Following the news of the death of Peter Ellis (Staff, 1964-96), several OHs have written to the Haileybury Society keen to share their memories of this influential coach. Each of these recollections show the breadth of his life’s work, the depth of his influence and the huge contribution he made to the lives of so many. Enjoy…
A former Master’s kind words…
Dear Lilian,
Mary and I were greatly saddened to hear of Peter’s death. We send you and all your family our great sympathy. You will all be much in our thoughts at this very difficult time. I am also saddened that the funeral co-incides with the termly meeting of the Haileybury Council and so I will be unable to share with you and many others my very fond, and often very amusing, recollections of Peter.
I know that Peter’s dedication to developing the cricketing and rackets playing skills of many generations of Haileybury boys will be widely recognised. The achievements of those boys in both sports is an enduring testimony to Peter, He had a great partnership with Roger, both strong individuals, both with a well developed sense of humour who complemented and respected each other wonderfully. I have many precious recollections of Peter, ever his own man, always inclined to induce a smile and fundamentally someone of great integrity, warmth and personality. I have no recollection of getting the better of Peter on the golf course, modest though he would say his talent there was, it was far better than mine.
Though I only know of your involvement with Haileybury in outline, I know that your work in the San, now of course the health Centre, and in the uniform shop was invaluable too. I know that others readily turned to you in their time of need and when in search of friendship and support; they were never disappointed. Haileybury owes Peter and you an huge amount. It is a generous community. It will express its gratitude as I do now.
I hope that through the present sadness there is place for pride in what you both gave to the Haileybury community. There should be.
With every good wish,
Stuart Westley (Master of Haileybury 1996-2009)
Another former Master writes…
Dear Lilian,
With very great regret, I cannot get to Peter’s funeral on Friday. I would have loved to be with you and the family, although the occasion will be very sad. That great photo of Peter on his richly deserved retirement reminds me of so many happy and fulfilling times on rackets courts (in spite of all the tension!) and cricket pitches, and it would have been wonderful to have raised another glass in his honour. He was a central figure in my Haileybury years. How often did my footsteps lead to the rackets court (long before all the glossy buildings springing up around it); so much sharing of wisdom, encouragement, skills and such enthusiasm for all those who enjoyed playing under his guidance and influence.
You were both very much at the heart of Haileybury life, and of course we also had the excitement of Richard’s many successes to relish as well. I am afraid that life will be sad and empty without Peter, but I am sure that the warmth and affection of so many Old Haileyburians will be a comfort as well as so many friends in and around your home. Pauline and I send our deepest sympathy; we remember with gratitude the happy times and all that you and Peter gave to Haileybury over so many years.
I hope that Friday will not be too sad for you and that the raised glasses will be a fitting reminder of all that Peter meant to so many.
With our love,
David (Master 1976-1986) and Pauline Summerscale
That Kodak moment…
I was so very sorry to read of the recent death of Peter Ellis and would be very grateful if you could pass on my sincere condolences to Lilian, Richard and the wider Ellis family.
I have many memories of Peter going right back to the year when I joined the Haileybury staff in September 1979. In that first term of my first year, Richard Ellis was the Head of School, something of which Peter and Lilian were justly very proud. Mainly, however, my memories of Peter are in the context of sport. For many years, I coached cricket teams, starting with the Second XI and then moving to be the coach of the Junior Colts A XI for a lengthy period. I recall the endless patient hours that Peter would spend in the nets, at first outside the door of his house, where the Astro Turf pitch is now, and later on the side of Terrace. Peter would either bowl or throw balls for young batsmen to hone their skills. As in every area, Peter prized technique. Boy were firmly encouraged to hold the bat correctly, to have a balanced stance and to move their feet to the ball. After the shot, it was always necessary for the player to hold a poised position for what Peter liked to call “that Kodak moment” when an imaginary camera could fire and a perfect picture could be taken of the follow through.
In 1989 I became Master in Charge of Rackets after Richard Nicholl left Haileybury. No Rackets player myself, Peter introduced me to the mystical art of refereeing home Rackets matches and was almost invariably supportive of my decisions if ever they were questioned by players or staff from visiting schools. As with Cricket, Peter had fiercely high standards when it came to Rackets. All Removes pupils would attend the Rackets Court for trials and Peter had the ability to detect skill in these absolute beginners after hitting just a few balls to them. Those who showed such talent could expect to be coached, encouraged and developed. Once a boy had acquired a degree of skill, Peter would, as
in the nets, hone that skill through hours of patient practice.
