2015. GRO Online Death Index, Duckering, Peter James born 1952, death reg. Q2 2015 Devon (423-1A) entry no. 511958105

Memories by Robin Duckering at Peter’s funeral.
‘Val, James and family – thank you for asking me to share a few early
memories of Peter, my brother.

So to set the context, Peter was the fourth youngest and I, Robin am the
third youngest of ten. There were five and half years between us – so these
memories are from aged five to eight, when Peter would have been ten & a
half to 13 & half – as at the age of eight I left home, which is a whole
another story.

So as a youngster then and now looking back over 50 years, these
memories will be fuzzy and tinged with that warm glow of family life that is
normal.

6 Lakeside Avenue Countess Wear is where I first really remember the
family. This is not a family with any money – I vaguely remember dad had a
very old car, but do not remember that lasting long – with mum getting up
early to light the stove – to heat the water. Clothes and food were very
precious. So for us kids, if you wanted anything – it was what you could do
for yourself.

I can remember Peter making his own bike – largely from parts discarded in
the river Exe, which I was very jealous of! I was the annoying younger
brother – other boys on the estate had go karts, so when it came to making
a go kart – to be clear it is a plank with old pram wheels fixed to it somehow
– it was how to get Peter’s help - to fix the wheels on and make hole in the
wood for a steering rod – this meant heating the poker in the stove to burn
a hole in the wood – remember we were only probably 7 and 12
respectively! A redhot poker is a lethal weapon. He did help in the end after
much nagging! Peter also had to suffer me in a number of other ways –
rescuing me from falling off the rear gate and cutting my chin, sharing his
bed and watching mum clear up after he had too much rough scrumpy –
not always so good to be in the same bedroom!

Peter also took on early responsibility, when dad attacked mum – please
remember dad was not well – but Peter who was only probably aged 11 or
12, ran to the ‘phone box to call the police – for the younger ones – Penny,
Liz and myself – I am not sure we knew what was really going on – but
Peter did.

Peter then had the opportunity as an apprentice to become a carpenter –
which I believe included building a staircase – I was always hugely
impressed with this.

It was good in the last few years to be back in Devon and to renew our
contact – with Peter and Val coming across to Modbury for him to finish
some carpentry in our house.

Peter – God Bless you.
Val may He, Our Saviour also comfort you and the family.’37