|
Post by neil6147 on Sept 16, 2007 22:00:20 GMT 10
Air accident investigators have started searching a helicopter crash which is believed to have killed former rally champion Colin McRae and three others. The helicopter which belonged to Mr McRae crashed near his home in Lanarkshire on Saturday. About 40 firefighters attended the accident which happened in woods just north of Lanark at 1600 BST. Strathclyde Police said it was unlikely that formal identification of the bodies would be completed on Sunday. However, officers confirmed that they believed that Mr McRae was among those on board. Users of the rally champion's official website www.colinmcrae.com were greeted by a black screen on Sunday with no information available. After it disappeared I saw smoke rising from the trees and phoned the emergency services Eyewitness David Lowry Police have been at the scene throughout the night and a cordon has been thrown around the area, including a private road up to the McRae family home. Mr McRae, 39, who is married with two young children, was Britain's first rally world champion in 1995 and is the son of five times British rallying champion Jimmy McRae. Speaking in the Scotland on Sunday newspaper, David Lowry, 48, who owns New Steadings Farm, near Mr McRae's home, witnessed the crash. He said: "I was speaking to one of my friends on the farm. The helicopter came overhead and then dropped into the valley. Wider fame "After it disappeared I saw smoke rising from the trees and phoned the emergency services. "I could not see what happened when it went down. It did not seem to be in any trouble. It was about half a mile from me and the helicopter seemed to be flying normally. "It was navy blue in colour and I am led to believe it belongs to Colin McRae. It is up so often my cattle don't even flinch when it is overhead." He added: "I know him well enough to say hello to, although I don't know him personally. If it turns out to be him it will have an unbelievable effect on the local community. There were no survivors of the crash on the outskirts of Lanark "Colin is a very popular person around here. We only moved here seven years ago, but they are a Lanark family born and bred." Mr McRae is said to be a great practical joker and admitted to enjoying the adrenaline rush of activities such as bungee jumping. He moved to the principality of Monaco in 1995, partly through his friendship with David Coulthard. But as his family grew up, he spent more time back at his home in Lanarkshire. He and his wife Alison bought the 17th century Jerviswood House. His brother, Alister, is also a professional rally driver and has enjoyed some success, including winning the British Rally Championship in 1995. Mr McRae's sister is a doctor at the University Hospital in County Durham and she too enjoys rally driving. He also achieved wider fame by endorsing a range of successful video games. Codemasters released the first Colin McRae Rally title in 1998. Colin McRae: DiRT was the title for the latest installment of the games series which launched this year on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. More news to follow
|
|
|
Post by neil6147 on Sept 16, 2007 22:37:41 GMT 10
It has just been confirmed to myself that Colin Mcrae plus his young 6 year old son Johnyy have been killed in this accident.
More details later.
Neil
|
|
|
Post by dreamy on Sept 16, 2007 22:50:30 GMT 10
I have heard that news; what a tragedy!
|
|
|
Post by neil6147 on Sept 17, 2007 4:05:29 GMT 10
My thoughts at this moment are with Colins Mum Margeret and dad Jimmy plus brothers Alastair and Stewart. Plus Colins Wife Alison and there young daughter Hollie. . Plus also with Team Subaru who Colin was driving for when he won the World Championship in 1995. It is not just Rallying that has been effected by this but the the entire motor Sport including motor Cycling as Colin loved to relax by going for a run on his bike many times. Plus also the sport of Horse Show riding shall be effected as Colins Wife Alison was involved with this and is well known.
Our thoughts also go out to Ben Porcelli, 6, and Duncan, 37, and their respective families. Ben was a grear friend of Colins son Johnny. And Graeme was an old school friend of Colin now living in france who was on Holiday in Scotland.
This I know shall be a well attended Funeral. And with myself being involved with Motoer Rallying at Club Level up to World Championship Level I shall be making every effort to travel to Colins Funeral.
|
|
|
Post by neil6147 on Sept 19, 2007 4:06:41 GMT 10
ANNOUNCEMENT The McRae family have decided on the following arrangements. Funeral There will be a private family funeral Service of Celebration Arrangements will be put in place to organise a service to celebrate the lives of Colin and Johnny. The details of the service have yet to be decided but will be posted on www.colinmcrae.com as soon as they become available. All who would like to attend will be most welcome. I shall be attending the Service of Celebration. Plus the McRae Stages Rally is still going ahead as planned on the 29th September 2007.
|
|
|
Post by neil6147 on Sept 22, 2007 0:12:31 GMT 10
Announcement The McRae family have decided on the following arrangements.
Funeral The family would ask that their privacy be respected with regard to the funeral and that they are allowed to grieve in private at this stage.
As you will see below there will be an opportunity for all those who wish to pay their respects to do so at the Service of Celebration for the lives of Colin and Johnny .
Service of Celebration Arrangements have now been put in place regarding the Service of Celebration for the lives of Colin and Johnny.
Location: High Street, Lanark.
Date: Sunday 30 th September 2007.
Time: 4 pm.
The Service will be relayed from St. Nicholas Church, Castlegate out onto the High Street in Lanark, which will be closed to traffic for the duration.
