A long lifespan has allowed for many opportunities and experiences. In working life after 18 years of teaching as a selective-school mathematics teacher, was followed by three years as a deputy headteacher and finally 16 years of headship of two Catholic comprehensive schools in Lancashire.
A “cradle Catholic”’ with formation in a religious home, extended by the parish primary school, a forward-looking Catholic grammar school and a university degree and PGCE course. The excitement with the unexpected announcement of the Second Vatican Council led to a long-term interest in the workings of the Catholic Church, and the teachings and applications of Council documents to daily life. Accepting a four-year contract to live and teach in Kenya, enabled a witness of the realities of a different cultural life. Return to England brought a commitment to political action, experience of electioneering, speaking as a constituency chairman and joining the party’s national education panel.
The circumstances of management in Catholic schools led to further voluntary roles with the Catholic Headteachers’ Association and the Catholic Education Council which, after headteachers’ pressure, reformed to become the Catholic Education Service. In turn this brought senior roles as chairman of the schools advisory panel to the CES and chairman of a steering group bringing together the two principal Catholic teachers’ associations into a new body.
Since 2009, Peter and his wife have lived in retirement in the West of Scotland.
