Lets all try to make this a very special day for one true SAAB enthusiast…….

by

It is with great sadness that we here in the UK have heard that one of our dearest and most ardent SAAB enthusiasts has fallen terminally ill. Many of you will know of Mark, better known by most as Parish, from meeting him at numerous events both here in the UK and abroad. The prognosis of his illness shows that Mark may only be with us for a few more months at best.

Parish

It is for that reason I write this article, with the permission of Marks’ wife, to call for as much support as possible from our community at what will almost certainly be the last SAAB event Mark will attend. I hear Mark is very much looking forward to this day where hopefully he will get to see many old faces and friends.

The event which is here in the UK promises to be a fantastic but somewhat poignant day taking into account the circumstances. Sadly Mark has had to sell his beloved Saab which in itself was a very emotional experience for him.

It is our intention to make this event a very special one for both Mark and his family and ask that all SAAB owners who can attend to please come along to this FREE event. The date is the 30th August at Castle Coombe race circuit ( Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 7EY) ,where, as part of the event, there will also be a special parade lap of the circuit for all SAAB cars that wish to partake. I am certain that Mark will be up there right at the front riding with somebody!! So please, if you can make it, bring your SAAB or any other make of car and join us for this very special day and show how our community is still as strong as ever!

I thank you in advance for your support.

Please add your name at the link below or email me at [email protected]

Event details http://castlecombetrackday.bristolpegasus.com

Please add your name here:
http://gwsforum.proboards.com/thread/1894/saturday-30th-august-2014-interesting

22 thoughts on “Lets all try to make this a very special day for one true SAAB enthusiast…….”

  1. Many thanks Martin for doing this.

    Some of our overseas members may recognise Mark from his many trips to SAAB events in Belgium, Holland and a number of times to Sweden over the years.

    The event itself includes static displays, slaloms tests, parade laps plus of course a good selection of SAABs. For those who wish to, there is the opportunity for some spirited driving on circuit with the option of a professional instructor. Castle Combe Circuit opened just 18 months after Silverstone in the summer of 1950, making it one of the longest established circuits in the UK. In that first year, a young Stirling Moss won a race and over the next few years, names like Mike Hawthorn, Colin Chapman, Les Leston, Roy Salvadori and John Surtees thrilled huge crowds.

    So hope to see some SAABUNITED SAABs there.

    And again thanks to SAABSUNITEDs Martin Lyons and Robin Morley for posting this message.

  5. Having missed virtually all events this year, due to spending more time with the family, my wife and I shall, without question, be attending the day, to be with our old friend.

    Love and best wishes to Karen, Mark xx

  7. The list is growing.

    1. David & Anne (99T & 9K)
    2. Chris (Zaphod) & Doreen – 9-5 Estate
    3. TitanUK
    4. Tony (99TURBOMAN) (Viggen & 9.5 Aero)
    5. Phil (SaabNut)
    6. Simon
    7. Steve
    8. Parish & Karen
    9. Chris Redmond (Redders)
    10. Jonathan and Jane (Dragon Saab)
    11. Phil Rivers (Dragon Saab)
    12. Jules (but with 3yr old in tow, so no track time this time)
    13. Steve Andrews (Brusselsfan) in Blanche(MBZ SL 500) or Mr WU (SAAB 9-3)
    14. 2V4 (Nev, 9-3) and [brother] Gav, Corrado.
    15. Elli
    16. Howard (Sonett MkIII)
    17. Frank, possibly Phyllis
    18. Chris (transit80)
    19. Alan and Rose – something Saab
    20. Howard Webb – garage depending
    21. Martin Lyons
    22. Dr Oz

    Read more: http://gwsforum.proboards.com/posts/recent#ixzz3ARp669cm

  10. I’m sorry to hear this news, it’s sad to hear of this happening to anyone. I don’t know the chap but he seems well liked in the SAAB community. I won’t make it personally, but I would like to wish him a lovely day and I hope the weather holds out for you and everyone involved in the event!

  11. Dear Mark and Karen, We were shocked and saddened to hear your devastating news – Isabel’s Mum went through a very similar situation a few years ago, so we understand just what you are going through.
    Unfortunately we can’t make this event, but see the list is growing very well, have a great day with all those great people that are coming along.
    Very best wishes to you both,

    Alex and Isabel

  12. 1. David & Anne (99T & 9K)
    2. Chris (Zaphod) & Doreen 9-5 estate
    3. TitanUK
    4. Tony (99TURBOMAN) (Viggen & 9.5 Aero)
    5. Phil (SaabNut)
    6. Simon
    7. Steve
    8. Parish & Karen
    9. Chris Redmond (Redders)
    10. Jonathan and Jane (Dragon Saab)
    11. Phil Rivers (Dragon Saab)
    12. Jules (but with 3yr old in tow, so no track time this time)
    13. Steve Andrews (Brusselsfan) in Blanche(MBZ SL 500) or Mr WU (SAAB 9-3)
    14. 2V4 (Nev, 9-3) and [brother] Gav, Corrado.
    15. Elli (doing my best to be there work permitting – will be there)
    16. Howard (Sonett MkIII)
    17. Frank, possibly Phyllis
    18. Chris (transit80)
    19. Alan and Rose – something Saab
    20. Howard Webb – garage depending
    21. Dr Os, (T9 man) – (I have a previous charitable engagement but should be able to make this)
    22. Martin Lyons (Dragon Saab)
    23. Martyn English (also on saab nuts)
    24. Goldmembers (Jamie & Sam)
    25. Paul (pzg) – 9-3 convertible
    26. Fubes & Jo (900 & Viggen)
    27. John Daggett – 9-5 Aero
    28. DrGrimm – 9-5 and 9-3SS Aero
    29. Jeffthechef – 93 trackcar (if I can get a run on reserve list)

  13. I believe in God and I believe Parish has a lot more living in front of him. Nobody on Earth knows how much of that living will be in this life and when his eternal life begins. I pray that this event is an enormous success and serves to inspire him and lift his spirits. Based on the response, I am quite certain that he’s a wonderful person and deserves a great day.

