John Parry, creator of the Parry People Mover brand of ultra-light vehicle that has become part of the UK▸ transport vocabulary, died in hospital on February 17 after a short illness. He was 85 and was working to the end.
Parry, a lively campaigner for cheaper-to-run, energy-efficient transport, never gave up his battle for its greater recognition, despite only making one major breakthrough into the UK market.
Further obituary in
Rail Magazine.
The "Parry People Mover" - class 139 - provides what is perhaps the most frequent branch line service on our main national network, and is also said to be the shortest branch too. It was trialled / demonstrated in a number of places - I recall an attempt to have it run from Alton to Four Marks, and a discussion about a Yeovil (Junction to Pen Mill) shuttle idea. I have only come across the news of John's passing belatedly - do any of our members have closer memories? Rest in peace, John.
