As a former Yorkshire Regional Board secretary, Peter was a committed and passionate member of the regional team, helping grow the sport we all love in Yorkshire. Some who knew him best have gratefully provided some words to celebrate Peter’s life.
Words by Marc Etches, the Regional Chair of British Cycling Yorkshire
My first contact with Peter was 20 years ago, when he was actively seeking volunteers to help run the White Rose Youth League. I received a hand-signed letter back then, and that’s where our journey commenced. Peter was instrumental in guiding me to organise my first event and then become a commissaire. But he didn’t stop there, as he soon scouted me out to become a Yorkshire regional board member.
For me, Peter was the stalwart of the region; he knew everyone and was very well connected within the network of clubs. After he retired from British Cycling, he was the obvious choice to become our regional secretary, which Peter took great pride in and over the past two years, we have worked closely together to maintain the activity within our region despite his health issues. Peter was always the dependable figure to help, guide and advise when needed. Judging, driving a car, marshalling or helping at the major events, Peter did it all.
There are not many Peters around. His dedication, generosity and willingness to give so much of himself to cycling are qualities that will be difficult to replace. From his founding involvement with the White Rose Youth League to his work as Regional Secretary, Peter leaves behind a lasting legacy and a community that is better for having had him at its heart.
My thoughts are with Peter’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Thank you, Peter, for everything you gave to our sport, our region and to me personally. You will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by so many.
Words by Bob Howden OBE, President of British Cycling and former Regional Chair of British Cycling Yorkshire
Peter and I go back across what must be 30 years, with our first contact being when he stepped up to organise his club’s road race, the first such event they had organised for many a year. I was the Commissaire that day and half expected to have to do some mentoring, but I could not have been more wrong. Peter had it all sorted, as I came to realise was business as usual for him.
He was quickly identified as a potentially valuable ‘asset’ and with the formation of the Yorkshire Region of British Cycling, Peter was to become the ‘trusted go-to ’. Whether this was as a volunteer official, or for a period as a BC Employee working in the Regions.
It seems an age now since Peter and I sat down together to brainstorm how we could provide better opportunities for young riders in Yorkshire, with the focus becoming the establishment of a Youth League. The deal was that I would come up with the name and he would set it up. With this, the White Rose Youth League was born. ‘Setting it up’ meant the establishment of events and a tightly focused volunteer group. Since then and until recently, he steered the league, which has seen a current Multi-World Champion pass through its doors but equally and just as importantly has enabled young riders of all abilities to come together in a safe team-building environment.
At all times, both honest and humble Peter could always be counted on for a considered response. He cared passionately about developing the sport and opportunities for young riders. As a former schoolteacher who had worked in a tough environment, he readily adapted his skills to coaching activities. Getting it right and being accountable for that, were always key drivers for him. When he felt that he might be falling short, he would be in touch straight away to talk things through.
Over the many years that I have known Peter, both as a cycling colleague and as a valued and trusted friend, he would always be at the top of my ‘go-to’ list both as a volunteer and as a confidant. All of this with the certain knowledge that he would always do his best and would not let you down. Over the last couple of years, Peter’s health has suffered, but he has remained as active as he could possibly be. Sadly, we have now lost him, but not his legacy. Peter’s contribution to cycling, often unsung, will remain for all cyclists in Yorkshire, but especially those, including myself, who were proud to have had Peter as a friend.
All of the board at British Cycling Yorkshire would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to Peter’s wife, Julie. Once we know the funeral arrangements, we’ll publish them here.
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