Please note that Strathclyde Police have asked, in view of the numbers expected to attend, that people leave PLENTY of time to ensure that that they can arrive and access the venue before the commencement of the Service. Parking and shuttle buses will be controlled by the Police.
All who would like to attend will be most welcome.
DONATIONS We have been deeply moved by the amount of floral tributes that the bereaved families have received at this sad time and we are extremely grateful for these.
However you will realise there are only so many flowers that we can cope with, therefore it has been decided that the families preference from now onwards would be for people to pay their respects by making a donation to the ‘Jerviswood Trust’ which has been set up specifically to distribute funds to the undernoted charities that have been chosen by the families involved.
Gift Aid Using Gift Aid means that for every pound you give, the charity you are supporting will receive an extra 28 pence from the Inland Revenue, helping your donation go further.
This means that £10 can be turned into £12.80 just so long as donations are made through Gift Aid. Imagine what a difference that could make, and it doesn’t cost you a thing.
Click here to download a model Gift Aid declaration form that can be used when you want to donate to a UK charity. Simply complete this form (remembering to insert the name of the charity) and send it along with your donation to the charity you want to support.
Beneficiary Charities Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS)
Make-a-Wish
Should you wish to make a donation you can do so through the following bank account.
Bank: Clydesdale Bank, 2 Wellgate, Lanark, ML11 9DT. Account Name: The Jerviswood Trust Sort Code: 82 66 03 Account Number: 90450940
|
|
|
Post by neil6147 on Oct 2, 2007 2:06:05 GMT 10
It was a great pleasure to have been part of the Service of Celebration in Lanark yesterday for Colin and Johnny McRae. I am pleased to say this was more than well attended with approx 21,000 people in the Main Street of lanark. The service was relayed to us outside via two large TV screens. The crowd fell silent just befor 4pm as a lone pipe started to play The Flower Of Scotland as Alison and Hollie McRae arrived. Alison was in shock at the size of crowd that had turned out at short notice forthis service. People had travelled from as far as Australia - Canada - Sweeden and Italy for the service. I personally would liketo thank the following for their help yesterday asthey all did a great job. Strathclyde Police for keeping the traffic moving around the street closure. Saint Andrews red Cross for supplying First Aid Posts. Coltness Car Club for providing marshalls at the car park and in the town centre. Lawrie And Syminton Auctions for opening there doors so we the public could use the toilets within the building. Stewat Coaches who provided the free bus servive from the car park at Lawrie and Symingtons to the town centre and back again after the service. Also to the few shops that were open for example the bakers who were open selling hot cups of tea and Coffee. And also to the Minister for the service. Special thanks go to Dave Richards ( Subaru Prodrive ) for his words of comfort about Colin and Johnny. And also to the 1981 World Rally Champion Ari Vataman for this words of comfort. As Alison McRae left the Church after the service she applauded the large crowd outside the Church. Then long time School friend of Colin McRae Robbie Head took the microphone and said " that was brilliant tribute to Colin it can`t have been easy. We Will Miss Him ". Robbie Head was also the man who had a large part in the organsation of the service yesterday. Well done Robbie. This is just a few photos taken by myself during the service to lgive you an idea of the what it was like yesterday in Lanark. When we got back to the Cark Park after the service we spotted this cloud in the sky looking towards the Tinto Hills South of Lanark. You have to remember that Colin McRae was born on the 5th Aug 1968 on the anniversary of the date that Sir William Wallace was taken prisoner in Lanark back in 1305. The town of Lanark knew that Sir William Wallace was always going to a hard act to follow. So it good to see this cloud welcoming Colin McRae as a Champion of the highest Stardard. Colin McRae you are going be missed world wide. But once a year we shall close our eyes and remember you in our hearts. Neil
|
|
|
Post by dreamy on Oct 2, 2007 6:03:31 GMT 10
Thank you so much for sharing these moments with us, Neil. Colin won't be forgotten, he was a big one and we will remember him that way. When I saw this last picture ...wow...it was a very special feeling I had. Like heaven also honours a son of Scotland with a St. Andrew's Cross...awesome.
|
|
|
Post by neil6147 on Oct 2, 2007 7:08:05 GMT 10
And not just the St Andrews Cross but the Sword like Sir William Wallace is welcoming Colin and Johnny McRae to his new home.
|
|
Elly
Administrator
Posts: 29,887
|
Post by Elly on Oct 3, 2007 12:38:10 GMT 10
A great turn out Neil, thank you, great photos, another great Scot.
|
|
|
Post by mcnass on Oct 3, 2007 21:05:15 GMT 10
Thanks Neil for these impressive pictures, it looks like you lost a great sportsman...
|
|
|
Post by neil6147 on Dec 9, 2007 6:21:44 GMT 10
THE life of rally legend Colin McRae is to be marked by a statue in his home town.
The Daily Record, with the blessing of Colin's family, will raise cash to fund the work in Lanark.
It will acknowledge the huge contribution the rally superstar made to motorsport and Scottish society.
Colin and five-year-old son Johnny died with pals Ben Porcelli, six, and Graeme Duncan, 37, when his helicopter crashed close to his home in Jerviswood, near the town.
