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A replica of Lady Penelope's pink Rolls Royce pulled up outside Reading Crematorium for the funeral of Thunderbirds' creator Gerry Anderson
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Thunderbirds' fans FAB farewell to Gerry Anderson

January 11, 2013

A replica of Lady Penelope's pink Rolls Royce pulled up outside Reading Crematorium as hundreds of mourners said farewell to Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson today.

Mr Anderson, who also produced hit TV shows Captain Scarlet, Stingray and Joe 90, died peacefully in his sleep on Boxing Day aged 83.

His coffin arrived with a replica of Thunderbird 2 made out of flowers on top and arrangements of the Thunderbirds and Stingray theme tunes were played.

Mr Anderson, of Nuffield, Oxfordshire, had suffered from Alzheimer's since 2010 which had become worse in the months leading up to his death.

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20990742

C8H10N4O2
11/01/2013 at 18:31

VoT, that's unfortunate. I was called 'Brains' which was some small compensation for the extra-thick specs I had to wear.

Programs like these whch glamourised science and technology helped in some small way to motivate a generation of engineers and scientists.

Alf Tupper
11/01/2013 at 18:11

I saw this car, how wonderful!!! God bless you Gerry xx

i-brow
11/01/2013 at 18:04

Twizzle, even. This iPad is DEFINITELY getting detention for that one!

voiceoftreason?
11/01/2013 at 17:42

Wonderful craftsmanship and great memories of kids tv. Goodbye Mr Anderson and thank you for my fantastic childhood fun making models from polystyrene tiles - but not so much for the 'swizzle' nickname!

voiceoftreason?
11/01/2013 at 17:41

Sad news for many people over 40. I was lucky enough to meet Gerry on several occasions when he bought his PC into our shop for upgrades. A very nice and polite gentleman indeed, never played the 'I'm famous' card at all. RIP.

TheTranquilEye, Cemetery Junction
11/01/2013 at 17:06

Too young for the Thunderbirds generation, but old enough to remember watching Terrahawks!

A great life that spanned many generations of young television viewers and a legacy that still holds up today.

Spiddly, Reading
11/01/2013 at 15:56

The chicks with the purple hair on UFO were definately Gerry's best creation! ;-)

Big P, Reading
11/01/2013 at 15:45

What a marvellous body of work he has left.

Caractacus Potts
11/01/2013 at 15:43

Danny0367, Chorley, Lancashire I've got a friend that looks just like Yung-Star from Terra-Hawks. By the way many years ago, the actual puppets (only 2 of them) were once held in an antique shop down the road at the side of the old ABC cinema. If I remember right the puppets were of Scott Traceey and The Hood. I was quite surprised at their actual size as well.

Tilidie, Woodley
11/01/2013 at 15:33

FAB !

Fondue
11/01/2013 at 15:29

Supercar and Fireball XL5 were my favourites. I just about remember Twizzle and Torchy but they were too girly for me.

The Fireball XL5 theme tune "I wish I was a spaceman..." was used in the closing credits of the movie Apollo 13. Not a lot of people know that.

Alf Tupper
11/01/2013 at 15:27

I thought it was quite a sweet comment Alf, can't understand why it was deemed offensive.

Common Cents, Reading
11/01/2013 at 15:17

My comment about needing to pull a few strings was removed. Could someone really find that offensive?

Alf Tupper
11/01/2013 at 15:12

Thunderbirds had a budget that made Lew Grade's eyes water. It was money very well spent, because the big budget production gave the whole show a real sense of quality, and it trancended just being a puppet show.

It stands the test of time very well, and has been screened just about everywhere on the planet. A million miles away from the special effects laden utter garbage that is produced today.

In my humble opinion, Thunderbirds is still the best kids TV show ever made by anyone, anywhere, ever. Rest in peace Gerry. F. A. B. and out