Peter learnt to ring in the mid-seventies and although he was a regular ringer at the Vale Church, his first commitment was to the Forest Church, close to where he grew up, and where he was church warden for many years.
Initially, the Forest Church had 4 bells, hung on plain bearings, with the ropes falling between pews. Peter hinged the pew seats so they could be raised, giving ringers more space. In 1984, Peter suggested and drove forward the rehanging and augmentation of these bells, which had to be hung in 3 tiers due to the small tower. Peter worked alongside the bell hanger and was justly proud of the resulting pleasant and easy ring, which is ideal for teaching learners.
A decade later, Peter took on the role of project secretary for the removal of the unringable French bells from the Town Church and the installation of the fine Taylors 8 , which were hung to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Guernsey from Nazi occupation.
Peter was a practical man who seemed never to be idle; he often told fellow ringers of his latest project, being that re-building a motor bike or servicing the family washing machine. He was a kind hearted man, who embraced the step-children (and subsequently, grand-children) his marriage to Julia brought him and who he helped in so many ways.
Peter had a cancer diagnosis more than 10 years ago but never showed self-pity. Indeed, he kept active and engaged with life, up until the treatment lost it’s efficacy and was sustained by his faith throughout.
