. I'm sorry to hear it.Best regards Patrick Honour
Dear Jo and Andy. I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Its only recently that Pete Dawson from Telemark or PDMC passed away. That was quite a shock too.
Please accept our condolences at this sad time.
So sorry to hear the sad news of Dave Berry, we send our condolences to his family and all his friends.
So very sorry to hear of your loss, it is a terrible loss to everyone that knew Dave and loved his work...
I'm very sorry about the loss of your mechanic Dave. Anyone who uses an old BSA for daily transport has my deepest sympathy and must be a truly interesting person. I regret I'll never get to meet him now.
best regards,
John
As a vintage bike enthusiast I wish to express my deepest
sympathy to Dave Berry's family and to
yourselves on the occassion of Dave's untimely death.
May he rest in peace.
Jimmy Foley
Ireland
Our deepest condolencens from the boys from Motorcycle Rescue from The Netherlands. Dave will be not forgotten and lives in our thoughts.
Please accept my hertfelt condolences at the tragic and sudden loss of your family member Dave.
May his soul ride in peace and may God give you all strenghth to bear his loss.
Neville E Choksi
Oh Andy, I am so sorry to read that. Please accept best wishes from Rowena and me. Our thoughts are with you. There are no words...
We never met Dave but we can understand your tragic loss, especially at this
time of year. We lost a close family member in a tragic accident just 4 days
before Xmas last year. Please pass on our sincere condolences.
God bless
Dave & Lin (France)
Very sad to hear of Dave's death. A most helpful and pleasant man, he
was a valuable asset to your firm. I remember him explaining how to
start a Velocette Venom, a bike which I later bought on the strength of
in part, his demonstration. My thoughts are with his immediate family
who must feel this tragic loss.
Gavin Murrell.
Hi Andy & Jo - John and I are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Dave. He always made us feel very welcome and had a genuine warmth of character as well as a lovely sense of humour. Our thoughts are with you and Dave's family at this sad time. Dave Speck & John Catton
Hi Jo & Andy,
Sorry to hear your bad news.
How old was Dave? – About our age, or a bit older?
Love Peter & Nancy
Dear Andy & Joe & Colleagues,
I would like to pass my most sincere condolences to Ursula and Dave's
family. I have spent many happy times with Dave, and have known him for
many many years and he will be missed very much and this is a tragic loss to
us all. BOXY
Oh bummer !!!!! Will miss ya mate. This 'ere small world won't be
the same without you Berret. Go well.
See you all there! PH
Still feeling numb, after hearing the news,
Helpless and shell shocked, what words can you use?
To sum up your feelings, the most tragic event,
The loss of a dear one, and all that he meant.
A man with such passion, such knowledge and zest,
Mending and fettling, too busy to rest
So cruelly taken from us, to you I extend,
sorry Andy
Hi Andy.
So sad to hear the terrible news. Beret was a wonderful man. Tuesday nights
will never be the same in The Half Moon. My sympathies go out to Ursula,
yourselves, his family and friends at this awful time. Rest in peace Beret,
you will be sorely missed by Jess and all at The Half Moon.
Hi Andy ,
Rick Hylton here , you may not remeber me but I used to live in
Felixstowe , Dave was a mate.
I will miss him greatly and im sure all who knew him will , a very very
sad loss
Rick
Hi Andy /Jo what can we say, just so, so sorry , condolences to all , Bob
/Heather Boon
Tom here.
Sad news indeed, lunchtime at Tiernan's will never be the same !! my
heartfelt condolences to all who loved his impish charm.
We are so sorry to hear the sad, sad, news of a fellow biker, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, only met once, but reading the web he was someone very special, who will be missed so much.
Dear Andy and Jo
our hearts go out to family and friends on your trajic loss of such a fine
fellow who had such a good sense of humour. We never met Dave but when we
were in the Netherlands this summer we spoke on several occasions about some
British classic bikes we have. What a good bloke with a passion for bikes
and his job. Namasta to you all. sorry we cannot make the funeral as we are
in India. Thankyou for your tribute to Dave he deserved it, we always
remember him on our travels as a fellow biker and kindred spirit. Regards to
Ursula in her devastation.
