Peter Hackett |
A tribute by Charlie Davidson |
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Peter joined Berkshire in 1970 as the Quality Control Manager. His background had always been in Textiles, in Coventry, for a well known ribbon company called Berisford. He had gained a City and Guilds Diploma for his technical success at the College and for this he went on to be awarded Freeman of the borough. He joked that he would have been allowed to graze his sheep in the Town Hall gardens; but he had no sheep and the grass was made of concrete.
However, he taught me, and others, many things. Outside work, his passions were do-it- yorself and photography, and in 1982 he convinced me to 'take photography up' and I have never regretted that advice. Peter had done his National Service and often broke into bursts of 'army songs' or quips, about his Sergeant Major. When 'doing up' a box for his beloved Geraldine's Birthday presents it was with real style, best ribbons and best handwriting. Peter built his own bungalow on leaving his job with Franklin's in Banbridge. |
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Peter in his office.... at his desk, which was always busy, never the tidiest, and no worse than mine. |
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Technically, Peter could be depended upon to steer the management staff in the right direction in the development of new styles, new yarns and new processes. During our venture in developing the products for the 'Cornelia James Hosiery Collection' Peter was of great help to me in setting up procedures for attaching little bows, very expensive Swarovski diamantes, heat transferring and many other special features. |
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Isobel, Caroline, Jean, Elizabeth and Betty with a few others made up a strong and experienced Quality Control Department |
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Peter, for 20 years, travelled from Banbridge to Newtownards and home again in the evening. Geraldine Cunningham was Peter's fiance and an excellent member of the NI Educational Inspectorate team. Every year, at Christmas, she made the most delicious 'Black Forest gateau' and other cakes for our Staff Tea in the Quality Control Department. LIttle did I, and many of his stunned friends, ever think that we would, tragically, be attending their joint Funeral Service at Roselawn, Belfast, after only 7 years of a happy married life. I look back down the avenue of time to a great friend, a gifted Textile technician, a caring and considerate Manager. He was an extremely caring son, a devoted husband and one who enjoyed seeing, and at times making, people happy. |
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| Peter and his wife Geraldine | |
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Please share a memory with all of us by sending an email to charles.davidson63@btinternet.com or even by Royal Mail to Charles Davidson, 63 Donaghadee Road, Newtownards, Co Down. Northern Ireland BT23 7HB
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