Passing of John Gaskell
It is with great regret that we have to announce the passing of John Gaskell, the father of regular Northern Centre riders Richard and Stuart and of course grandfather to Stuart’s son Lewis and Richard’s son Dan.
Aged 81 John passed on Friday, October 31 following a long illness and will be known by other riders as a regular observer at Bassenthwaite trials and prior to his days observing as a regular rider of pre 65 and twinshock trials bikes.
John began riding in the mid-seventies on pre 65 machines and also on Bultaco and Montesa trials bikes. A stonemason by trade and a reserved person, he was known to be especially pleased at his son’s riding successes and followed their results with great interest.
Much of John’s trialling exploits were with his good friend, the late Harry Randall, both vying for good results in the pre 65 classes.
The Eric Kitchen picture is of John in the Pre 65 Scottish trial aboard his Triumph Cub on Loch Eild Path above Kinlochleven.