Peter had that ability to build and build a boy’s confidence and then, just as the lad would be feeling he had mastered, say, his forehand, Peter would cut a ball viciously into the nick and send it fizzing past reminding his pupil that he still had much to learn. Those with both skill and appetite would respond by trying even harder. To those who lost heart, or did not try, Peter would come out with one of his many tried and tested witticisms – “I’ll go next door and bring Mrs Ellis in here with a stick of rhubarb – she could hit the ball better than you!” Or even “My dog could play better than that!” Peter’s charges enjoyed considerable success on the court both in inter-school matches and at the Public Schools Championships at Queens Club; few things gave him as much pleasure as when Haileyburians went deep into the competition at Queens or, better still, lifted a piece of silverware. He had a solid group of friends among the Rackets Professionals in the other schools where the sport was played, one of whom, Robert Wakely at Marlborough, was taught the game by Peter. It was always a pleasure to see how Peter was welcomed with warmth and respect at opposing schools.
Peter was a notoriously bad passenger in the minibus and had dubious navigation skills, once, according to legend, heading to Malvern College by way of the Severn Bridge. I quickly discovered that one of the duties of the Master In Charge was to drive the team to away matches. Many hours were spent on the road and I remember telling a colleague that I thought I had proved my driving skills to Peter when, quite early on in my first trip to another school, he unfurled the Daily Telegraph and began reading it. I took this to be a sign of Peter’s confidence in me; my colleague gently enquired whether I had considered the possibility that Peter was hiding behind the paper so that he couldn’t see the road!
It is a real sadness to learn of Peter’s passing, and I am sorry that I will not be able to attend his funeral. I will be thinking of him and Lilian and the family on Friday.
Rob Turnbull (Staff 1979 – 2012)
A huge impact
Dear Lilian,
I was deeply saddened to read of the passing of your dear husband last week. Peter had a tremendously positive impact on my time at Haileybury and I remember my time training with him with great fondness.
As a sports coach, Peter was the best I ever had. He dedicated hours and hours to the development of
others and always did it with a laugh and a joke, which made games all the more enjoyable.
I remember Peter treating himself to his dream Mercedes to celebrate Rob Walker and I winning the doubles at Queens Club in 1993! He couldn’t bring himself to watch the final! If it wasn’t for the countless hours Peter dedicated to coaching me, we would, of course, never have won anything and more importantly we would have enjoyed the game far less.
I’m extremely grateful for Peter’s coaching and mentoring, which has had a huge impact on my life after Haileybury by imparting the self-confidence that comes from honing a deep skill and understanding the dedication and commitment it takes to achieve one’s goals.
Peter was the ultimate professional.
Lilian, I’m so sorry for your loss and share sincere condolences with you, Richard and your family.
Yours sincerely,
David Cruickshank (K 89)
Such good characters…
I wanted to pass on best wishes to Richard and family..
I have very fond memories of sunny afternoons in the nets with Peter officiating our “ England vs Bermuda Test matches “ .. also on the raquets court .. and also in the kitchen with his wife’s cooking lessons.. they were such good characters in my Haileybury experience – RiP
Mark Bloom (E 78)
Good friends…
Richard was one of Peter`s rackets proteges and he was very good at cricket too so we got to know him and Lilian very well indeed. Then they used to come and watch at the Richard Memorial cricket matches in the last few years …then Covid came….
I had visited Peter at home a few years ago so yesterday I went round and put a card through the door. We got a lovely email back from their son, Richard.
John will be representing all Palmers at the service.
Sue and John Palmer (E 62 and Bursar 1997-2005)
Sincere condolences…
Peter coached me at squash, rackets and cricket.
We are sorry to hear that Peter has passed on and would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family for their sad loss at this time.
Best Regards,
Paul (M 71) and Isobel Hearn and Family
What a coach!
A very sad day but I remember a man who was an extremely important part of my formative years.
It was at Haileybury where my passion for cricket emerged. I had the privilege of playing with Richard in the First XI and also opening together for Oxford in the 1983 Varsity Match. We would go on and share some time together in the professional ranks at Middlesex. Richard was a supremely talented stroke player and I was just the opposite.
However I owe all my cricketing achievements to Peter who extracted every ounce of ability I had. Countless hours bowling at me with metronomic accuracy and immense patience.
What a coach! – rest in peace Peter.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Andrew (Dusty) Miller (E 76)
Many happy hours with him…
Dear Richard
I have just read the very sad news of the death of your father I am so sorry.
I can see Peter’s face and hear his voice in my mind very clearly as I write this. But then I spent many happy hours with him in the rackets court and in the cricket nets at Haileybury. The fact that I had so much enjoyment playing both sports at Haileybury was in no small measure down to Peter’s coaching and encouragement.