Prasthan and Barbara INDIA and Germany.
Dear Andy,Jo,
Andy & Jo
So sad to read the dreadful news about Dave. Trips up to Fram will never be the same again - a really genuine, lovely bloke. Sincere condolences to you all - Dick Hobart (Essex VMCC).
Andy
There are no words to cover such a loss
My thoughts are with you, Jo & Dave’s family
Thanks, I think we met last year's august; 4 dutch blokes on a model X matchless, 2 SS80 broughs and a triumph and camping gear. we have fond memories of visiting you all, very sorry about this.
take care,
John
Thanks for the message. I didn’t know dave, but any loss of life at such a young age is tragic. ( I lost a friend myself 2 months ago, similar age , in the same circumstances ).
I saw Dave only rarely but it was always a pleasure. He was one of those guys who never failed to make you smile. His passion for his subject and his infectious enthusiasm were a delight and an inspiration.
He was and remains a legend.
With sympathy to Ursula, to family and those who were close to him.
Glynn Smith
Our greatest condolences to the family and workmates at Andy Tiernan Classics.
Norwegian Veteran Motorcycle Club
Sten Lunde
Chairman
A sad loss, as I am sure people will agree that Dave always had a smile he would share with anyone to bring out the best in their life.
Dave was and will allways be one of my all time heros, second only to my Dad.
I first got to know him when he would have been about 15 years old , I would have been about 12 or 13 at the time
He liked Autocycles I liked Lambretta scooters. He soon moved onto the bigger british machines and from
There the rest is history. He was without a doubt the most clever person I have ever had the privilege to meet
and I like a lot of other people learnt an awful lot from him. Everything he did he did with a passion and not by half
measures, his attention to detail would amaze everybody.
He was both funny and fascinating and above all else was good company.
Good bye old friend, I'll miss the piss taking and banter, You are a true Legend
My Condolences to Ursula and Daves family
Steve Last
Beret was a genuinely good man, we are all richer for having known him. Teresa
and Taff
Andy and Jo
Please accept the condolences from myself and all at The Classic MotorCycle
Regards
James
So Sorry to hear of the terrible accident,Dave was always so friendly and
helpful when ever i needed a favour.
A great bloke that will be so sadly missed, my thoughts are with you all.
Mandy
Hi Andy so sorry about Dave
Andy Mccall
Dear Andy,
Thankyou for letting me know about Dave. I only met him the once but that was enough to discover a really engaging character with a big smile.
Please pass our condolences to his family. This is terrible news.
Brian Crichton
couldn't face coming down to your workshop, life will never be the same,
will miss his friendly banter and cheeky grin.
Sincere condolences to all of you and to Ursula.
Carl Squirrell (Fram Motorcycles)
Dear Jo & Andy,
Dear Andy
I know how much you will miss Dave ....because you cannot work for 20 years with a one off like him, and not be blown away by his wit, wisdom, and zest for life.
We are all greving here, and can only consol ourselves with the many happy memories we have .....rest in pease DB .....but live long in our hearts
Karen , Tim and Girls
I was proud to have berrett as my freind and i will never forget the great
times we had together, a truly honest trustworthy man. R.I.P
rosey
Cant say how sad it is to hear the news, his attitude to life was spot on. i always looked forward to a chat with him over a cuppa, i found him a perfect mix of Clever & humble.
Dave and i were good mates at school and for a few years after leaving but sadly we drifted apart when Dave became interested in british motorcycles and i became interested in lambrettas.I can always remember parking my lambretta
with the british bikes outside the Grand Hotel in the 1980's and the funny remarks Dave used to make.He was the most cleverest and funniest person i have ever known,a pure genius with B.S.A's and british motorcycles.
My sincere condolences to Ursula,Ying,kieth,John,Tony and all his workmates at Andy Tiernan Clasics.
