This is a short blog to say farewell and thank you to Peter Keyte.
In life you meet very few people that have the ability to make something from scratch.
Peter Keyte was such a person, someone who single-handedly could turn a sheet of metal into a finished item. Whether it be a petrol/oil tank, fairing or seat, if you had a photograph or could explain what was wanted, Peter could make it. Not only did he have the skills necessary to perform this task, but he also had the artistic flair and understanding to appreciate what was needed and more importantly, how to get the required result. That is a rare talent indeed.
Peter was a time-served man who needed very limited equipment to carry out his business. Throughout his long career, all his welding was done using a pair of oxy-acetylene cylinders, a blowtorch and a No.7 nozzle. His skill in welding alloy meant he had no need for a pulsed-Mig or Tig plant and the customer was the winner as his welds were fully annealed during the gas-welding process. The intricate shapes and curves were all formed by hand on an English Wheel or by a few simple press-tools that Peter made himself.
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| Peter Keyte |
His retirement will leave a void in the motorcycle world that is unlikely to be filled, he will be sadly missed. He takes with him the knowledge and experience gained from a lifetime in the trade and we will be poorer for that loss. However we wish him all the best in his retirement and hope that he finally has the time to play his Fender guitar.
