It is with much sadness that we report Peter passed away on 18 March. Peter was the Chair of Woodland Heritage, the ex-Director of long standing and highly respected family firm of cabinet furniture makers Titchmarsh and Goodwin, and a champion of British timber.
In 1994, Peter felt it was time to “give something back to the forestry sector”, to try and help safeguard British woodlands for future generations and future furniture makers. To further his vision he co-founded Woodland Heritage – a charity that works to revive and embrace our woodland culture. As Chairman of Woodland Heritage, Peter worked tirelessly for over 23 years, securing its founding, the patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales and inspired its numerous activities. Through Peter's endless personal enthusiasm and passion, the charity developed its highly successful 'Woodland to Workshop' courses, communicated the importance of woodland management at numerous field visits and raised awareness across the sector and within Government of the threats to British woodlands. Peter was able, combining his charm and diplomacy with his business acumen, to secure over £2 million for research into Acute Oak Decline. In 2011 he was awarded the Royal Forestry Society’s (RFS) most prestigious award, the RFS Gold Medal for Distinguished Services to Forestry.
Peter was enthusiastic and thrived on getting things done – the embodiment – and originator of - Woodland Heritage’s mantra of 'Action not Words'. He was outspoken in his views and was never afraid to highlight what he felt needed doing - and what did not – and revelled in being direct in his views. There are many people who will recall Peter’s jocular yet challenging chairing of Woodland Heritage’s field meetings – and when Peter was holding the microphone there was always going to be a series of interesting asides, challenges to conventional thought as well as encyclopaedic attention to detail and knowledge. Peter was always willing to say what many others thought, but were not confident in doing so, but Peter always spoke with great conviction, fairness and a steely glint in his eye. He was also a great company, a passionate communicator and time spent in his company was always richly rewarding. He was great fun to be with. Peter was an inspiration to all that met him and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our sincerest condolences go to Peter’s wife, Sally, and his family.
A celebration of Peter's life will take place at Sotterley Hall, Sotterley, Beccles, Suffolk. NR34 7TY on Monday 3rd April at 2.00 pm.
The family have requested - no flowers please, but donations, if desired, to Woodland Heritage.
If you would like to make a donation and are able to Gift Aid it then please use the attached form here.
For any queries or further information please use the contact details below:
Woodland Heritage, PO Box 168, Haslemere, Surrey. GU27 1XQ.
Tel: 01428 652159 Email: enquiries@woodlandheritage.org.uk