Peter Johnson Fenwick (1948-2025)

Peter Fenwick was a proud Northumbrian from Hexham, who would enjoy recounting that the Fenwick clan had been some of the most lawless and fearsome Border Reivers in the North of England and Scotland over several centuries. The Fenwicks later, however, mended their ways and became pillars of society in Northumberland and Durham, several serving as members of parliament, aldermen, mayors and high sheriffs.

Peter was somebody to whom his school friends looked up, literally because of his stature (he was 1.9 metres tall at the age of sixteen), but also because of the qualities which he evinced. He was a natural leader, a figure who exuded authority, allied to enormous integrity, warmth and a keen sense of humour. Peter was utterly reliable, dependable, loyal and supportive throughout his life. He attended Dame Allan’s from 1962 until 1967, and it was no great surprise when he was appointed Head Prefect, a role which he undertook with characteristic tact, diligence and sensitivity. Peter excelled at rugby, playing for the First XV and the successful sevens team, as well as operating as a second row forward or in the back row for Tynedale Rugby Football Club (¹)

Unfortunately, his competitive sporting career ended in 1969, when, in his own words, he came second in a contest with a surgeon’s knife. He trained as a Chartered Management Accountant and then spent much of his working life in the defence and aerospace industry, becoming a Director of Business Development for Central Europe. In retirement, largely in Medstead in East Hampshire, Peter and his wife, Zoe, set out to visit every cathedral in England, and he also served as a parish councillor, school governor and National Trust volunteer.

A proud Allanian, he attended the 50th anniversary celebration for the Class of 67 in 2017, enjoying the various festivities and the tour of the school. Subsequently, he regularly joined others from the same year group who live in the South of England and Wales to share memories of their years together at Dame Allan’s and to hear news of their families, friends, travels and shared interests.

Following a short illness, Peter died peacefully on March 20th, 2025, with Zoe at his side. At his funeral service in Medstead, Hampshire, his coffin was appropriately decorated with a large Northumberland County flag, and was carried from the church to the strains of a Northumbrian piper. Those of us who were fortunate to share our school years with him at Dame Allan’s will always remember him and the example he gave us.

(¹) https://www.tynedalerfc.co.uk/news/peter-johnson-fenwick-2909102.html

Philip Routledge, Brian Hannaford, Peter Emmerson, Peter le Touze, Hugh Neffendorf and Peter Willoughby (Graduating Class of ‚67)