I send to you and all of your family my sincere condolences.
With kind regards
Tony Harper (K 60)
Vast knowledge and technical expertise
I came to Haileybury from New Zealand for 1 year in 1988 having been fortunate to have had some fine cricket coaches here. However, Peter stands out in my memory for his vast knowledge, his technical expertise and his grit. We had a wonderful team that year and he was such an important part of that. I vividly remember the metronomic line and length he could maintain for hours to work on a technical flaw; his patience in dealing with short-lived, embarrassing temperamental explosions from fired-up teenagers; his gorgeous old MG; and his passion for racquets and my relief at getting off the court without copping a ball in the back of the head at 200kmh! I am so sad to hear that he has passed but he played a fine innings and he will live on fondly in the memories of so many people fortunate enough to come under his tutelage.
Matthew Goodson (B 88)
A delightful personality…
Dear Lilian,
Susie and I were very sad to learn of Peter’s death and send you and your family our condolences.
His and my paths didn’t really cross but I was always aware of his talents and great contribution to sports which meant a lot to generations of boys.
He was a delightful personality and always, as far as I could see, of an equable temperament, and I am glad he enjoyed a long retirement with you in Hoddesdon.
David Hunt (Staff 1961-94)
An important figure…
He was so important to me a Haileybury as I played cricket and racquets and have some very fond memories of him.
RIP Peter.
Christopher Evans (BF 70)
A Haileybury legend…
I am so sad to hear of the the passing of Peter Ellis. He was an incredible “servant” of the school , a brilliant professional ,great company and an absolute Haileybury legend. There are so many Haileyburians who owe him so much .
My condolences to the family and thoughts and prayers are with them all.
Roger Saper (A 64)
A lovely man…
I was in Lawrence House, Haileybury 1964 to 1968 and he taught me to play Rackets. He was a lovely Man and a great Sports Teacher.
I feel very sad.
Max Hole CBE (L 64)
Professional, affable, caring…
The Haileybury Society has informed me of the passing of Peter Ellis (I can’t refer to him informally as ‘Peter’ – he was ‘Sir’ to me!). I would like to express my sincere condolences. I have not seen him for many decades, but even after all this time I do remember being taught how to play rackets by him towards the end of the 1960s. Even though I was a reasonably accomplished squash player, it was a difficult game to master but his excellent instruction helped me enormously; he really helped me to get to grips with it and learn all the nuances required to do well and beat the opponent where possible. Of course, this was made all the more difficult if that opponent was also taught by him! I remember his professional, affable and caring nature which made one really want to learn. As a boy one doesn’t realise these things, but looking back now I hold the view that he was a credit to the School, and the accolades given by the Society are certainly entirely appropriate.
David Stevenson (BF 58)
A coach who became a friend…
Peter was such a fantastic part of my life at Haileybury and in the years shortly after I left the school. He was a coach and a confidante and in the end I regarded him as a friend.
He helped me develop as a Cricketer and a Captain and was one of the reasons my time in the Eleven was so happy. He brought his own dry humour to so many situations and his observations about the characteristics of some public schools and their cricketers were always worth listening to. Although he tried to get me to play Rackets I think that was a job too much even for him!
I send you all my deepest sympathies.
Dan Benyon (K 84)
Fond workshop memories…
I would like to pay my respect to Peter Ellis – I have very fond memories of chatting with Peter about squash in his workshop. Taught me so much about tactics in squash that served me well in my adult playing years. Mostly Peter repairing broken strings and the head of the racquet after another collision with the wall. Cups of tea with Peter and his wife on the Winter evenings after hours of practice were a highlight too…
Sadly I am in Australia and won’t be able to attend the service on the 24th June.
I am deeply saddened at his passing.
Thor Cembala (LS & Th 84)
A privilege to know him…
I wanted to send my condolences to Lilian, Richard and the Ellis family.
I had many fantastic moments with Peter during my time at the School and when Richard captained the 11 in 1978.
Peter had a sharp and gravelly wit that went with his indomitable and valuable coaching. He made me a better cricketer and it was a privilege to know him
Mark Baker White (Tr 74)
A sharp wit
Thank you for sharing this sad news. I have fond memories of Mr Ellis stringing rackets for me and others. Such a sharp wit and genuinely nice person to us boys (and girls).
Victor Manning (Tr 82)
a “real good one”
Peter was a huge influence on my life at Haileybury and I have so many fond memories of him. Yes that sense of humour (!) but also his dedication to his charges. Wonderful man. I remember returning to the school to play an old boys game in my early 30s after over a decade away and sitting with him on one of those Pavilion benches chatting over old times for ages.
