The Club and the Bursary are deeply saddened by the passing of past president Peter Hobbs.
The recent news that Peter Hobbs had died came as a big shock to me. I knew that he was unwell (cancer had been mentioned) but I was unaware of the seriousness of his condition. From far away in Kent news travels slowly and only those with recent knowledge of Peter’s wide-ranging projects, including those for the Old Cryptians’ Committee could know that we were about to lose one of the most steadfast and loyal of Colin Ewan’s star performers.
When I, as a young sprog, joined the Crypt School in the 1950s, it quickly became clear that, although difficult to articulate, Headmaster Colin Ewan was on a mission to produce well rounded and cultivated young men fit for the highest position in society. Peter (P.T.G. Hobbs) Hobbs easily adopted the role of excellence in all things, taking forward the magnificent traditions of the Gloucester school founded in 1539. Peter glided through attainment levels in academia, sport and, above all drama. The long-lamented figure of Charles Lepper, appointed by Colin Ewan in a stroke of genius, started a tradition of Shakespearian drama which brought many fine productions to the first-rate scale of the architecturally perfect proportions of the recently completed Podsmead building. Peter Hobbs was chosen to be the young Arial. He and the Company received many plaudits and the “Citizen”s glowing reviews helped to generate big audiences for 10 live annual productions. Charles Lepper left to re-join his alma mater in Berkshire (Radley College) where he could develop his talent for more purist classical productions.
From Head Boy at the Crypt, Peter gained a place at Exeter College, Oxford and soon carved a career in the Government’s Forensic Science Service. There followed a distinguished career in industry and was able to use his influence to acquire for the school the magnificent boardroom table that stands today in the Crush Hall.
Over the decades Peter played a tremendous part in the maintenance and development of the Old Cryptians’ Club (founded in 1901). He served twice as President and through his encyclopaedic knowledge of Procedure shaped the future health of this ancient institution. Specifically, Peter can be credited with:
Peter’s record at Committee was tireless. He would travel from London or Kent and stay overnight in order to attend evening meetings and discuss important issues. He had a reputation for always knowing how to proceed in novel situation.
Our thoughts go out to his wife Victoria and daughter Katharine and other family members and his many friends and former colleagues.
Richard Briggs – 13 March 2025, Cape Town
Hobbs, Peter Thomas Goddard was born on March 19, 1938 in Gloucester, England. Son of Reginald Stanley and Phyllis Gwendoline (Goddard) Hobbs.
Peter Thomas Goddard Hobbs has been listed as a noteworthy Inspector of constabulary by Marquis Who’s Who.
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