The affection Colin was held in was shown at a memorial service in Lanark, which was attended by nearly 10,000 fans and well wishers.
In 1995, Colin became the youngest driver ever to win the rally World Championship - and the first Scot.
And just yesterday, the close-knit McRae family's grief was brought into sharp focus once more when they marked Johnny's sixth birthday at their home.
Colin's wife Alison, their daughter Holly, nine, and his parent's Jim and Margaret gathered for the intimate remembrance, where a tree was planted in memory of Johnny's life.
While the McRaes' grieving is far from over, the family are looking to the future.
Talks are under way that could bring a Colin McRae rallying museum to Lanark and the Record have commissioned artist Kenny Mackay, whose works include the famous statue of Scotland's inaugural first minister Donald Dewar and football legend Davie Cooper.
He will set the work in bronze and his creation will take shape only after months of close talks with Colin's family.
Dad Jim said: "Colin had great passion and charisma and spirit.
"He had qualities that made him stand out and I'm sure that a statue would be a good thing for the town of Lanark.
"It's a very fitting idea and we're supportive of the Record's efforts to erect the statue close to his home. If we can get a museum up and running as well, it would be a good tourist attraction, a real focal point, like the Jim Clark Room in Duns.
"He was my son so I obviously have very strong feelings but the reaction from others since Colin's death has been absolutely incredible.
"I'm pretty sure he had no idea he was quite as popular as he is.
"After the shock of the helicopter accident in September sank in, it became clear to many observers that a fittingmemorial should be erected for Colin in the town where he was known by so many."
Colin was, in the view of many experts, the most naturally gifted rally driver in the world.
His ability to block out fear and his swashbuckling style gave him cult status, making his video games worldwide bestsellers.
The fact he was known for his highspeed crashes - as he pushed to the maximum in cars that often weren't the best in the race - only added to the admiration felt by observers.
Colin also became a hero to a new generation of virtual rally fans through making a series of rally computer games, including Colin McRae Dirt.
Dad Jim was UK rally champ five times and brother Alister also became British champion. But Colin, a renowned joker and a speed demon from his earliest days, had a flamboyance that set him apart.
Jim said: "He was a bit of a character.
He had a bash at living in places like Monaco and Switzerland but it just wasn't for him, he would gravitate back to Lanark.
"He didn't likeMonaco at all, it just didn't suit him because he was so down-to-earth."
Despite his own grief, Jim paid tribute to the strength of Alison, who has had to shoulder the weight of grieving for her beloved son and husband.
He said: "Alison has been a rock, she has been quite amazing. We've taken each day as it comes and it has been a struggle.
"But she has been incredibly strong for Holly despite everything she has had to deal with."
Colin's business partner Campbell Roy said: "The reaction, from the thousands ofcondolences and messages we received from all over the world, was astonishing.
"It seems such a fitting thing to establish a statue that captures Colin's essence here in Lanark."
Sculptor Kenny is among the most respected in the UK and his Dewar and Cooper statues have become focal points which have grown in the public affection since they were erected.
Kenny said: "I would have to say that Colin is a sportsman whom I have admired, as so many others have.
"I would anticipate the work would convey a feeling of speed, as I feel he was associated with a need for speed, even among others in his peer group."
Kenny said talks with Alison and his parents would be absolutely crucial in arriving at his final interpretation of the racing genius.
He said: "I will look at photographs, those which have the most resonance with the family, and get a feeling of the kind of man they regard Colin to be."
The Record have already spoken to South Lanarkshire Council and talks will begin to find a suitable site for the proposed statue.
And today we here the following.
RALLY giants Subaru are backing the Record's plans for a landmark statue to honour legendary driver Colin McRae.
The Japanese manufacturers, who enjoyed huge success with the Scots star, have agreed to make a substantial donation to the fund.
And they are keen to make the bronze sculpture a landmark in his home town of Lanark.
Sculptor Kenny Mackay, who has been introduced to the McRae family, will work closely with them as he creates an image that captures the flair and determination of the rally ace.
Colin, the first Briton to win the world rally championship, and five-year-old son Johnny died in September with pals Ben Porcelli, six, and Graeme Duncan, 37, when his helicopter crashed close to his home in Jerviswood, near Lanark.
A Subaru spokesman said yesterday: "Subaru are delighted to support the Colin McRae statue campaign as he was instrumental in building our awareness among rally fans and the car-buying public.
"Colin had a dry wit and dramatic driving style and was much admired by everyone at Subaru."
Colin was the 1991 and 1992 British rally champion and 1995 world rally champion.
He was the son of five-time British rally champion Jimmy McRae and his younger brother Alister is also a rally driver, winning the British rally championship in 1995.
Colin helped lead Subaru to the constructors' title three times in succession in 1995, 1996 and 1997, helping boost the popularity of the sport worldwide.
His flair made him the perfect figurehead for a series of rally simulation games, which made him a role model for millions of kids worldwide.
He was given an MBE in 1996.
Talks are also under way on proposals which could bring a Colin McRae rallying museum to Lanark.
|
|