  14. Thank you Angelo for those lovely words and all for your comments. I feel it is a sad reflection on our so called community which incidentally has been a part of my whole working life that a situation like this can only attract 14 comments yet a story about a toy car gets more response!!
    This leaves me feeling so disillusioned with the strong community spirit we once had that so few could take time out of their busy lives to spare a meaningful comment that would bring so much happiness to a man who has supported the brand for so many years and who will not be with us much longer.

  16. I would like to belatedly add my best wishes to Mark and family. I haven’t said anything so far because I couldn’t find comforting words to say, but I did think about Mark every day. I imagine many others may have done the same. However, I should have said something, at least a godspeed.

    I like what Angelo wrote and wish I had said something similar.

  17. Sadly I think it’s a sign of the times Martin. I think a lot of people are feeling deflated with the situation SAAB is in yet again. But I completely agree with you, it only takes a couple of minutes to type a few kind words and those few words could make all the difference.

    I’ve only been part of the community for a couple of years now and I’ve noticed a big change in peoples attitudes and regretfully it’s been very negative, almost to the point of being aggressive. When I first joined, although the situation was rather dire there was a pleasant feel to being part of this and most people chipped in to keep spirits up. Sadly no more. I can understand why Tim has felt the need to take a back seat as he’s clearly felt it too and has been attacked on a few occasions where it was completely unjustified. Some of the comments I’ve read have been downright nasty at times. My view on these people is if that’s how you’re going to behave then just leave as you are doing neither the community or the brand any good by spouting your poison. If it’s making you feel that bad then sell up and move on. I’m sorry as this probably isn’t the place to have said this but I think it had to be said. And as you quite rightly say Martin, it’s telling that they can’t even bring themselves to say a few nice words to this poor gentleman.

    There’s nothing I would like more than to be proved wrong and see a flurry of nice messages come in for this fellow in the next few days!

  19. We would Like to wish Mark and his family all our best wishes and we will be thinking of you. Have a great event and hopefully see you there at some point during the day.

  20. Thanks all for your kind words.

    Latest list:
    1. David & Anne (99T & 9K)
    2. Chris (Zaphod) & Doreen 9-5 estate
    3. TitanUK
    4. Tony (99TURBOMAN) (Viggen & 9.5 Aero)
    5. Phil (SaabNut)
    6. Simon
    7. Steve
    8. Parish & Karen
    9. Chris Redmond (Redders)
    10. Jonathan and Jane (Dragon Saab)
    11. Phil Rivers (Dragon Saab)
    12. Jules (but with 3yr old in tow, so no track time this time)
    13. Steve Andrews (Brusselsfan) in Blanche(MBZ SL 500) or Mr WU (SAAB 9-3)
    14. 2V4 (Nev, 9-3) and [brother] Gav, Corrado.
    15. Elli
    16. Howard (Sonett MkIII)
    17. Frank, possibly Phyllis
    18. Chris (transit80)
    19. Alan and Rose – something Saab
    20. Howard Webb – garage depending
    21. Dr Os, (T9 man) – (I have a previous charitable engagement but should be able to make this)
    22. Martin Lyons (Dragon Saab)
    23. Martyn English (also on saab nuts)
    24. Goldmembers (Jamie & Sam)
    25. Paul (pzg) – 9-3 convertible
    26. Fubes & Jo (900 & Viggen)
    27. John Daggett – 9-5 Aero
    28. DrGrimm – 9-5 and 9-3SS Aero
    29. Jeffthechef – 93 trackcar (if I can get a run on reserve list)
    30. Andy R
    31. Stu B
    32. Ryan
    33. Brookenstein – 9.3 convertible aka Fiat 500 front re-modeller
    34. Agey 1999 9-3 aero convertible
    35. Nev – 2001 9-3 Aero Convertible
    36. Rob & carol :))
    37. Joanne Jenkins 900T16S

  21. We have a SAAB only area, so when you get to the event tell the marshall you are with the SAAB group and you will directed to our area. Try not to get there any earlier than 8 to 8.30 as this will give Simon (the event organiser) a chance for a breather!

    Please bring any SAAB or Swedish banner, flag or bunting or gazebo to make this our own little SAAB village.

    The event is open from 8.30.
    FREE entry for display cars.
    FREE parade lap for all SAABs from 12 noon SHARP.
    Bring your spares. If it fits in your car you can bring it along. No traders or trailers please.
    Keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

    Thanks to UKS for making the day special.

    Finally I have be asked about donations to Parish’s charity of choice. Rather than try and arrange collection on the day, I think it best for people, if they wish, to use the donation page which can be found here: https://support.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk/donation-pages/cancer-donation

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