Peter Thornhill was Born in Torquay in August 1944, moved to West Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, when 2 years old, returned to Torquay when 11 years old, now having to learn a new English language called Devonian, failed 11 Plus couldn’t understand a word anyone said, fail 14 plus, lost interest, only interested in electronics which is no good when going to a farming school in Torquay. Left school at 14 and half years to do an apprenticeship in Radio and Television, at the same time, at seventeen years old, had a taxi business in Torquay until he Joined the RAF in 1968 till 1975.

He was based at RAF Scampton, (Armament Sqn) Electronics and explosives go together quite well, secondary duty was running the Scampton Radio Station, and the Airman’s Mess.

Peter returned to Buckfastleigh in 1975 where he still live with second wife Kay, re-married 1985. Obtained an Amateur Radio Licence in 1981 (G6ZKQ).

Peter has been a consultant to the Saudi Arabian Government, since 1990 on communications and scrambling voice transmission, occasionally working and teaching in Riyadh and in the UK teaching communication.

He also taught Electronics at the local Ashburton Community College, Stover Girls school, Knowles Hill Comprehensive Newton Abbot and Ashburton Comprehensive school until recently. Also, a City & Guilds of London Question Writer & Examiner for a number of years.

They have 2 parrots and a Rook called Jackie 10 yrs –  African Greys called Chester 13 yrs & Kasuku 25 yrs, Chester currently has about 250 words under his wing and sings opera, the others just hum along. While Jackie likes to watch TV and drink Scotch whisky, and recently taken to lager. Many of you have already met.
 

A past President of the Rotary Club of Totnes and currently Assistant Governor for area 4 for Rotary District 1170 which covers much of South  Devon.