Peter Norman Baker
3 October 1941 – 27 July 2024
Peter Baker was a much respected ringer who served his tower for almost sixty years as a ringer and forty as Tower Captain. He was one of the original Trustees of the SDGR Bell Restoration Fund (LEBRF) who were appointed in 1998, serving as Chair of the Trustees between 2014 and 2019, only standing down from the role in January 2023.
In 1959 Peter became an articled clerk at a Chartered Accountants in Bristol. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant In 1965 and joined Unigate Dairies Ltd in Trowbridge as Accountant and Senior Manager, retiring in 2000. During this time Peter played cricket for Trowbridge, hockey for West Wilts Hockey Club and tennis
locally.
Peter and Shirley were married in 1971. They enjoyed holidays abroad, exploring family ancestry, walking, gardening and spending time with their two children and five grandchildren.
Peter joined Westbury Lions in 1981 and was treasurer for a time. He was involved in the repainting of Westbury White Horse and other events including the medieval fayre in the Market Place and providing entertainment at the Lions Senior Citizens’ parties. He was presented with the Melvin Jones Award in 2007 for service in the Lions. He became Club President in 2011 and had also been Welfare Chairman for many years.
Following his retirement, Peter became involved with local charities where his accounting and business experience was put to good use. He was Trustee and Treasurer of Westbury District Hospital and Westbury Welfare for the Elderly, and Trustee of Westbury Lions Club.
Peter learnt to ring in 1965 at All Saints Westbury. He became Tower Treasurer in 1968 and continued this role until his death. He was elected a member of the Guild in 1969 and became an Honorary Life Member following nomination in 2016. Peter was the Tower Captain at Westbury from 1986 until January 2024. He also held roles on the Branch Committee as Treasurer from 1993 to 2003 and Chairman from 2004 to 2010.
Peter rang 31 peals, all for SDGR, 26 of which were rung with Bob Purnell HLM VP. His first was a peal of Plain Bob Minor in 1997 conducted by Bob Purnell at Holy Cross Seend and his last (doubles) was in 2018 at St Matthew Rowde, conducted by Chris Jenkins. Peter also completed the Surprise Major Alphabet to Quarter Peals.
Peter was a very popular and highly respected ringer. He was also a very good teacher and mentored teachers working through the ART accreditation scheme.
Peter’s funeral at All Saints Westbury on 19 August was attended by representatives from the Guild Executive and LEBRF as well as many ringers from across the Guild and the half-muffled bells rang out to mourn his passing. He will be very sadly missed by all his family, friends and those who knew him.
Julia Russell
Devizes Branch Secretar
24 August 2024
Funeral Tribute
For Peter’s funeral the local band rang half-muffled and the tenor was tolled as Peter’s coffin was brought into the church. Following the funeral there was half-muffled ringing by members of the Guild and the local band.
