VP Mark Rudall reports the following obituary:

I am saddened to report the death of John Tilley on 22nd November, at the age of 87. John was for many years a very high profile member living in the Midlands with his wife Francoise. They ran a 21' Frolic called 'Chantilly' and toured with her extensively in the UK and France, attending many rallies and organising them too. He wrote often for 'Funnel' and had a distinctive 'light touch', always being a man of humour.

John was a consummate engineer and alongside his steamboating was involved with steam cars and classic motorcycles, his last project, only a year or two ago, was to rebuild a Citroen Deux Chevaux and members may remember his rare Scott motorcycle. Towards the end he suffered with dementia, frustrated that his engineering activities had to cease, but he leaves a warm legacy of  engagement and laughter with those many SBA members who knew him.  We send sincere condolences to Francoise.'

I spoke to Francoise at length today. A lovely lady, and very sad that she has to wait for such a long time in the UK for the funeral to happen: not the French way at all...