We are deeply saddened to have to report the passing of one of our village’s great characters, Peter Martin, the former headmaster of Chearsley Village School.
As many will know, Peter lost his wife, Alva, just a short while ago in November last year.
Peter came to the school as headteacher in 1959. A photo of the school children, together with Peter and Alva, in that same year is shown below. Peter and Alva held similar views on teaching, including enjoying outdoor activities, not just sitting behind desks, and having fun with the children while they learnt.
Please enjoy some of Peter’s recollections about his time as headmaster in Chearsley on this link.
Peter left his role at the village school in 1966 and spent the rest of his working career in teacher education, demonstrating a real passion for providing our youngsters with the best possible learning opportunities.
Alva and Peter married in 1965 and made their home in Chearsley in 1979. They remained in Bernards Close, Chearsley until Alva needed nursing care two years ago, and they both retired to Hulcott Nursing Home, near Bierton.
While many of us today can boast a little bit of knowledge about many things (usually by courtesy of Messrs Google), Peter knew an awful lot about an incredibly wide range of subjects. A conversation with Peter was often an education in itself, hoping he’ll forgive the metaphor!
Peter was also an accomplished artist, a keen cyclist and a passionate supporter of Sussex County Cricket Club.
We’d like to pass our sincere condolences to Peter and Alva’s family, with the message that they will be sadly missed by our community, especially by the former pupils of Chearsley Village School.
We will pass on further details about Peter’s funeral arrangements as soon as they are available – although they will of course be subject to all current social distancing guidelines.
