A new council house estate with space, freedom, great neighbours and a nearby bluebell wood was great for family life but but Peter still had aspirations and there were now four children in a three bed house.
An opportunity came up to join a self build group and the group between them eventually secured a plot in Wokingham on an old apple orchard to build 4 bungalows and two semidetached houses. It was a dream come true for Peter although Dorothy remained to be convinced but reluctantly agreed to move in on completion. Building the house Peter learned many skills and was involved in every aspect of the build. The move to Wokingham was a positive and permanent improvement for all.
Peter was busy earning money from a very early age, from driving dumper trucks, to asbestos factories, from factories to building sites, from labourer to plumber, for many companies Sperry’s, Extrudex, Blue Circle, North Sea Gas rigs and more until he went it alone as a dry liner come plasterer. His work was high quality, he was always in demand and he was never short of work.
Life became more comfortable and they were able to invest in reliable new family cars. He had learned to drive before most probably starting with dumper trucks, and was first in the street in Bracknell to own a car, an old post office van and used it to teach neighbours to drive as well as bundling us all into the back for trips to the coast. Peter loved to drive and was always on the road for either work or pleasure or to help someone out.
Peter and Dorothy shared a love of the sea and as all the children left home and they had more free time they purchased a static caravan at Weymouth Bay. It quickly became their second home and they were there almost every weekend the site was open. Slowly, slowly, they developed a strong circle of friends in Weymouth and an active social life. For his grandchildren Weymouth became a place of very special memories of quality time spent with Grand and Nan, and the great grandchildren love it even more. A caravan in Weymouth has been a focal part of Peter’s life for many, many years.
Peter always loved to travel from London to Brecon, to the south west coast with occasional trips up north for work. He eventually gained a passport around the age of 50 years and his world travel adventures are extensive from California, Brazil, Australia, and Sri Lanka to visit friends and extended family France to stay with Michael, to backpacking around India, Hong Kong and New Zealand, with Diane or Kathryn, or various cruises with Helen, Peter always jumped at any opportunity to travel and explore and meet new people. He was greatly loved wherever he went.
Throughout his life Dorothy remained his constant love and support. They did it all together.
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