Peter Holden: – [Heath 1957–1964]
Peter was educated at Heath Grammar School and from there he went to Loughborough College to train to be a Teacher of Physical Education. He gained a place through his rugby ability but mostly for his excellence as a cricketer.
His first teaching post was with the Peripatetic PE Service in Halifax in 1967 and then at J.H. Whitley School. He then taught at Ostler Secondary Modern School until 1971. From Peter Mottram a former pupil now living in New Zealand;
I first encountered Mr Holden as a pupil at Ostler school in 1970. I thought he was a great bloke and appreciated his no-nonsense attitude. I learned a hell of a lot from him and, because I tried, always got a good end-of-term report. My dad used to come and watch me and he also got on really well with Peter. I did bump into him after he’d gone to Crossley and Porter and I’m sure that after I left school, I played cricket against him — a nice bloke.
In 1972 he went to Crossley and Porter Grammar School, where he became Head of PE and also taught History. He was a good squash player, playing for the school. His love of skiing led him to organize yearly school trips to European resorts for pupils, staff and parents. During his time at Crossley’s, he was instrumental in bringing the Swedish rugby union team over to play against the school and Old Crossleyans. A relationship developed and the school team went to Sweden several times to play and coach the Swedish national team with staff and students — Brian Moore being one of them.
Mark Illingworth, a former pupil, remembers,
Peter was my games teacher at Crossley’s and my enduring memory of him is him standing with a stopwatch and clipboard, timing me as I ran around the 400m track on the moor. He did this in his own time after school, before I was due to compete in the inter-schools games. He was always encouraging and quick to praise, even with the lads who had no real talent or interest in sport. He also knew how to let you know when things weren’t going too well, especially if he thought you weren’t trying. He was instrumental in developing my enduring interest in sport.
I particularly remember a trip to France in 1977; we canoed down the Ardeche river. It was a complete change from school life and Peter and the other members of staff took the opportunity to treat us all like young men. We had a great night celebrating the Queen’s silver jubilee.
Peter was a superb all-round sportsman. He played fullback for Halifax Rugby Union Football Club for six seasons starting in 1969 and making 136 appearances for them. In the 70s he played for Old Crossleyans RUFC on the 1st and 2nd teams.
He was a keen and talented cricketer, playing for Bradshaw Cricket Club for about 20 years. Around 1990 he retired from the 1st team and then played for the 2nd team for a number of years. He helped manage the junior players and some 1st team stalwarts were given their chances in open age cricket because of Peter. He is remembered as a very good wicket keeper and a prolific opening batsman. He was captain of the 1st team, which won promotion in 1974, and also were 2nd division champions in 1978. He is famously remembered for hitting six sixes in one over at the Old Crossleyans — not many people apart from Peter and Garfield Sobers have done this. He is fondly remembered by many associated with Bradshaw CC. After he retired from playing he spent a few seasons umpiring in the local league.
Peter left teaching at Crossley and Porter School in 1982 to take on a new role in adult education in Calderdale. He organised and ran classes in the Calder Valley area and then became part of the Community Education Team until his early retirement in 2001.
Peter was father to Nick and Vanessa, grandfather and great grandfather. He was married to Beth for almost twenty-five years. He was a good friend to many, as was seen by the many people who attended his funeral and went to Standeven House afterwards to raise a glass and remember him.
With thanks to The Crossleyan where this obituary first appeared in the 2024 edition.
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