IAN PRYKE AND FAMILY
I have lost a very good & dear friend,
David was a Genius in his shed but taken out of this environment I often called him something else. Ursie knows what it was.
Shorty hit the nail on the head when he said 'my bike is now scared, it now knows that there is only me to look after it'
After kicking Edward ‘Knob Head’ Turner up the arse Ride On.
Dox
Andy and Jo
I am very sorry about the loss of Dave and send my condolences to his family.
With regards,
Neal
Most sincere regards. Norman
Andy and Jo
My wife and I have shared some good times with Dave over the last twenty years or so, we will both miss him big time
P/S big boys do cry
Mick,Julie,Sam and Aaron Cook |
Dave or db as i called him is the most charismatic man i have ever known
what a character,who else would
write a poem on their petrol tank ,so much enthusiasm for his passion british
bikes he allways seemed happy, clever
bloke who in his own words rode "mans bikes".
It was a pleasure knowing him and he will be sadly missed .my thoughts are
with his family and friends
R.I.P
Nigel Jacobs
What can u say, I still can't get my head around Beret being mortal. To me,
and I think many of us, he was the true Peter Pan. A cross between a Sage
and a true genius. From "wherethef**kami" glasses to manufacturing spokes
for the Anal Rectocycle from bits of wire fencing "borrowed" from a field
when we were on a french moped vacance, he never ceased to amuse & amaze.
I can honestly say that without his blunt advice whilst sitting around the
table in his back room some 9 years ago, I would not be lucky enough to have
a small someone in my life for whom I hold eternal love. A truly great gent'
and a helluva bloke.Deepest condolences to Ursie and everyone that knew and
loved him, he will be dearly missed. Darrell
Andy,
I’m deeply shocked and upset to hear of this tragic loss of the truly unique man that was Dave Berry.
My most heartfelt sympathy to Ursie and Dave’s family. All my love Sarah Thompson (Rossie)
Andy/Jo,
Just read about Dave. Terrible news, the chap was an institution.
Will be thinking about you all on the 5 Dec.
Mark
Dear Andy,
Hi Andy,
Andy, Jo & Trevor
Good morning,
I often visit your web site as a classic bike fan and have been desapointed by those bad news.
Sincere condolences.
Christian Couëraud
La Jumelais
35 133 La Chapelle Janson
France.
It was my eternal pleasure to have known Beret, and never once over the past 20+ years could I say that it was anything other than a pleasure, to be greeted with a smile and a laugh, help and an almost boyish greed for knowledge. Be it the latin names of birds, getting dirt bikes dirtier or our last outing, shooting Enfield .303 rifles, his company was a treat. Collin Ruffles
dutch lion motorbikes
Hi Andy, Sorry to here about Dave,a sad lost. Best Regards, Eddie.
My condolence to Dave's family. He was always courteous and helpful and it
is sad to think that he no longer at Andy Tiernan's Classic. He will be
missed by many.
Our sincere condolences to you and all your staff and especially to Ursula
and his family.
A nicer chap you could not have known.
From the Half Moon Savings team in Felixstowe.
Mick Stannard
Brian Rentos
Gerry Capon
Sincere condolences to all on the tragic news concerning Dave just learned off. Hugh and Nicky Hazelton
I am really am sorry to hear the sad news
Funny how some people always stay in your mind as fun loving, I can still remember the day Storm and I met Dave over 28 years ago.
His technical prowess and dark humour will be sadly missed by us all.
Whilst writing this I remember when ‘bike’ magazine were doing a feature on the three A10’s and Dave had to bite his lip to stop that grin whilst the camera man was taking pictures. Even when he was asked to be serious Dave could not help but smile.
As someone else has already mentioned “why is it always the nice ones”
Mark Bridges
Hello
I am very sorry about your friend. I am sure you all have many memories of him that you will keep with you the rest of your life. I hope all else is well. Jim Walker
hi andy dave berry a big loss to us all.A great man .And a great friend. wally.
