Geoff,
You asked about Nat Penton.
I live in the same city as Nat and consider him my mentor.
He is Not flying currently.
His wife passed away last year after a rather lengthy illness and it took quite a toll on him both mentally and physically. He just hasn't gotten encouraged to get back to flying since then. I keep hoping he will.
I enjoy every visit with him. He did come out to a couple of pattern meets this year here in D-6(USA) to visit and everyone enjoyed seeing him.
I'll tell him you asked about him.

Eddie