Tribute to Pasco James

Tragically, Pasco died in his sleep on Sunday February 28th.

This site has been set up so that Pasco’s many friends can share happy memories of his life and times.

Pasco was always a shining light. His megawatt smile and humour would brighten up any room. During his school career at Dunannie, Dunhurst and Bedales he made a host of friends. He shone academically (although his teachers often wondered how he managed to do so well at exams). He successfully bashed balls around on the football and hockey fields and was one of the star turns at Bedales’ inaugural rock concert with his faultless rendition of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven.

But his greatest love was trout fishing. He soon became an expert at every aspect of this skilled pastime. Whether he was tying a rare fly, spotting a trout lurking under a bush (his fishing friends called him “the heron”) or casting into a narrow and fast running stream, Pasco was a master. He was at one with nature.

Pasco’s family, loving girlfriend Holly and countless friends from school, university and the world of fishing will always remember (and miss) him.

Those who have happy reminiscences of their times with Pasco can share these on the “tribute page” or you can upload a memorable photograph on the “photos” page.

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Pasco’s Thanksgiving Day

Pasco’s family and many friends would like to thank the Bedalian mob that performed so superbly at Pasco’s Thanksgiving and Tribute day at Meon Springs Fishery on April 10^th.

Dominic Ashton took on the role of impresario and assembled a splendid cast; while Felix Pickles-Harvey did a great job in setting up the sound systems. After a few well-chosen introductory words from Dominic, the open air gig got under way with Eddy Yeo, who sang a moving rendition of ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square’. Then 15 year old current Bedalian (and close friend of Pasco) Freddy Sheed was persuaded to hit the skins and played a superb drum solo. This was all the more impressive because Freddy was only asked to perform about 15 minutes before kick off. So he had no chance to rehearse. Watch out for his name in years to come. This boy and his drumming will go far!

Dominic (on piano) was then joined by Katie Manning, who sang ‘God Bless the Child’ beautifully; after which Angus McCrum and Jack Closs read a poem by Hillaire Belloc.

Next up were Pasco’s brother Caspian and Harriet Webster. With Caspian on guitar and vocals and Harriet adding her dulcet (and occasionally powerful) voice to the proceedings, this duo performed songs by Neil Young and Tim Buckley. But it was the first ever public performance of the Caspian-written ‘Sperm Song’ that brought the house down.

To round things off, Pasco’s 2004/5 band reformed and played the Led Zeppelin and Guns ‘n Roses numbers that had been high points in the inaugural Bedales Rock Concert. The band members were Jimmy Page, James Pitt, Luke Wheeler, Eddy Yeo and James Latter (who had traveled all the way back from Japan to take part).

We would also like to thank Keith and the Meon Springs Fishery management for allowing their fish to be frightened, Pasco’s uncle Martin Sorrell for reading the initial address so movingly, Clare Matthews for laying on such excellent ‘eats’ and – last but not least – the sun for shining so brightly on the proceedings. It was a well-attended and memorable occasion; one that Pasco would have loved.

PS. Pasco’s family and friends would welcome further fond memories and recollections of Pasco’s life on this website.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to help Pasco’s favourite charity could do so by contributing to the Wild Trout Trust at www.wildtrout.org