I knew Berret mainly from the pub. I always found him to be a friendly,funny,
thoroughly genuine bloke.......he will be missed by many. Steve the t-shjrt
printer....'purveyor of fine t-shirts to the club'
Hi Jo and Andy
very sorry to hear of Dave`s death.Our thoughts are with you and we will light a candle.The sky should be full of BSAs, oily rags - no concours condition please,engines, carburetters, tools and all the other staff he liked so much.with much sadnessHorst&Bianca from Austria
Dear Andy & Jo
I am sure you know how difficult it is to write this and therefore will
understand the delay. I have known "Beret" for nearly 35 years, and
have done lots of great things over the years with him. There is now a
huge hole which I am sure you will agree no one can fill, as Lesley said
he was the original Peter Pan and you could never have dreamed this
would happen .
His infectious laugh always made you feel better. He was the best man at
our wedding and meant a lot to the whole family, he was without doubt
one of the people that I would have enjoyed getting old with.
Paul (Army) Lesley, Jonathon and Faye.
Just wanted to let you know how very sorry we were to hear about the loss of Dave. I have known Dave since just after he left school. He was such a nice and considerate man always ready to help you out. He was a very clever mechanic and could turn his hand to anything. The last time I spoke to Dave was when we came over and he made me and Pauline a cup of tea. It goes without saying that he will be sorely missed. Please pass on our condolances to Ursula. Still can't believe it.
Always sad to hear about the death of someone who was so loved and
admired by everyone. A classic bike nut myself, I always check your web
site for a cheer up and a bit of escape (usually from work!!) and am
really saddened by this. Thoughts to the Family and Friends. To you
Dave; ride on brother and please enjoy the (mostly) dubious company of
my lost mates when you see them..
--
Billy Knight
Lawson HIS
knew him many years, absolute diamond , jesus what a sence of humour
BLOODY NICE BLOKE Reg (smallpiece) Mrs
Dear Andy & Jo,
Ursie - we hardly met really, but if I could hold you forever, it wouldn't be long enough. All that's in my heart is yours.
Gail xxx
Never met Dave but have followed his career through mags, articles etc a guy much like myself. Its my birthday on the 5th dec will be 56 and I will toast daves life, gods speed. Sincerely . Barry. Hepher.
andy jo and trev
Rear friends,
Andy,Jo,Trev,
So sorry to hear the tragic news - I only met Dave a few times, but what a Guy he was, always helpful and ready to talk bikes at any time
One of a diminishing category of truly decent people - a pleasure to have known, if only for a short time.
Our thoughts are with everyone close to him.
The Bailey Family.
Most local members of the AJS & Matchless club knew Dave, some from way back when, and his death leaves a big gap in the old bike scene in Suffolk. Top man,he was. Our thoughts are with his family and Andy & Jo.
What a tremendous bloke.
I only met him briefly once or twice, once to blag some screws for a BSA engine, and once at my sister’s wedding.
I don’t think he knew me from Adam, but the man was a legend and his death has knocked me for six.
Deepest condolences to all of his family and friends
Chris Jones
Andy, Jo, Trevor and Ursula,
It was one of my joys in life to give Beret the thumbs up from the comfort of my car as he rode to work. I always got a gentlemanly nod back. However tedious life seemed the sight of him on one of his old bikes always made me smile and feel better. It made me feel guilty about being in a tin box and I should follow his example and get the bike out of the shed. Usually once a week I'd pass by and enjoy a few minutes of his banter. There are so many occasions he has helped me out with something, got a bike started or once, late on a Friday night, he jury rigged a wheel spindle to take up some slack so it would pass scrutineering. It did!
Living behind Andy's I still hear the bikes being tested but it is so terribly sad that he's not there breathing his magic into them, and to all that knew him and loved the man for what he did, and who he was.
I will miss him greatly
Jim Overbury
Andy , Jo and trev
So deeply sorry to hear of berets sad and tragic end.There are few people who can say that they lived there life on there own terms, But beret certainly did. The world will be a poorer place without him , he will be sadly missed ,his family are in our prayers.
