ROBIN PENRICE 1942 -2007

It is my sad duty to inform you that the Standard-Triumph movement has lost one of its truest and most loyal friends. Robin Penrice died on the evening of Wednesday 27th June at St Michael’s Hospice, Bartestree, Hereford. Even though he had not really been that well for some time, it was only about three weeks ago that Robin was diagnosed with terminal cancer and taken into hospital. I last saw him twelve days ago, on the day he was transferred to the hospice and, despite his obvious pain and discomfort he was almost as chirpy as ever, still recounting outrageous tales of his experiences when working at Standard-Triumph.

I feel privileged to have known Robin and am very proud to be counted as one of his many friends. In every sense of the word he was a genuine ‘Child of Triumph’ and he always maintained a tremendous affection for the people who had contributed to the heritage of the Triumph name. He also had an amazing world-wide network of contacts and could be relied upon to unearth the most unusual items of information at the drop of a hat. Although Robin wasn’t that interested in statistics, preferring to relate stories about the personalities and amusing events he had encountered, he added a unique and fascinating perspective to the marque’s history.

I first spoke to Robin after he wrote to Triumph World magazine following the publication of the first issue in March 1995 and after several further letters, his first ‘Memories of Coventry’ appeared in the February/March 1996 issue (No. 6). Thereafter he produced a series of entertaining, enlightening and extremely popular columns until he was unceremoniously dumped by the new owners, writing his final contribution in Issue No. 72.

I will really miss Robin and I cannot believe I will never again pick up the phone to hear him start a conversation by saying: “Here, did you know that…” before going on to describe some hilarious occurrence from the past. The world has lost a wonderful character and there will be less laughter around with his passing.

I am sure everyone will join me in expressing sincere condolences to Robin’s family.

Tony Beadle

28th June 2007

Update on my situation at Triumph World

Subject: Triumph World Editor Sacked

27th March 2007 For Immediate Publication

To all fellow Standard-Triumph enthusiasts:

I have today received a letter from Kelsey Publishing informing me that my services as Editor of Triumph World magazine are no longer required. I was given no reason for this decision.

Shortly after I found out about the sale of Triumph World, Clive Househam (managing director of CHPublications, the previous owners) told me that Kelsey Publishing had needed some persuading to keep me on as Editor – it is now obvious that my fate was already sealed once the deal went through.

At the time, I genuinely believed that the acquisition of Triumph World by Kelsey Publishing would be a good thing for the magazine, but it soon became apparent that my experience and opinions counted for nothing and I was expected just to do as I was told.

My frustration and disappointment came to head when my editorial in the February/March 2007 issue (No. 72) was censored without any consultation. In the piece concerned I merely tried to thank the people who had been unceremoniously dumped after contributing so much to the magazine over the years – Robin Penrice, Ted Connolly, Debbie Perks, Peter Entwistle and Steve Welsh – but this was deemed to be 'too negative'.

Despite this, I was determined to carry on as normal, doing the best I could for Triumph World. Then the bombshell arrived in today's post. After consulting with my wife and family, I have decided not to work out three month's notice. Therefore, the May 2007 issue will be my last.

I am extremely proud of Triumph World magazine and everything the publication has achieved since that very first issue of April/May 1995, and I will cherish many fond memories of the time I have spent as Editor – they were 12 of the happiest and most satisfying years of my working life. I have made a lot of good friends in the Triumph movement and I intend to keep in touch with them and also plan to visit as many events as I can.

Triumph World belongs to Kelsey Publishing and it is up to them what happens to the magazine in the future. I hope it is successful and continues to be so for many years – I am just sad that I will no longer be a part of it.

Yours sincerely
Tony Beadle