UK - Earlier this month, a peloton of friends, colleagues and fans of ‘Pete The Greek’ (PTG) left Tower Bridge to cycle to Whitstable.
PTG’s standing in the industry is reflected in the many tributes paid by his industry peers. Neg Earth Lights wrote on social media: “Pete was a true legend of the industry; the ultimate rigger who made even the most daunting tasks feel achievable. Pete shared his wealth of expertise willingly, and with kindness, to anyone who wanted to learn and has doubtless been instrumental to countless careers, ensuring a generation (or more) of riggers will carry his dedication to safety and precision forward in their work.”
Prior to Pete's sudden death, this ride was undertaken annually in August, a social event ending with PTG hosting a BBQ on the beach outside his beach hut. Cold beers, grilled fresh fish and oysters were provided by one of Peter's friends locally.
“We would watch a glorious sunset over the Isle of Sheppey and Medway estuary and reminisce with riggers and assorted friends,” says Global Rigging’s Oz Marsh.
“This year we rode as a memorial to our dearly missed Cypriot Sailor, with his widowed partner, Joy, sorting out the oysters and beach hut. A van for support was organised for the ride, and Joy made the traditional home-made, home-produced fruit pie for our desert and with the aid of Pete's nieces, gathered driftwood for a fire on the beach.
“With the support of Joy and PTG's family, we will do this again in August next year. We would like to reach out to the greater diaspora as Pete touched so many lives and his memory lives on.”