Peter Anthony 1943-2021

Peter went up to Fitzwilliam House in 1962 to read History and was amused when asked not to break his leg before he arrived! He gained the fly-half position in the college XV where he was a fixture throughout his three years. He played for the University side missing out on a Blue to Mike Gibson of British Lions fame. Peter also played for Rosslyn Park club and was a keen cricketer.

Known for his sporting prowess throughout the University, Peter was a moving presence in the college sporting club – the Mornie Onions Society – and became a member of the University sporting club, the Hawks. He continued to attend Hawks Club dinners in Cardiff until ill health prevailed.

After graduating, Peter moved on to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Oxford and then to a successful career as a history teacher. In 1968 he moved to Monmouth School to be Master in charge of cricket and to teach history. He remained there until his retirement in 2000, having had a long spell as Housemaster, Second Master and briefly Acting Head. After Peter died, his family had a deluge of messages from former pupils expressing sympathy and the warmest appreciation of Peter as a mentor. They wrote, “his enthusiasm made what could be quite dry, come alive; if I can become half the teacher Peter was I shall be very pleased.” “He gave me a chance and altered my life.”

Peter was born in Plymouth during the war, where his father was Station Master and his mother a teacher. He won a Devon County Scholarship to Plymouth College where his love of sport and poetry was nurtured. One of his lifelong friends, Roger James, went from Plymouth College to Fitzwilliam with him and has even had a hand in writing this! Whilst at school, Peter played country cricket and rugby and captained both sides.

Peter was happily married to Judy for 54 years and is succeeded by her, three children and six grandchildren. His beloved golden cocker spaniel (the last in a long line) died a few months before Peter.