A man with a passion for motorcycles who owned a successful bike shop and stunt team for many years and helped found the Blencarn classic scramble, has died aged 81.
Peter Threlkeld, of Church Road, Melmerby, was born and raised in the village, the son of William and Laura, who named him Colin Jackson Threlkeld, although he was always known as Peter.
After starting his education in the village, he then went to Lazonby School.
As a boy he would always go to Walton Faulder’s, helping him out with all sorts of odd jobs and became a big part of the Faulder family.
Alongside this he often helped out on neighbouring farms and with the family threshing business — nothing was ever too much trouble for Peter.
Bikes were always a big part of his life. As a young teenager he started taking part in scrambling and speedway events.
He went on to be a mechanic at John Thompson’s, of Penrith.
After leaving there, he became a self-employed mechanic, working on wagons, cars, and bikes — anything with an engine which he could turn his hand to.
Peter got together with his partner, Gwen, who he had known since childhood.
They spent more than 40 years together and he became a loving father to three children — Yvonne, who is married to Andrew; Nigel; and Angela, who is married to David.
He also had five grandchildren.
He enjoyed great success with a motorcycle entertainment team which he founded, called the Motorcycle Mad Men international stunt team.
Gwen helped him run the team, which travelled throughout the country, even to Ireland, with all the family.
When Nigel turned 16, he joined the team, as did son-in-law David.
Fifteen years ago, Peter, with Alan Purdam, established the Blencarn Classic scramble, through Kendal Classic Motorcycle Club, which was first held at Broad Meadows, Melmerby, and raised money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Cancer Research.
Up until the end, Peter spent many weekends attending motorcross and scrambling events which he loved, cheering David and his grandchildren on around the track.
He also spent long days and nights fixing up motorbikes with Nigel, and never lost his love for engines.
Peter is survived by Gwen, children Yvonne, Nigel and Angela, grandchildren, Hayley, Ryan, Dean, Lee and Zoe, and brother, Stan.
Ahead of the funeral service and interment, which took place at St John the Baptist Church, Melmerby, the funeral procession was headed by a special motorcycle hearse, with people lining the route to pay their respects.
Walker’s Funeral Directors, Tynefield House, Penrith, had charge of the arrangements.
