Peter's focusing in on retirement (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Peter's focusing in on retirement

A LIFE in photography began for Peter in 1952. He was then working in Boots Ludlow branch in the Bull Ring and had been developing his own films for a few years, with a friend, after leaving Wem Grammar School.

He shared lodgings with a member of the now defunct BBC Club in Ludlow and was invited to join the club - it had photographic processing facilities.

"It was not long before the local paper, The Advertiser, asked for one of my photographs of an event in Ludlow, around 1956 I think, and I worked as a freelance for many years while still at Boots," he said.

In 1970, Peter set up a photographic shop with his wife, Joan, in Upper Galdeford - just a couple of doors away from the Ludlow Advertiser's former office.

Trade went well and his involvement with local papers grew, as well as his work for many firms in the area. There was studio work too, doing portraits of children and families and wedding photography.

In 1986, Joan was taken ill. They had two sons who were in their early 20s at this time. Two years later, she died. Peter kept the shop going for some years but it was finally closed in 1998.

Peter kept on taking pictures and continued his close links with the south Shropshire Scout movement. He was chairman of Ludlow Scout Group and Ludlow District Scouts.

"Now I have decided to call it a day. I shall still keep up my connections with the local newspapers but at 73, it's time I retired."

Peter enjoyed his work as it meant meeting so many interesting people, including several members of the Royal family as well as many from the entertainment and musical world.

Career highlights include meeting the Princess Royal several times and many Ludlow Festival entertainers.

Now, Peter says he will have more time for gardening as well as walking with friends locally and in the Lake District and north Wales.

"I've always enjoyed taking photographs of places I visit in the UK and I shall carry on doing that. I expect I'll be called in by the papers every now and again too."