Peter George Hardman

Messages of condolence

1. I knew Peter from Marlborough College. He was a friend more than a teacher, and he was a breath of fresh air to 1960s Marlborough. His first sermon he quoted the Beatles. He loved the Beatles and so do I, but more importantly he listened to my teenage angst. God Bless you, Peter. I am sure you helped so many people. What a wonderful man.

2. Always kind and caring.

3. What a wonderful and generous man. Privileged to be associated with him and glad he taught me some RE lessons at Marlborough college. My first baby sitting experience in UK was for him in 1974/75 to look after Gavin and Laura both of whom wanted a different book read out simultaneously!
   Ohm Shanti, Shanti, Shantih
   Mayoor Patel

4. In grateful and affectionate memory of “Hippie” Hardman’s kindness and support for the development of my priestly vocation whilst I was at Marlborough.

5. As others have said, a very kind and caring man. My very first lesson in I think Shell A was his. We listened to Berlioz symphonie fantastique. Tea in his house (George Lane?) was a great treat. RIP.

6. It is an immense privilege to have been asked to speak about Peter’s Marlborough years at the memorial service on Saturday. I hope that what I say then will do justice to Peter and also to dear Frances who have both been so important to me and will always continue to be. The friendship which I had with Peter began in 1967 and continued for the rest of his life. I am so grateful to them both.

7. Peter was a wonderful cousin and friend. He was also a terrific magician and musician, suppofrtive of others and always a twinkle in his eye. The world is poorer for his passing.

8. We knew Peter and Frances during their time in Wareham, when Peter was the Rector at Lady St Mary’s. My parents, Jim and Vera Cuthbertson, retired to Wareham in 1979, where they became very good friends and colleagues of Peter and Frances. My Dad served as a Lay Reader in the group of churches for many years. My Mum worked together with Frances in the local Mothers’ Union group, which was a very active one. They held both Peter and Frances in enormously high esteem. Jim died in summer 1997 and then Vera in the autumn: if I remember correctly, Peter conducted both of their funeral services. My family all knew Peter as a warm, good-humoured, welcoming personality who was not only great for a chat, taking a detailed interest in everyone he met, but also an excellent leader and preacher at the Church’s services, holding everyone’s attention and always speaking with clarity, sincerity and conviction: a wonderful communicator and a charming man.

9. Like others have said, Peter was my first form teacher at M.C. in the Shell in 1968 and I remember him for his humour and kindness. I also babysat for them on one occasion.

10. In memory of a good friend and pastor.

11. Peter was an inspiring teacher and chaplain during my time at Marlborough College. I was glad to have been able to attend his thanksgiving service, when Francis Maples’s tribute captured well how much Peter did for a generation of Marlborough pupils.

12. Pleasde accept my deepest condoelnes for your loss. My husband Peter Seal was curate in 983-87, and was trained by Peter. He always greatly valued the foundation Peter gave him for his subsequent ministry until he died in 2023. My husband Peter gave a Tribute at Frances’s funeral. I visited Peter last June in Abbeyfield in Bradford on Avon, we enjoyed a chat about the good times. I was sorry not to speak to Gavin at the Thanksgiving. I hope the family find strength and courage in these days.

13. Excellent memorial service for Peter on Saturday . Lots of fond memories of Peter and Frances and their time in Wareham.