Peter Beaty was born in Carlisle in 1931. At the age of 4 he moved with his parents to Hett Mill near Tursdale, and only a year later saw them move once more to the Crossing’s at East Howle, a small mining village.
Peter attended East Howle Junior School until he was fourteen, and then started work at North Eastern railways at Ferryhill Station. He was a member of St. Columbus Church at East Howle and he took his first Service at fourteen years of age. He then continued as a lay preacher for sixty years, preaching in numerous Anglican churches, and on two occasions reading in Durham Cathedral.
Peter joined the RAF at seventeen and served for nine years. When he was demobbed he worked for Clydesdale, a TV and radio shop in Darlington and within four months was made manager of his own shop in Crook, and later promoted to Area Manager controlling 16 stores.
Peter then moved to Ferryhill and it was there that he met Elsie, the love of his life. They were married in St. Luke’s Church 61 years ago, a church where Peter had also founded the church lad’s brigade. They lived in Lanark Terrace and Peter worked for a local biscuit company. He then got a job as an area manager for the country’s first brokerage business, selling for over 30 companies.
Peter and Elsie were determined people, always looking to improve their lives. They moved to North Close in Spennymoor where Allison, their only child was born.
Peter, Elsie and Allison moved to Newton Aycliffe in 1975 to Byerley Park and then into Ainsty Hunt on The Chase, and Peter, although still working full time, carried on with his charity work. He was instrumental in saving Greenfield School from closing, even taking a petition to Downing Street. One of the biggest successes was when he took over the dilapidated Over 60’s Club that had had no money spent on it for over 32 years, and transformed it into the Neville Community Centre. Peter started up a 24 hour help line for Senior Citizens, as well as getting involved with having the nearby shops renovated.
Peter’s charity work went on and on, and it probably would still be going on if his illness had not intervened.
As well as his success in his working life, he also did so much fund raising for different charities, always thinking outside the box and always on a large scale. He chartered Concord to come to Newcastle and also the Orient Express and started the first ever Great North Run driving a Cadillac and wearing a Stetson.
Peter was a true gentleman with huge charm and charisma and was respected by all who knew him. He was a natural born salesman with a remarkable tenacity to find the next sale. A natural leader, larger than life with an infectious laugh and amazingly creative ways of getting people motivated and involved. You always knew when Peter was in the room!
It is no wonder that Peter was awarded an MBE in the Queens Honours list in 2010. It was a complete surprise to Peter, for unbeknown to him Allison, his daughter, friends David Smith and Val Raw had written about all of his charity work in helping others, and Allison joined him, Elsie and Grandson Jake at Buckingham Palace for this very special day, when Prince Charles presented him with his MBE, so richly deserved. Peter and Elsie also attended the Buckingham Palace Garden Party after receiving his MBE.
Throughout Peter’s life, from a very early age, he dedicated himself to helping others and hopefully his legacy will live on in his grandsons, Jake and Isaac, who he was devoted to and who have already received awards for their charity work.
Unfortunately in the last few years Peter’s health deteriorated and he passed away peacefully in St. Clare’s Court Care Home on Sunday 7th July. Peter’s family would like to thank the staff at St. Clare’s Care Home for their devoted and loving care of Peter in his last years.
A Tribute
Dear Sir,
I read with great sadness of the recent passing of Peter Beaty. Myself and many other people had the privilege to have known Peter for some time, mainly in connection with Neville Parade Community Centre.
Peter, by his dedication and inspirational hard work and loyal colleagues rescued this very run down centre, raising money for its overall refurbishment, new roof, windows, floors and central heating.
He achieved this by holding auctions, table top sales and many more fund raising activities etc.
I shall never forget the one day a week luncheon club; delicious dinners and desserts cooked by volunteer chefs followed by bingo sessions and twice a week evening ones run by Jim, Peter’s Brother-in-Law, a loyal hard worker too.
Peter told me he’d like to retire as he grew older but try as hard as he could, nobody would volunteer unless they were paid! Peter ran this centre for free.
Summing up, it says it all for me “a good Christian and a leader among men”.
PS: Peter should in time be written into the history of Newton Aycliffe to honour his life and times.
Yours sincerely
Joan Lawler
Thanks Peter
Newton Press and Newton News would also like to add it’s condolences to Peter’s family.
On behalf of the residents of Newton Aycliffe that were helped by Peter’s work ethic and his caring towards their wellbeing over many years, we say ‘thank you’.
The excellent community spirit displayed by Mr Beaty has to be applauded, commended and remembered. Without his input the town of Newton Aycliffe would be a different place.
