For a man that I only met in what was to be the last few years of his life, I feel I have lost a dear friend, such was the impression he made on me. From my first encounter, I knew I had never met anyone like Pete before or ever would since.
I first met Pete when visiting him in his home in Shaftesbury as part of a health visit. He reluctantly allowed me in as was wary at first. He was not at ease when first meeting him yet he made me feel at home. He had a number of buddha statuettes and a portrait of a glowering Native Indian man's head sinking beneath a great plain. There was a very strong spiritual presence and this was made stronger when Pete spoke. His Midland's drawl was completely captivating and somewhat becalming. It wasn't long before we found common interest in films and a series of non-sequiturs proceeded. In the space of an hour Pete had spoken about his encounters with Native tribes in Canada, film sets, conversations with Harold Pinter, bohemian expeditions to the sub continent with numerous escapades along the way. Everything seemed entirely believable and entirely sincere, yet equally astounding. There was no doubt that Pete had lived an exotic life with the most intriguing of encounters along the way, and clearly had left an indelible impression wherever he had set foot.
Pete then drew my attention to a letter on his table indicating that he may receive a visit from the bailiffs! Thinking he might be perturbed I clearly underestimated him. He reassured me by saying that firstly – “never let the c*&%s in”. They’re not allowed to cross the threshold, but if you let them in, you’re F&^(&^d”. Anyway, if they try it, they’ll be going down those stairs head first”. As far as I know, the bailiffs never did make an appearance, and probably just as well for them that they didn’t.
On my next visit, by which time Pete had got to know me, he had the door open and he was giving me recommendations on films he had recently seen, and he interrupted himself to say – “ah, hello Blackie”. Turning round, a blackbird was stood by the open door which seemed surprising given their nervous nature. Pete explained that it was a resident bird that he had been feeding over a series of weeks, and the bird had clearly developed enough trust not only to come up to the door but had sometimes ventured in to the flat. “Blackie” as Pete had named him, had become a daily visitor and companion. It was probably the most emotional I had seen Pete who could be gruff and excoriating, especially about anyone duplicitous, devious and dishonest (which gave us plenty of common ground to deride the then Johnson cabinet), but there was a true gentleness and caring nature about him. He would often become tearful when talking about animals or his children, how proud he was of them and how well they supported him. Even in bad weather or ill health, he would always ensure he could get to the shops to make sure he had supplies for any creature in need of sustenance. Amongst many sobriquets I think we joked about him being the Francis of Assisi of Shaftesbury, as he was so close the Abbey, but his irreverence would only have resulted in excommunication.
It was around this time that I must have remarked on some of the Buddha statuettes. He explained that he had become particularly intrigued by the Jain Buddhist sect when travelling out in India. This also coincided with some activities that may have raised some eyebrows with Customs and Excise. He spent a lot of time out in India, travelling back to the UK sometimes via the Netherlands with one Bombay Mick which led to a number of sorties while trying to evade detection!
I am only sorry that I did not record a lot of what Pete regaled, although most of it would probably have had to be censored anyway.
He carried a very particular wisdom, wrought by hardships, wide travel, encounters and friendships with every walk of life. If he only had a five pound note to his name, I don't doubt he would have given to someone he felt was in strife.
He had a heart as big as a house and leaves a void impossible to fill for there could never be another Pete.
I feel utterly privileged to have met him, for the stories he shared, his devotion to his family, friends and many animals, and will always be grateful for his kindness, the conversations, his philosophy and his friendship.
Thank you Pete. X
Alastair Amos
31st January 2025