Obituary for Harold Perkins

Although on the old MSN site, I would like to thank the Grandchildren and other relations for granting permission for me to re-produce this obituary on the new Multiply site ...

Doug Clews - April 2009

Harold Perkins died on 14th September 1994. He was both pupil and master at Peter Symonds. The following obituary appeared in the Hampshire Chronicle and was contributed by his son Mark [1955-62].
“Harold Perkins, a former pupil at Peter Symonds’ School, and a local musician, has died at the age of 84.
Harold was born in Bristol, where he was a chorister at St Mary Redcliffe. His parents moved to Winchester in 1922 and he attended St Thomas School and sang at St Thomas Church in Southgate Street, where the distinguished organist, Mr Ernest Savage, started Harold on learning to play the organ.
He became a pupil at Peter Symonds’ School in 1924, during which time he was influenced by successive headmasters, the Rev. Telford Varley and Dr P.T. Freeman. Harold excelled in music and sport, particularly cricket, where he was encouraged by the late Harold Child and was a contemporary of another cricket enthusiast, the late George Pierce.
After studying at teacher training college at Southampton between 1928 and 1932, Harold took up his first teaching post in Bristol. Again, music and sport were his interests – teaching one and organising the other.
In 1939 Harold and his brother were given two tickets for the Wembley cup final when Portsmouth beat Wolves 4 – 1. He continued his support for Pompey from the 50’s, which he has passed on to two of his sons and a grandson.
Harold served in the war from 1941-1946 with the Royal Armoured Corps as an instructor, first at Bovington and latterly in India. He returned to Bristol for a few years until, in 1950, he was appointed music master at Peter Symonds’ School.
His appointment by Dr Freeman was a moment that gave him much pleasure, as Peter Symonds’ school was held in much affection by him. The family connection then saw his brother Jim and three sons all attending the school and he was a keen supporter of the Old Symondians’ Association.
In addition to establishing a strong musical tradition at Peter Symonds’, Harold Perkins was also busy in a number of other spheres. He managed football and cricket teams for several years and was an officer in the army section of the school cadet force for 20 years. He also founded a school brass band, which developed into the successful
Mid-Hants Schools’ Band. He retired as a school-teacher in 1970.
Harold was also active as a church organist. He was appointed organist and choirmaster at Holy Trinity, Winchester, in 1953, a post he held until 1977. During his working years and, in retirement, Harold was actively involved with the Winchester and District Association of Organists, became president of Friary Bowling Club before becoming a founding member of Littleton Bowling Club, which he served as secretary and president.
Harold was a committed Christian and assisted the YMCA, Polynesian Society, Missions to Seamen, Christian Aid and the Children’s Society. He also served as churchwarden at Holy Trinity and was appointed the first co-lay chairman of the Deanery Synod.
Harold died after a short illness and the funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church, Winchester. He is survived by his wife, Doreen and three sons, Terrence, Mark and Robert. He also leaves seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.”