I have sat for some time, reading Nige's thread and all of the replies on it.
There are many kind words and expressions of shock and sorrow, I could so easily add my thoughts, but I hope you will understand my reasons for wanting to write a thread of my own.
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It's a funny thing this BBS.
How you can get to know someone, really rather well, despite never having seen them face to face, never having shook their hand...
Many very good friendships have been made on this site over the years, as anyone who has been a member for a while will testify.
Sometimes that 'distant friendship' goes a step further, beyond PM's, text messages and 'phone calls.
People meet up and all those 'little extras' become apparent, you know the sort of thing...? A hint of sarcasm with a wry smile to help the humour across.
Body language, tone of voice, the speed of rapier-like wit; things that cannot be perceived over an internet connection.
It is these such meetings that strengthen and solidify an already trustworthy friendship. Often, just that little chat, either one to one, or as a group at a shooting competition or a club visit. Those few minutes or couple of hours will be all that is needed to confirm what you already knew about a person you have come to "know" as a friend.
I speak on behalf of both myself and Gary (Grayling) from here on in, as most of the content involved both of us on any given occasion.
I was at North Wales Shooting School with Gary a few years ago now. There had been arrangements for several BBS members from Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales to get together and enjoy a few hours on the air rifle range.
We had "known" Mad Mark for some time (years, I suppose) as the "Fruitloop from Flint". Mark wrote some of the funniest, bizarre, risque, threads ever to be seen on here. His replies would often be "straight as a die, no bullsh.." opinions on the subjects, or they'd be simply hilarious. Mark was also known for tongue-in-cheek threads which regularly sailed close to the wind...
As a result of some of his posts, Mark was often sat on the BBS naughty step for a week or three, or in with the Headmaster for a virtual spanking, which, secretly, I am sure he actually enjoyed.
Anyway, there we were, Queensferry, North Wales, plinking away happily when in rolls Maddicvs Markvs, sat in his (self-named) Spaz-chariot (his wheelchair).
Handshakes all round, quite civil and respectable. For me there was a strange atmosphere as a number of "friends" met for the first time.
There was a slight awkwardness, we all knew each other, but this was odd.
Then Mark started, the banter was fast and furious and within a couple of hours that passed like minutes, we knew who we knew and it was one of those moments that I will certainly remember for the rest of my days.
Mark thought it would be funny to post a photo on the BBS from that day, he was delicately posed sitting wearing only (his now infamous "Spangly Pants or Lunar Knickers") sequined hot-pants...
His wheelchair was on bricks and was all but a WHEEL chair, because as Mark told it, ".....those bloody Scousers....."
The funny thing is... everyone else thought it was funny too. Even these bloody Scousers!
Over the next couple of years, we would all meet again on many different occasions in many different places.
Mark did things for people, he was a genius with airguns, repairing and replacing things, but, he did it out of the kindness and generosity in his heart, not for profit.
You know, for a man who came so close to dying in a motorcyle accident, Mark was a true inspiration and trust me, I do not use that term loosely.
Mark lost his leg just below his hip, he had a brain injury which affected his sight (and caused those howlers of typing errors) often, someone would have a pop at him because he would type in upper case. HA! how small did they feel when they found out why...
Mark could have wallowed in self pity. He could have taken to downing a few litres of Super strong cider every day and sat in his own piss.
But not our Mark. He had plans, plans that the inconvenience of losing a leg was not going to stop.
As most of you will know, Mark reached for the stars, and as might be expected of one with so much tenacious determination, he successfully gained his Microlight Private Pilot's Licence last year. An achievement some of us more "able bodied" could only dream of.
Mark was the epitome of independence. His DIY projects would put a good builder to shame.
I have cried several times today and I will again in the coming days and weeks but there are moments when I think of Mark and talk about him and it is impossible not to smile.
This terrible event has brought home a few important things to me.
I just hope from this day on, I can change my sometimes selfish ways and aim as high, and score as much as my friend, our friend, Mark Brewster.
Mark, you have left behind many friends and a few too many broken hearts. So many people that held you in the highest esteem. Myself and so many others will miss all that you were and all that you did.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Cliff
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