Peter was a ‘real good one’ as they say. I will certainly miss him.
Max Norman (C 68)
A huge influence…
I was so sorry to hear about Peter’s death. He may never have realised but he was a huge influence on me at Haileybury. Heading off to the rackets court or to the cricket nets to get some coaching from Peter was a massive escape from the daily school routine and always great fun.
I probably let him down a bit with the rackets by never really applying myself as much as the others (e.g. Adrian Stahl and my brother Ben) but I always enjoyed it. He spent a huge amount of time throwing down balls for me in the cricket nets and looking back on it, the only reason I have continued playing cricket throughout my life (even now in my mid 50s) is largely down to Peter and his determination to make me a better batter. My scores at school never reflected how much he helped me because I was way too impatient – but I always scored plenty of runs back home in Kent in the holidays and wherever I’ve played since then.
It would amuse/interest him now that I live and work in Dubai for the International Cricket Council as the General Counsel and Company Secretary so am surrounded by cricket and every Monday evening I disappear for nets across the road with the other guys – most of whom are about 20-30 years younger.
And Lilian, I remember you so fondly as well – either teasing Peter or looking after us in the san – in my case, usually as a result of concussion from rugby.
Jon Hall (Th 81)
Inimitable coaching style…
I was so very sorry to hear the sad news this week that Peter had passed away.
I have very fond memories of Peter from my time playing rackets and squash at Haileybury. I will always remember his inimitable coaching style and great sense of humour, both on and off court.
I still play rackets at Queen’s and on the rare occasion I hit a good serve or shot, I can still hear Peter’s voice of encouragement from the gallery!
On behalf of my brothers (Matthew and Rupert) and I, I would be grateful if you could please pass on our condolences and very best wishes to Lilian, Richard and family.
Ben Grose (B 82)
One of the most important people I encountered at Haileybury…
I hope Peter’s funeral went well yesterday and that it was at least in part a joyous occasion to celebrate a great man and one of the most important people I encountered at Haileybury. He was the one who coaxed (not that I needed much coaxing!) me onto the Racks court as a 13 year old, which led to some of the happiest memories I had at Haileybury, a cementing of a lifelong friendship with my Rackets partner Dave Cruickshank, and ultimately winning the Public Schools Doubles Championship with him in 1993.
I am so sad I could not make the funeral yesterday, but I was flat out on duty in my GP Practice yesterday but I know my Father was there to pay our tributes to Peter. I would like to pass on my best wishes and condolences to Lilian especially, who has very much been in my thoughts this week. She was very much the ‘rock’ on which Peter was built and without her support I’m sure none of us would have had the wonderful experiences we had on the Rackets court. My best wishes to Richard too who so kindly came back to Haileybury and practice with us on a number of occasions in our build up to the Doubles Championship win.
My lasting memories of Peter will be the smile that finally came across his face when we won the Championship and found him outside Queens Club. He had not seen a ball of the final and given it was a 7 game/final game nail biter he had been pacing around the Queens grounds for hours! And then him turning up in his longed for Mercedes which he purchased on the back of our win!
Happy memories indeed and I hope will lift Lilian’s spirits a bit. My thoughts are very much with all of them at the moment.
Thank you
Robert Walker (K 89)
Instrumental and inspiring…
Dear Richard,
I was really sorry to hear about the death of your father. He was a fine man who meant a lot to Peter and myself and was an instrumental and inspiring part of our school time at Haileybury. I very much liked and respected his ability, his calm and patient coaching and his company and quips – even if he did once describe my legs as two strips of cotton poking out from a pair of tennis shorts…….
And of course, who could forget when you and Peter won the Public Schools Senior Doubles at Queen’s in 1978 eclipsing everybody else. Looking back on it, that was a really important time in our family and I am so grateful to you and your father for creating that bit of enduring magic. I remember your father as being so pleased that you had won this cup and it is a huge testament to him that this happened (as well of course as your amazing talent).
Please do not acknowledge – I just wanted to let you know that even though it is over 40 years ago since we were at Haileybury, your father created lasting memories for us and we remember him fondly.
Very best wishes
David Wallis (C 76)
A truly great cricket coach…
I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Peter and wanted to let you know how highly I thought of him as a member of the the 1976 Cricket 1st XI. I was so pleased to see you both in 2016 on the occasion when his picture was finally put up in the cricket pavilion. You said then that his memory wasn’t what it was but he remembered me (and my stock inswinger!) immediately without any problem although we had probably not met since the late 1970s! Peter was a truly great cricket coach who really helped me with improving my bowling technique and was also a tremendous supporter who was always a great source of friendly encouragement. I always wanted to bowl from his end when he was umpiring 1st XI matches and when something went well there was often a subtle word of praise – albeit he was always careful to appear totally impartial to the nearby, non-striking batsman from the opposition!
