Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Colin Bishop on December 27, 2020, 05:28:22 pm

Title: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Colin Bishop on December 27, 2020, 05:28:22 pm
I have just heard that former Model Boats Editor Paul Freshney passed away earlier this morning from the effects of Covid 19.

Paul was a very close friend and I am devastated. We exchanged emails several times a day.

He caught the virus, together with his wife Rose, probably on 13th December but until now from his daily updates to me, the last of which was last night, they appeared to be riding it out although they were both quite poorly. I don't have an update on Rose as yet.

It is difficult for me to believe that it has happened so fast but that seems to be the nature of this terrible virus.

I will post more information when I have it.

Colin (not feeling great tonight)

 
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: raflaunches on December 27, 2020, 05:52:03 pm
That is truly devastating news Colin, my condolences to his friends and family and I hope Rose makes a full recovery.
I remember first meeting Paul at the Scale Finals which was held at Wicksteed Park in 2007. I was amazed at the quality of the models on show and was amazed that I was awarded 2nd place by Paul. A truly nice gentleman and editor who I liaised with for a few years talking about his time in the RAF as well as model boat related subjects.
This virus is awful- my mum caught it in November and at one point we were worried that she might have to be hospitalised but after I got my sister to get her to eat she started to recover. My sister tested positive for it but had no symptoms! It’s a horrible horrible virus that doesn’t distinguish and I hope we are all vaccinated against it soon so others will not suffer as many have.
Keep your chin up and when we can we will remember him properly.
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: phil_parker on December 27, 2020, 06:03:44 pm
Terrible news. I enjoyed many chats with Paul during his time editing Model Boats. He was always very encouraging to those writing for the magazine.

IMHO, it's largely down to his efforts that we still see our hobby represented on the news stand. His role certainly wasn't all plain sailing, even though he made it look like it was.
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: gingyer on December 27, 2020, 06:24:02 pm
Terrible news, it’s sad to hear these things.
I hope his wife pulls through ok
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Taranis on December 27, 2020, 06:39:22 pm
Very sad indeed  :((   RIP "Essex Man" Those cruise ships will miss you too.  <:(
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Martin (Admin) on December 27, 2020, 06:52:29 pm
 
RIP Paul...... your reputation and works are in stone.... and / or published.
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Popeye on December 27, 2020, 06:55:22 pm
RIP Paul.
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: SteamboatPhil on December 27, 2020, 07:41:45 pm
This has come as a true shock to me as it will be to all. Over the the years I have enjoyed my chats with Paul and his charm and knowledge will be missed.
My thoughts go to the family
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Stan on December 27, 2020, 09:26:12 pm
A truly sad loss to the model world. Paul was a true gent and he had a true passion for our hobby always willing to chat. Long standing readers of Model Boats will remember his time in the editorial seat.


R I P Paul.
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Peter Fitness on December 27, 2020, 10:03:48 pm
What dreadful news. I never had the privilege of meeting Paul personally, but I had several email contacts with him during his time at Model Boats magazine, and we used to exchange Christmas greetings while he was editor. RIP Paul.


Peter.
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: T888 on December 28, 2020, 07:49:38 am
R.I.P Paul,


I hope for his family and his wife Rose she pull though COVID 19




Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Steve Dean on December 28, 2020, 09:05:16 am
Hi Colin,Thank you for letting us all know this very sad news. On behalf of Great Yarmouth Model Boat Club we would like to extend our condolences to his wife, family and friends. Among our members there are many readers of 'Model Boats' and this loss will resonate with them.Steve Dean - Chairman - GYMBC
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Shipmate60 on December 28, 2020, 10:02:17 am
RIP Paul.
Condolences to your family.


Bob
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Colin Bishop on December 28, 2020, 12:26:54 pm
I have now heard from Paul's son Mark. It appears that Paul unexpectedly collapsed around 1pm yesterday and was found by his Wife who also has Covid. Despite the best efforts of neighbours and paramedics he could not be revived.

Mark will update me with any further news in due course.

Colin
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: 17-09 on December 29, 2020, 03:40:12 pm
So sorry to hear this sad news, I met Paul on several occasions and corresponded with him as editor of Model Boats.
Please pass on our condolences to his family on behalf of the Model Boat Association Dover.

Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Footski on December 29, 2020, 06:36:18 pm
Just picked this up. I am very sorry to hear this terrible news and pass on my condolences to his family and friends. Not easy to lose good friends Colin and my thoughts are with you too at this difficult time.
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 01, 2021, 07:59:26 pm
I have heard from Paul's Wife Rose tonight that she is out of hospital and recuperating at home.

Colin
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Footski on January 01, 2021, 09:11:06 pm
That at least is some good news amongst this tragedy...
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 11, 2021, 05:59:07 pm
Just a brief update to say that Paul's wife Rose is now making a slow but steady recovery at home. She and the family have much appreciated all the kind words and condolences.

Colin
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Peter Fitness on January 13, 2021, 05:35:52 am
That's very good to hear Colin, thanks for the update.


Peter.
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 17, 2021, 06:27:06 pm
Details of Paul's funeral have now been announced. I have emailed many of his close friends and associates directly but you can see them here:

https://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/paul-freshney-1952--2020/27442

They include a link to a Just Giving page for the RNLI in memory of Paul for anyone who would like to make a contribution.

Colin
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Taranis on January 17, 2021, 06:47:37 pm
Thank you Colin
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Taranis on January 22, 2021, 11:39:28 pm
Details of Paul's funeral have now been announced. I have emailed many of his close friends and associates directly but you can see them here:

https://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/paul-freshney-1952--2020/27442

They include a link to a Just Giving page for the RNLI in memory of Paul for anyone who would like to make a contribution.

Colin

No closing date to pay respects if you missed this.
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Colin Bishop on February 01, 2021, 09:33:52 am
It is Paul's funeral today, 1st February at 12:30pm so spare a thought for him.

His Wife Rose continues to make a steady recovery but it's a long job.

Colin
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Taranis on February 01, 2021, 09:43:31 am
Will do thanks
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Stan on February 01, 2021, 09:52:50 am
I am sure at 12.30  we will have time to remember Paul for the work he did during his time at the helm of Model Boats  and the passion he had for the hobby. We all wish Rose a speedy recovery and lets hope when the time is right we can have some sort of  gathering to remember Paul.


Stan.
K M B C . :(( :(( :(( :(( :(( :(( :(( :(( :(( :((
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Mike S on February 09, 2021, 07:18:22 pm
Just received my March 2021 subscription copy of MB, (Well done the posties given the current situation and the weather), and in it was a rather nice 2 page 'In memorial' tribute penned by Colin.
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: Taranis on February 09, 2021, 09:40:01 pm
Mine was delivered too, I look forwards to reading that in the morning  :-)
Title: Re: Paul Freshney RIP
Post by: phil_parker on February 17, 2021, 02:36:20 pm
My copy of Model Boats arrived today. Colin's piece on Paul is very enjoyable (not quite the right phrase, but you know what I mean) but it's the comment by Lindsey in the editorial that impressed me.

"on learning that I'd been brought in as editor of Model Boats, he immediately rang to wish me well and let me know I could call on him should I need help and advice"
Handing over the editorial chair isn't always smooth or easy - but for MB's best-known editor to offer the hand of help as soon as he could says a huge amount about Paul. That one action marks him out as someone who cared about other people, and cared about our hobby. I know it will have meant a huge amount. RIP Paul.