Helen 26th November 2020

I taught English at Rickmansworth , so not in Peter’s department, but I do remember how supportive he was with issues in his form; he knew all of his tutees well and always wanted the best for them. He was such a cheerful person in the staffroom – always a smile and a twinkle in the eye – he added so much to the friendly atmosphere of the staffroom. (I had come to Ricky from a school with a rather pushy and cut-throat atmosphere, so the Ricky staffroom was a complete surprise and delight).   I also still recall a few lines of the words he wrote to “Hall of the Mountain King” as a tribute to Marit the year a group of staff left and songs were written to sing a goodbye tribute.  His words were witty and rhythmical – great to sing! Marit’s song was all about the way she could teach anybody anything, in big groups like the hall – typical Peter observation and affection.   The other memory which stands out refers to John; he was tackled from behind in a staff football match at another school and ripped his cruciate ligaments. Somebody rang me to say John was at Mount Vernon Hospital – could have been Peter – but it was definitely Peter who offered to turn out again on a dark Friday night to be dropped back at the school to drive John’s car back to his flat so John’s souped-up Astra GTE would not be left there.  It was a lot of fuss for him but very kind – especially as everybody else on the team had waited for the ambulance to collect John and then went off to the pub! Mind you, I do think Peter enjoyed driving this flashy car with fluorescent dashboard – he later referred admiringly to the “cockpit” – I think he would willingly have driven it again!  But our memory of that difficult time was Peter’s thoughtfulness and kindness.   So sorry for your loss and for all the family too.   Lyn Hall