SPEED KING’S END

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19830, 3 May 1927, Page 3

SPEED KING’S END

FUNERAL OF THOMAS PARRY HArif'-iVuEE LiNti or A procession half a mile long representing all the leaders of the motor world attended the funeral of Mr Parry Thomas, the motor speed king, who was killed on Pendine Hands in March. It was appropriate that the first part of the service should take place overlooking the Brooklands track, the scene of his many triumphs. In his bungalow beside the track a short service was held attended by his mother and near relatives. The procession made a half-circuit of the track, and move»d| through the paddock on to the road to Byfleet Parish Church. On the coffin rested a wreath of violets from his mother, and near them were the goggles he wore on his fatal ride. Byfleet church was packed, and hundreds assembled in the churchyard. Over the church aeroplanes hovered. The service was conducted by the rector, Archdeacon Hancock, *who also performed the rites at the graveside. Parry Thomas had a great fondness for children, and had endowed a cot, which he named after his racing car, “Babs,” at the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, W.C. The financial secretary of the hospital said:

“Parry Thomas was most insistent that his 'secret’ should be kept. He used to visit the sick children in hospital almost stealthily. When he endowed a bed he begged that we should not mention the matter publicly. He even tried to keep his identity a secret from the hospital staff.” It is suggested that, as a memorial to Parry Thomas, motorists should subscribe to endow the “Babs” cot in perpetuity. The cost is £l,OOO. Alternatively, for £3OO the cot can be endowed for 50 years.