The OH Club received the very sad news recently that Peter Heron had passed away. Born in 1946, Peter arrived at Allhallows in September 1960, first joining the Headmaster’s House before moving to Shallow House the following year. From the outset, he distinguished himself through quiet determination, unfailing courtesy, and a wholehearted engagement with school life that would define his years at Allhallows.

Peter rose steadily through positions of responsibility, becoming Head Commoner in 1963, a House Prefect, and later Head of House. In September 1964, he was appointed School Prefect. His diligence in the classroom carried him through both “O” and “A” Levels and into the VI Form, where he continued to set an example of intellectual curiosity and commitment.

True to the Allhallows spirit, Peter immersed himself fully in the breadth of the school’s societies and clubs. He served on the committees of both the XX Club and the Debating Society, while also contributing enthusiastically to the Mechanics Club, Natural History Society, Tennis Club, Photographic Society, Choral Society, Carpentry Club, and the Shakespearean Society. His love of learning was wide-ranging, and he relished the opportunity to explore numerous fields of interest.

Sport also played a significant part in his school life. A capable and steady cricketer, Peter earned 2nd XI Colours in 1964–65 and captained the side in 1965, remembered by teammates for his tactical eye and calm leadership. His commitment to service extended to the C.C.F., where he rose to Senior Under Officer, completing his Basic Test in 1961 and A.P.C. in 1962, and attending camps at Plymouth and Bourley.

Peter left Allhallows in July 1965, taking with him the values of integrity, curiosity, and public-spiritedness that he embodied throughout his time at the school. Those who knew him—both during his school days and in the years that followed—will remember a man of warmth, quiet strength, and unwavering decency.

The Old Honitonians extend their heartfelt condolences to Peter’s family and all who knew him. He remains part of the living fabric of Allhallows, and we honour his memory with gratitude and pride.

We heard recently from some of his contemporaries.

John Pagliero:

Peter Heron was a couple of years ahead of me at school and in Shallow, where he eventually became Head of House and a School Prefect.  As Allhallows was at that time, the paths of fellows in a different year group and a different House rarely crossed.  However, I do remember him as a very well-thought-of senior figure within the school and perhaps his biggest claim to fame was being the drummer in the ‘band’ or the ‘group’ as it was called in those days.  Along with Mike Walsh (lead guitar), Ian Hay (rhythm guitar) and Tony Cousins (bass guitar), he was to keep us all ‘rocking’ to the tunes of the day whenever there was an opportunity – House plays at Christmas, summer parties, etc., or just down in ‘The Grot’.  I can’t remember what they called themselves but they played mostly hits of ‘The Shadows’ because, can you believe it, at that time the school wouldn’t permit singing…!!

Peter was also the ‘Silver Drummer’ within the Corps of Drums, and here our paths did cross because I was the ‘Silver Bugler’.  I guess we preferred instruments to guns…

Where I really got to know Peter was in the OH golfing society.  I held the organiser’s role from 2014 until 2024, and throughout those years, Peter was one of our most loyal and dependable of ‘stalwarts’.  Very few days or tours were undertaken without his estimable presence.  He was no mean golfer either, winning our OH Championship Day back in 2022, I think it was.  He was also a great storyteller and had a joke for pretty much every occasion.  If proceedings became too quiet for his liking, he could always be relied upon to interject with a “Have you heard the one about….” 

Peter will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him, and our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Sue, and their family. 

Tony Cousins:

Peter and I were exact contemporaries at Allhallows. I think we were inspired to form a band quite early on by watching and hearing a couple of older boys named Smith and Cassimatis play  (thank you, John, for reminding me about Cassimatis, perhaps the first time I had heard that name in 50 years).

Peter played the drums and was very keen on the band. Being well organised, it was he who arranged our first public engagement at the British Legion in Nailsworth (I think), his family home was there. 

His prized possession was an Austin 7. I remember the interior getting so hot that I put my feet out of the front window to cool. It was very useful because, naturally, no one else had any transport.

My friendship with him revolved mainly around the band, the rehearsals, the end-of-term performance, and the planning for the few parties arranged for the holidays.

When he became a prefect, he used to invite me to the Shallow study for toast and coffee occasionally.

After leaving the school, I met him again once, by which time he was working for Amaco and no longer playing drums.

It was a great pleasure to be put in contact again through you. He was much the same - upright, amusing and thoughtful. He still had set lists from the school band; we must have learnt 100 tunes!

Rather than try and write a kind of eulogy, I thought you might condense this as you prefer.

Regards

Tony