Tributes paid to supporter of evacuee society ​​​​​​​

Friends of Glossop Station have paid tribute to the late Peter Glover.

Peter had a major part in the success of the annual visit by former evacuees from Lowestoft who escaped to the safety of the High Peak during the Second World War. 

Peter, who came from Glossop, worked at Dinting Vale Print Works, before moving to Southport. 

Friends’ group chairman Neil Williams said: “We were saddened to hear the news that Peter had recently died.  

“Peter, whose late wife Sheila was a former Lowestoft evacuee, had for many years been a staunch supporter of the Lowestoft Evacuation Society.  

“He attended, when possible, events in both Lowestoft and Glossop and we were delighted to welcome him to Glossop Station in June 2017 for the unveiling of the commemorative plaque marking the historic links between Glossop and Lowestoft.  

“Peter also kindly gave a personal donation towards the event which was a generous and much appreciated gesture. 

“On the annual summer trips to Glossop from Lowestoft made by former evacuees, Peter and Sheila always made every effort to join the group on at least one day to renew long-standing friendships.  

“Peter will be much missed and we offer Shirley, his daughter, our sincerest condolences.” 

Speaking on behalf of Lowestoft Evacuees’ Association, secretary Christopher Brooks said: “I’m sad to say we heard of the death of Glossopian Peter Glover and we extend our sympathy to Shirley and the family at this difficult time. 

“Peter loved evacuees, and with his late wife Sheila, herself an evacuee, loved to visit Lowestoft around the time of our summer reunions. 

“For several years they stayed at Britten House (the former childhood home of Benjamin Britten) for a week or two each year, rekindling friendships made long ago with Lowestoft evacuees and supporting our functions with great generosity. 

“His several large donations enabled us to hire a self-drive minibus to visit Glossop for a few days each year where he liked to meet up with us, coming from his last home in Southport. It also helped subsidise dinner social functions (sadly not at Christmas this year).

“Peter was a mine of information about Lowestoft evacuees in Glossop, knowing where they all lived, and I’m sure many there and in Southport will miss his friendly presence and generous nature. 

“As I remarked publicly at our 65th anniversary event at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft, there are not many people who have generously fostered 36 children. 

“They have given a much-needed home to 36 children in a lifetime of care - what empathy Peter and Sheila displayed for such needy children - a continuation of the true spirit shown by those kind people responsibly offering a billet to evacuees in wartime and caring for their needs ‘in loco parentis.’

“What fond memories they have left as a legacy for so many people.”

Main image:

TRIBUTE: Peter Glover (front left, with the walking stick).