Duncan and Jacki
What a Loss! Berret was a fantastic bloke and I can’t really believe that he is gone. He always wanted to buy my ‘DUCATI’ leather jacket that I had made at the IOM when Berret and I were there one year. Whenever I saw him he always pestered me to buy it, wish I had sold it to him now as I don’t ride too much anymore. My best memory of Dave was at a free for all scramble at Mick Potters farm, me riding a pretty quick modern Jap moto-crosser and Dave hounding me down on his Gold Star scrambler..frightening! My sincere condolences to Ursula and all his family.
Dave Flett ‘Fletty’ (Ex Revets storeman)
My favourite memory of Dave is when he came to my wedding
with a card that read 'Sorry about the carp card, we forgot
the other one and had to buy this from a garage'! That sums
him up; a brilliant laugh (a much underestimated quality),
and of course a man of genius with mechanical parts. I
cannot believe the news and my heart goes out to poor Ursie.
The bikes in heaven will be running sweeter now he's there
to fix 'em.
Carolyn Jones
One of lifes nice blokes!
I never knew `Beret` very well personally....but I felt I knew him because of the way his friends spoke about him. He must be one of the most loved and respected bikers out there !
It`s always sad when a fellow biker dies this way, but, when it`s someone like Dave and in those cicumstances................
I joined in the cortege then watched the Spitfire and found the experience to be very moving.The silence of the mourners during the flypast especially.The service agiain showed how much love and respect he commanded.
The world has once again ,tragically, lost one of the good guys!
Ride In Peace,Beret.
My Condolences to Nearest and Dearest.
Bob Vince |
Tuesday afternoon was a moving and fitting tribute to a top bloke.
It was an absolute privilege to have known Dave, RIP.
Richard Gage (Gunge)
I can only say I was in utter shock over the news of beret death, and hoped this was an incorrect rumour that I was told, but alas this was not so. Having known Dave since working with you back in `84. I’ve lost count of the pint’s I’ve had copying beret impressions, licking his finger and plunging it into magneto’s to see if they were any good ,stays with me. I can honestly say my times with beret were always filled with humour and both me and Mel feel incredibly sad at this loss. The turn out at his tribute demonstrates how well respected, unique and loved he was and I could not have missed paying my final respects for any reason.
Patrick Seager ,Mel Faux
What can you say – from the FMCC shed next to the Grosvenor to wheel spinning his winged wheel on wet leaves, it all comes flooding back. Even if you hadn’t spoken to him for years, dropping in for that famous cup of tea was easy, conversation would flow. It was a moving day at the funeral yesterday. A sad loss, but many many happy memories.
Richard “Stritch” Taplin
After asking for a little advice on some work on my ‘Starfire’ engine (late 1970’s) Dave said he’d help and told me to bring the engine round, the next I knew he’d rebuilt it for me! I was still at school and had no money so didn’t know how to recompense him but we came to an agreement that the LP of ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ would suffice. Well last year when my brov (Stritch) was popping over to Andy’s I said to ask Dave if he fancied rebuilding my B44 engine but this time for cash, Dave remembered the previous rebuild and his reward and declined my offer with several profanity’s, perhaps the LP was scratched!!
A real legend was Dave, part of my growing up, as the days go on the sense of loss is greater and seeing everyone at the
Steve “Stritch” Taplin – (Why ‘Stritch’? Well I am Steve my brother is Rich and Dave found it easier to call us the same name to avoid him any confusion!)
Horst
Beret- an absolute ‘Ripsnorter’. Aussie slang, I only heard this xmas and I automatically thought of Dave – ‘an extraordinary thing or person’.
I only knew Beret for a relatively short time but I think he would have laughed at the sound of it and thought it great as part of his vocab, and may well have liked to be associated with such a word. He knew he was ‘different’ but was not one to make a point of that.
Beret is one Ripsnorter that will be sorely missed by many. If there is a ‘Brit Bike heaven’- Beret will be busy and have them running just fine.
Thanks for the fun, mischievousness, and wit and try not to tease
Jo