PETER GILL

[Stanley]

PETER GILL

I was sad to see the news of Peter Gill's death but also glad that he had such a long and useful life. As far as business went, Windle and Bowker's were my accountants from 1959 until I retired in 2000 and while Peter wasn't my personal accountant we met many times at his office.
I'd like to draw attention to good works that Peter did which were outside the scope of the obituary in the BET. Like many prominent men I have known in the town, nobody knew the full extent of his private good works, such men tend to keep their light hidden under a bushel. I know of several instances where Peter was a very good friend and at times a benefactor to people who were in difficulties.
In another role he was one of the original members of the Steering Committee that Les Say set up to save the Bancroft engine. I'm not quite certain but I think he was also one of the original trustees. Typical of Peter was the fact that he gave his time and expertise freely and the fact that we eventually got the Trust off the ground was due in no small part to his input.
On a more personal note, I can remember well bumping into him outside Barclay's Bank one morning in early 1979. He surprised me by buttonholing me and saying that I should know how impressed he was with me getting entrance to University in the aftermath of the Bancroft closure. He quite embarrassed me by telling me how brave I was. I had to set him straight and told him that he was mistaken, it wasn't courage, it was desperation! Life had got me into a corner and seeing as how there were no jobs for steam engine tenters I had to find another way out. Of course he wouldn't have it but it says something about the man that he gave time and thought to what my position was. I remember how encouraged I was at a very difficult time in my life.
I'm glad that I don't need an accountant these days but I still remember that going in to Windle and Bowker's was always a pleasure, you knew that you were going to get good service and I often used to tell my friends that good accountants were worth their weight in gold and in those days we certainly had them in Barlick.
Thinking of unsung heroes, it's worth recognising that there are still people like Peter abroad in the town. Men and women who make a difference so quietly that we don't notice them. It's one of the aspects of a small, close-knit town like Barlick that makes it such a privilege to live here. If there are any treasures in heaven, Peter is getting the benefit now and it was a pleasure to know and work with him.


SCG/21/11/14

[chinatyke]

Just caught up with this.
Peter was one of the partners when I worked at Windle and Bowker after I left school in 1962. He was always a very nice guy and I'm sorry to hear the news. I've passed the report on to my brother who completed his articles and training at W & B.
Thanks as always, Stanley, for bringing it to our attention.

[ROD LOWCOCK]

I was articled to Dennis Robinson at Windle & Bowker from 1960 to 1966 and Peter Gill was the other main partner at that time. I have very fond memories of IPG (partners were always referred to by their initials by lesser mortals). He brought a wry sense of humour to the office and he was always a pleasure to work for; he didn't ever let the pressure & frustrations show.His idea for a recruitment advert was "Accountant required - ability to add up would be an advantage".

The other partners during my time there were Norman Petty and old Mr Bowker. They all had a big influence on my career and life. Whilst W&B were small town accountants, they adhered to the highest standards and strived to be the best at what they did, a principle I have always followed.

[Stanley]

China. Thanks, but I only write obituaries for people I knew personally and liked. Peter's charitable work was very well concealed and I thought it was time to flag it up. I don't think he would have objected.....
Nice one Rod! Norman Petty was my accountant from 1956 on and then Peter Gooby took me on until I retired. Norman was definitely a character, cricket mad, he always had a story for you about Yorkshire players before you got down to business. For 44 years they looked after me, one of their smallest accounts and I have no doubt I got the same attention as their largest. They were an old firm, there are references in Barrett's Directory for them as stockbrokers. Peter Gooby was good, he once told me that even if he retired he would still look after me. As it happened I beat him to the post and he was invaluable in helping me to finalise my affairs including the horrible business of extricating myself from the VAT system. In that process, he managed the writing off of my assets so successfully they ended up paying me! Magic... Hard to believe in these days when accountants are about as popular as estate agents.....

[Stanley]

Bumped and happy memories of a good man. I have an idea Graham will agree with me....

[Stanley]

Bumped again. Some of us still remember Peter......

[Stanley]

Peter is still not forgotten....

[PanBiker]

I used to mend his TV. His wife was lovely as well.

Don't know if I have related this tale but here goes. I was called to repair their TV and on arrival Mrs Gill offered me tea and biscuits to which I said yes please. Off she went to the kitchen while I set about the TV. It was a corner console colour TV in a nice cabinet with tambour doors. I needed to pull it out of the corner to get to the back. There was a very nice ornament on the TV of an 18C lady in all her finery which I had to remove. It was a genuine antique job not a copy so I took particular care. I held her by the body and her bonneted head to lift her from the TV just as Mrs Gill came in with the tea tray. To my horror the statues head came off as I lifted her clear. My heart sank as I wondered what to say as a simple sorry probably wouldn't cover it! "Oh I see you have found the fault with Flossie" said Mrs Gill, "She's been like that for years but we like her" Saved by grace, the tea and biscuits were good as well.

[Stanley]

I can imagine how you felt Ian! A nice story and I can't remember seeing it before....