My thoughts are very much with you at the present time and please would you also remember me to Richard and pass on my condolences to him too.
Best regards
Andrew Mills (H 72)
Facebook messages to the Haileybury Society
Caroline Graves (Hugh Sawbridge’s daughter) “Sad news. Love to Lilian and family. X
Nick Rogers (Th 93) “RIP Peter. Fond memories”
Linda Barley “Sleep tight Peter, God bless. X”
Jonathan Walsh ( C80) “RIP Peter. Fond memories.
Tracey Nudd-Edwards “Sad new. RIP Peter, sending lots of love to Lilian and family xxx”
Simon Roncorini (K 60) “How sad. A good man.”
Ray Bowie “RIP Peter, sad news.”
Lorraine Nudd “RIP Peter x”
Messages sent to Nick Gandon M 69 (President of the Haileybury Society)
David Hughes: So sorry to hear this Goose. My thoughts are with everyone that was lucky enough to know the wonderful man he was. Very fond memories of the hours he would spend turning his arm over in the Haileybury nets to help anyone that wanted it. A great man & a great loss. Sending lots of love xxx
Dan Beynon: Sorry to hear this sad news. Peter was such a fantastic part of life at Haileybury for me and so many others. He was a coach and a confidante and in the end I regarded him as a friend.
He helped me develop as a cricketer and a captain and was one of the reasons my time in the Eleven was so happy. He brought his own dry humour to so many situations and his observations about the game were always valuable.
Mark Hunt: So sorry to hear this Goose. Please pass on my condolences to the family especially Richard. Didn’t know Peter that well but obviously know Richard.
David Rimmer: Very saddened by this though I realise in many ways it came as a blessing. Peter had suffered enough. His life story, revealed to me in thousands of hours spent travelling to cricket grounds is quite profound in what it says about an older Britain and its more modern version. I was fortunate enough to have heard him talking about the top cricket players from the 1940s and 1950s. It was a unique insight. And, after a bruising five years at Haileybury, for me Peter was a life saver. My contact with him there had been intermittent. The introduction he gave me to St Margaretsbury CC (and the whole sports club) was a godsend.
In some ways the club has turned out to be like a family commitment, almost a life partner. Within cricket, only FJ Seabrook who taught me cricket at prep school in Cirencester (after he went to Haileybury and then taught there for 27 years, and also played for Gloucestershire when they tied with Australia in 1930) and Peter Athey (Middlesbrough CC, father of Bill who played for England, Yorkshire, Gloucs and Sussex) came close in terms of influence — and theirs was briefer.
Peter was kind enough not to tell me directly I was not going to be a good player but he could see that I was keen and could give a lot behind the scenes in various administrative roles, as I have. He said in later years I was his best signing for the club. Unlike some players who could be dismissive about average players, Peter was fully supportive. As Nick Gandon said, he was an eccentric — but for me he was a breath of fresh air and a wise man. All of you who have made contributions on this post will know about his habitual sayings so I will not repeat any. All I will say is I owe Peter a great deal, and it was a privilege to read passages of cricket to him in his last weeks.
Steve Burrow: Sad news to see RIP
Alister Bartholomew: Lovely man – I am sorry distance will prevent me from attending. RIP Peter
Gary Barnett: Very sad news goose pro was a great guy loved playing at the bury with a true gent rip Peter
Simon Spencer: A truly remarkable, knowledgeable, gifted man. Peter invited me attend to Haileybury School nets and bowl to his best lads as Cricket Master in the 70’s. That was regarded as a true honour back then. Always supportive and generous in his praise, I played with him as a young player and will never forget his style and manner on the field which made the game so much fun to be a part of.
To watch and listen to Peter from mid off go through his repertoire when one “beat the bat” will stay forever Thank you .
Russ Piper: Very sad news. Condolences to all the family. A real gentleman
Mark Weinstein: Very sad news – Peter was a great man. I have great memories of Peter during my time spent at Hoddy. Wishing family and friends sincerest condolences.
Tom Newman: Peter was a legend in the world of rackets. He will be sorely missed, no doubt.
Simon Lyon: Well said, Ganders. Please pass my best to his family. A great coach and widely known as the best Racquets coach in the land. Sorry I can’t be there to send him off.
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