08457 90 90 90 You got my number. The jigsaw puzzle that has been issue ten has been an experience, and due to unforeseen circumstances we cannot finish it completely. There is one piece we are unable to turn over. Without any one of us speaking openly about the recent death of the BMXer Randy Taylor, there has been a dark cloud we have all had to work under since we heard the news of him taking his own life. I’m sure there are plenty of you who feel the same as us, some who feel very different and who have known Randy personally, like this issue’s interviewee George Boyd. On Randy’s passing there appeared some fitting tributes out there in the ethereal world of the Internet. However as a contrast to that, on thecomeup site after they posted their tribute, there were some (not all) comments to the post that were just downright disgusting. Reading them one quickly comes to understand how minds and opinion can be influenced and manipulated by ‘Joe anonymous’ sitting at a keyboard and typing words of hate and ignorance on a message board. Freedom of speech in this case becomes a double edged sword. Since Randy’s passing, TCU has become an anonymous post free zone, which you can read more about on page 104. Moderated may have been another option that kept the free flow, but that’s not our business. The unfortunate thing is that those comments were made at all. Colin Winkleman and Rob Indri are two BMX riders who also took their own lives some years ago now. Mental health issues and
personal problems are a human condition, a fact of life. We are all subject to emotions that are triggered by experiences, some we can sometimes control, some we sometimes cannot. What’s important is that no matter what we maybe experiencing in our lives, being able to speak to someone about our concerns, to a skilled and caring non judgemental communicator can help. We are all friends of people, we all have a duty to each other as humans to communicate as best we can with each other. That must include informing others of help that is available. It must also include the ability to speak freely without being judged, by peers, parents, friends etc. When that is not possible then it is clear why help must still be available for those kids who feel they have no one they can talk to. If we are to learn anything from this terrible loss it’s that there will be some people reading this who may have felt or do have similar emotions. You may read this and know someone who has been down lately, struggling with the ebb and flow of life, then reach out and try to help. If it’s you that may be struggling then make that first small step to changing your life for the better and reach out for help. In this issue [on page 134] and in every issue from now on we will be running an advert for the Samaritans. Randy, Colin and Rob are gone. Their families are left without sons and brothers. To anyone else reading this who is having difficulties please stay with us… Every man and woman is a star, and that means you. Randy Taylor may you shine on.